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 22 February 2008
Written Answers to Questions
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Harassment Clauses
Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answers to AQW 624/08, AQW 626/08 and AQW 631/08, for its assessment of whether or not the degree of flexibility available to (i) member states; and (ii) devolved assemblies, allows for a greater number of exemptions from harassment clauses than those detailed on the recent proposals issued for public consultation on the European Union Gender Goods and Services Directive.
(AQW 1825/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Each member state has an obligation to fully transpose all directives within a specified time period. Transposition is usually carried out through the introduction of domestic legislation which must fully implement the Directive. The inclusion of exemptions within such legislation must not affect the implementation of the Directive. If it does then it will be held that the directive has not been fully implemented and there is a strong risk of infraction proceedings for failure to fully transpose the Directive.
The exemptions under the Gender Goods and Services Directive, as set out in the consultation document, outline all those available to us under this particular Directive.
In December 2007, the Government Equalities Office, the lead Great Britain Department responsible for transposition of this Directive across the UK, confirmed that the Directive will now be implemented on a UK-wide basis.
Redevelopment of the Maze Site
Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm the commitment to redevelop the Maze site by 2012.
(AQW 3072/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Ministers are committed to the effective and affordable regeneration of the Maze/Long Kesh.
The Department of Finance and Personnel is presently considering the value for money business case and the potential affordability based on the outcome of negotiations last year with private sector developers.
Should the Executive decide to develop the former prison as currently proposed, the prospects of the location being available in time to participate in the London 2012 Olympics will be considered with any private sector development partner who may be appointed.
Freedom of Information Requests
Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of Freedom of Information requests, submitted to the Northern Ireland Executive by Mr Jim Allister since 8 May 2007, that relate directly to his work as a Member of the European Parliament.
(AQW 3248/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: It is not possible to detail the number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to Northern Ireland Departments by Mr Jim Allister that relate directly to his work as a Member of the European Parliament since 8 May 2007, as it is not clear from his requests whether he is acting in his capacity as an MEP or not. However, from the available evidence on our tracking and monitoring system, only one out of the fifty-five requests that he has made appears to address European business.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and (ii) the amount of funding that has been allocated against them in the Budget 2008-11.
(AQW 3404/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Table 1 Comparison of OFMDFM Budget Bids (Sept 07) with Budget Allocations (January 08)
| 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area of Spend | Bid | Allocation | Variance | Bid | Allocation | Variance | Bid | Allocation | Variance |
| £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |
| Sustainable Development | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| International Relations | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Victims & survivors | 1.9 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 3.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 | 5.1 | 10.1 | 5.0 |
| Older People | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.3 |
| Children & Young People | 0.3 | 0 | -0.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| Anti-poverty & Good Relations | 1.9 | 1.1 | -0.8 | 2.0 | 3.1 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 3.6 | 1.5 |
Good Relations Indicators
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the consideration being given to the incorporation of Good Relations Indicators, announced in January 2007, into the forthcoming programme of cohesion and integration.
(AQW 3405/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to building a shared and better future. As previously stated we will bring forward proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future.
In setting strategic targets, key objectives and actions for the programme of cohesion and integration we will give consideration to progress already achieved including the actions and targets contained in 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006'.
The Good Relations Indicators provide a robust monitoring tool to measure change and monitor effectiveness of good relations policies. As previously indicated the Good Relations Indicators Baseline Report published in January 2007, will provide the core measures to reflect the work currently being undertaken at central and local level to improve societal relations. The indicators will inform progress against targets and outcomes. This will be a part of the detailed proposals for the programme of cohesion and integration which will be brought forward by OFMDFM to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, the Executive and the Assembly in due course
Ministerial Code
Mr D O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the procedure in place for making a complaint in relation to matters provided for in the Ministerial Code.
(AQW 3473/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: No specified procedure is set out in the Ministerial Code. If any Minister considers there has been a breach of the Code they can raise this for discussion at the Executive Committee but it is not the role of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to investigate such complaints.
Ministerial Code
Mr D O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the process to be followed when considering and ruling on a complaint made in relation to matters provided for in the Ministerial Code.
(AQW 3474/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: No specified procedure is set out in the Ministerial Code. If any Minister considers there has been a breach of the Code they can raise this for discussion at the Executive Committee but it is not the role of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to investigate such complaints.
Gender Equality Strategy
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what consideration it is giving to the EU Gender Directive on Goods and Services in relation to the forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy.
(AQW 3554/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Gender Equality Strategy was published in 2006. There is nothing in the Strategy that is inconsistent with the Gender Goods and Services Directive, which is part of the wider framework of European legislation designed to put into effect equal treatment between men and women.
Northern Ireland Act 1998
Ms M Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the discussions that have taken place within the Executive in relation to the requirements of section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998; and to confirm what plans are in place to publish the strategy.
(AQW 3593/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In line with its statutory obligation under Section 16 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 the Executive Committee will shortly consider proposals on the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need. The adoption proposals will be outlined to the OFMDFM Committee in advance of the Executive Committee’s consideration of same.
Victims' Commission
Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the Victims' Commission will meet the additional financial requirement created by the appointment of 4 Victims' Commissioners.
(AQW 3613/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Over the next 3 years we have secured a total of £36 million to support victims and survivors – an increase of £6 million over the allocation in the draft Budget and of £20 million over the previous 3 year period. This will ensure that we can deliver programmes which will have a direct impact on the lives of victims and survivors and support the important work to be carried forward by the Victims Commissioners designate.
Code of Practice on Consultation
Mr K McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not it has published advice to Northern Ireland Departments in relation to public consultation documents, corresponding to the code of practice on consultation issued by the Cabinet Office, in January 2004.
(AQW 3624/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In June 2007, OFMDFM issued a ‘Policy Toolkit’ designed to provide a practical overview of the key steps in the policy development process. Within the toolkit, a best practice template is provided for a consultation document developed from the Cabinet Office guidance. The Toolkit is available on OFMDFM’s website: www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/policylink.
Public Consultation Documents
Mr K McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of public consultation documents issued by Northern Ireland departments in the last 6 months; and to detail the number of these that contained executive summaries.
(AQW 3629/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Details of all public consultation documents issued by Northern Ireland Departments are recorded on the OFMDFM’s consultation register which is accessible through OFMDFM’s website (http://www.consultationni.gov.uk).
Details of each consultation document for the last 6 months are accessible from this source. Information on how many of these have an executive summary is not currently available.
Publishing Advice to Northern Ireland Departments
Mr K McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not it will take into account the Department of the Taoiseach 'Reaching Out Guidelines' on consultation for public sector bodies, when publishing advice to Northern Ireland departments.
(AQW 3630/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: When publishing advice to Northern Ireland departments, OFMDFM will take into account best practice guidance.
In June 2007, the Cabinet Office published "Effective Consultation" as part of the review of the Code of Practice on consultation. This document has already noted the guidelines for consultation produced by the Department of the Taoiseach in the Republic of Ireland.
Meetings Held
Mr P Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of meetings (i) the First Minister; (ii) the deputy First Minister; and (iii) the junior Ministers, have held with (a) delegations representing one or more of the district councils; (b) the Northern Ireland Local Government Association; and (c) the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, since May 2007.
(AQW 3719/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The information requested is as follows:-
The deputy First Minister met with a delegation from Newry & Mourne Council (3 October 2007).
Junior Ministers have met with a delegation from Dungannon Borough Council twice.
Legal Fees
Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the amount spent on legal fees by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People in bringing the failed application for judicial review in relation to Article 2 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.
(AQW 3754/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Judicial Review took place over the years 2006/2007; the final hearing took place between 19th and 26th November 2007. Costs paid to date total £25,475.43, whilst outstanding legal fees are estimated to be £11,167. The total costs of the Judicial Review, therefore, are expected to amount to £36,642.43.
Programme for Government
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to report on the absence of references to the 'green economy', particularly to the new economic opportunities for dealing with environmental challenges, within the Programme for Government.
(AQW 3767/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government clearly sets out, both in the main body of the text and in the associated Public Service Agreement framework, the Executive’s commitment to the principles of sustainability, particularly in relation to economic growth. Sustainability is one of the two cross-cutting themes underpinning the Programme for Government and sets out the Executive’s commitment to ensure that the principles of sustainability underpin our approach to all activities including economic growth and social progress.
The importance the Executive attach to the principles of sustainability is further reflected through the inclusion of a distinct priority within the Programme for Government to Protect and Enhance Our Environment and Natural Resources. In addition, the Public Service Agreement framework sets out the key actions departments will take in this regard and includes a clear commitment to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Strategy and the development and delivery of the associated Implementation Plan for 2008-2011.
Our focus must be on ensuring a more sustainable future for all, and the Strategy recognises the principles of living within environmental limits, using sound science responsibly and promoting opportunity and innovation. In that context, the Executive recognises the new economic opportunities afforded by the rapid growth in eco-innovation and environmental technology markets.
Inter-Agency Protocol on Flags
Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the progress that has been made in relation to the implementation of the inter-agency protocol on flags.
(AQW 3783/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The flags protocol was established in April 2005 by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to establish clear working relationships between agencies with responsibilities related to the flying of flags.
A report on the nature and quantum of flagging in the summer of 2006 was published by OFMDFM in January 2007. Among other detail, this showed an overall reduction of 44% in the number of flags being flown between July and September 2006. A follow-up survey was completed in the summer of 2007 and the outcome report for 2007 will be made available shortly.
A review of the flags protocol is currently underway.
Consultation Spending
Ms S Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the amount of money spent by all Government departments on consultations, during the last six months.
(AQO 2052/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Information on the amount of money spent by Government departments on consultations over the last six months is not held by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, nor is it held centrally.
Written Assembly Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of written Assembly Questions received since May 2007; and (ii) the average length of time it takes to respond.
(AQW 3825/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The total number of Assembly Questions received for Written Answer during the period 8 May 2007 to 31 January 2008 was 218. The average length of time taken to respond was 17 days.
Waste Recycling
Dr A McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.
(AQW 3947/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Most of the waste produced by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is managed by the Stormont Estate management team within the Department of Finance and Personnel. We understand that the Minister of Finance and Personnel, in replying to a similar Assembly Question tabled by the Member, will be providing details of the amount of waste produced, and the percentage recycled, within the Stormont Estate.
Victims' Commission
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the location of the offices for the newly established Victims' Commission.
(AQW 4009/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Commission Designate for Victims and Survivors currently has offices in Goodwood House, 44-58 May Street, Belfast BT1 4NN.
Programme of Cohesion and Integration
Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what progress it has made in implementing a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared future.
(AQO 2011/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As we have previously said, we are fully committed to building a shared and better future for all. We will bring forward proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
The core of these proposals will be action to tackle racism, sectarianism and intolerance. The emphasis of the action will be support for local people to deal with local issues through their local solutions.
Community Relations Funding
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what measures are in place to ensure equality in relation to Community Relations funding.
(AQO 1958/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are committed to ensuring that we build a shared and better future for all our people.
It bears repeating that we regard racism, sectarianism and intolerance as blights which we must overcome wherever they appear. To that end, funding is provided to all 26 District Councils to address issues at the local level which have been identified and prioritised by them to meet the needs of the local communities.
Proposals for a Programme of Cohesion and Integration which we will bring forward shortly will be subject to the rigorous equality proofing standards including an Equality Impact Assessment. These proposals will include an increase in funding for District Councils’ action plans.
Regeneration of Maze Site
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) to provide a timescale within which a decision will be made on the regeneration of the Maze site, and (ii) to outline the impact that the delay in making a decision will have on hosting events in the Olympic Games, and the Fire and Rescue Services Games.
(AQO 2083/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Ministers are currently considering the outcome of the competitive dialogue bidding process for the appointment of a private sector development consortium to regenerate the site in accordance with the vision set out in the unanimous report of the Maze Consultation Panel in 2005 and the Maze/Long Kesh Masterplan published in 2006. Officials in DFP are currently examining both the value for money business case and the potential affordability.
The design of the Multi-Sports Stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh is well advanced and has the approval of the governing bodies of the three sports involved. However, no commitment to timescales can be given until a decision is made about the appointment of a private sector development partner who would be responsible for the main construction works. Such an appointment will not be made until a decision is made by Ministers.
Child Poverty
Mrs C McGill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the scale of child poverty in (a) Omagh District Council area; and (b) Strabane District Council area; and (ii) the particular characteristics of child poverty in West Tyrone; and to outline its strategies that are aimed at eradicating child poverty in West Tyrone.
(AQO 2070/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Together with our Executive colleagues, we are committed to tackling child poverty in Northern Ireland. This is clearly outlined in our Programme for Government document (PSA 7) which includes commitments to:
- achieve by 2010 a reduction of "67,000 in the number of children living in poverty compared to the 1998 level of 135,000"; and
- work towards the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012.
The rate of child poverty in Omagh and Strabane District Council areas combined is 25% (Before Housing Costs) and 29% (After Housing Costs) the same as the average figures for Northern Ireland as a whole. The data in relation to the scale of child poverty in Omagh and Strabane District Council is only available as a combined figure due to sample size requirements.
A range of known characteristics such as worklessness, being in receipt of benefits, lone parenthood and large families with four or more children increase the risk of child poverty regardless of geographical location.
The Executive Committee will shortly consider the possible adoption of ‘Lifetime Opportunities’, as the Executive’s Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy, a statutory obligation under Article 16 of the St Andrews Agreement. This consideration will include an assessment on how the strategy will be implemented and monitored to ensure it is targeted towards those individual, groups and areas in greatest objective need.
It is expected that the OFMDFM Committee, which is currently carrying out an inquiry into child poverty here, will be invited to comment on the adoption proposals in advance of the Executive Committee’s consideration.
West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Report
Mr G Adams asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its proposals for taking forward the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Report 2002.
(AQO 2067/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Significant progress has already been made on delivery of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill (WBGS) Taskforce Report recommendations. This includes the formal approval, by OFMDFM and DFP, of the provision of Integrated Development Fund (IDF) support for 15 of the 17 local projects resulting from the recommendations. Work is continuing to bring forward for approval the two outstanding projects as soon as possible. A total of £23.1 million in IDF has been made available for these projects.
In addition, following the January 2007 report produced by local community representatives on the key outstanding Taskforce Report issues, a cross departmental Steering Group led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, which includes OFMDFM, has been working closely with local community representatives to agree the way forward in progressing those issues. As a result, the Steering Group aims to submit an agreed Draft Action Plan, in Spring 2008, for approval by the Executive.
Victims and Survivors Scheme
Mr A Bresland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the progress made in delivering funding under the Victims and Survivors Scheme, through the Community Relations Council, for the financial year 2008/2009.
(AQO 1953/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Core Funding and Development Grant schemes for victims and survivors currently operated by the Community Relations Council on behalf of OFMDFM will continue in 2008–2009 while consideration is given to transitional funding arrangements in anticipation of the new strategy for victims and survivors.
People with Disabilities
Mrs M O'Neill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to improve the lives of people with a disability.
(AQO 2080/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Since devolution a raft of legislation has been introduced which is aimed at improving the quality of life for people with a disability:
- The Disability Discrimination (2006 Order) (Commencement No.3) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 which brought into operation the Order’s provisions on the meaning of disability;
- The Disability Discrimination (2006 Order) (Commencement No.4) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 which brought into operation most of the outstanding provisions of the Disability Discrimination (2006) Order;
- The Disability Discrimination (Premises) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007;
- The Disability Discrimination (Service Providers and Public Authorities Carrying Out Functions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007; and
- The Disability Discrimination (Questions and Replies) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007.
Victims and Survivors Strategy
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline its intentions in relation to the implementation of a comprehensive strategic approach to Victims and Survivors.
(AQO 2008/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We hope to be in a position soon to discuss our proposals for a new strategy for victims and survivors with the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and other key stakeholders including the Commissioners designate.
Older Person's Commissioner
Mr M Brady asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the interim arrangements to be put in place, prior to the appointment of an Older Person's Commissioner, in order to ensure that work in this area is not neglected.
(AQO 2077/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: On 18th December 2007 we announced our decision to establish an Older People’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
Consultants were appointed to undertake a review of the case for an Older People’s Commissioner and will be undertaking three consultation events which will examine the possible role and remit of a Commissioner.
It is inevitable that the process will be lengthy due to the statutory processes involved which include the preparation of necessary legislation.
The appointment of an Older People’s Commissioner is a key priority for OFMDFM and officials will endeavour to ‘fast track’ the process where possible.
Children's Issues
Mr B Armstrong asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) when the Executive Sub-Committee on Children's Issues will be set up; and (ii) how often it will meet.
(AQO 2068/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The first meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People is scheduled for 13 March. It is intended that the meetings will take place as often as business necessitates but at least on a quarterly basis.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Single Farm Payment
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of staff employed within the Single Farm Payment section in Orchard House, Derry/Londonderry.
(AQW 3522/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew):As at 4 February 2008, a total of 78 staff, including casual personnel engaged to cover seasonal administrative activity and other short term requirements, were employed within the Single Farm Payment (SFP) Branch in Orchard House.
In addition to the processing of Single Application Forms and the validation and payment of applications to the SFP, Aid for Energy Crop and Protein Crop Premium schemes, the Branch is responsible for the internal review of applications received under Stage 1 of the Review of Decisions Procedure and for the assessment of applications to transfer SFP Entitlements
Brucellosis Reactors
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2819/08, to detail the action she is taking to address the increase in the number of herds with brucellosis reactors.
(AQW 3523/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Brucellosis is a highly contagious and yet very difficult disease to deal with, as infection can lie dormant for years and not be evident in testing. Therefore, fluctuations in the disease incidence may be seen regularly, as one severe outbreak can lead to a clustering of disease where many herds are affected.
In light of the current upturn in disease figures, my officials, while continuing to implement the Brucellosis Control Program, are considering an initiative to be implemented where the disease incidence is of particular concern. The Brucellosis Control program continues to be implemented with emphasis on completing high risk tests and targeted tests (such as forward and backward traces) and the increased use of the ELISA test, especially in high risk Divisions.
Pre-movement testing for brucellosis continues and we are confident that the detection of reactor animals before movement to other herds has prevented and will continue to prevent outbreaks of brucellosis that would otherwise have occurred.
Epidemiological assessments of the disease trends are regularly undertaken. Discussions continue with counterparts in the South on brucellosis matters to share best practice and to assess what further measures can be taken to successfully reduce this disease here.
We depend on farmers to continue to play a pivotal role in the reduction in this disease. It is vitally important that farmers report any suspicions of Brucellosis, particularly abortions in cattle, without delay. The earlier we can detect the disease, the more likely it is that we will be able to stop it from spreading further.
Farm Nutrients Management Scheme
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what her assessment is of the current position of new entrants to the farming industry who, because of initial low stocking densities, are being denied grant aid under the Farm Nutrients Management Scheme; and to confirm whether or not she will make it her policy to ensure that grant aid is available to new entrants in order to provide slurry storage facilities to meet the future needs of their expanding herds.
(AQW 3537/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Farm Nutrient Management Scheme assists existing farmers to comply with the Nitrates Directive. The scheme closed for applications on 31 March 2006. To prevent applications from those intending to set up slurry storage businesses, applicants who had no animals at the time of application have been ineligible. Eligible applicants with animals could apply for more capacity than is necessary to meet the minimum weeks storage requirement of the Nitrates Action Programme. This was to allow for variations in animal numbers and for additional flexibility in exceptionally wet years so that slurry can be spread when weather and ground conditions are optimum.
The scheme could not address future needs whether of farmers who have not applied or of new entrants. That is for future consideration in light of EU State Aid rules and the Department’s priorities and resources.
Renewing Communities
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on the progress of the Renewing Communities pilot scheme for rural areas.
(AQW 3564/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Renewing Communities Pilot Scheme, launched in December 2006 at a cost of £0.5m, is now in its second year. Early indications are that progress has been good across the four groups that deliver the programme. The infrastructure is now in place to help isolated rural communities access support to develop capacity and derive closer links with Government. Development officers are employed to work with Groups and "one stop shop" information points are established. All Groups have produced action plans outlining intended outcomes within their area.
It was always the intention that the scheme would last for 2 years and I can advise that my Department is preparing to instigate a full review before the end of 2008. The review will assess in more detail the positive outcomes for the local rural communities and the wider rural population.
Bovine Tuberculosis
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of cases of Bovine Tuberculosis that have occurred in the North Down constituency in each of the last five years.
(AQW 3577/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Department does not hold this information on the basis of parliamentary constituency but on the basis of Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO) areas. Therefore, the information for Newtownards DVO can be found below.
| Year | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Reactors | 3199 | 3086 | 2807 | 2226 | 1857 | 1424 |
These animals are reactors disclosed at a TB skin test.
Aid to Farming Industry
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what plans her department has to provide aid to (i) beef farmers; (ii) dairy farmers; and (iii) pig farmers, who (a) have left; or (b) are considering leaving, the farming industry.
(AQW 3598/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department continues to work for the increased economic sustainability of all farm businesses and offers an opportunity for assistance to all farmers including those in the sectors you refer to.
Farmers who have ceased production may be eligible to receive financial support from the Single Farm Payment which provides an assured level of income while they seek to reach sound business decisions on the way ahead.
Those farmers may also avail of support under agri-environment schemes like the Countryside Management Scheme.
Advice and assistance to those farmers considering leaving the industry will be available from the Rural Development Programme I announced last summer. It contains a range of innovative and focused measures to improve the competitiveness of farm businesses and to support those considering options other than farming. The Programme also provides financial and technical support for farmers or family members wishing to diversify.
Further assistance is available from the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise which provides a wide range of technical and business support to farmers across all sectors including; advice on legislative compliance and help to assess the competitiveness of their business and how to improve it. My Department’s Supply Chain Development Branch helps groups of farmers work together and with industry partners to improve returns from their supply chain and to look at potential options for diversification where this is the desired course of action.
A re-skilling programme is also being developed for farmers who work full-time to enable them to gain new qualifications and find work in other industries.
Countryside Management Scheme
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a timescale within which the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme will be launched.
(AQW 3610/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Development of the new and improved Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) is ongoing and it is anticipated that this scheme will be open to applications in late spring/early summer 2008.
Brazilian Beef
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the impact that the EU ban on Brazilian Beef will have on the Red Meat Sector.
(AQW 3614/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Any beef imported to EU Member States should be able to satisfy the animal health, welfare and hygiene standards that are currently required from our local industry. I have for a long time expressed a strong opinion on this issue.
I am pleased that a decision has now been taken to suspend, from 31 January 2008, imports of beef from Brazil until the Commission satisfies itself that the Brazilian industry stands up to the sort of scrutiny expected of local producers. Frozen and chilled meat already in transit from Brazil prior to 31 January 2008 will be allowed into the EU until 15 March 2008
This is a significant step and should reassure the local industry that their concerns, and those of the industry in the island of Ireland, are taken seriously. I expect that levels of imported Brazilian beef available on the market here will gradually fall as this suspension bites. I should, however, stress that this action has been taken for disease control purposes and not for reasons of trade protection. Any market shortfall, as a result of a reduction in meat supplies from Brazil, will be offset by the normal market forces of supply and demand.
I should also point out that, while no timescale has been given for the resumption of the Brazilian beef trade, it is possible that a number of holdings will be approved for trade to the EU following further auditing or inspection.
I welcome the recent decision and hope that it encourages the local industry that the standards required of them are being applied to Third Countries.
Forestry Service Centralisation
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what plans she has for the centralisation of the Forestry Service's regional offices to Belfast.
(AQW 3615/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I have no plans to centralise any Forest Service regional offices in Belfast.
Supermarket Price Fixing
Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what proportion of the £116m fine, issued to supermarkets for price fixing in December 2007, was allocated to her department; and to detail how this money has been spent.
(AQW 3627/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The issue referred to relates to the activities of the large supermarkets and a number of dairy processors in Britain. Also, I wish to advise that the regulation of anti-competitive practice and agreements and the abuse of dominant position in the market are reserved matters. You will therefore appreciate that none of the penalties amounting to over £116 million were allocated to my Department.
Consultants Employed
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2820/08, to detail (i) the remit of the 2 working groups established in relation to the Red Meat Task Force Report; (ii) the number of meetings they have had to date; and (iii) a timescale within which the groups will report.
(AQW 3645/08)
Ms M Gildernew: (i) At the last meeting of the Red Meat Task Force on 16 January it was agreed to form two working groups to bring forward cases that could potentially be used to bid for government support for the suckler beef and hill sheep sector. One group was tasked to look at a proposal around calf housing while the other was to examine wider considerations for support to this sector.
(ii) The group examining the calf housing proposal met for the first time on the 1 February and will next meet on the 25 February. The group exploring wider considerations met on 22 January and also on 6 February. Both groups will have met twice before the next meeting of the Task Force.
(iii) The groups will report back to the Red Meat Task Force at their next meeting on 27 February.
Meetings with Council Representatives
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of meetings she has held with (i) delegations representing one or more of the district councils; (ii) the Northern Ireland Local Government Association; and (iii) the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, since May 2007.
(AQW 3720/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Since my appointment I have held one meeting with a district council. On 14 November 2007 I met representatives of Omagh District Council to discuss the serious flooding in the town on 12 June that year.
In addition, I held discussions with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) on 11 December 2007. There have been no substantive meetings with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives.
Forest Development
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the total area of forest (i) harvested; and (ii) planted, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3790/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The tabulated figures set out the areas of forest sold for harvesting and areas of forest re-planted in each of three financial years.
2004/2005 |
2005/2006 |
2006/2007 |
Totals |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hectares of DARD forest sold for harvesting |
957 |
914 |
880 |
2751 |
Hectares re-established by planting |
903 |
840 |
750 |
2493 |
Hectares of forest currently managed for natural regeneration * |
233 |
|||
* 233 hectares of the estate is currently under re-establishment by natural regeneration in addition to the re-planting figures shown above.
Waste Produced
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.
(AQW 3796/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Data is not collected in this form. However, the Department continues to make an active contribution to waste handling. For example, the Department’s headquarters (Dundonald House) contributes to the Stormont Estate Waste Management Scheme and, at larger outlying sites, provision has been made for the segregation of paper, bottles, cans and toner cartridges for recycling.
Forestation
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans for forestation to improve the environment, enhance tourism, recreation and leisure over the next three years.
(AQW 3808/08)
Ms M Gildernew: In the Programme for Government 2008-2011, my Department has published plans to create an additional 550 hectares of woodland each year over the next three years. This will be achieved mainly by the conversion of private agricultural land to forestry through support provided by the Rural Development Programme.
We will encourage a wide range of types of forest which will improve the environment and enhance the landscape as well as support rural development and the production of renewable energy. Additional support is available to encourage new woodlands in areas which have a demonstrable potential to offer public access and value for informal recreation.
Next year my Department also intends to publish a strategy for recreation and social use of forests to provide a framework within which we can consider recreation, leisure and tourism issues.
Pomeroy Developments Project
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the funding that has been delivered to Pomeroy Developments Project in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007; and (b) the proposed funding for Pomeroy Developments Project in 2008 and 2009.
(AQW 3812/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department has not provided any funding to Pomeroy Development Projects Limited and has no future funding plans for this group.
Communications Courses at Loughry College
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reasons for her decision to withdraw the (i) undergraduate; and (ii) post-graduate communications courses from Loughry College.
(AQW 3845/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The cessation of the undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in Communications at Loughry Campus is currently being considered but no decision has yet been taken. The proposal to withdraw these programmes reflects the budgetary pressures that DARD and other Departments face under the new Programme for Government. In considering this proposal, I have written to Reg Empey, the Minister for Employment and Learning, to seek a meeting with him as the Communications programmes may fit better within the mainstream provision provided by DEL.
There are no plans to withdraw any other courses currently provided at Loughry Campus.
Staff Illness
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2850/08, to detail how she ascertains whether sickness levels within her department compare favourably or otherwise with other Government departments.
(AQW 3861/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Sickness levels across all the North’s Government departments are monitored and analysed in detail by the Department of Finance and Personnel on a monthly basis. This information enables the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to ascertain how its sickness levels compare with the other Departments.
Promotion of United Kingdom Agricultural Products
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the discussions she has had with her ministerial colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales in relation to the promotion of United Kingdom agricultural products in the world market.
(AQW 3868/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I have met on several occasions with ministerial colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales to discuss a range of topical issues under my portfolio.
The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) have responsibility for the promotion of red meat and red meat products on domestic and international markets. LMC in association with Invest NI participates in several trade missions annually to leading international food fairs including SIAL in France and ANUGA in Germany. Last October, I attended ANUGA which attracts large numbers of international traders.
Following the publication of the ‘Fit for Market’ report, the Regional Food Programme was launched to promote quality regional food by assisting the local agri-food industry to develop and expand profitable and sustainable markets.
The above Programme was subsequently complimented by the formation of Food Promotion Northern Ireland Ltd (FPNI), an industry group representing the entire supply chain, who are jointly taking forward and funding a domestic marketing campaign called ‘Good Food is in our Nature’, to promote local food.
My Department supported the showcasing of local food at the Smithsonian Festival held in Washington DC last year. I attended this event and also had the opportunity to meet with influential trade and government officials, including the US Secretary for Agriculture.
Additionally, I have attended many local functions to raise the profile of local food, for example, the RAFAEL project which encourages local food producers and processors to develop and successfully compete for business in the public sector, specifically in hospitals and schools.
Communications Courses
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reasons for her decision to withdraw the (i) undergraduate; and (ii) post-graduate communications courses from Loughry College; and what plans she has to replace them.
(AQW 3912/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The cessation of the undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in Communications at Loughry Campus is currently being considered but no decision has yet been taken. The proposal to withdraw these programmes reflects the budgetary pressures that DARD and other Departments face under the new Programme for Government. In considering this proposal, I have written to Reg Empey, the Minister for Employment and Learning, to seek a meeting with him as the Communications programmes may fit better within the mainstream provision provided by DEL.
There are no plans to withdraw any other courses currently provided at Loughry.
Loughry Campus will continue to offer a range of education and training programmes focused on the needs of the local Food Industry.
Rivers Agency
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to the answer to AQW 3114/08, to clarify the criteria used by the Rivers Agency in determining receipt of a 'request for help and assistance', in relation to flooding over the period 22 December 2007 to 2 January 2008.
(AQW 4010/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The number of flooding related telephone calls received by the Rivers Agency was the criteria used in determining receipt of ‘a request for help and assistance’ in relation to flooding over the period 22 December 2007 and the 2 January 2008.
Chicken Waste
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the discussions her department has had in relation to the nitrates directive and chicken waste; and (ii) any proposals her department has considered for dealing with chicken waste, other than through incineration.
(AQW 4107/08)
Ms M Gildernew: (i) The Nitrates Directive and chicken manure were discussed by the Expert Group on the Alternative Use of Manures (EGAUM) convened by DARD. The Group was established in March 2005 to examine alternatives to land spreading of manures which could help the intensive livestock production sectors comply with the Nitrates Directive. Recommendations were made to the DARD Minister in March 2006 by EGAUM.
(ii) EGAUM reviewed worldwide research and examined a range of proven technologies for processing manures that are currently being used in other countries. In respect of the poultry industry, the group endorsed the technical approach being adopted by a consortium within the industry to develop a single poultry-litter fired electricity generator, capable of handling 300,000 tonnes of input per annum and producing up to 25MW of power. No formal alternative proposals for dealing with chicken manure have been received for consideration by the Department.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Constituency Meeting
Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3258/08, to detail the reasons why representatives from the 3 other political parties, who represent the East Derry/Londonderry constituency, were not invited to attend the meeting.
(AQW 3546/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The meeting was arranged at my request and brought together representatives of the organisations directly involved in promoting the Milk Cup in Coleraine. It was not intended to exclude anyone with an interest in this event from the meeting.
Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the remit of the Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group.
(AQW 3663/08)
Mr E Poots: A copy of the remit for the Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group has been placed in the Assembly Library.
Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how, when, and by whom the membership of the Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group was determined.
(AQW 3665/08)
Mr E Poots: Membership of the Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group derives from a model proposed in the report ‘Gaeltacht Quarter – The Establishment of a Development Board and Related Issues’ which was jointly commissioned by DCAL, DSD and DETI to examine and make recommendations on, inter alia, the role, structure and governance arrangements of a Gaeltacht Quarter Board. The model was then refined in accordance with the demands of good governance and public accountability. Membership of the Steering Group was agreed with the Gaeltacht Quarter Shadow Board in 2007.
Meetings with Council Representatives
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of meetings he has held with (i) delegations representing one or more of the district councils; (ii) the Northern Ireland Local Government Association; and (iii) the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, since May 2007.
(AQW 3721/08)
Mr E Poots: Since May 2007 I have held 9 meetings with delegations from district councils and one meeting with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association. I have not met with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives.
Cultural Events
Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of (i) Irish language events; and (ii) Ulster-Scots events, he has attended since taking up office.
(AQW 3727/08)
Mr E Poots: I have attended a total of 5 Ulster-Scots events as the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. To date I have received 4 invitations to Irish language events but have not attended any.
Creative Industries Sector
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to report on the definition of the 'creative industries sector' as referred to in the Programme for Government.
(AQW 3768/08)
Mr E Poots: The definition of creative industries referred to in the Programme for Government originates from Department for Culture Media and Sport research and is as follows:
"Those activities which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property."
The Department has adopted this UK definition of the creative industries which comprises the following 13 sectors:
- Advertising
- Architecture
- Art & Antique Market
- Crafts
- Design
- Designer Fashion
- Film & Video
- Interactive Leisure Software
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Publishing
- Software & Computer Services
- Television & Radio
Arts Funding
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to report on his department's projections for the level of (a) resource; and (b) capital funding per capita, for the arts, for the Budget period 2008-2011.
(AQW 3771/08)
Mr E Poots: The table below details the projected per capita spend on the arts and arts infrastructure in Northern Ireland for the period 2008-2011:
| 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) Resource | £7.48 |
£7.73 |
£8.53 |
| (b) Capital | £7.21 |
£6.12 |
£5.55 |
All figures are provisional and are based on population estimates published by National Statistics in August 2007. The resource figures include the Arts Council baseline allocations plus other arts funding which will be administered through the Council.
Irish Language Newspaper
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in the context of the closure of the Irish language newspaper, La Nua, what analysis he has made of the relationship between this event and (i) the level of fluent Irish language speakers in Northern Ireland; and (ii) the level of demand for greater promotion of the Irish language.
(AQW 3941/08)
Mr E Poots: I cannot comment on the contractual arrangements that pertain to the publication of La Nua. My officials are currently in discussion with a leading academic in the field of Irish language to explore how best to gather evidence on the extent and level of understanding of the Irish language in N.I. This will assist the department in determining the level of demand for the Irish language as part of the indigenous languages strategy.
Salmon Fishing on the River Bush
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the current state of (i) salmon fishing; and (ii) salmon stocks, on the River Bush.
(AQW 3944/08)
Mr E Poots: At the end of the 2007 angling season, a total of 760 salmon were taken by rods from the River Bush. This was an increase on 2006 when 314 fish were caught, and on 2005 when 273 were caught. The 2006 rod catch is the highest since 1998 and this is an encouraging sign.
- Catch per unit effort on the lower stretches of the river, in terms of fish per rod day, was 0.6 in 2007, compared with 0.45 in 2006 and 0.32 in 2005.
- 4825 salmon were counted at the trap at Bushmills Salmon Station in 2007, compared to 1527 in 2006 and 1475 in 2005. This count represents the total run of fish to the river less those caught in the angling beats below Bushmills.
- The aim of salmon management measures is to maintain river populations above conservation limits. The conservation limit is defined as the number of spawners leading to long term optimum production from freshwater.
- The conservation limit on the River Bush has not been achieved since 1998 reflecting a very worrying downward trend in marine survival in the intervening years. Whilst the data for 2007 suggests that conservation limit will have been met, it is too early to determine if the underlying problem of marine survival has improved. These data will be available in March 2008.
Cultural Events
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of (i) Ulster Scots events; and (ii) Irish language events, he has attended since becoming Minister.
(AQW 4045/08)
Mr E Poots: I have attended a total of 5 Ulster-Scots events as the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. To date I have received 4 invitations to Irish language events but have not attended any.
Community Festivals Fund
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the criteria used to set and allocate budgets for each local council, in relation to the Community Festivals Fund, for the financial year 2008-2009.
(AQW 4056/08)
Mr E Poots: I refer the member to AQW 2763/08 which he tabled for answer on 24 January 2008. This details the criteria used to set and allocate budgets for each local council.
Further Education College and Library in Cookstown
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in light of the joint approach between his department and the Department of Employment and Learning in building a Further Education College and Library in Cookstown, what assessment he has made of the benefits in this type of approach; and to detail the plans there are to replicate this approach in other parts of Northern Ireland.
(AQW 4117/08)
Mr E Poots: The Southern Education and Library Board is required to completed the Post-Project Evaluation of the new Cookstown Library; a process which will assess the benefits of the project. This is normally completed some time after a project is completed. I expect to receive a Post-Project Evaluation for Cookstown Library within the next twelve months.
Where relevant, I am keen for new libraries to be built in partnership with complementary facilities. Other examples include Strabane Library (with an Arts Centre), Grove Library (with sport and health facilities) and Armagh Library (with a creative arts centre).
As the programme to modernise our library buildings progresses the library service will continue to enter into beneficial partnerships where it is considered appropriate.
EDUCATION
Autism Spectrum Disorder Units
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education, in relation to the recently established key stage 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder Units, to confirm whether or not (i) they function independently or within a regional network; (ii) staff who work in such units, including classroom assistants, obtain autism specific training; and (iii) there is specific liaison with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in relation to the special medical needs of children attending these units.
(AQW 3528/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): I am informed by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that established autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) units, as well as those recently approved, operate from a common staffing formula with shared guidance which is delivered in conjunction with the Autism Advice and Intervention Service in each Board area. All teaching and non-teaching staff who work in autism specific classes receive autism specific training.
Education and library boards (ELBs) liaise directly with local health trusts in relation to the therapeutic and medical needs of children in ASD units. This enables a planned approach to service delivery across the education and health sectors which can be implemented as an integral part of the educational provision. ELBs also, as part of the statutory special educational needs (SEN) framework, seek advice from local health trusts regarding any pupil either being assessed for or possessing a statement of SEN.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not her department has an autism specific (i) advisory; and (ii) supervisory team, to deal with the transition of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder from primary to secondary education; and to detail what liaison her department has had with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in relation to the medical implications of transition to adolescence.
(AQW 3529/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education (DE) does not have autism specific advisory or supervisory teams to deal with the transition of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder from primary to secondary education. It is the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) which are responsible under special education legislation for identifying, assessing and, in appropriate cases, making special educational provision for children with special educational needs in their areas. This legislation does not give DE any role in the identification and assessment of children’s special educational needs, nor any power to intervene in the process which is intended to be conducted between parents, schools and Boards.
DE led a Transitions Inter-departmental Group, which included the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Since the publication of Group’s Report in February 2006, each ELB has appointed 2 Transition Co-ordinators to strengthen the transition planning process in schools and provide a co-ordinated approach with other statutory agencies and advice givers.
Ag an chéad athbhreithniú tar éis 14ú breithlá páiste, tá dualgas reachtúil ar na Boird tuairim a iarraidh ar an Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta, a mbeidh impleachtaí míochaine an aistrithe san áireamh ann.
At the first annual review after a child’s 14th birthday ELBs have a statutory duty to seek an opinion from the Health and Social Services Trust which will include the medical implications of transition.
Youth Services
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money that has been spent on youth services by each Education and Library Board, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 3538/08)
Ms C Ruane: Sa tábla a leanas tá mionsonraí caiteachais acmhainne agus chaipitiúil ar sheirbhísí ógra ag gach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne i ngach ceann de na 5 bliana a chuaigh thart.
The following table provides details of resource and capital expenditure on youth services by each Education and Library Board in each of the last 5 years.
BOARD |
2002/03 £000s |
2003/04 £000s |
2004/05 £000s |
2005/06 £000s |
2006/07 £000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BELB Resource Capital |
3,883 197 |
4,357 50 |
4,469 319 |
4,140 156 |
4,343 668 |
NEELB Resource Capital |
3,282 352 |
3,845 166 |
3,771 357 |
4,074 247 |
4,245 1,062 |
SEELB Resource Capital |
3,063 175 |
3,243 110 |
3,795 618 |
3,998 512 |
3,773 823 |
SELB Resource Capital |
3,041 361 |
3,925 81 |
3,721 179 |
3,875 458 |
4,205 805 |
WELB Resource Capital |
3,039 213 |
3,444 380 |
3,485 265 |
3,612 744 |
3,413 544 |
School Maintenance Spending
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money that has been spent on the maintenance of schools by each Education and Library Board, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 3539/08)
Ms C Ruane: Mar seo a leanas atá an caiteachas ar chothabháil scoileanna ag gach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne i ngach ceann de na 5 bliana a chuaigh thart:-
Expenditure on the maintenance of schools by each Education and Library Board in each of the last 5 years is as follows:-
Expenditure on Maintenance (£’000)
| Education and Library Board | 2002/03 | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast Western North Eastern South Eastern Southern |
£11,851 £9,680 £4,770 £10,198 £9,082 |
£10,096 £9,483 £7,714 £6,784 £9,454 |
£5,280 £4,789 £4,301 £4,562 £6,229 |
£3,972 £3,634 £4,314 £1,844 £4,960 |
£3,414 £3,777 £5,520 £2,185 £5,353 |
| TOTAL | £45,581 | £43,531 | £25,161 | £18,724 | £20,249 |
School Amalgamations
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the findings of the review of her decision to amalgamate St Patrick's and St Joseph's Primary Schools, Ahoghill.
(AQW 3612/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá mo Roinn i dteagmháil leis an fhoireann i gComhairle na Scoileanna Caitliceacha faoi Chothabháil agus i mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Tuaiscirt ar cheisteanna a bhaineann leis an chónascadh atá molta le go dtig an cás a dhearbhú chomh luath agus is féidir .
My Department is in contact with staff in the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools and North Eastern Education and Library Board on issues relating to the proposed amalgamation so that the position can be confirmed as soon as possible.
Meetings With School Principals
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school principals that have requested meetings with her since May 2007.
(AQW 3659/08)
Ms C Ruane:Ó mhí na Bealtaine 2007, fuair mé 15 iarratas ar chruinnithe ó phríomhoidí scoile.
Since May 2007, I have received 15 requests from school principals for meetings.
Meetings With School Principals
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of meetings she has held with school principals since May 2007.
(AQW 3660/08)
Ms C Ruane: Ó mhí na Bealtaine 2007, bhí 21 cruinniú agam le príomhoidí scoile. Ag 8 gcinn de na cruinnithe seo bhí na príomhoidí ina gcuid de thoscaireacht ní ba mhó.
Since May 2007, I have held 21 meetings with school principals. At 8 of these meetings the principals made up part of a larger delegation.
Underperforming Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the sanctions she is considering in relation to teachers who have been assessed as underperforming.
(AQW 3677/08)
Ms C Ruane: Currently teachers who have been assessed as underperforming are subject to the agreed procedures for dealing with teachers (including principals and vice-principals) whose work is unsatisfactory. These were drawn up jointly by the Employing Authorities in consultation with the Department and ratified by the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Negotiating Committee (Schools).
Is é a bpríomhaidhm feabhsú a chur i bhfeidhm a fhad le caighdeán sásúil oibre ach, sa chás go mbíonn obair mhúinteora go fóill míshásúil, tá freagracht ar an Bhord Gobarnóirí smachtbhannaí oiriúnacha a bheartú.
Their primary aim is to effect improvement to a satisfactory standard of work but, where a teacher’s work remains unsatisfactory, it is the responsibility of the Board of Governors to determine appropriate sanctions.
Teacher Performance
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the criteria being proposed to assess teacher performance.
(AQW 3678/08)
Ms C Ruane: Teachers’ performance is currently assessed through the Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) Scheme. The Scheme, which was ratified by the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Negotiating Committee (Schools) in 2004, is intended to assist Boards of Governors in their duty to ensure that the professional development and performance of teachers employed within their schools is reviewed annually. The review process includes an assessment of the teacher’s performance against objectives set at the start of the school year and a Review Statement produced at the end of the school year, which may be used to inform decisions or recommendations about the teacher’s performance.
Ar ócáidí, measann na Cigirí Oideachais agus Oiliúna go bhfuil feidhmiú múinteora míshásúil; nó, má bhíonn Bord Gobharnóirí imníoch faoi ghnéithe d’obair mhúinteora, féadann siad cigireacht fhoirmiúil ar obair an mhúinteora a iarraidh.
On occasion, the performance of a teacher observed during inspection is deemed by the Education and Training Inspectorate to be unsatisfactory; or, if a Board of Governors has concerns about aspects of the work of a teacher, it may request a formal inspection of the teacher's work.
Male Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of male teachers employed in primary schools in 2006/2007 in each of (a) the controlled sector; (b) the voluntary maintained sector; (c) the integrated sector; and (d) the Irish medium sector, and (ii) the corresponding percentage of all teachers in those sectors.
(AQW 3679/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table.
Primary School Types |
Gender |
Number |
% split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled | F | 3347 | 86.60 |
| M | 518 | 13.40 | |
| 3865 | |||
| Catholic Maintained | F | 2939 | 80.79 |
| M | 699 | 19.21 | |
| 3638 | |||
| Other Maintained | F | 37 | 86.05 |
| M | 6 | 13.95 | |
| 43 | |||
| Controlled Integrated | F | 93 | 86.11 |
| M | 15 | 13.89 | |
| 108 | |||
| Grant Maintained Integrated | F | 211 | 83.73 |
| M | 41 | 16.27 | |
| 252 | |||
| Overall | F | 6627 | 83.82 |
| M | 1279 | 16.18 | |
| 7906 | |||
| Irish Medium | F | 73 | 79.35 |
| M | 19 | 20.65 | |
| 92 |
Male Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of male teachers employed in post primary schools in 2006/2007 in each of (a) the controlled sector; (b) the voluntary sector; (c) the integrated sector; and (d) the Irish medium sector, and (ii) the corresponding percentage of all teachers in those sectors.
(AQW 3681/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table.
Post Primary School Types |
Gender |
Number |
% split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled | F | 2313 | 66.41 |
| M | 1170 | 33.59 | |
| 3483 | |||
| Catholic Maintained | F | 1952 | 64.83 |
| M | 1059 | 35.17 | |
| 3011 | |||
| Controlled Integrated | F | 111 | 71.15 |
| M | 45 | 28.85 | |
| 156 | |||
| Grant Maintained Integrated | F | 450 | 69.44 |
| M | 198 | 30.56 | |
| 648 | |||
| Overall | F | 4826 | 66.13 |
| M | 2472 | 33.87 | |
| 7298 | |||
| Irish Medium | F | 13 | 40.63 |
| M | 19 | 59.38 | |
| 32 |
Male Head Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number and percentage of male head teachers in primary and post primary schools, broken down by Education and Library Board and sector, for each of the last five years.
(AQW 3682/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table:
| Number and percentage of those on the principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2007 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male principals | % of all principals | Number of male principals | % of all principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 20 | 50% | 5 | 63% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 9 | 53% | |
| C Maintained | 17 | 55% | 6 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 13% | 1 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 50% | |
| Total | 39 | 48% | 22 | 55% | |
| Western | Controlled | 17 | 31% | 9 | 90% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 9 | 75% | |
| C Maintained | 52 | 44% | 12 | 63% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 25% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 71 | 40% | 32 | 73% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 66 | 55% | 16 | 76% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 8 | 73% | |
| C Maintained | 29 | 43% | 6 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 40% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 4 | 67% | 5 | 100% | |
| Total | 101 | 50% | 35 | 70% | |
St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's Primary School, Ballycastle
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons for the delay in the provision of a new school for St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's Primary School, Ballycastle.
(AQW 3691/08)
Ms C Ruane: Planning for the new school for St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s P.S. is well advanced with a revised Stage D submission (RIBA final sketch plans and costs) having been submitted to the Department in September 2007. This is being reviewed by the Department’s technical advisers and it is expected that this will be completed shortly.
Má mheastar aighneacht Céim D a bheith sásúil, síltear go mbeidh tairiscintí á lorg go gairid don obair deartha iarmhair agus do thógáil na scoile úire.
Subject to the Stage D submission being considered satisfactory, it is anticipated that tenders for the remaining design work and construction of the new school will be sought shortly.
School Funding
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated to each (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary school in the Upper Bann constituency, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 3694/08)
Ms C Ruane: The funding allocation delegated to each primary and post primary school in the Upper Bann Constituency in each of the last three financial years is set out in the table below:
| School Reference | School Name | Delegated Resources excluding carry over 2004/05 £ | Delegated Resources excluding carry over 2005/06 £ | Delegated Resources excluding carry over 2006/07 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5011594 | ABERCORN PS | 805,948 | 860,066 | 863,466 |
| 5011114 | ARDMORE PS | 81,917 | 73,332 | 113,519 |
| 5016117 | BALLYORAN PS | 722,927 | 769,224 | 827,038 |
| 5410013 | BANBRIDGE ACADEMY | 4,156,557 | 4,520,507 | 4,753,065 |
| 5210047 | BANBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL | 2,146,827 | 2,329,103 | 2,469,982 |
| 5011174 | BIRCHES PS | 181,212 | 204,931 | 215,323 |
| 5011602 | BLEARY PS | 236,466 | 245,658 | 267,852 |
| 5016138 | BOCOMBRA PS | 498,928 | 566,578 | 575,614 |
| 5066540 | BRIDGE INTEGRATED PS | 934,071 | 969,158 | 1,009,310 |
| 5250216 | BROWNLOW INT COLLEGE | 1,294,123 | 1,510,217 | 1,686,503 |
| 5011127 | CARRICK PS | 802,134 | 841,121 | 925,679 |
| 5210043 | CLOUNAGH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL | 2,063,132 | 2,272,376 | 2,451,457 |
| 5011596 | CRAIGAVON PS | 269,433 | 305,445 | 339,127 |
| 5210282 | CRAIGAVON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | 2,422,586 | 2,574,029 | 2,750,055 |
| 5016065 | DICKSON PS | 401,064 | 439,528 | 430,297 |
| 5016178 | DONACLONEY PS | 352,831 | 411,805 | 457,926 |
| 5230256 | DRUMCREE COLLEGE | 1,550,369 | 1,502,208 | 1,594,213 |
| 5016080 | DRUMGOR PS | 653,682 | 677,982 | 743,201 |
| 5011189 | EDENDERRY PS | 701,732 | 733,574 | 756,212 |
| 5013019 | EDENDERRY PS | 849,576 | 913,488 | 964,062 |
| 5011129 | HART MEMORIAL PS | 660,681 | 680,343 | 728,558 |
| 5210054 | KILLICOMAINE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL | 1,595,050 | 1,708,539 | 1,772,726 |
| 5011124 | KING'S PARK PS | 1,219,801 | 1,272,412 | 1,362,388 |
| 5230213 | LISMORE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL | 3,587,941 | 3,805,199 | 4,002,722 |
| 5011655 | LOUGHBRICKLAND PS | 114,822 | 104,113 | 119,043 |
| 5410057 | LURGAN COLLEGE | 1,477,469 | 1,628,845 | 1,720,111 |
| 5210271 | LURGAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL | 2,100,190 | 2,186,116 | 2,283,468 |
| 5010992 | LURGAN MODEL PS | 463,039 | 493,597 | 555,193 |
| 5011687 | MARALIN VILLAGE PS | 497,070 | 520,797 | 518,256 |
| 5016007 | MILLINGTON PS | 1,128,744 | 1,228,393 | 1,333,271 |
| 5011651 | MILLTOWN PS | 133,011 | 160,897 | 184,713 |
| 5016543 | MOYALLON PS | 352,411 | 392,490 | 415,640 |
| 5260285 | NEW-BRIDGE INTEGRATED COLLEGE | 1,871,412 | 1,983,975 | 2,034,186 |
| 5410067 | PORTADOWN COLLEGE | 2,785,089 | 2,997,599 | 3,091,190 |
| 5066553 | PORTADOWN INTEGRATED PS | 514,670 | 534,993 | 566,292 |
| 5036586 | PRESENTATION PS | 202,344 | 240,098 | 303,092 |
| 5011165 | RICHMOUNT PS | 264,708 | 291,940 | 291,998 |
| 5011664 | SCARVA PS | 141,440 | 161,750 | 175,041 |
| 5046137 | SEAGOE PS | 562,251 | 591,720 | 611,695 |
| 5031184 | ST ANTHONY'S PS | 1,125,057 | 1,201,487 | 1,330,051 |
| 5036101 | ST BRENDAN'S PS | 775,551 | 848,453 | 947,884 |
| 5036400 | ST COLMAN'S (BANN) PS | 247,909 | 265,762 | 265,071 |
| 5036633 | ST FRANCIS PS | 1,472,522 | 1,646,958 | 1,798,067 |
| 5036457 | ST FRANCIS' PS, AGHHDERG | 258,363 | 283,440 | 315,580 |
| 5036173 | ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PS | 752,350 | 830,559 | 898,347 |
| 5031669 | ST JOHN'S PS | 309,680 | 339,062 | 354,277 |
| 5230070 | ST MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL | 2,004,577 | 2,155,352 | 2,273,511 |
| 5031164 | ST MARY'S PS | 231,851 | 259,520 | 261,409 |
| 5036006 | ST MARY'S PS | 243,821 | 279,445 | 306,494 |
| 5036009 | ST MARY'S PS | 201,204 | 214,310 | 219,465 |
| 5036043 | ST MARY'S PS | 912,095 | 1,012,328 | 1,042,880 |
| 5420056 | ST MICHAEL'S GRAMMAR, LURGAN | 2,257,228 | 2,424,690 | 2,514,587 |
| 5230076 | ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE | 1,718,226 | 1,787,913 | 1,818,417 |
| 5031168 | ST PATRICK'S PS | 549,930 | 571,756 | 575,726 |
| 5031667 | ST PATRICK'S PS | 214,846 | 258,457 | 267,766 |
| 5033324 | ST PATRICK'S PS | 296,189 | 310,914 | 316,516 |
| 5230088 | ST PAUL'S JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL | 1,592,697 | 1,721,696 | 1,808,036 |
| 5031160 | ST TERESA'S PS | 503,507 | 537,586 | 545,536 |
| 5031103 | TANNAGHMORE PS | 1,476,611 | 1,566,066 | 1,638,538 |
| 5011190 | TULLYGALLY PS | 893,815 | 636,749 | 669,039 |
| 5011598 | WARINGSTOWN PS | 741,755 | 835,149 | 862,896 |
Meetings With MLAs
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of meetings she has held with MLAs since May 2007.
(AQW 3788/08)
Ms C Ruane: Ó mhí na Bealtaine 2007, bhí 21 cruinniú agam le CTR-anna.
Since May 2007, I have held 21 meetings with MLAs.
Fundamental Review of Special Education
Dr W McCrea asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1030/07, to provide a timescale within which the fundamental review of Special Education will be released for public consultation.
(AQW 3798/08)
Ms C Ruane: I consider the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN) as an important part of my Ministerial responsibilities. Therefore I have taken time to consider the review proposals very carefully.
Tar éis dom iad a fhaomhadh, tabharfar na moltaí trí na próisis riachtanacha Tionóil sula n-eisítear iad i gcomhair comhairliúcháin fhoirmiúil phoiblí, fá lár 2008, de réir amscálaí reatha.
Following my approval, the proposals will be taken through the required Assembly processes prior to being issued for formal public consultation, which on present timescales will be mid-2008.
Primary School Teachers
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers currently employed in primary schools in (i) the controlled sector; and (ii) the voluntary maintained sector.
(AQW 3838/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table: -
| Primary School Type | Teacher Number |
|---|---|
| Controlled | 3846 |
| Catholic Maintained | 3611 |
| Other Maintained | 133 |
| Controlled Integrated | 123 |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 262 |
| Total | 7975 |
EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING
Review of Modern Apprenticeships
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the actions being taken to identify and correct inaccuracies in the 'Review of Modern Apprenticeships in the North West - Understanding demographics/trends to date and forecasting future scenarios'.
(AQW 3512/08)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The Department has accepted the Report of the Study by PriceWaterhouseCooper. The report has been issued to various stakeholders and published on the Department’s website.
If there are inaccuracies identified, they should be notified to the Department for consideration.
Migrant Workers
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of Agency staff currently working in Northern Ireland who are migrant workers.
(AQW 3584/08)
Sir Reg Empey: There are no official figures available on the number of agency staff who are migrant workers. It is not possible to obtain an accurate picture of the number of agency workers in Northern Ireland because of the way in which labour market statistics are gathered.
My Department will shortly commence detailed research into the private recruitment sector in Northern Ireland. This will include an assessment of the number of agency staff, including the number of migrant workers employed by agencies. My Department’s employment agency inspector is collecting information from employment agencies during inspections on the number of migrant workers for whom work-finding services have been provided, but this work is at an early stage.
Recruitment Agencies
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of people currently in employment who have been recruited through a recruitment agency.
(AQW 3658/08)
Sir Reg Empey: There are no official figures available. However my Department will shortly commence detailed research into the private recruitment sector here. It is intended that this research will include an assessment of the number of temporary and permanent workers who have been recruited through employment agencies.
Labour Mobility
Dr S Farry asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give his assessment of the impact upon labour mobility in Northern Ireland of the continued communal divisions in society.
(AQW 3803/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The available data suggest that there is a possible negative impact on labour mobility of community division. My Department continues to assist individuals to access jobs wherever they are located and to assist employers to fill job vacancies. Research commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and published in 2005 shows that religion has declined substantially as an explanatory factor for labour market outcomes over the previous decade.
South Eastern Regional College
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to identify a suitable location for the merger of the Kircubbin and Ballyboley campuses of the South Eastern Regional College.
(AQW 3823/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Kircubbin and Ballyboley are two of a large number of leased or rented locations that the South Eastern Regional College uses to deliver part time further education courses. Decisions on this type of accommodation are entirely a matter for the Governing Body of the college and would not normally involve the Department.
Meetings with MLAs
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of meetings he has held with MLAs since May 2007.
(AQW 3827/08)
Sir Reg Empey: From May 2007 to date, in my capacity as Minister for Employment and Learning, I have held 10 meetings with MLAs on a range of constituency matters.
In addition, I have held several other meetings with fellow Ministers and members of the Departmental Committee.
In every case where an MLA has asked for a meeting, this has taken place.
Night Class Courses
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of people enrolled in night class courses in the Upper Bann constituency, broken down by campus, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 3940/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Enrolments on night class courses in Further Education Colleges
located within the Upper Bann Constituency from 2001/02 to 2005/06 are detailed below
| Academic year | Enrolments |
|---|---|
| 2001/02 | 7,790 |
| 2002/03 | 7,448 |
| 2003/04 | 6,692 |
| 2004/05 | 6,829 |
| 2005/06 | 5,438 |
Source: Further Education Statistical Record
Note: - Breakdown at individual campus level is not available.
- The latest available data relates to the 2005/06 academic year. Data for 2006/07 is currently being validated.
Higher Education Role Analysis Analytical Job Evaluation Scheme
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2659/08, to outline the steps taken by his department to ensure that funding, allocated under the Rewarding and Developing Staff Initiative, to (i) Queen's University, Belfast; and (ii) the University of Ulster, was spent on their respective human resource strategies; and to confirm that his department has ensured that these strategies have been implemented.
(AQW 3963/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s funding for the Rewarding & Developing Staff initiative (R&DS) is subject to robust systems of monitoring and evaluation.
The Department uses the Annual Monitoring Statement to (i) monitor institutions’ progress against targets in relation to their human resources strategies and (ii) ensure that R&DS funding is spent in accordance with the objectives of the initiative.
The Northern Ireland higher education institutions received a positive report when an evaluation of their progress against R&DS objectives was carried out by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in 2004. The institutions are currently undergoing a self-assessment process, which will be analysed by HEFCE. This analysis will inform the Department whether the institutions have achieved the objectives of the initiative. Subject to satisfactory evidence being provided, conditions on R&DS funding will be removed.
Education Maintenance Allowance
Mr M Brady asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the procedures involved in calculating the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA); and (ii) the rules and methods involved when calculating EMA in genuine cases of non-attendance.
(AQW 3971/08)
Sir Reg Empey: (i) EMA is a means tested allowance and is calculated on annual household income as shown below:
| Household Income | EMA Entitlement (per week) |
|---|---|
| Less than £20,818 | £30 |
| £20,818 - £25,521 | £20 |
| £25,522 - £30,810 | £10 |
| Greater than £30,810 | £0 |
(ii) EMA is paid as normal in cases of authorised absence. It is at the discretion of the participating school or college to determine the genuine nature of non- attendance. As EMA is intended to cover costs incurred by attending education, unauthorised or long term absence does not qualify for EMA. support.
Migrant Workers
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of migrant workers currently employed in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 4087/08)
Sir Reg Empey: There is no direct source for the information requested. An approximation can be derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) based on place of birth. The LFS estimates that in September – November 2007 there were 58,000 people aged 16 and over in employment in Northern Ireland who were born outside the UK. An estimated 46,000 of these were born outside both the UK and the Republic of Ireland. These figures are subject to sampling error, as detailed in the table below.
Sampling Error of Estimates of People Born outside the UK/Ireland
|
Central Estimate |
Lower Estimate |
Upper Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
Born Outside UK |
58,000 |
48,000 |
68,000 |
Born Outside UK & Republic of Ireland |
46,000 |
38,000 |
54,000 |
Source: Labour Force Survey, September-November 2007
Lower and Upper Estimates based on 95% confidence limits
North West Lifelong Learning Association
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assurance he can give that funding for projects run by North West Lifelong Learning Association, through the North West Regional College, will be made available following the positive economic viability audit by FPM Accountants, Belfast.
(AQW 4145/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department does not provide core funding for community training organisations – the large number of such groups, many of them offering similar services, would not make this practicable.
However, I understand that North West Regional College has been in contact with North West Lifelong Learning Association to discuss the possibility of collaboration, under the terms of the Department’s Further Education funding regulations.
ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
United States Investment Conference
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm those details that have so far been made public in relation to the United States Investment Conference in May 2008.
(AQW 3619/08)
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): The Investment Conference was announced by Gordon Brown, when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, as an outcome of the St Andrews talks in May 2007. Since then, the event has been referenced at regular intervals. It has been the subject of numerous oral and written Questions in the Assembly, and has been referenced in several Press Releases issued by myself, First Minister and deputy First Minister, and by the US Administration.
The most public profiling events associated with the conference, were the two-day visit in October 2007 to Northern Ireland by US Ambassador Tuttle and US Ambassador Foley, who jointly led a delegation of senior executives from 17 major US corporations on a fact-finding mission and the visit to the United States by First and deputy First Ministers in December 2007.
The invitation process is well underway and the Office of the First and deputy First Ministers has sent letters to targeted US-based Chief Executive Officers. Formal invites are being issued by Invest NI this week
United States Investment Conference
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the (i) dates; and (ii) venues for the United States Investment Conference in May 2008.
(AQW 3620/08)
Mr N Dodds: The US NI Investment Conference is scheduled to take place on 7 - 9 May 2008. An announcement to confirm the dates was made on Tuesday 19 February 2008 and details of the venues will be released in due course.
United States Investment Conference
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the information that is currently available in relation to the United States Investment Conference in May 2008.
(AQW 3621/08)
Mr N Dodds: The conference has been referenced in numerous oral and written Assembly Questions, in Press Releases issued by myself, First and deputy First Ministers and by the US Administration.
United States Investment Conference
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the information that is available on the internet, and its location, for prospective investors, in relation to the United States Investment Conference in May 2008.
(AQW 3622/08)
Mr N Dodds: Work is nearing completion on a web page that will contain information about the US NI Investment Conference. This will be hosted on the Invest NI website.
Renewable Energy Scheme
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of applications there have been for the Renewable Energy Scheme in 2006-2007.
(AQW 3656/08)
Mr N Dodds: 1,895 applications were received in the 2006-2007 financial year under the Reconnect Household Renewable Energy Programme.
North-South Interconnector
Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide costings for the under-grounding of the North-South electricity interconnector.
(AQO 2065/08)
Mr N Dodds: The latest indicative costings provided by NIE indicate that undergrounding the North-South interconnector would cost £490million compared to £56million for an overhead line.
The Coach Tourism Industry
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his plans to encourage and develop the coach tourism industry.
(AQW 3661/08)
Mr N Dodds: I fully recognise the importance of coach tourism to the economy, and the contribution it makes to increasing visitor numbers throughout Northern Ireland, and I utterly deplore and condemn the acts of mindless vandalism which have destroyed two Irish coaches in Bellfast recently. The inbound coach industry is trying to increase its potential in Northern Ireland, and such wanton recklessness does only harm to their efforts. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has met the Confederation of Passenger Transport (NI) (CPTNI) on several occasions to provide strategic advice and direction in terms of marketing and visitor servicing.
Many of the issues facing the development of coach tourism such as parking and drop off points, relate to the functions of local government and other central government departments. NITB works with the Department for Regional Development (DRD), the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Northern Ireland Tour Guide Association (NITGA), CPTNI and local Councils on these issues and to encourage further development of coach tourism in Northern Ireland.
Renewable Energy
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what analysis he has made of the project on the Ise of Eigg, which has provided residents with 95% of their energy demand through renewable energy; and what plans he has to increase the use of renewable energy on Rathlin Island.
(AQW 3673/08)
Mr N Dodds: DETI is aware of the Isle of Eigg project, but has not done a formal analysis.
The crucial difference to note in any analysis comparison between the Isle of Eigg and Rathlin Island is that Rathlin Island inhabitants are able to benefit from the link to the main distribution network in Ballycastle by undersea cable: this became operational in 2007.
Rathlin Island and its inhabitants are also able to benefit from the same incentives for renewable electricity generation as the rest of Northern Ireland.
Cultural Events
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what his assessment is of (i) Loyal Order events; (ii) Ulster Scots cultural activities; and (iv) Irish Language events, as tourism products.
(AQW 3696/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has identified five "Winning Themes" as key development priorities for Northern Ireland. NITB is working to maximise the marketing potential of these themes, one of which is cultural tourism.
NITB has identified four specific cultural tourism product areas for Northern Ireland: Heritage, Northern Ireland Today, Creative and The Arts.
Northern Ireland is unique in its cultural diversity and this uniqueness is an undoubted selling point for the region. Loyal Order events, Ulster Scots cultural activities and Irish Language events are all part of the range of opportunities available to visitors to enable them to engage with local people and culture.
NITB is aware of the opportunities that cultural tourism presents to Northern Ireland, and is working in partnership with many organisations including The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, The Ulster Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge, to ensure that these opportunities are properly exploited.
Sporting Tourism
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what his assessment is of (i) Northern Ireland football matches; (ii) Ulster rugby matches; (iii) Northern Ireland football tournaments; and (iv) Gaelic Athletic Association tournaments, as tourism products.
(AQW 3701/08)
Mr N Dodds: All major sporting events in Northern Ireland, especially those involving visiting supporters
generate visitor numbers and revenue to the economy. Other football tournaments such as the Milk Cup,also attract considerable visitors as participants and provide events with spectator interest.
All have the potential to generate positive PR through word of mouth and through print, radio and television advertising.
I understand that over the past two years, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), has been developing, in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), a new 10-year Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation in Northern Ireland. The contribution to tourism of sport generally, including sports matches and tournaments, has emerged as an important issue in the development of the Strategy. A final Strategy is expected to be ready later in the Spring.
Information about sports with links to relevant websites is available on Tourism Ireland’s www.discoverireland.com website.
Lough Neagh
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to (i) maximise the tourist and leisure potential of Lough Neagh; and (ii) consult with surrounding local councils in order to ensure the maximum tourist potential of the Lough.
(AQW 3703/08)
Mr N Dodds: Lough Neagh and its many attractions are included in all the marketing strategies for which the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is responsible ,including websites, publications and targeted campaigns to promote tourism growth in Northern Ireland.
Lough Neagh’s main strengths are recognised in activity products. The majority of marketing activity is driven through websites www.discovernorthernireland.com, Regional Tourism Partnerships’ websites and The Countryside Access & Activities Network’s (CAAN) dedicated activity websites, www.outdoorni.com, www.walkni.com and www.cycleni.com. NITB also engages with the Lough Neagh Partnership to develop the tourist and leisure potential of the Lough.
NITB is currently drafting its Corporate Plan 2008-11 and all local councils will be consulted during the process. The Plan will provide a framework to maximise tourism potential across the whole of Northern Ireland.
Inward Investment
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to report on whether or not the 6,500 new jobs from inward investment referred to in PSA Target 1(2) are considered to be gross or net.
(AQW 3764/08)
Mr N Dodds: The 6,500 jobs that will be promoted through inward investment by Invest NI client companies during 2008/09 – 2010/11 are expressed in gross terms.
The PSA Framework details a range of targets (including the promotion of 6,500 inward investment jobs) that are aimed at improving Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and private services productivity. These targets reflect the planned impact of Invest NI/DETI interventions over the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) period.
Aside from DETI/Invest NI interventions, the overall economy will create many additional jobs, while others may be lost. Measuring job creation in net terms is therefore not an appropriate indicator of Invest NI’s success in promoting jobs through inward investment.
Inward Investment
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to set out the baseline for measuring the delivery of 6,500 new jobs from inward investment referred to in PSA Target 1(2).
(AQW 3765/08)
Mr N Dodds: Over the period 2004/05 – 2006/07, Invest NI attracted inward investment that promoted 9,465 new jobs. Around 50% of these provided salaries above the median salary in the Northern Ireland private sector, with 34% having salaries at least 25% above the private sector median.
The PSA target represents a significant shift from job promotion to a focus on high-value investments, offering higher salary levels and higher productivity. It also reflects a future market for mobile, and contestable, inward investment projects that is likely to be characterised by a fewer number of projects which will be generally smaller in size to those assisted in the past in terms of job promotion potential. Of the 6,500 new jobs to be promoted through inward investment, 85% will have salaries above the private sector average and 42% will offer salaries at least 25% above the private sector average.
Meetings with MLAs
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of meetings he has held with MLAs since May 2007.
(AQW 3787/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has had 17 meetings with MLAs since May 2007.
Recycling Waste
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.
(AQW 3791/08)
Mr N Dodds: Approximately 85% of the Department’s paper waste goes for recycling. Facilities are provided for the recycling of all used printer cartridges and all of the Department’s surplus electrical equipment, including Information Technology. This equipment is recycled as part of a central Northern Ireland Civil Service Contract.
Renewable Energy Scheme
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what consideration he has given to changing the arrangements for grant payment for applications made under the Renewable Energy Scheme, so that the grants are paid prior to work being carried out.
(AQW 3795/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Department is not considering changing the arrangements for grant payments for applications under the Renewable Energy Scheme. In line with normal government practice grant payments are made on the basis of vouched and approved expenditure.
Fossil Fuels
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the action his department is taking to investigate alternatives to fossil fuels as a source of energy.
(AQW 3822/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Department’s work relating to the identification of alternative means of energy production is focused on renewable sources of energy.
The recently published Grid Study researched the resource potential for different renewable technologies on the island of Ireland in 2020, the extent to which the renewable generation could be accommodated onto the electricity grid, and implications for future network development. An initial consideration of study results suggests that there is potential for a significant increase in the level of electricity generation which can be obtained from renewable sources, however this will require significant investment in both renewable technologies and strengthening of the electricity grid.
The Department has also, through Action Renewables, let a contract to research the potential for deep geothermal energy in Northern Ireland. The study will assess the potential geothermal energy resources suitable for heating, using all available information including the recently completed Tellus airborne survey. The project report will be available in March 2008. In terms of shallow geothermal energy, Action Renewables is also working with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and the British Geological Survey to enable consumers to obtain quickly an assessment of the suitability of the ground conditions for the installation of Ground Source Heat Pump systems.
Through the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund, which has been in place for just under two years, DETI has also supported work to stimulate the development of alternative energy sources and, in particular, Energy from Waste, microgeneration technologies and biomass. DARD, too, has carried out biomass-related work under these Fund initiatives.
In addition, the Department is currently scoping the potential for bioenergy and marine renewable energy to contribute to more diversified and sustainable energy production in Northern Ireland.
Local Government Meetings
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of meetings he has held with (i) delegations representing one or more of the district councils; (ii) the Northern Ireland Local Government Association; and (iii) the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, since May 2007.
(AQW 3882/08)
Mr N Dodds: Between May 2007 and 25 February 2008, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has met delegations of one or more of the district councils 5 times; the Northern Ireland Local Government Association once; and the Society of Local Chief Executives once.
Land Owned By Invest NI
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of land, by acreage, owned by Invest NI in the Foyle constituency that is currently (i) in use; and (ii) not in use; and to detail the parliamentary constituency with (a) the most; and (b) the least amount of land, including the acreage, owned by Invest NI.
(AQW 3895/08)
Mr N Dodds: Invest NI currently holds 419 acres of land in the Foyle constituency. In the context of this question, Invest NI has interpreted the term "in use" to mean land that has been leased to client companies. By this definition, 312 acres in the Foyle constituency are "in use" leaving 107 acres "not in use" i.e. remaining available for lease to client companies.
Invest NI land is held for clients company projects with an approved business case and a demonstrable property need. Invest NI’s landholding is a key offering to its clients and is considered an asset. Having had two very successful years in site sales, Invest NI’s available landholding has now reduced to approximately 800 acres.
The parliamentary constituency where Invest NI’s land holding is greatest is Foyle with circa 419.2 acres.
Invest NI currently holds no land in the Belfast East constituency.
The figures used are correct as at 31 October 2007.
Assembly Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the number of written Assembly Questions he has received since May 2007; and (ii) the average length of time it takes his department to respond.
(AQW 3908/08)
Mr N Dodds: DETI has received 250 written Assembly Questions since May 2007. The average length of time taken in responding to these questions was 7.3 days.
Air-Fares
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the cost of (i) first class; (ii) business class; and (iii) standard class air-fares, for his department, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3915/08)
Mr N Dodds: The cost of air fares for the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment for each of the last three years was:
April 2005 - March 2006
(i) First Class Nil
(ii) Business £78,482.44
(iii) Economy £6,841.85
April 2006 - March 2007
(i) First Class Nil
(ii) Business £28,058.56
(iii) Economy £14,638.27
April 2007 - Present Day 2008
(i) First Class Nil
(ii) Business £42,960.90
(iii) Economy £20,576.76
Businesses in the Countryside
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the meetings he has held with the Minister of the Environment in relation to easing the planning restrictions placed on businesses in the countryside.
(AQW 3918/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has not met the Minister of the Environment specifically on this issue; however, it has been discussed at the Inter-departmental Rural Planning Committee on which both Ministers sit.
Funding of Hotels
Mr M Brady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the funding his department has given to each hotel, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3972/08)
Mr N Dodds: From 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2007, the funding offered by Invest NI to each hotel, in each of the last 3 years is detailed in the table below:
| Financial Year Ending | Hotel | Invest NI Assistance Offered |
|---|---|---|
| 31 March 2005 | Beechlawn Hotel | £43,983 |
| Crawfordsburn Inn | £9,167 | |
| Drummond Hotel | £8,600 | |
| Dunsilly Hotel | £13,428 | |
| Hastings Hotels Group | £356,164 | |
| Hotel Carlton | £167,811 | |
| Killyhevlin Hotel | £36,472 | |
| Kilmorey Arms Hotel | £200,000 | |
| Mahons Hotel | £10,000 | |
| Malmaison | £96,480 | |
| Manor House | £16,662 | |
| Radisson SAS | £235,819 | |
| Ramada Da Vinci's Hotel | £41,734 | |
| Silverbirch Hotel | £15,200 | |
| White Horse Inn | £7,000 | |
| 31 March 2006 | Carrybridge Hotel | £200,000 |
| Clandeboye Lodge Hotel | £38,642 | |
| Drummond Hotel | £97,250 | |
| Fir Trees Hotel | £9,000 | |
| La Mon House Hotel | £22,396 | |
| Magherabuoy House Hotel | £445,000 | |
| Ramada Da Vinci's Hotel | £10,000 | |
| Slieve Donard Hotel | £2,540,000 | |
| The Merchant Hotel | £137,204 | |
| Tower Hotel | £12,780 | |
| Valley Hotel | £5,710 | |
| White Horse Hotel | £15,920 | |
| 31 March 2007 | Adair Arms Hotel | £6,618 |
| Castle Hume | £3,500,000 | |
| Dunadry Development Company | £27,411 | |
| Express by Holiday Inn Antrim | £28,364 | |
| Galgorm Hotel | £1,676,767 | |
| Holiday Inn Express Craigavon | £475,000 | |
| Radisson Roe Park Hotel | £22,989 | |
| Tullymore House Ltd (Ten Square & Galgorm) | £34,166 | |
| White Horse Hotel | £17,930 |
Rose Energy
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail any discussions his department has had with Rose Energy; and to confirm whether or not his department has committed any financial aid to Rose Energy's proposals for a chicken waste plant in Glenavy.
(AQW 4108/08)
Mr N Dodds: During the last 2 years my Department (including Invest NI) has participated in 6 meetings with representatives of Rose Energy. Discussions with Invest NI are ongoing. No financial aid has been committed by either DETI or Invest NI to Rose Energy’s proposals for a chicken waste plant in Glenavy.
ENVIRONMENT
Environment and Heritage Service
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an update on the activities of the Environment and Heritage Service in North Belfast during 2007.
(AQW 3457/08)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): During 2007, the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department continued to carry out a great deal of work in all areas of Northern Ireland including North Belfast.
EHS, through its Natural Heritage Grant Programme, provided core funding of £81k to the Belfast Hills Partnership which works with partners to improve management of the Belfast Hills, including Cavehill, Ligoniel and Throne Wood which are situated in North Belfast.
EHS also provided funding to Belfast City Council to enhance community access to and enjoyment of the Belfast Hills, and to develop a biodiversity strategy for the wider council area. In 2007, this support amounted to £61k for footpath restoration at Cavehill Country Park and a further £20k for a Biodiversity Officer.
EHS was also involved in the protection of the Belfast Hills through the Department of the Environment’s planning policies; and officials have attended the Public Inquiry for the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan to defend proposed environmental designations.
Also in 2007, EHS supervised the inspection of Belfast Zoo by a contracted Zoos Inspector. This inspection was required for the renewal of the licence for Belfast Zoo under the terms of the Zoo Licensing Regulations (NI) 2003.
EHS is in the process of leasing part of the North Foreshore to Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB); the RSPB will manage the site to protect the lands designated under the Habitats Directive as a European Special Protection Area.
EHS monitors two rivers in the North Belfast area, the Milewater and the Three Mile Water. The Three Mile Water is monitored near Whiteabbey to test compliance with the EC Freshwater Fish Directive (FFD), under which it has been designated salmonid. The Milewater is not designated under the FFD; however it is monitored at two points to assess its chemical and biological quality.
EHS dealt with a number of water pollution incidents in North Belfast in 2007 and attended a number of minor incidents in the area including several calls from the Fire and Rescue Service.
A successful prosecution was heard in Belfast magistrate’s court in 2007 relating to breaches of consent under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 at a site in Belfast docks.
EHS helped to inform proposals by Northern Ireland Water for the upgrade of the sewerage system in the Whitehouse and Greencastle areas of North Belfast.
The Waste Management section of EHS received 42 reports of alleged illegal controlled waste activity in the North Belfast area in 2007. Reports are being followed up. EHS has also been active in regulating legal waste facilities in the area.
The Licensing & Authorisations Section within EHS processed a considerable number of Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) permits, waste licences/exemptions during 2007. EHS also has a range of permitted and licensed facilities which staff regularly monitor, inspect and audit.
Other Units processed a number of applications (new and renewal carriers) during 2007 and carried out producer visits/audits and site inspections to businesses throughout Northern Ireland.
EHS licensed certain sites for archaeological excavation by private sector companies. EHS monitored other archaeological sites which are statutorily protected by scheduling.
A number of requests for buildings to be listed were dealt with. Grant-aid for repairs to original building fabric was made in relation to three building. Five buildings in the area participated in European Heritage Open Days.
Planning Policy Statements
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment to detail which Planning Policy Statements she is responsible for developing, which ones are currently being revised, and to give a timescale within which each updated statement will be published.
(AQW 3573/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department is now responsible for the preparation of all PPSs in Northern Ireland.
At present my Department is currently revising the following PPSs:
- PPS 4: Planning and Economic Development;
- PPS 5: Retailing, Town Centres and Commercial Leisure Developments; and
- PPS 12: Housing in Settlements (the Affordable Housing policy), all of which I propose to publish in the next financial year.
In addition PPS 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside is due to be published in April 2008.
Delivery of Business Needs
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what is her assessment of the implications of the Budgetary process in relation to the capacity and resources of her department to deliver business needs, particularly in (i) the Planning Service; and (ii) the Planning and Environmental Policy Group.
(AQW 3603/08)
Mrs A Foster: Budget 2008-11 provided my Department with total current expenditure funding of £137.8m (£2008/09), £136.8m (£2009/10) and £135.7m (£2010/11). The Department has also been allocated capital expenditure funding of £5.7m (£2008/09), £16.2m (£2009/10) and £182.6m (£2010/11). The table attached at Annex A, which is also shown in the Budget 2008-11 document, details how this additional funding has been allocated against the various departmental spending areas.
The Budget allocation will enable my Department to take forward an enhanced approach to Road Safety and work with partners in order to achieve more ambitious road casualty reductions. The allocation will also ensure a more effective approach to road transport compliance and enforcement that will contribute to improved road safety, a reduction in vehicle related crime and a cleaner environment through reduced emissions.
Through the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) the Budget allocation will enable my Department to enhance environmental protection and improvement through Better Regulation. This includes development of the EHS dedicated environmental crime team to combat the illegal dumping of waste and the establishment of a new strategic development and delivery support team to co-ordinate cross cutting environmental regulation activities and effectively target actions to provide a cleaner and healthier environment for all. Furthermore, the implementation of the Air Quality Strategy and the objectives under the Water Framework Directive will lead to reduced carbon emissions and better water quality.
The Budget allocations will also allow the Programme Delivery Support Unit (jointly funded by my Department and the Strategic Investment Board) to support district councils, and the three Waste Management Groups, in taking forward major waste procurement plans. Other grant support will continue to be provided to district councils including the de-rating element of the general grant. The Budget allocation will also allow district councils to play a key role in the NI Civil Contingencies Programme mainly in the preparation of emergency plans.
My Department will also be able to develop, in part, an agreed programme for the modernisation and structural reform of local government as endorsed by the Executive.
I also intend to undertake a fundamental review of the Planning Service which will be committed to systemic reform of the planning process, both in the short to medium term and also in the longer term, to ensure that it is fit for purpose. These proposals for reform will ensure that the system is well-positioned to support the future economic and social development needs of Northern Ireland, that it has streamlined efficient processes and that it facilitates open and transparent consultation. Additional resources for this review have been secured for 2008/09 only. Bids for further resources for 2009/10 and 2010/11 will be made at the appropriate time.
Finally, the capital allocation to my Department will provide funding to district councils to cover a percentage of the overall costs associated with compliance with the EU Landfill Directive targets. These require a reduction in the amount of biodegradable municipal waste disposed at landfill to 75% of 1995 levels by 2010 and 50% of 1995 levels by 2013 as well as an improvement in recycling rates from the current level of 23% to 35% by 2010 and 40% by 2015. The additional funding of £3.1m (£2008/09), £13.7m (£2009/10) and £180.2m (£2010/11) will be allocated and monitored by the Department’s Planning and Environmental Policy Group. This capital subvention will ultimately lessen the impact of these waste infrastructure costs being passed on to ratepayers.
ANNEX A
BUDGET 2007
Department of the Environment - Current
| Plans | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective and Spending Area | 2007-08 £m |
2008-09 £m |
2009-10 £m |
2010-11 £m |
| Objective A | ||||
| Road Safety Services | 5.5 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 |
| Driver Vehicle Agency | 5.1 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Environment and Heritage Services | 61.1 | 61.1 | 60.1 | 59.8 |
| Planning Service | 11.8 | 14.3 | 12 | 11 |
| Local Government Services | 51.2 | 51.1 | 52.5 | 52.3 |
| Total Objective A | 134.7 | 137.8 | 136.8 | 135.7 |
| Total | 134.7 | 137.8 | 136.8 | 135.7 |
Department of the Environment - Capital
| Plans | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective and Spending Area | 2007-08 £m |
2008-09 £m |
2009-10 £m |
2010-11 £m |
| Objective A | ||||
| Road Safety Services | 0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Driver Vehicle Agency | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Environment and Heritage Services | 8.6 | 4.7 | 15.3 | 181.8 |
| Planning Service | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Local Government Services | 0 | |||
| Total Objective A | 9.8 | 5.7 | 16.2 | 182.6 |
| Total | 9.8 | 5.7 | 16.2 | 182.6 |
West Tyrone Area Plan
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of the Environment to provide a timetable within which the draft West Tyrone Area Plan will be published.
(AQW 3611/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Strategic Environmental Assessments which accompanied the draft Northern Area Plan and the draft Magherafelt Area Plan have been the subject of judicial review. The Court in its judgement accepted the Department’s argument that neither the Magherafelt and Northern Area Plans nor the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 should be quashed and instead granted a number of declarations. The declarations however raise issues which impact on the Department’s ability to progress some development plans, including the West Tyrone Area Plan.
While my Department has recently lodged an appeal against the declarations, officials are considering at present whether or not it would be appropriate to continue work on the plan and its associated SEA until the Court of Appeal has ruled on the appeal. I regret, therefore, that I am not in a position to provide a timetable for publication of the draft West Tyrone Area Plan.
Development of the Maze Site
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the content of requests received by her department from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in relation to the development of the Maze site.
(AQW 3625/08)
Mrs A Foster: There have been frequent contacts between representatives of OFMDFM and Planning Service officials since 2005 with regard to the development of the Maze Site. Consultants working on behalf of OFMDFM produced a Master Plan for the site in 2006. At present Planning Service officials are engaged with OFMDFM’s consultants in a ‘Scoping’ exercise under Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999.
Non-Governmental Organisations
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the amount of funding allocated to non government organisations in the past three financial years.
(AQW 3626/08)
Mrs A Foster: The table below sets out the total funding given to non government organisations as well as statutory advisory bodies in each of the last three years.
DEPARTMENT |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environment | £3,982,731 | £3,880,388 | £4,001,715 |
Planning Service
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment, further to the commitment in the Programme for Government that Planning Service will process major applications, subject to pre-consultation, within a six month period, to detail how this process will be managed in relation to (i) the main activities to be undertaken, including timeframes and associated resources; (ii) the review process; (iii) the consultation process; and (iv) the reform process.
(AQW 3628/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Programme for Government refers to a six month target being applied to large scale planning proposals. These are proposals which are considered to have significant economic or social implications for the whole or a substantial part of Northern Ireland. They will be handled by the Strategic Projects Division of Planning Service and the six month target will apply provided there have been pre-application discussions with an agreed outcome.
Within the Strategic Projects Division I have recently agreed to the creation of two multi-disciplinary teams – which are comprised of planning staff as well as professionals from other relevant disciplines – to help to further enhance the efficiency of the service that is provided. I am hopeful these multi-disciplinary teams will be in place by Spring of this year.
My officials have also published guidance for prospective developers/applicants on pre-application discussions. This will assist in the development of procedures for meaningful pre-application engagement between the Planning Service, our key consultees – some of whom will be represented in our multi-disciplinary teams – and applicants. As part of the pre-application discussions, an indicative timescale for processing the application will be provided. Clearly, if this is to be a success in terms of speeding up the process there will be obligations on everyone involved in the planning process, including agents, through a mutual commitment to improve the quality of applications and maximise the prospects of getting through the statutory process quickly.
The process for managing all of the proposed reforms and improvements to the planning system, including the multi-disciplinary teams that will be key to the delivery of this Programme for Government commitment, will be overseen by the Planning Service Management Board. In addition, my officials have put in place programme and project management systems to ensure delivery of the reform programme.
Water Quality Tests
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the waterways in the South Down constituency that are failing water quality tests.
(AQW 3643/08)
Mrs A Foster: Environment and Heritage Service monitors a number of rivers and lakes in the South Down constituency. Chemical and biological monitoring is carried out on rivers and lakes to check for compliance with the EC Freshwater Fish Directive (FFD) and to assess the chemical and biological quality of the water.
Water quality monitoring in the South Down area since 2004 has identified a number of waterways which have failed to comply with the FFD and several which have been recorded as being of lower than usual chemical or biological quality. (As the constituency boundary may cross catchments, some of the rivers included below may be outside the area of interest.)
Failures to comply with the FFD within the South Down area have been recorded in at least two of the last three years in:
the lower reaches of the Upper Bann
the Muddock River
the Blackstaff River
the Jerrettspass River
Lough Gullion
the Silent Valley Reservoir
Lower than usual chemical or biological quality has been recorded in:
the lower reaches of the Upper Bann
the Muddock River
the Ballybay River
the lower reaches of the Cusher River
the Drumadonnell River
the Blackstaff River
the upper reaches of the Newry/Clanrye River
the Bessbrook River
the Jerrettspass River
a number of minor watercourses throughout the area
Lower quality classifications and failures to comply with the FFD are generally attributable to diffuse pollution within catchments, but in a few instances are believed to be related to point source effluent discharges.
Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the reasons for the Planning Service's representation on the Gaeltacht Quarter Steering Group.
(AQW 3664/08)
Mrs A Foster: Planning Service is represented on the Steering Group for the Gaeltacht Quarter to provide advice and guidance on any planning/development issues that might arise as a result of any proposals that the Development Company might propose in taking forward this initiative led by the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR); and (ii) the amount of funding her department has received against each of those bids in the Budget.
(AQW 3675/08)
Mrs A Foster:
Budget 2008-11 Resource Allocations
Annex A
Bid Order |
Total Bids |
Bids met from Resource Allocations |
Variance between allocations and bids |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spending Proposal | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||
| Road Safety Services- new initiatives/partnerships to reduce number of road casualties | 1 | 800 | 1,600 | 1,600 | 500 | 1,200 | 1,600 | -300 | -400 | 0 | |
| Enhanced Road Transport Compliance (Driver & Vehicle Agency) to improve road safety | 1 | 780 | 1,395 | 1,670 | 780 | 1,395 | 1,670 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Enforcement and better Regulation for environmental protection | 2 | 870 | 1,255 | 1,980 | 770 | 1,255 | 1,980 | -100 | 0 | 0 | |
| Implementation of reform within the Planning Service | 3 | 950 | 980 | 1,115 | 2,150 | 150 | 250 | 1,200 | -830 | -865 | |
| Costs associated with the Programme Delivery Support Unit to support the Councils with their Waste Management Plans | 4 | 600 | 600 | 800 | 200 | 600 | 800 | -400 | 0 | 0 | |
| Cost of Implementing RPA - Planning Service & Local Government- to address issues such as finance, estates, shared services | 5 | 4,450 | 5,500 | 8,150 | - | 800 | 5,000 | -4,450 | -4,700 | -3,150 | |
| Emergency Planning for NI Civil Contingencies Programme - Grant to District Councils | 6 | 700 | 700 | 700 | - | 700 | 700 | -700 | 0 | 0 | |
| Costs to put in place a regime to deal with waste and contaminated land | 7 | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,500 | - | 400 | 1,000 | -1,500 | -1,100 | -500 | |
| Subtotal | 10,650 | 13,530 | 17,515 | 4,400 | 6,500 | 13,000 | -6,250 | -7,030 | -4,515 | ||
| Marker bids | |||||||||||
| Illegal dumping - for the removal and disposal of waste from the RoI (1) | 9 | 8,200 | 5,200 | 2,600 | - | - | - | -8,200 | -5,200 | -2,600 | |
| Overall Total | 18,850 | 18,730 | 20,115 | 4,400 | 6,500 | 13,000 | -14,450 | -12,230 | -7,115 | ||
Notes
(1) These are estimated costs and are dependant upon whether or not the Department is liable for a third of the overall removal and disposal costs.
Erosion of the High Mournes
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the steps she is taking to prevent the erosion of the High Mournes by those using quad bikes and trail bikes.
(AQW 3706/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department, through Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), followed up on a report of damage caused by trail bikes in the Eastern Mournes in 2005. No further reports of damage in that area were received. However, EHS has recently learned that the use of quad bikes in particular is becoming a significant problem in the Mournes.
I am fully aware that the Mourne Mountains are being used by an increasing number of people for recreational activities and that this has created some erosion problems. EHS is working closely with the District Councils, the National Trust, the Mourne Heritage Trust and others to find appropriate solutions to the problem. EHS has for many years supported erosion control projects in the Mournes and more recently has grant aided the National Trust and the Mourne Heritage Trust to carry out such works.
I have recently made a sum of £500,000 available to address access issues within the Mourne AONB and some of this money may be allocated towards the employment of additional rangers whose presence could discourage the illegal use of bikes in that area. EHS is currently seeking the views of landowners, Trustees and graziers on how these funds can be used most effectively.
I recommend that any reports of inappropriate use of the Mournes by those using quad bikes and trail bikes are referred to the Mourne Heritage Trust who will pass them on to EHS and the Safer Mournes Partnership.
Clough Castle
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the surveys that have been carried out by her department at Clough Castle, following the demolition of the adjacent building.
(AQW 3708/08)
Mrs A Foster: Clough Castle, county Down, is one of the best-preserved Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castles in Northern Ireland. The earthworks of this castle are believed to have been built in the twelfth century, and the stone tower on top of the motte was built in phases in the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. A portion of the monument was archaeologically excavated in the early 1950s, greatly adding to our understanding of the Anglo-Norman earldom of Ulster. However, there have not been any new detailed surveys of the monument in recent decades.
Planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of the adjacent site on 30 July 1999. At that time it was considered that the level of disturbance associated with the buildings that have now been demolished would have effectively destroyed any buried archaeological remains at that location.
The monument itself is owned by the National Trust and leased to my department as a monument in State Care. The Environment and Heritage Service of the department continues to carry out routine management of the monument such as grass and hedge-cutting, clearing litter, and maintaining public access to the motte and bailey. The monument is routinely inspected to monitor its condition.
Any future planning proposals in its vicinity will be considered in line with published policy guidelines, particularly those of Planning Policy Statement 6, Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage.
Pre-Application Planning Process
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the requirements on planning officials, in relation to communication with the public and elected representatives, with specific reference to the pre-application process.
(AQW 3709/08)
Mrs A Foster: Pre-application discussions are available for - strategically important applications including those with significant economic implications; major commercial industrial and other public sector proposals; major Quality Initiative housing schemes; and major infrastructure projects.
The primary purpose of pre-application discussions is to allow Planning Service to provide general advice and identify key issues that need to be considered as part of the planning application submission.
The discussions will focus on key planning policies, relevant constraints and other material issues, including the need for an environmental assessment (ES), transport assessment (TA) and retail impact statement (RIA).
All the relevant information received including Planning Service written response will be placed on a file and will be available for public inspection on request.
Since pre-application discussions are not part of the formal planning application process, they are not subject to the normal requirements of advertising and neighbour notification and it may not therefore become public knowledge that a pre-application discussion has been requested.
However, Planning Service advises applicants to ensure that the concerns of neighbours and the wider community have been fully considered, discussed and addressed. This should include discussion, as appropriate, with the local Council and elected representatives, relevant third party interest groups, neighbouring land/or property owners and any tenants on the site.
If the public or elected representatives are aware of a pre-application discussion and wish to make representations to Planning Service these will be documented on the file and where appropriate taken as material considerations in the determination of the planning application.
Otter Survey
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the organisations that will be involved in the otter survey planned for 2009-2010.
(AQW 3713/08)
Mrs A Foster: At this stage it is proposed that the survey of Otters scheduled for 2009-2010 will be publicly advertised and a contractor will be appointed following normal procurement procedures. It has been the usual practice that surveys of wildlife taking place in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are funded on a proportionate basis by Environment and Heritage Service and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Republic.
Air Quality Impact Assessment
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment pursuant to her answer to AQW 3067/08, (i) to detail the proposed methodology to be used in the air quality impact assessment; and (ii) to confirm if the study has been carried out to date, and if so, to outline the findings of this study.
(AQW 3756/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Air Quality Impact Assessment will involve:
- Establishing current air quality through existing monitoring information and additional background monitoring specific to the project; and
- use of Air Dispersion Modelling, using software acceptable to the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), to predict the effect on local air quality for the worst possible combination of maximum emissions and climatic conditions.
When complete, the Assessment will be available for examination on public registers at Lisburn City Council Offices and EHS offices in Belfast.
To date no Air Quality Impact Assessment has been submitted by Rose Energy.
'Chicken Litter' Power Plant
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any pre-application submissions that have been made to the Planning Service in relation to the construction of a 'Chicken Litter' power plant in Glenavy.
(AQW 3758/08)
Mrs A Foster: Agents acting on behalf of Rose Energy PLC submitted a pre-application consultation document to Planning Service which was received on 4th January 2008. This comprised a document detailing the scope and extent of the work being conducted to support the forthcoming planning application and environmental statement. It also included a scoping checklist for the environmental statement and a site plan for the proposed plant.
Tree Protection
Mr D Ford asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to extend the protection afforded to trees within (i) designated conservation areas; (ii) proposed and designated areas of townscape character; and (iii) the settings of listed buildings.
(AQW 3759/08)
Mrs A Foster: Recent legislative changes now mean trees within a Conservation Area are afforded the same protection as those which are the subject of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Trees located within proposed and designated Areas of Townscape Character and within the curtilage of listed buildings are not afforded the same protection as trees within a Conservation Area unless they are subject to a Tree Preservation Order. However current planning policy seeks to ensure where such trees make an important visual, historic or amenity contribution to the area they should be retained and the Department will seek appropriate protection measures when processing planning applications, through the imposition of planning conditions or by making a TPO. In some instances development may be considered acceptable subject to conditions requiring new tree planting or re-planting.
Changes to legislation made in 2003 and 2006 which extended the protection afforded to trees in Conservation Areas also introduced further powers including the power to make a provisional TPO with immediate affect and enhanced enforcement powers to require replacement of trees removed without consent and I have no proposals to introduce any new legislative measures at present.
Cavanacaw Gold Mine
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the measures in place to monitor the environmental implications of the Cavanacaw gold mine, Omagh, County Tyrone, in terms of water pollution, noise, dust, and visual amenity to the immediate area and for the local community.
(AQW 3761/08)
Mrs A Foster: The ‘Gold Mine’ site at Cavanacaw outside Omagh is regulated by the Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) under two separate pieces of legislation:
(i) the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, and
(ii) the Industrial Pollution Control (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.
The site will shortly be placed on the EHS consent compliance and assessment monitoring programme to check compliance of the effluent discharge from the site against conditions of the Water Order consent.
The company was issued with an Industrial Pollution Control (IPC) Authorisation on 1 December 2005 detailing techniques that must be followed to control releases to air. The company has implemented the requirements of the Authorisation and this coupled with the fact that the process operations at site are carried out under wet conditions have minimised releases to air. The Authorisation does not however cover noise or visual amenity; noise control is a matter for councils.
Visual Amenity was one of the considerations taken into account during the Public Inquiry into the Cavanacaw Gold Mine proposal prior to planning permission being granted. If any breach of planning permission or unauthorised development is reported to Planning Service this will be investigated thoroughly and the appropriate action taken.
Civic Amenity Sites
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an assurance that all future plans for civic amenity sites are subject to an environmental impact assessment.
(AQW 3762/08)
Mrs A Foster: Waste infrastructure planning applications are subject to examination under Schedule 2 11(b) of The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999.
The consideration of waste infrastructure planning applications, such as civic amenity sites, within the EIA Regulations is effectively a 2 stage procedure. The first stage is to establish if the proposal triggers any of the applicable threshold and criteria that require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Determination to be undertaken. The applicable threshold and criteria are: (i) the disposal is by incineration; or, (ii) the area of the development exceeds 0.5 hectare; or (iii) the installation is to be sited within 100 metres of any waterway or water in underground strata or, marine waters.
If it is established that the planning application triggers any of the 3no. threshold and criteria then the Department is required to carry out an EIA Determination to establish if the planning application requires to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES). Whether or not an ES is required will be based on a number of factors including site specific considerations and the detail of the proposal. In carrying out EIA Determinations expert advice is sought in many cases from other statutory bodies.
I am therefore unable to provide you with an assurance that all future plans for civic amenity sites are subject to an environmental impact assessment since it is inevitable that some planning applications will not trigger the relevant threshold and criteria set out in Schedule 2 11(b) of The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 due to their size and location.
Drink-Driving Law
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her proposals in relation to changing the law on drink-driving.
(AQW 3780/08)
Mrs A Foster: My officials are liaising with counterparts in Great Britain about a range of measures to deter drink driving and reduce casualties.
One issue under consideration is appropriate blood alcohol limits. I have already announced that I favour a reduction in the current limits, although no decisions have been made yet. At a recent Environment Committee meeting, I discussed lowering the limit from 80mgs of alcohol per 100mls of blood to 50mgs for most drivers. This could be accompanied by a lower limit of 20mgs for inexperienced drivers, LGV drivers and motorcycle riders, in line with European Union recommendations.
Also under consideration is the possibility of random breath testing and the use of alcohol ignition interlocks.
I intend to consult shortly on these proposals and on a range of other road safety measures.
Conservation Area Guide
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement on the implementation of the Conservation Area Guide, during consideration of planning applications in conservation areas.
(AQW 3781/08)
Mrs A Foster: Conservation area guidance provides design guidelines aimed at encouraging applicants to bring forward new development proposals which are sympathetic to the existing character of the area. As such it represents important supplementary guidance to the main policy tests aimed at protecting the character and appearance of a conservation area set out in Planning Policy Statement 6 "Planning Archaeology and Built Heritage". It is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application within a conservation area.
Within the Development Plan Team in each Divisional Planning Office there is a conservation area officer whose role includes providing advice based on policy and guidance to development control staff processing planning applications in conservation areas. Planning Service also employs consultant conservation area architects to assist in the assessment of the detailed design of development proposals in conservation areas.
Tourist Accommodation
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the information the Planning Service requires from applicants in order to prove the need for tourist accommodation in the countryside.
(AQW 3816/08)
Mrs A Foster: In assessing applications for rural tourist accommodation the need for the development is material to the determination of a planning application. A range of information may be requested by my Department in order to demonstrate a need for tourist accommodation. This will be dependent on the scale and location of the development proposed and may include one or a number of the following:
- expressions of support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and other appropriate bodies such a local community groups or tourism based organisations;
- expressions of support from local elected representatives;
- a ‘Tourism Need Statement’ which would demonstrate that the development would be in the public interest in terms of inward investment and employment opportunity;
- where applicable, confirmation of grant-aid funding in order to facilitate the tourism accommodation;
- a feasibility study for consideration and assessment by the Economics Branch in the Department for Regional Development which provides this service to my Department.
Dundrum Bay
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment, prior to a decision being taken on sand extraction under licence, to confirm whether or not she will retain the crab and oyster grounds at Dundrum Bay.
(AQW 3840/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department is working closely with DARD Fisheries in order to afford the proper protection to native ecosystems in relation to any potential impacts from the current marine aggregate extraction proposal. This proposal, by the company South East Mourne Aggregate, is at the pre-application stage and is for an area outside of Dundrum Bay to the south-east. The crab and oyster grounds at Dundrum Bay should therefore not be affected.
Dundrum Bay
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the discussions she has had with fishing organisations in relation to sand extraction under licence at Dundrum Bay.
(AQW 3841/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department maintains contacts with the fishing industry through the auspices of DARD Fisheries Division. This approach is adopted because DARD Fisheries have the most up to date contact lists combined with the expertise to collate and interpret industry responses. The fishing industry has been contacted by DARD in relation to the current marine aggregate extraction proposal and they have received the Environmental Impact Assessment, although the proposal is still at pre-application stage. The industry has made significant comments to EHS through DARD and has met with DARD officials about the proposal. The DARD Minister has corresponded with me on this issue, requesting that fishing interests are fully taken into account and I have responded reassuring her that this will be the case.
Cormorants in Northern Ireland
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of cormorants in Northern Ireland in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3842/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department estimates, from the best available data, that the number of cormorants present during the past three breeding seasons and the past three winters is as follows:
Breeding Population
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
2007 |
715 |
2006 |
742 |
2005 |
754 |
Wintering Population
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
2006/07 |
3124 |
2005/06 |
3172 |
2004/05 |
3246 |
No wintering data is available yet for 2007/08.
Cormorants Culled
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of cormorants culled under licence, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3843/08)
Mrs A Foster: The number of cormorants culled under licence, in each of the last 3 years, is as follows:-
2007 – 92
2006 – 77
2005 - 63
Cormorants Culled
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of licences issued to cull cormorants, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3844/08)
Mrs A Foster: The number of licences, all for the control of cormorants for the purpose of preventing serious damage to fisheries, issued by the Department in each of the last three years is as follows:-
2007 – 19
2006 – 19
2005 - 18
Hydro-Electricity Scheme
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the reasons why a fisheries impact assessment was not required for the Hydro-Electricity Scheme on the River Camowen, Omagh.
(AQW 3849/08)
Mrs A Foster: On 14 November 2007, the Department granted full planning approval on land adjacent to the Camowen River for construction of a Hydroelectric Generation Station to provide power for Omagh College and Leisure Complex.
Given the nature of the proposed operations, the application was subject to extensive consultation with the relevant environmental agencies comprising Environment & Heritage Service – Water Management Unit; the Rivers Agency; the Foyle, Carlingford & Irish Lights Commission (the Loughs Agency); and the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure (DCAL) - Inland Fisheries.
All of these agencies ultimately replied with an opinion to approve the application.
In particular, EHS confirmed that it had carried out an Article 6 "Test of Significance" Assessment under the EC Habitats Directive 1995 which addressed the issue of fish migration and had granted the developer a licence to abstract and impound water subject to detailed operational conditions as required under the Licensing Regulations 2006.
DCAL advised that it was satisfied that adequate fishery protection measures had been included in the design, including the provision of gratings to prevent ingress of fish and alterations to the existing fish pass to ensure that a compensatory flow of water was maintained in the river.
The Loughs Agency advised that it had no objections in that the developer would seek an exemption from DCAL under the 1996 Fisheries Act which would replicate the previous agreement with the Agency restricting periods of operation to between 1 October and 31 March in any given year, apply the precautionary approach when operational and carry out a Fish Impact Assessment to the satisfaction of the Agency prior to commencement of the facility. The period of operation would also be reviewed against the findings of this Study and any similar future studies undertaken by the developer, the Agency or their agents in partnership or independently.
DCAL issued an Exemption on 10 October 2007 relating to the period of operation; a requirement that DCAL and the Loughs Agency have 24 hours access to the facility; that abstraction of water cease upon written notification from either party if operations adversely affect the fisheries of the Foyle catchment; and that the permit may be revoked at any time under the Fisheries Act 1966.
Given the above advice, the Department was satisfied with the proposed development based on its intrinsic merits and issued a planning permission on that basis.
Waste Produced
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.
(AQW 3863/08)
Mrs A Foster: The percentage of waste by the Department of the Environment that is recycled is 71%, as detailed in the Environment and Heritage Service Follow-up Waste Stream Audit Report 2006.
This compares to 34% in 2004.
Work continues throughout the Department towards its recycling target of 80% of total waste arisings by the end of 2008.
George Best Belfast City Airport
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of the Environment to provide details of the consultations that will be held with Belfast City Council, North Down Borough Council, and the public, in relation to the relaxation of the planning agreement for George Best Belfast City Airport.[R]
(AQW 3875/08)
Mrs A Foster: The George Best Belfast City Airport authorities requested a review of the 1997 Planning Agreement in July 2004 in the context of removing the seats-for-sale provision. My Department consulted widely on the proposed review, including holding an Examination in Public (EiP) in June 2006.
Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council have already been consulted as part of the initial public consultation on the proposals in 2004. Both Councils were also invited to make representations to the EiP and Council representatives attended the public hearings to present oral evidence.
Further consultation will take place with the Councils prior to finalising the review, probably through the respective planning committees.
In view of the extensive consultation already undertaken as part of the review, no further public consultation is planned.
George Best Belfast City Airport
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the level of (i) environmental impact assessments; and (ii) health impact assessments, that will be conducted ahead of any relaxation of the planning agreement for George Best Belfast City Airport.
(AQW 3876/08)
Mrs A Foster: The planning application for the existing terminal building was subjected to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was an important consideration in granting permission in 1999. Any further planning application for expansion of the airport including the proposed runway extension would also be subjected to an EIA.
The EIA addresses all aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development, including any health impacts. Agencies such as the NI Health & Safety Executive and the Environmental Health Department of Belfast City Council would also be consulted to ensure that these issues are properly addressed.
No separate additional EIA is considered necessary in relation to the review of the 1997 Planning Agreement.
Planning Applications
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment what her assessment is of the number of planning applications that have been approved for apartments along the Old Shore Road, Carrickfergus, in the last 5 years.
(AQW 3905/08)
Mrs A Foster: In the last five years, that is 2003 to 2007 inclusive, four planning applications involving apartments have been approved along Old Shore Road, Carrickfergus.
Plastic Carrier Bags
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm whether or not her department has any plans to introduce legislation to discourage the use of plastic carrier bags.
(AQW 3914/08)
Mrs A Foster: There are currently no plans to introduce legislation to discourage the use of plastic carrier bags.
Plastic Carrier Bags and Litter
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to provide a timescale within which she will impose a levy on plastic carrier bags; and to detail the action she is taking to reduce the amount of litter created by take-away restaurants.
(AQW 3919/08)
Mrs A Foster: There are currently no plans to introduce a levy on plastic carrier bags.
District Councils already have significant powers available to them under the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 to deal with litter in all of its forms. District Councils can issue Street Litter Control Notices to prevent a build up of litter in certain areas, for example, areas outside certain shops or fast food outlets. These impose requirements on occupiers of premises to keep the area clean.
Under the Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda my officials have considered options for making the process surrounding the issue of Street Litter Control Notices more effective to help to reduce the problems of litter generated by fast food outlets and other businesses. However, primary legislation preceded by consultation work with key interested stakeholders will be required to implement any stronger and more effective legislative provisions for District Councils.
The Programme for Government sets out an ambitious programme for my Department and I am currently considering when to introduce Clean Neighbourhoods legislation in the light of the range of key goals set for my Department.
Motorcycle Track at Nutts Corner
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 294/08, to detail how her department has monitored the racetrack over the past 5 months; and to provide an update on the continued development at this site.
(AQW 3958/08)
Mrs A Foster: Planning Service Enforcement officers have surveyed and mapped the subject site. These investigations confirm that the race track is making use of the long established features of the old air field, and as a consequence there is no breach of operational development taking place.
To date, my Department has no substantive evidence to suggest that the permitted development rights available to the race organisers are being exceeded.
Coastal and Marine Forum
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the work carried out by the Coastal and Marine Forum with regard to Rathlin Island.
(AQW 3983/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Northern Ireland Coastal and Marine Forum, in partnership with my officials, is engaging with local and other bodies to determine the viability of employing a temporary development officer for Rathlin Island. It is intended that this officer would promote the island in terms of economic benefit, environmental awareness and social well-being to assist and sustain the island community.
Lough Neagh Water
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3502/08, to confirm whether or not the Rose Energy company's proposals for a chicken waste plant will be located in an area of scenic beauty or high scenic value.
(AQW 4047/08)
Mrs A Foster: I can confirm that the site for the proposed development lies within an Area of High Scenic Value as set out in the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015.
Quarrying
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to the answer to AQW 3504/08, to confirm how long the quarrying in the Belfast hills will continue under existing planning permissions.
(AQW 4048/08)
Mrs A Foster: This question has been asked and answered several times in the past. I can only repeat that as far as my Department is concerned the existing planning permissions are valid, and allow the quarry to remain open until the reserves are exhausted. Closure cannot be dictated by the Department of the Environment, and this question can only be answered by Whitemountain Quarries Ltd as it will depend on the rate of extraction.
The draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (BMAP) recognises that the ‘Belfast Hills’ are a striking landscape feature which provide Belfast City with its unique natural setting. The ‘Hills’ are regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s finest assets and as such are designated in BMAP as greenbelt, an Area of High Scenic Value and an Area of Constraint on Mineral Development in order to protect the setting of the Metropolitan Urban Area.
However, the draft Plan acknowledges the role minerals development has in the provision of employment and meeting the needs of the construction industry. However, it also recognises the significant impact that quarrying can have on the countryside and the need for a sustainable approach that protects and conserves the countryside. With this in mind Policy COU 8 of draft BMAP proposes that planning permission will not be granted for extraction and/or processing of minerals within the Area of Constraint on Minerals Development. (ACMD)
The Department has also introduced legislation through the Planning (Reform) Northern Ireland (Order) 2006 to carry out an initial review of old mineral permissions (ROMPS) in line with the rest of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This review will not provide the Department with powers to close an existing working quarry through the refusal of planning permission. It will, however, provide the Department with greater control on established quarries by reviewing their planning conditions and ensuring that these are updated in line with current legislation and working practises.
Motor Tax Evasion
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the total revenue lost as a result of motor tax evasion, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 4090/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Department for Transport (DfT) annual survey of evasion of vehicle excise duty produces only one measure for Northern Ireland, which is the rate of evasion "in traffic" (i.e. effectively the rate observed at the roadside). The size of the survey does not provide sufficient data to enable statistically valid estimates of the amount of revenue lost as a result of evasion in Northern Ireland. I am setting out below the rate of evasion in traffic and the amount of vehicle excise duty collected in each of the last 3 years. However, DfT have stated that due to improved methods of collecting data in the 2007 evasion survey, the 2007 estimates are the first data point in a new statistical series and are not directly comparable with earlier years.
Vehicle Excise Duty Collected in NI
2004/05 £122million
2005/06 £130million
2006/07 £134million
Rate of Evasion of Vehicle Excise Duty in Traffic in NI
2005 5.4%
2006 5.0%
2007 2.3%
Electricity Interconnector
Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what recent contact she has had with Northern Ireland Electricity, in relation to a planning application for the North-South electricity interconnector.
(AQO 2069/08)
Mrs A Foster: I have not had any contact with NIE in relation to this matter. However, my officials in Planning Service’s Environmental Unit have had meetings with NIE at its request in October 2005, February 2006, September 2007 and February 2008. The meetings took the form of pre-application discussions and dealt with the need for an environmental statement to accompany a planning application, the content of the environmental statement and the final presentation of the planning application, which is expected in April. Our involvement to date does not compromise our regulatory role when the application is received.
Affordable Housing
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an update on initiatives she is taking to ensure that private sector developers make a greater contribution to the provision of social and affordable housing.
(AQO 2039/08)
Mrs A Foster: In my previous answer to Mr Burns [AQO 1468/08] on 25 January 2008 I indicated that responsibility for PPS 12: Housing in Settlements had transferred to my Department from the Department for Regional Development on 15 January. I recognise the importance of the review of PPS 12 in relation to Affordable Housing, in particular the need for developer contributions and I have now asked my officials to liaise with colleagues across departments to consider in detail how best to progress this matter, including the practical and operational issues arising. Due to the cross cutting nature of the policy, discussion with my Executive colleagues will be required.
Flooding Damage
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to assist the residents of Venton Lawns in Laurelvale following the damage done to their homes due to the flooding on 21 January 2008.
(AQO 2002/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance to District Councils, which was established by the Department of the Environment in June 2007 to deal with widespread flooding across Northern Ireland, closed on 12 September 2007. In accordance with the terms of the Scheme, any applications from councils for incidents that occurred after that date are ineligible for payment.
I intend to consider the lessons learned from the Scheme and look at the possibility of introducing a new scheme and whether such a scheme could extend to those affected by flooding incidents that have occurred since 12 September 2007.
Planning Service
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (i) her timetable for reform of the Planning Service, including a target date for its completion; and (ii) the finances that it will be allocated up to 2010-11.
(AQO 2023/08)
Mrs A Foster: In November 2007 I announced that I intended to bring forward proposals for reform of the planning system in Northern Ireland. Although the question refers to the Planning Service, it is important to note that the reform programme will go well beyond the Agency and will relate to the entire planning system.
(i) In relation to the timetable, I would advise that reform of the planning system will be a continuous process over the short, medium and long term and will therefore not have a definitive target completion date. However, there are a number of key milestones and targets towards which we are working, not least of which are our PSA commitments.
Short term reform measures currently underway are focusing on helping to tackle workload pressures and producing early improvements in efficiency and effectiveness in the handling of planning applications. A number of the measures are being taken forward as pilots, with projects running until March 2008, at which point they will be reviewed and consideration will be given to whether to roll them out more widely across Planning Service Divisions.
For the medium to longer term, the reform programme will focus on more comprehensive changes to the planning system. These phases of the work will involve research and policy development, public and stakeholder engagement, formal consultation on the emerging proposals, and legislative change. The changes that do not require legislative provision will be rolled out between now and March 2011. For those requiring legislative change, our PSA commitment is to bring forward the relevant legislation by March 2011.
A detailed timetable has been prepared for phase 1 of the work, which runs until summer 2008 and will culminate in the publication of reform proposals for public consultation.
(ii) In addition to the work that is being done within existing resources to re-engineer the planning process to make it more efficient and effective, the budget recently approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly included an allocation to the reform programme over the next 3 years of - £2,150,000 in 2008/09, £150,000 in 2009/10 and £250,000 in 2010/11.
Dundrum Bay
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment whether or not she has received inquiries in relation to sand extraction under licence for Dundrum Bay; and to detail the companies that submitted these inquiries.
(AQO 2030/08)
Mrs A Foster: Assuming you are referring to marine aggregate extraction, I can confirm that my Department is dealing with a single proposal from a company called South East Mourne Aggregate to extract 300,000 tonnes of marine sand and gravel per annum over a 30 year period. The proposal is for an area immediately south of Dundrum Bay and was initiated in 2000. It is still at the pre-application stage and no licence has been issued.
Review of Public Administration
Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment has she made of the willingness of departments to transfer functions to local government under the Review of Public Administration.
(AQO 2022/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Emerging Findings of the review of local government aspects of the RPA that I published on 19 October 2007 set out my Ministerial colleagues’ initial positions on the functions that they considered should transfer to local government. Responses to the Emerging Findings paper submitted to my Department and collated from the focused process of engagement with stakeholders, and the views expressed by Members of this House during the Take Note debate on 13 November 2007 were shared with relevant Executive colleagues and the Executive Sub Committee during late November and December. I have been working closely with my Ministerial colleagues since then to consider those responses and agree a way forward, particularly in relation to the set of function that should transfer to local government.
Bog Meadows Nature Reserve
Mr F McCann asked the Minister of the Environment to outline her departmental expenditure on the conservation and development of the Bog Meadows Nature Reserve, in each of the last three years.
(AQO 2033/08)
Mrs A Foster: I am fully aware of the importance of the Bog Meadows Local Nature Reserve as a haven for wildlife which local people can visit and enjoy. I am pleased that my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service has provided financial support to the Ulster Wildlife Trust which manages the site as part of its wider Nature Reserves programme.
This support, at an average of 49% of management costs, amounted to approximately £5.5k in the current year and £8.5k in each of the two previous financial years. This money is directly used for conservation works and the employment of a warden at the Bog Meadows. Further support of some £70k has also been provided during the current financial year towards the Trust’s Education and Awareness programmes, part of which is to introduce young people to open spaces such as the Bog Meadows.
Affordable Housing
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to implement a fast-tracking system for progressing major social and affordable housing scheme applications through the existing planning system.
(AQO 1990/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Programme for Government refers to a six month target being applied to large scale planning proposals. These are proposals which are considered to have significant economic or social implications for the whole or a substantial part of Northern Ireland – which may include applications for major social and affordable housing schemes, depending on their scale and local significance. Such applications – normally more than 300 units - will be handled by the Strategic Projects Division of Planning Service and the six month target will apply provided there have been pre-application discussions with an agreed outcome.
Within the Strategic Projects Division I have recently agreed to the creation of two multi-disciplinary teams –teams which are comprised of planning staff as well as professionals from other relevant disciplines – to help to further enhance the efficiency of the service that is provided. I am hopeful these multi-disciplinary teams will be in place by Spring of this year.
Where a planning application for a major social and affordable housing scheme is not handled by the Strategic Projects Division – for reasons relating to its scale and local significance – priority will still be given to the application in terms of the staff resources and active case management that are applied to its processing. We have committed to formal pre-application discussions for all Housing Association applications.
My officials have also published guidance for prospective developers/applicants on pre-application discussions. This will assist in the development of procedures for meaningful pre-application engagement between the Planning Service, our key consultees – some of whom will be represented in our multi-disciplinary teams – and applicants and their agents. As part of the pre-application discussions, an indicative timescale for processing the application will be provided. Clearly, if this is to be a success in terms of speeding up the process there will be obligations on everyone involved in the planning process, including applicants and agents, through a mutual commitment to improve the quality of applications before they are submitted and maximise the prospects of getting through the statutory process quickly.
FINANCE AND PERSONNEL
Government Spending
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail Government spending, broken down by county, on (i) oil; (ii) diesel; and (iii) electricity for (a) 2005; (b) 2006; and (c) the first 6 months of 2007.
(AQW 2871/08)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): The table attached provides information on oil, diesel and electricity spending in 2005/2006, 2006/2007 and the first 6 months of 2007/2008.
A breakdown by County could only be provided at disproportionate expense.
| Fuel Type | 2005 - 2006 | 2006 - 2007 | 2007 - 2008 (6 mths) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil (heating) | 15,624 | 14,907 | 2,197 |
| Diesel (vehicles) | 15,191 | 15,628 | 3,461 |
| Electricity | 56,074 | 66,325 | 12,728 |
Notes
- All amounts are in £k and are for full financial year 05/06, full financial year 06/07 and first 6 months 07/08.
- Oil is the total amount spent on heating oil for buildings.
- Diesel is the total amount spent on diesel for vehicles; there may be a slight discrepancy in these figures as several Departments were unable to separate diesel and petrol charges and have included both.
- Electricity is the total amount spent on electricity for buildings.
- DHSSPS were unable to provide any figures for 2007 – 2008.
- DRD were unable to provide any Water Service figures for 2007 – 2008.
Bond Financing
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is his assessment of the role Bond Financing could play in assisting the economy.
(AQW 3565/08)
Mr P Robinson: The use of bond finance has the potential to lever in additional funding to Northern Ireland for investment in public sector infrastructure.
While the use of such additional funding would involve the need to make a return on the bond, and thus must be considered in the context of the wider social and/or economic return to be derived from the investment, as a key driver of increased productivity such investment would have a positive role in terms of assisting the economy.
However, the present financial framework within the UK precludes the use of bond finance by the Executive, and thus prior Treasury agreement would be needed before this issue could be pursued. I am currently considering the merits of such an approach.
Debt Recovery
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the outstanding (i) domestic debt; and (ii) non-domestic debt, from the 2006-07 rating round; and to outline the progress made in recovering this debt.
(AQW 3641/08)
Mr P Robinson: The total rating debt (arrears) for the 2006/07 rating year amounted to £88.3M.
The outstanding debt for 2006/07 at the 11 February has been reduced to £42.3M . Of this total £15.8M relates to the domestic sector and £26.5M to the non-domestic sector.
Land and Property Services continues to pursue the recovery and collection of all outstanding rating debt.
Rating Appeals
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the number of domestic valuations for rating purposes that are still under appeal; and (ii) the date on which these appeals will be completed.
(AQW 3644/08)
Mr P Robinson: In 2006/07 some 28,000 domestic ratepayers asked for an informal review of their capital value. Those reviews still outstanding at 31 March 2007 (around 13,200) were taken forward by Land and Property Services as formal reviews. These original challenges were all completed by 30 November 2007.
Since 1 April 2007, around 4,000 new applications for review have been received by the District Valuers; of these, some 1,800 have also been completed and 2,200 are currently in progress. Land and Property Services aims to have the majority of these applications completed within the next three months.
Some of these reviews, together with some new assessments have been referred on appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation with 465 appeals currently ongoing. However, as applications to the District Valuer and appeals to the Commissioner of Valuation are lodged and completed on an ongoing basis, there can not be a definite date when all such cases will be completed.
Capital Assets
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the capital assets, and their value, that have been sold in each the last 5 years, for which approval was (i) granted; and (ii) refused, by HM Treasury, for the local re-investment of the proceeds of the sales.
(AQW 3646/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Statement of Funding Policy sets out the role of HM Treasury regarding the retention of Capital Receipts by the Northern Ireland Executive.
The provisions of the Statement of Funding Policy prior to the Chancellor’s Financial acted as a dis-incentive to the disposal of assets by Northern Ireland Executive Departments, and no approvals for asset sales were sought over the past five years.
However, as a result of the position negotiated in the Chancellor’s Financial Package the Northern Ireland Executive is now able to automatically retain the full value of planned asset sales, with the exception of proceeds from privatisation.
Death Certificates
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to review the use of the term 'Death by Hanging' on death certificates that are issued to families of suicide victims.
(AQW 3698/08)
Mr P Robinson: It is not the responsibility of my Department to review the terms used for cause of death. If the death is from unnatural causes, as is the case in death by hanging, the doctor or PSNI officer reports the death to the coroner and the coroner determines the cause of death on evidence provided by a pathologist. The district registrar is legally bound to record the cause of death as stated by the coroner.
Physical Punishment of Children
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the substantive legal position in relation to physical punishment of children.
(AQW 3749/08)
Mr P Robinson: I am assuming that this is a request to detail the law relating to the defence of reasonable punishment. That defence arises in the context of criminal proceedings and is, therefore, a matter for the Northern Ireland Office.
Government Land Sales
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline his policy on ring-fencing money raised from land sales by Government departments, for the use of the department that owned the land.
(AQW 3782/08)
Mr P Robinson: The money raised from lands sales by government departments is not ring-fenced for the use of the department that owned the land.
All monies arising from the disposals of assets are a matter for the Executive to consider either as part of the budget or in-year monitoring processes.
It would be counterproductive if additional funding raised from the disposal of assets were to be ring-fenced for the use of the department which formerly ‘owned’ the asset as the departments with the greater need for additional funding are not always those with the greatest potential to realise capital assets.
In-Year Monitoring Rounds
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give his assessment of his ability to address unforeseen or changing demands from in-year monitoring rounds in the context of a commitment of first call of resources up to £20 million per annum to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
(AQW 3792/08)
Mr P Robinson: There are a broad range of factors which will impact upon the ability of the Executive to address unforeseen or changing demands from in-year monitoring rounds.
These include the level of over-commitment and Departmental allocations agreed during previous Budgets rounds. In addition, the level of reduced requirements declared by Departments, particularly in the early part of the year, will increase the amounts available to meet pressures.
The Executive has adopted a balanced approach with respect to the Budget decision to allow the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to have first call on resources up to £20 million as part of the in-year monitoring process. This commitment will allow the Department to plan to deliver more service improvements than it otherwise would have been able, without increasing the level of over-commitment at Block level to an unsustainable level.
Economic Research Institute
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to report on the comments received by the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ERINI) in response to the draft Budget 2008-2011 in relation to its proposals regarding the level of the regional rate.
(AQW 3799/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Executive’s draft Budget was launched in the Assembly on 25 October 2007 and included provision for a cash terms freeze in domestic Regional Rates and a real terms freeze in terms of non-domestic Regional Rates.
The approach adopted by the Executive balanced the need to provide appropriate levels of funding for public services, against the significant pressures faced by local households in the context of the significant increases in domestic Regional Rates experienced in recent years.
In its response to the draft Budget, the Economic Research Institute for Northern Ireland (ERINI) suggested that the Executive should reconsider its position on domestic Regional Rates. This was on the basis that holding domestic Regional Rates constant in cash terms was inconsistent with the principle of parity and hence would weaken the NI Executive’s negotiating position in seeking additional funds from Treasury. In addition, a reduction in Regional Rates was deemed regressive whilst the funding from a moderate increase would address some of the pressures from the draft Budget.
In terms of parity, the approach taken by the NI Executive is similar to that in England and Scotland in terms of Regional Rates whilst there is an inconsistency in ERINI putting forward the case for a reduction in the rate of Corporation Tax, and then calling for the level of taxation on local households to be increased.
Whilst, increasing the level of Regional Rates could potentially provide additional resources for Departments, significantly more can be achieved through improved efficiency in the public sector rather than further increasing the burden on households.
The revised Budget unanimously agreed by the Executive on 21 January 2008 and passed by the Assembly on 29 January 2008 provides significant additional funding for public services without the need to increase the Regional Rate.
Council for Voluntary Action
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to report on the comments received by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) in response to the draft Budget 2008-2011 in relation to its proposals regarding the level of the regional rate.
(AQW 3800/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Executive’s draft Budget was launched in the Assembly on 25 October 2007 and included provision for a cash terms freeze in domestic Regional Rates and a real terms freeze in terms of non-domestic Regional Rates.
The approach adopted by the Executive balanced the need to provide appropriate levels of funding for public services, against the significant pressures faced by local households in the context of the significant increases in domestic Regional Rates experienced in recent years.
The need to reduce the taxation burden has been recognised more generally by the UK Government in terms of the overall outcome from the Comprehensive Spending Review and by the Scottish Government in its commitment to not increase Council Taxes in the coming years.
In its response to the Executive’s draft Budget, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action stated its view that those on higher incomes would benefit most from the Executive’s approach to Regional Rates, whilst the funding from a moderate increase could be used to enhance provision with respect to Health, the Arts and Social Housing. This approach fails to recognise the large numbers of low income working households in Northern Ireland who struggle to meet the costs of rates bills, on top of rising costs in other areas, and hence will derive significant benefit from the approach adopted by the Executive.
Whilst, increasing the level of Regional Rates could potentially provide additional resources for Departments, significantly more can be achieved through improved efficiency in the public sector rather than further increasing the burden on households.
The revised Budget unanimously agreed by the Executive on 21 January 2008 and passed by the Assembly on 29 January 2008 provides significant additional funding for the public services specified by NICVA without the need to increase the Regional Rate.
Confederation of British Industry
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to report on the comments received by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in response to the draft Budget 2008-2011 in relation to its proposals regarding the level of the regional rate.
(AQW 3802/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Executive’s draft Budget was launched in the Assembly on 25 October 2007 and included provision for a cash terms freeze in domestic Regional Rates and a real terms freeze in terms of non-domestic Regional Rates.
The approach adopted by the Executive balanced the need to provide appropriate levels of funding for public services, against the significant pressures faced by local households in the context of the significant increases in domestic Regional Rates experienced in recent years.
In its response to the Executive’s draft Budget, the Confederation of British Industry welcomed the commitment to limit non-domestic Regional Rate increases to 2.7%, in recognition of the significant costs faced by the business sector over the Budget period. The organisation also suggested that there would be merit in the same rate of growth being applied to the domestic Regional Rate in order to provide additional resources for public services.
The need to reduce the taxation burden has been recognised more generally by the UK Government in terms of the overall outcome from the Comprehensive Spending Review and by the Scottish Government in its commitment to not increase Council Taxes in the coming years.
Almost 10,000 submissions were received in response to the public consultation process on the draft Budget and associated Programme for Government and Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland. Although a broad range of issues were identified the main themes resolved around the need for additional funding for specific areas. The revised Budget document agreed unanimously in the Executive on 21 January 2008 and passed in the Assembly a week later included increased support for Mental Health, the Arts, Libraries, Victims, and Children & Young People, representing a positive response to the main issues raised in the public consultation.
Whilst, increasing the level of Regional Rates could potentially provide additional resources for Departments, significantly more can be achieved through improved efficiency in the public sector rather than further increasing the burden on households.
Child Care Vouchers Scheme
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether or not he can confirm that the Northern Ireland Civil Service will implement the Child Care Vouchers Scheme in early 2008, and if so, will he provide a specific date by which it will be fully implemented.
(AQW 3815/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Northern Ireland Civil Service is committed to introducing a salary sacrifice childcare voucher scheme and work has been underway for sometime to ensure that it can be delivered as part of the new payroll system which will become operational later this year. The new system is in the final stages of development and testing and is likely to be introduced before the summer.
Waste Produced
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the percentage of waste produced by each department across the Northern Ireland Civil Service that is recycled.
(AQW 3865/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Department of Finance and Personnel operates a Waste Management Action Plan requiring each DFP building, to have an individual action plan which seeks to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. The attached table details the waste streams recycled on the various sites across the Department.
| Paper | Cardboard | Magazines /Phone Books | Furniture / Refurbishment / Donated to Charity | Electrical Equipment | Metal Products - Drink / Food Cans | Photocopier Toner Cartridges / Printer Cartridges | Mobile Phones | Polystyrene / Plastic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rathgael House | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Craigantlet Buildings | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Rosepark Annex | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 0% |
| Victoria Hall | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| McAuley House | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0% | 100% |
| VLA Ballymena | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| VLA Lisburn | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 0% |
| Queens Court | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% |
| Londonderry House | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Lincoln Buildings | 100% | 80% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% |
| RCA Portadown | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Boaz House | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| River House | 100% | 45% | 60% | 100% | 100% | 55% | 65% | 100% | 60% |
| Clare House | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Security Guard HQ | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| PD Stores | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 100% | 0% |
| Rosepark Workshops | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Goodwood House | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 0% |
| Bankmore House | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Royston House | 100% | 0% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 0% |
| Academy House | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Oxford House | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Waste Streams Recycled on the Various Sites across DFP
Civil Service Job Losses
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to list the number of civil service job losses anticipated over the next three years, broken down by department.
(AQW 3870/08)
Mr P Robinson: The number of Civil Service post reductions anticipated over the next three years to deliver cash-releasing savings of 3% a year, including a 5% per annum real-terms reduction in administration costs, is not known at this time. Government Departments are in the process of developing for publication their Efficiency Delivery Plans which will set out how they will achieve their efficiency targets, and it is anticipated that information on the extent of reductions will be known at that time.
Current estimates of reductions in staffing levels, over the next 3 years, in connection with the ongoing reform agenda and the Review of Public Administration, suggest an overall reduction of some 1900 full-time equivalent posts. The following table shows a breakdown by Department.
Estimated RPA & Reform Agenda Reductions (FTE)
2008/09 – 2010/11 as at 1st January 2008
| Department | * Review of Public Administration | Reform Agenda (Human Resources & Accommodation) | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
DARD |
0 |
66.6 |
66.6 |
DCAL |
-10 |
1 |
-9 |
DE |
193 |
29.4 |
222.4 |
DEL |
0 |
9 |
9 |
DETI |
0 |
42 |
42 |
DFP |
0 |
140 |
140 |
DHSSPS |
249 |
33 |
282 |
DOE |
600 |
15 |
615 |
DRD |
202 |
152.9 |
354.9 |
DSD |
0 |
182 |
182 |
OFMDFM |
0 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
1234 |
670.9 |
1904.9 |
* Figures represent estimated number of staff transferring to new Public Sector employers.
Minus figure represents an increase.
Varney I Report into Northern Ireland Tax Policy
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to make a statement to the Assembly in relation to the outcome of the Varney I Report into Northern Ireland Tax Policy.
(AQW 3877/08)
Mr P Robinson: I have already expressed, in the Assembly, my disappointment at the outcome of the Varney 1 Report though I have always urged caution in terms of expectations in this Review. The report does however provide useful analytical material on the dynamics of the Northern Ireland economy.
Varney I Report into Northern Ireland Tax Policy
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to publish a comprehensive rebuttal of the Varney I Report into Northern Ireland Tax Policy.
(AQW 3879/08)
Mr P Robinson: Executive Ministers have been invited to engage with Sir David Varney as part of his second review into the competitiveness of the Northern Ireland economy. This will afford Ministers the opportunity to register concerns relating to the findings presented in the first Varney Report. I will be conveying my concerns over the initial findings directly to Sir David Varney at meetings over the coming weeks.
Economically Active People
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the percentage of economically active people, that both live and work in the Foyle constituency; and to detail the parliamentary constituency, other than Foyle, that has the largest percentage of economically active who live in the Foyle constituency working in it.
(AQW 3898/08)
Mr P Robinson: At the time of the 2001 Census there were 41,523 economically active people resident in Foyle constituency, of whom 36,225 were in employment and 5,298 were unemployed. Of those in employment, 31,217 (86 percent) worked in the Foyle constituency. A further 1,495 (4 percent of those in employment) worked in the East Londonderry constituency.
Assembly Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the number of written Assembly Questions he has received since May 2007; and (ii) the average length of time it takes his department to respond.
(AQW 3907/08)
Mr P Robinson: I have received a total of 201 written Assembly questions between the 8th May 2007 and the 31st January 2008. The average length of time taken by my Department to respond was 6.4 days per question.
Communication Access
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the facilities which allow hard of hearing and deaf people to access services provided by the department; (ii) the format or method of communication involved; and (iii) how deaf and hard of hearing people are made aware of the services available and how to access them.
(AQW 3989/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Department’s main areas of contact with customers are recruitment, statistical research and services such as registration of births, deaths and marriages, land and property issues and the provision of government buildings.
In all these areas the Department provides appropriate facilities such as induction loop systems, textphones, signers, pagers and alerters depending on the nature of the service to the customer and or member of staff.
Customers and staff are made aware of these services through a variety of methods, such as information booklets, customer information leaflets, training and awareness sessions and through the publication of our Disability Action plan. This is available at http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/pub-ps-dfp-draft-disability-action-plan.
Mullaghglass Landfill Site
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to indicate what provision exists for home owners, living near Mullaghglass landfill site, to receive a reduction in their rates.
(AQW 4083/08)
Mr P Robinson: Ratepayers living near the Mullaghglass landfill site may apply to the District Valuer (Lisburn) within Land and Property Services for revision of their capital value rating assessments.
Some 37 ratepayers in this locality have already received reductions ranging from 20% to 25%, to reflect the impact of the landfill site, following applications to the District Valuer.
Some of these ratepayers have invoked the next stage of the appeals process and are currently awaiting the decision of the Commissioner of Valuation
Assembly Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of written Assembly questions he has answered each month, since May 2007.
(AQW 4096/08)
Mr P Robinson: The table below details the written Assembly questions answered since May 2007.
| May 2007 | 13 |
| June 2007 | 27 |
| July 2007 | 29 |
| August 2007 | 0 |
| September 2007 | 8 |
| October 2007 | 31 |
| November 2007 | 20 |
| December 2007 | 30 |
| January 2008 | 18 |
| TOTAL | 176 |
Multiple Deprivation
Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the top twenty most deprived wards, according to the index of multiple deprivation.
(AQO 2051/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measures were published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency in May 2005.
Based on the overall multiple deprivation measure, the twenty most deprived electoral wards in Northern Ireland are:
Ardoyne, Ballymacarrett, Brandywell, Clonard, Creggan Central, Creggan South, Crumlin, Duncairn, the East ward in Strabane, Falls, New Lodge, Shankill, The Diamond, The Mount, Twinbrook, Upper Springfield, Water Works, Westland, Whiterock and Woodvale.
Under-Representation of Protestants
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the progress being made in addressing the under-representation of Protestants amongst those being recruited to the general service grades of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
(AQO 1945/08)
Mr P Robinson: The most recent competitions at Administrative Assistant and Administrative Officer levels have shown a significant increase in the proportion of applications from Protestants compared to previous competitions. At both levels the proportion of applications from Protestants has been closer to that which would be expected given the profile of the Northern Ireland workforce.
Departmental Capital Allocations
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what role his department played in determining departmental capital allocations in relation to the Budget.
(AQO 1973/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Strategic Investment Board was responsible for working with departments to identify capital programmes/ projects for inclusion in the Investment Strategy. My officials were kept informed of these negotiations and advised on the overall resource availability.
My department was responsible for taking on board concerns raised during the consultation process on the Draft Budget and ensuring that the revised Budget and Investment Strategy addressed these where possible.
Efficiency Targets
Mr D Burnside asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the contingency plans that are in place in relation to those departments that fail to meet their efficiency targets, in the present three year budgetary cycle.
(AQO 1976/08)
Mr P Robinson: As part of the recent Budget process, the Executive agreed the need for Northern Ireland Departments to deliver 3% per annum cash releasing efficiency savings. This will provide additional spending power to Departments over the next three years to improve the level and quality of services provided to local people.
It is the responsibility of individual Ministers to determine how their respective Departments will deliver against this target whilst the publication of Efficiency Delivery Plans will provide assurance that this is being taken forward in a strategic manner.
In addition to setting out the actions Departments will take to deliver the savings and accountability arrangements, the EDPs also specify the key risks and interdependencies to implementation as well as the associated contingencies.
Varney Report
Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to report on the development of the second Varney Report.
(AQO 2019/08)
Mr P Robinson: Sir David Varney has requested individual meetings with Executive Ministers with a key role in delivering economic development policy in Northern Ireland. These meetings will take place over the next few weeks. Ministers will then have the opportunity to submit evidence to Sir David under a covering Executive paper. This Executive paper will reiterate the importance that we place upon economic development within our Programme for Government.
Civil Service Relocation Policy
Mr A McFarland asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what analysis he has made of the recent change in the Civil Service Relocation policy by the Scottish Executive.
(AQO 1978/08)
Mr P Robinson: I have not had the opportunity to analyse the changes personally but I understand that the new relocation policy is now much more aligned with asset management and the need to demonstrate efficiencies and value for money. It is a very interesting development particularly as the Scottish experience of relocation is relatively mature. I believe their original strategy was announced in the late 1990s.
I would therefore expect the review team that has been established by the Executive to look at what has happened in Scotland as well as the lessons to be learned from England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Reform of the Education Sector
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the provision made in the Budget for the costs of reforming the education sector.
(AQO 2028/08)
Mr P Robinson: The 2008-2011 Budget increases current expenditure on education from £1.72 billion this year to £1.96 billion in 2010-11, an increase of 14.1% over the period. Under the Investment Strategy 2008-2018 there will also be some £3.5 billion available for capital investment in the education estate over the next 10 years, with some £0.7 billion available over the 3 year Budget period.
Decisions concerning the allocation of the provision made available in the Budget to the education sector are the responsibility of the Minister for Education, who is currently considering the detailed distribution of resources across education services, including those areas which relate to reform. DFP approval will be required for any expenditure proposals which arise and are outside the existing delegation arrangements
Location of Public Sector Jobs
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what his assessment is of the review of the location of public sector jobs.
(AQO 1962/08)
Mr P Robinson: The review was unanimously approved by the Executive as a means of helping Ministers to come to an agreed approach on the whole issue of dispersal. I welcome the review and I believe it is an opportune time to consider the distribution of public sector jobs in light of the Executive’s clearly stated priority of encouraging private sector investment and growing the economy. We can therefore use the review positively and I look forward to seeing the team’s findings in due course.
Civil Servants Employed
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his plans to set targets in relation to the number of civil servants employed in Northern Ireland.
(AQO 1972/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Executive’s Budget, which was approved by the Assembly on 29 January, includes a target for the Northern Ireland Civil Service to deliver year on year efficiencies amounting to 5% of administration costs in each of the three years covered by the Budget period. Each Department is in the process of developing for publication its Efficiency Delivery Plan which will set out how it is to achieve its efficiency targets, and it is anticipated that these plans will result in reductions in staff numbers.
Irish Language Speakers
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of Irish language speakers, according to the last census, who 'speak, read, write and understand Irish'.
(AQO 2049/08)
Mr P Robinson: Of those aged 3 and above at the time of the 2001 Census, 75,125 people indicated that they could speak, read, write and understand Irish. This represents 4.6% of all those who were aged 3 and above.
Efficiency Savings
Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) his department's plans to deliver the 3% year on year efficiency savings over the next three years; and (ii) the staffing implications of those plans.
(AQO 1991/08)
Mr P Robinson: My department has identified, and is committed to delivering, cash-releasing efficiencies of at least £14.8m by 2010-11.
Detailed Efficiency Delivery Plans are currently being finalised. However my department has targeted a range of areas in order to generate cash-releasing efficiencies including:
- Maximising receipts and extending charging in respect of services provided by DFP, particularly to non-NICS customers;
- Realising potential savings from the release of accommodation following ‘Fit for Purpose’ staff reductions (target of 2,300 posts) across the NICS;
- Efficiency targets for Land and Property Services;
- Targeted GAE and staffing reviews across the Department; and,
- Recognition of costs recovered in respect of rate collection.
At this stage, my department anticipates reductions in staffing levels in the order of 75 to 100 posts over the three-year Budget period.
Senior Civil Servants
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of senior civil servants in each of the last ten years.
(AQO 2046/08)
Mr P Robinson: The number of senior civil servants in the eleven Departments and their Agencies is as follows:
Year |
NI Depts |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 207 |
| 1999 | 207 |
| 2000 | 209 |
| 2001 | 217 |
| 2002 | 227 |
| 2003 | 218 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 237 |
| 2006 | 226 |
| 2007 | 227 |
HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Afterschools Programmes
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not he will allocate an additional 12 months funding until January 2009 to afterschools programmes, in order to sustain them until responsibility is transferred to the Department of Education.
(AQW 3506/08)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): Policy responsibility for early years and childcare functions, which includes afterschool services, has already transferred to the Department of Education since November 2006. It is therefore for the Department of Education to determine the future funding position of these programmes.
DHSSPS involvement since November 2006 has been solely to act as a funding mechanism for the support of After-School provision with regard to CYPP monies. This funding arrangement and DHSSPS remit was to cease on 31 March 2008, but as a special measure I have extended funding to after-school groups from my own resources until on 30 June 2008 to reflect the end of the school year.
Regional Suicide Prevention Helpline
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the criteria used to select the provider of the new Regional Suicide Prevention Helpline.
(AQW 3650/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Tender for the provision of the new Regional 24/7 Crisis Response Helpline for Northern Ireland was managed by the Central Procurement Directorate’s Supplies and Services Division, in accordance with the standard public service procurement procedures.
The criteria used to evaluate the tenders were as follows: -
- Proposed Approach for Service Provision: including capacity, emergency intervention arrangements, and ability to meet performance standards and all mandatory clinical and safety standards.
- Previous Relevant Experience: including experience of providing a helpline type service and experience in providing support to vulnerable/suicidal people.
- Cost.
Relative Needs Per Capita
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the effectiveness of targets to address the gap in terms of relative needs per capita, between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.
(AQW 3667/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Budget settlement for the CSR period here is based on the settlement Northern Ireland receives from HM Treasury, which uses the Barnett formula to allocate resources to Northern Ireland. This formula does not take account of differential need and so a substantial needs gap remains, as was also assessed by Professor Appleby.
Resources are allocated to individual N. Ireland Departments based on the Executive’s priorities and no targets have been set to reduce the current needs gap between here and England. The final budget has been agreed for the CSR period and I am committed to ensuring that the best possible use is made of the the entire health and social care budget for the benefit of patients, clients, carers and staff.
We must also focus our efforts across government on reducing inequality and disadvantage, and in my Department we will be investing in targeted Public Health initiatives and other initiatives which assist people to engage knowledgeably in regard to their own health and to manage their own conditions, as advocated by the Wanless report and Professor Appleby.
Emergency Calls
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of emergency calls received by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service in each (i) constituency; and (ii) council area, in each of the last three years; (b) the number of these calls that were malicious; and (c) what percentage this represents.
(AQW 3702/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
The information requested is set out in the attached tables.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has advised that hoax caller statistics also include those who hung up without leaving details, no case was at the scene or nothing was found at the scene.
The 2005 data covers the period April – December 2005 as NIAS did not record data on the basis of Constituency or Council area prior to this. The "Unknown" data field relates to information which could not be allocated to a Council or Constituency area.
This information may be subject to amendment following routine data cleansing by NIAS of its information management systems and databases.
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constituency | Calls Logged | Total Hoaxes |
% total | Calls Logged | Total Hoaxes |
% total | Calls Logged | Total Hoaxes |
% total |
| Belfast East | 7065 | 194 | 3% | 6835 | 164 | 2% | 4983 | 160 | 3% |
| Belfast North | 10092 | 341 | 3% | 9638 | 336 | 3% | 6657 | 262 | 4% |
| Belfast South | 10104 | 384 | 4% | 9701 | 334 | 3% | 6668 | 279 | 4% |
| Belfast West | 9047 | 323 | 4% | 8855 | 376 | 4% | 6390 | 318 | 5% |
| East Antrim | 5571 | 105 | 2% | 5397 | 131 | 2% | 3695 | 103 | 3% |
| East Londonderry | 5831 | 163 | 3% | 5549 | 141 | 3% | 3832 | 152 | 4% |
| Fermanagh & South Tyrone | 5699 | 134 | 2% | 5022 | 174 | 3% | 3535 | 125 | 4% |
| Foyle | 8657 | 306 | 4% | 7737 | 351 | 5% | 5528 | 243 | 4% |
| Lagan Valley | 5917 | 146 | 2% | 5598 | 160 | 3% | 3946 | 123 | 3% |
| Mid Ulster | 5333 | 120 | 2% | 4831 | 213 | 4% | 3125 | 107 | 3% |
| Newry & Armagh | 6594 | 234 | 4% | 5911 | 243 | 4% | 3908 | 175 | 4% |
| North Antrim | 6950 | 170 | 2% | 6392 | 161 | 3% | 4771 | 185 | 4% |
| North Down | 6118 | 134 | 2% | 5953 | 204 | 3% | 4241 | 176 | 4% |
| South Antrim | 6595 | 143 | 2% | 5994 | 144 | 2% | 4113 | 127 | 3% |
| South Down | 6873 | 195 | 3% | 6202 | 194 | 3% | 4499 | 172 | 4% |
| Strangford | 6416 | 170 | 3% | 5938 | 173 | 3% | 3982 | 123 | 3% |
| Upper Bann | 7437 | 217 | 3% | 6647 | 209 | 3% | 4540 | 155 | 3% |
| West Tyrone | 5387 | 176 | 3% | 4168 | 188 | 5% | 3043 | 141 | 5% |
| UNKNOWN | 10080 | 4580 | 45% | 9865 | 4846 | 49% | 6497 | 3365 | 52% |
| GRAND TOTAL | 135766 | 8235 | 6% | 126239 | 8742 | 7% | 87953 | 6491 | 7% |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Council |
Calls Logged |
Total Hoaxes |
% total |
Calls Logged |
Total Hoaxes |
% total |
Calls Logged |
Total Hoaxes |
% total |
| Antrim | 3762 | 76 | 2% | 3314 | 80 | 2% | 2214 | 66 | 3% |
| Ards | 4971 | 149 | 3% | 4460 | 136 | 3% | 3122 | 103 | 3% |
| Armagh | 3203 | 95 | 3% | 2895 | 74 | 3% | 1845 | 71 | 4% |
| Ballymena | 4235 | 104 | 2% | 3883 | 101 | 3% | 3120 | 138 | 4% |
| Ballymoney | 1564 | 34 | 2% | 1483 | 36 | 2% | 963 | 28 | 3% |
| Banbridge | 2217 | 70 | 3% | 1871 | 53 | 3% | 1285 | 30 | 2% |
| Belfast | 31068 | 1108 | 4% | 29751 | 1034 | 3% | 20951 | 889 | 4% |
| Carrickfergus | 2640 | 44 | 2% | 2649 | 57 | 2% | 1807 | 39 | 2% |
| Castlereagh | 4158 | 97 | 2% | 4062 | 96 | 2% | 2769 | 71 | 3% |
| Coleraine | 4347 | 119 | 3% | 4190 | 105 | 3% | 2859 | 112 | 4% |
| Cookstown | 2210 | 57 | 3% | 2029 | 140 | 7% | 1271 | 53 | 4% |
| Craigavon | 5949 | 167 | 3% | 5402 | 169 | 3% | 3680 | 132 | 4% |
| Derry | 8657 | 306 | 4% | 7737 | 351 | 5% | 5528 | 243 | 4% |
| Down | 4930 | 124 | 3% | 4528 | 125 | 3% | 3238 | 119 | 4% |
| Dungannon | 3536 | 77 | 2% | 3197 | 97 | 3% | 2090 | 74 | 4% |
| Fermanagh | 2937 | 71 | 2% | 2552 | 102 | 4% | 1940 | 72 | 4% |
| Larne | 2021 | 39 | 2% | 1874 | 42 | 2% | 1338 | 41 | 3% |
| Limavady | 1484 | 44 | 3% | 1359 | 36 | 3% | 973 | 40 | 4% |
| Lisburn | 6695 | 171 | 3% | 6440 | 220 | 3% | 4634 | 175 | 4% |
| Magherafelt | 2349 | 49 | 2% | 2075 | 48 | 2% | 1359 | 33 | 2% |
| Moyle | 1151 | 32 | 3% | 1026 | 24 | 2% | 688 | 19 | 3% |
| Newry & Mourne | 5423 | 204 | 4% | 4808 | 242 | 5% | 3346 | 160 | 5% |
| Newtownabbey | 5304 | 123 | 2% | 5211 | 149 | 3% | 3564 | 111 | 3% |
| North Down | 5488 | 119 | 2% | 5404 | 191 | 4% | 3829 | 166 | 4% |
| Omagh | 3302 | 110 | 3% | 2346 | 110 | 5% | 1811 | 87 | 5% |
| Strabane | 2085 | 66 | 3% | 1822 | 78 | 4% | 1232 | 54 | 4% |
| UNKNOWN | 10080 | 4580 | 45% | 9871 | 4846 | 49% | 6497 | 3365 | 52% |
| GRAND TOTAL | 135766 | 8235 | 6% | 126239 | 8742 | 7% | 87953 | 6491 | 7% |
Northern Ireland Cancer Fund
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not he has received correspondence from the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for children, in relation to funding beyond March 2008.
(AQW 3712/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I have received recent representations from two sources on behalf of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children about future funding arrangements for the project after its current funding from the Children’s Fund comes to an end in March 2008. Some funding has been identified in the Budget to support Children’s Fund-type activity after this date. Decisions about funding for individual projects should be announced shortly.
Home Start Funding
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funding available for Home Start in Newtownards, the Ards Peninsula and the Comber area.
(AQW 3740/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The centrally ringfenced and time-bounded Children’s Fund which supports Home Start Ards, Peninsula and Comber is set to end in March 2008. Decisions about funding for individual projects which are the responsibility of my Department should be announced shortly.
Kidney Problems
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether or not he intends to provide for patients in hospitals to be routinely tested for Kidney problems, as has been proposed in Britain.
(AQW 3741/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are no plans to introduce routine testing for kidney disease. However, early kidney disease can often be detected through tests whch are currently performed preoperatively or in the general assessment of many patients in primary and secondary care.
Care Packages
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people awaiting care packages, broken down by Health Trust Area.
(AQW 3743/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: At 30 September 2007, 655 people were awaiting community care packages in Northern Ireland, of which 427 were waiting in the community and 228 in an acute setting.
| HSC Trust | Waiting in the Community | Waiting in an Acute Setting 1 | Total Waiting for Community Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast HSC Trust | 162 | 80 | 242 |
| Northern HSC Trust1 | 128 | 96 | 224 |
| South Eastern HSC Trust | 95 | 38 | 133 |
| Southern HSC Trust | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Western HSC Trust | 34 | 12 | 46 |
| Northern Ireland | 427 | 228 | 655 |
Source: DHSSPS Information returns CC5b & DD1.
1 Information is currently provisional and subject to change.
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his plans in relation to recruitment and retention of building workers and tradesmen at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Omagh.
(AQW 3744/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I have no plans to introduce a local recruitment and retention premium for building workers employed in the Health and Social Care. There is no evidence to suggest that there is any difficulty recruiting this staff group locally. There are no plans to award the building workers a national recruitment and retention premium similar to that paid to the maintenance crafts.
Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps are in place to ensure that sufficient resourcing and capacity is being created at the (i) Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; and (ii) Western Health and Social Care Trust, in order to ensure that all patients, who require intravitreal treatment for wet age related macular degeneration (AMD), are able to access such treatment.
(AQW 3772/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The allocation of funding for specialist hospital drugs is a matter for Health and Social Services Boards, as commissioners of services. The recent budget settlement includes additional funding for hospital and specialist drugs of £39m by 2010/11, which will allow the health service to improve access to specialist therapies for a range of conditions, including sight-preserving treatments.
Boards are currently providing funding for treatment with anti-VEGF drugs for patients with the greatest clinical priority. To date, 120 people in Northern Ireland have been treated. Boards and Trusts will be expected to plan for the immediate development of services to preserve the sight of people affected by age-related macular degeneration, consistent with the emerging evidence base for the treatment of this condition.
Decisions on the resources and capacity needed to deliver new treatments for wet AMD in the longer term will depend on the outcome of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence appraisal of these new technologies. The Institute’s final guidance is expected to be published in June 2008.
Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not, in line with Scotland and significant numbers of Primary Care Trusts in England, that all patients, being treated for wet age related macular degeneration, can gain access to Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide treatments for disease in their first eye, as recently recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.
(AQW 3773/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has not appraised or recommended intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of wet age related macular degeneration (wet AMD).
NICE is currently appraising ranibizumab (Lucentis) and pegaptanib (Macugen) for the treatment of wet AMD and published preliminary recommendations for consultation in 2007. Final guidance is expected to be published in June 2008.
My Department has established a link with NICE whereby all guidance published by the Institute from 1 July 2006 is reviewed locally for its applicability to Northern Ireland and, where appropriate, is endorsed by the Department for implementation in Northern Ireland. The guidance on Lucentis and Macugen will be considered under these arrangements in due course.
In the interim, the decision on whether to fund a particular treatment is a matter for Health and Social Services Boards, as commissioners of services, taking into account local circumstances, the strategic objectives established for the HSC and demands and pressures generally for access to a wide range of new effective drug therapies. I understand that Boards are currently funding treatment with Lucentis or Macugen for patients with the greatest clinical priority.
Regional Suicide Prevention Scheme
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the criteria used to evaluate the new Regional Suicide Prevention Scheme.
(AQW 3774/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Suicide Prevention Strategy "Protect Life – A Shared Vision", which was launched on 30 October 2006 contains over 60 actions which aim to reduce the high rate of suicide in N Ireland.
Criteria for evaluation have yet to be determined. An overarching draft evaluation framework for the Strategy has been developed for discussion at the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body. The framework, when agreed, will provide for a comprehensive evaluation to be undertaken. In implementing the evaluation framework the findings of the Health Committee Enquiry into Suicide Prevention will be taken into account.
Victims' Mental Health
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the plans he has to work in a joined up approach with the Victims' Commissioners, to ensure that there is a provision of evidenced based treatment for the mental health needs of victims.
(AQW 3775/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I have not yet been approached for a meeting by the Victims’ Commissioners. However, I look forward to meeting them and to providing whatever assistance I can to improve the mental wellbeing of victims.
Assessment of Dementia
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the projections pertaining to the incidence for all types of dementia in over 65 year olds, in each of the Health and Social Care Trust areas.
(AQW 3776/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The incidence of dementia in the over 65 year olds is recognised to increase significantly with further aging. Although such long term projections of morbidity are always tentative, given the general increase in life expectancy in Northern Ireland I would expect that we must be prepared for substantial increases in the numbers of people likely to be affected over the coming years.
Patients with Dementia
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the policies in place to prevent and manage elder abuse, particularly community-dwelling patients with dementia, within each Health and Social Care Trust area.
(AQW 3777/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: A range of legislative and procedural measures are in place to protect vulnerable adults, regardless of their physical and mental health or where they live. These include the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003; the Regional Adult Protection Policy and Procedural Guidelines; and the Joint Protocol for the Investigation of Alleged Incidents of Abuse. These arrangements apply across Northern Ireland.
In addition, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 will introduce a new registration scheme in Northern Ireland for those individuals working with children or vulnerable adults.
Regional Suicide Prevention Helpline
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the evidence used to demonstrate the success of the pilot project for the suicide prevention helpline in North and West Belfast, upon which the new Regional Suicide Prevention Helpline is based.
(AQW 3778/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The pilot telephone helpline in North and West Belfast was developed as part of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy, and latterly it was receiving in the region of a 100 calls per day (approx 50% of the calls came from outside the N&W Belfast area). I decided to establish a regional 24/7 crisis response helpline because of the high volume of calls and because there was clear demand emerging from elsewhere in Northern Ireland. In coming to this decision, I took into account that it can take a long time for any service to be fully evaluated in terms of its impact on the suicide figures and also that, internationally, there is relatively sparse evidence available on what interventions are most effective in terms of suicide reduction. This new region-wide service, providing support to young people and adults, will be evaluated during the first year. The findings from the ongoing audit of the pilot scheme will also be fed into the future operation of the regional helpline.
The new 24/7 regional crisis response helpline is supported by relevant counselling and peer mentoring support services and, while we continue the modernisation of our local mental health provision, it will provide immediate and much needed help for vulnerable people across Northern Ireland at times of crisis in their lives.
Meetings with MLAs
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of meetings he has held with MLAs since May 2007.
(AQW 3786/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I can advise that from taking up office on 8 May 2007 I have held 45 meetings with MLA’s.
Please note this does not include Executive meetings, NSMC meetings, BIC meetings, meetings with the Assembly Health Committee or RPA Executive Sub Committee meetings.
Parent Craft/Breast Feeding Service
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give a timescale within which a dedicated Parent Craft/Breast Feeding co-ordinating service will be reinstated to serve the Mid-Ulster hospital catchment area.
(AQW 3809/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
The dedicated Parent Craft/ Breast Feeding co-ordinating service in the Mid-Ulster hospital catchment area is currently unavailable as a result of staff illness. However in the interim the promotion of breastfeeding and parent craft continues to be delivered as a core function of all midwives and health visitors.
Gambling Addiction
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment he has made in relation to the adequacy of funding for the treatment of patients with gambling addiction related illnesses.
(AQW 3817/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: People with gambling addiction related illnesses are treated within mainstream mental health services. In particular, they have access to psychotherapy, counselling and other support services. The recent Budget announcement has enabled me to allocate significant additional resources over the next three years to develop mental health services.
No information is available centrally on the numbers being treated for gambling addiction related illnesses in any of the categories (i) to (iv) listed in AQW3818/08
There is no record of patients receiving treatment solely for a gambling addiction although those patients with a co-existent mental illness or alcohol problem may receive therapy for gambling as part of their treatment. It is not possible, therefore, to estimate the number of people receiving assistance through health services for a gambling addiction or the cost of treating them.
Gambling Addiction
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients being treated for gambling addiction related illnesses in (i) primary care; (ii) secondary care; (iii) specialised mental health services; and (iv) specialised addiction services.
(AQW 3818/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: People with gambling addiction related illnesses are treated within mainstream mental health services. In particular, they have access to psychotherapy, counselling and other support services. The recent Budget announcement has enabled me to allocate significant additional resources over the next three years to develop mental health services.
No information is available centrally on the numbers being treated for gambling addiction related illnesses in any of the categories (i) to (iv) listed in AQW3818/08
There is no record of patients receiving treatment solely for a gambling addiction although those patients with a co-existent mental illness or alcohol problem may receive therapy for gambling as part of their treatment. It is not possible, therefore, to estimate the number of people receiving assistance through health services for a gambling addiction or the cost of treating them.
Gambling Addiction
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost incurred by his department in treating patients with gambling related illnesses, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 3819/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: People with gambling addiction related illnesses are treated within mainstream mental health services. In particular, they have access to psychotherapy, counselling and other support services. The recent Budget announcement has enabled me to allocate significant additional resources over the next three years to develop mental health services.
No information is available centrally on the numbers being treated for gambling addiction related illnesses in any of the categories (i) to (iv) listed in AQW3818/08
There is no record of patients receiving treatment solely for a gambling addiction although those patients with a co-existent mental illness or alcohol problem may receive therapy for gambling as part of their treatment. It is not possible, therefore, to estimate the number of people receiving assistance through health services for a gambling addiction or the cost of treating them.
Suicide Prevention
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funding available for joint training sessions in suicide prevention, for health staff, community workers and churches.
(AQW 3820/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: As part of the implementation of the NI suicide prevention strategy my Department allocated £1.8m, to support local communities with the development of initiatives to tackle the high rates of suicide and self harm across NI. The Health Boards were tasked with using this funding to develop local action plans which include the role out of additional training and development needs for community gate keepers. Initial discussions with the four main churches regarding their training needs have also taken place, and I look forward to receiving their proposals in due course.
In addition a further £200k has been allocated in 2007/08 to the Health Promotion Agency to roll out a GP Depression Awareness Training Programme across Northern Ireland.
Guidelines on Epilepsy
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3059/08, what is his assessment of his department's ability to meet the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines on epilepsy, given the available number of consultant neurologists.
(AQW 3824/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline on the management of epilepsy in children and adults was endorsed by my Department on 31 January 2008 as being valid for Northern Ireland. NICE clinical guidelines are regarded as developmental good practice standards which the health and social care sector in Northern Ireland is expected to move towards over time.
In light of this, no formal assessment is made by my Department of the Health and Social Care sector's ability to meet specific NICE clinical guidelines. Health and Social Care organisations are expected to make this assessment internally in planning future services. These assessments should take account of the NICE guidance, local and regional priorities for health and social care, and availability of resources.
In carrying out its clinical and social care governance reviews, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority will look for evidence of action taken by health and social care organisations to comply with relevant NICE guidelines.
Ambulance Service Response Times
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the investigation into ambulance service response times by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service; to confirm whether or not (i) there were any geographic patterns in the discrepancies found; and (ii) any practices or pressures contributed to the misrecording of response times; and to detail the action he is taking as a result of the investigation.
(AQW 3830/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: During the period 1 April – 15 November 2007 it was found that a total of 123 arrival times had been falsified by 2 members of staff working within the Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (REMDC) of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). These falsified records represent approximately 0.5% of the total number of life-threatening Category A calls responded to during the period. There were no discernable geographical patterns in the discrepancies.
REMDC can often be a highly pressurised working environment and, although staff throughout the Trust are encouraged to maximise their contribution in providing the fastest possible response to patients, NIAS does not condone practices which falsify information and misrepresent performance. This is clearly understood by NIAS staff and has been re-enforced with the staff involved in this incident.
As a result of this matter NIAS has introduced improved procedures to ensure there is a thorough audit trail of any alterations made to the Command and Control ALERT computer software system. Clearly I am concerned that such falsification might damage confidence in figures produced by the ambulance service but I am assured that the improved procedures which are now in place will minimise the potential for any recurrence in the future.
Neurology Outpatient Capacity
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3059/08, to confirm the cost of payments to the independent sector and short-term locums, to address the shortfall in neurology outpatient capacity, in the last 12 months; and the impact of this approach on long-term continuity of care.
(AQW 3831/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: During 2006/07, a total of £288,663 was paid to independent sector providers to supplement health service capacity to ensure the reduction of waiting times for a first outpatient appointment in the neurology specialty to six months. No consultant neurologists were employed on a locum basis.
To date in 2007/08, a total of £190,999 has been paid to independent sector providers to supplement health service capacity to ensure the further reduction of waiting times for a first outpatient appointment in the neurology specialty to 13 weeks by March 2008. Two locums have been employed during the year at a total cost of £124,690.
Neurology Services
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3059/08, to give a commitment that a review of the provision of neurology services, as contained in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommendations, particularly in relation to the provision of long-term care for patients, will be undertaken.
(AQW 3832/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has no plans at present to carry out a review of neurology services. The Department recently endorsed the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline on the management of epilepsy in children and adults. In endorsing this guideline for implementation in the health and social care (HSC) sector in Northern Ireland, the Department expects HSC organisations to review local practice against the guideline; to plan for its implementation; and to take it into account in their planning and delivery of services to patients presenting with a suspected seizure and those diagnosed with epilepsy.
Gynaecological Beds
Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give an assurance that there will be no reduction in the provision of gynaecological beds in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
(AQW 3834/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of gynaecological beds provided by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust will continue to be dependent on the demand for the service. There are no plans by the Trust to reduce provision.
Mixed Sex Wards
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) mixed sex wards, and (ii) complaints received by his department in relation to mixed sex accommodation, broken down by each hospital, in each of the last 12 months.
(AQW 3862/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: (i) The following table shows the number of mixed sex wards that there were in each applicable hospital In Northern Ireland at 11 February 2008
Health and Social Care Trust / Hospital |
Number of mixed sex wards at 11 February 2008 |
|---|---|
Belfast HSC Trust |
|
| Belfast City Hospital | 19 |
| Cancer Centre | 5 |
| Forster Green | 1 |
| Knockbracken | 5 |
| Mater Infirmorum | 8 |
| Musgrave Park Hospital | 16 |
| Royal Victoria | 30 |
| Muckamore Abbey | 4 |
| Young People Centre | 1 |
Northern HSC Trust |
|
| Antrim | 11 |
| Braid Valley | 2 |
| Causeway (inc Ross Thompson unit) | 9 |
| Holywell | 9 |
| Mid Ulster | 5 |
| Moyle | 2 |
| Whiteabbey | 6 |
| Whiteabbey PNU | 1 |
South Eastern HSC Trust |
|
| Ards | 1 |
| Bangor | 1 |
| Downe | 1 |
| Downshire | 3 |
| Lagan Valley | 7 |
| Lagan Valley PNU | 1 |
| Thompson House | 1 |
| Ulster | 25 |
Southern HSC Trust |
|
| Craigavon Area hospital | 1 |
| Craigavon PNU | 4 |
| Daisy Hill | 2 |
| Longstone | 3 |
| Lurgan | 5 |
| Mullinure Hospital | 2 |
| South Tyrone | 2 |
| St Lukes | 3 |
Western HSC Trust |
|
| Altnagelvin Hospital | 19 |
| Erne | 2 |
| Gransha | 1 |
| NWIH* | 1 |
| Lakeview | 5 |
| Tyrone County | 3 |
| Tyrone & Fermanagh | 3 |
| Waterside | 4 |
| Waterside (Ward 5) | 1 |
Northern Ireland |
235 |
Source: Health and Social Care Trusts
*This relates to activity performed by the Western Heatlh and Social Care Trust in facilities provided by the North and West Independent Clinic.
Many Trusts stated that where a mixed sex ward was in operation, within such a ward, patients were cared for in single sex bays. Bays would only be mixed sex in exceptional circumstances such as Intensive Care Unit / High Dependency Unit beds or to allow a patient to be admitted to a ward rather than wait on a trolley in Accident and Emergency. In such cases, patients would then be moved to a suitable bed, in either a single sex ward or single sex bay, as soon as practically possible.
(ii) Information on complaints received in specific relation to mixed sex accommodation in each hospital is not collected centrally by the Department of Health.
Waste Produced
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.
(AQW 3864/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) staff occupy five premises: Castle Buildings on the Stormont Estate, Centre House, Londonderry House and Lincoln Buildings in Belfast, Waterside House in Londonderry and Health Estates in Dundonald.
The Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) provides facilities for waste recycling for DHSSPS staff occupying Castle Buildings. The current figures available (June 2007 – December 2007) show that an average of 25% of waste produced from Castle Buildings was recycled with the remainder going to landfill.
Recycling schemes are in operation at Centre House, Londonderry House, Lincoln Buildings, Waterside House and Health Estates. However, because the DHSSPS does not manage these schemes the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled is not available.
Mixed Sex Wards
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the guidance he has given to each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts on the use of mixed sex wards for patients with mental health issues; and to detail the number of mental health (i) single sex wards; and (ii) mixed sex wards, in each of the Trusts.
(AQW 3866/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I have given no guidance on the use of mixed wards for patients with mental health issues. All hospitals in Northern Ireland aim to accommodate patients in single sex ward areas as far as possible. I have instructed that all new hospitals in Northern Ireland should aim to provide single rooms for patients.
The following table shows the number of (i) single sex wards; and (ii) mixed sex wards, in the mental health programme of care for each applicable hospital in Northern Ireland at 11 February 2008.
Mental Health Programme of Care |
||
|---|---|---|
Trust / Hospital |
(i) Single sex wards |
(ii) mixed sex wards |
Belfast |
||
| Belfast City Hospital | 2 | O |
| Forster Green Hospital | 0 | 1 |
| Knockbracken | 7 | 5 |
| Mater Infirmorum | 2 | 1 |
| Royal Victoria | 0 | 0 |
| Windsor House | 2 | 0 |
| Young People’s centre | 0 | 1 |
Northern |
||
| Causeway (inc Ross Thompson unit) | 0 | 1 |
| Holywell | 3 | 9 |
| Whiteabbey PNU | 0 | 1 |
South Eastern |
||
| Downshire | 4 | 3 |
| Lagan Valley PNU | 0 | 1 |
Southern |
||
| Craigavon PNU* | 0 | 4 |
| Mullinure Hospital | 0 | 1 |
| St Lukes | 4 | 3 |
Western |
||
| Gransha | 2 | 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 26 | 32 |
Source: Health and Social Care Trusts
* Note – with effect from May ’08 mixed sex wards in Craigavon Psychiatric Unit (CPN) will be relocated within the new psychiatric unit at Craigavon Hospital which is all single sex bed en suite accommodation with designated female only day rooms.
Many Trusts stated that where a mixed sex ward was in operation, within such a ward, patients were cared for in single sex bays. Bays would only be mixed sex in exceptional circumstances such as Intensive Care Unit / High Dependency Unit beds or to allow a patient to be admitted to a ward rather than wait on a trolley in Accident and Emergency. In such cases, patients would then be moved to a suitable bed, in either a single sex bed or single sex bay, as soon as practically possible.
Aerosol and Substance Abuse
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the initiatives his department has in place to tackle the problem of aerosol and substance abuse.
(AQW 3874/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The implementation of the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (NSD) began in October 2006. The overall aim of this five year stratgey is to reduce the level of Alcohol and Drug related harm in Northern Ireland, including the harm related to aerosol and substance misuse.
The NSD is outcome based, with actions being taken to achieve its aims and objectives at both being taken forward at both regional and local level. Regionally, the Department takes forward a range of actions including research and public information campaigns. The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland has produced information leaflets, guidance and booklets on volatile substance abuse for parents, retailers and professional, and the Department is giving consideration to proposals to commission further research in this area during 2008.
Locally, the four Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Teams (DACTs) are implementing their individual Action Plans, which they developed in response to local need and in support of the overarching outcomes in the NSD. The four DACTs were allocated a total of £4.8 million in 07/08 to implement their Local Actions Plans, including the provision of mentoring, counselling, and treatment services for young people in each Health and Social Services Board Area. As per good practice, work is undertaken locally on aerosol and other volatile substance abuse as part of a wider approach to alcohol and drug misuse, and not as an issue in isolation.
Health Centre in Rathfriland
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the current status of the proposed health centre in Rathfriland, Co Down.
(AQW 3886/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The new Health and Care Centre in Rathfriland remains a high priority within the Primary and Community Care Infrastructure (PCCI) Programme. The business case for the project is currently being assessed with further input required from the Trust before a decision on approval can be taken.
The Trust has advised that they are experiencing difficulties with availability of suitable sites. The sites identified in the current business case are no longer available and they are currently assessing alternative sites in Rathfriland. Once this is completed the Trust will revise and resubmit the business case.
GP Telephone Service
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of cases that were referred by the pilot out-of-hours on-call GP telephone service, to a location outside the Magherafelt and Cookstown District Council area; and to outline locations concerned.
(AQW 3891/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: In the period 22 January 2008 to 11 February 2008 17 patients have been referred to Accident & Emergency Centres outside the District Council areas mentioned, these being the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine and the Antrim Area Hospital. During the same period 33 patients have been referred to Primary Care Centres in Ballymena, Coleraine, Moneymore and Whiteabbey. Patients referred under this service are directed to attend the nearest Centre irrespective of Council boundaries.
Out-of-Hours Service
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3314/08, to detail the number of written submissions that were made by community groups who received the discussion document.
(AQW 3896/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: In total 38 written submissions were received by the Western Health and Social Services Board to the discussion document issued in May 2004. 19 of these written responses were made by community groups, the remainder coming from other stakeholders.
As part of the consultation process 5 public meetings were organised in conjunction with the Community Networks. These meetings were advertised in the local press and other channels and funding was provided by the Western Health and Social Services Board. The following table details the dates and locations of the meetings and the number of people who attended these meetings:-
| Date | Location | Number of Attendees |
|---|---|---|
| 31 August 2004 | The Junction, Bishop Street, Londonderry (NW Community Network) | 22 |
| 1 September 2004 | Clinton Building, Enniskillen (Fermanagh Rural Network) | 22 |
| 2 September 2004 | Omagh Community House, Omagh (Omagh Forum for Rural Associations) | 35 |
| 6 September 2004 | Enterprise Centre, Strabane (Strabane & District Community Network) | Not Known |
| 7 September 2004 | Gorteen House Hotel, Limavady (Oakleaf Community Network) | 60 |
The Western Health and Social Services Council also organised public meetings in each of the 5 District Council areas within the Western Health and Social Services Board area. The dates and locations of these meetings are listed below however, the number of attendees at these events is not known:-
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 19 August 2004 | Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh |
| 24 August 2004 | Clinton Centre, Enniskillen |
| 26 August 2004 | Enterprise Centre, Strabane |
| 31 August 2004 | Radisson Hotel, Limavady |
| 2 September 2004 | Waterfoot Hotel, Londonderry |
Out-of-Hours Service
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3314/08, to detail (i) the location of; and (ii) the number of people that attended, the public meetings.
(AQW 3897/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: In total 38 written submissions were received by the Western Health and Social Services Board to the discussion document issued in May 2004. 19 of these written responses were made by community groups, the remainder coming from other stakeholders.
As part of the consultation process 5 public meetings were organised in conjunction with the Community Networks. These meetings were advertised in the local press and other channels and funding was provided by the Western Health and Social Services Board. The following table details the dates and locations of the meetings and the number of people who attended these meetings:-
| Date | Location | Number of Attendees |
|---|---|---|
| 31 August 2004 | The Junction, Bishop Street, Londonderry (NW Community Network) | 22 |
| 1 September 2004 | Clinton Building, Enniskillen (Fermanagh Rural Network) | 22 |
| 2 September 2004 | Omagh Community House, Omagh (Omagh Forum for Rural Associations) | 35 |
| 6 September 2004 | Enterprise Centre, Strabane (Strabane & District Community Network) | Not Known |
| 7 September 2004 | Gorteen House Hotel, Limavady (Oakleaf Community Network) | 60 |
The Western Health and Social Services Council also organised public meetings in each of the 5 District Council areas within the Western Health and Social Services Board area. The dates and locations of these meetings are listed below however, the number of attendees at these events is not known:-
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 19 August 2004 | Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh |
| 24 August 2004 | Clinton Centre, Enniskillen |
| 26 August 2004 | Enterprise Centre, Strabane |
| 31 August 2004 | Radisson Hotel, Limavady |
| 2 September 2004 | Waterfoot Hotel, Londonderry |
Written Assembly Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of written Assembly Questions he has received since May 2007; and (ii) the average length of time it takes his department to respond.
(AQW 3909/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I have received 843 written Assembly Questions in the period from 15 May 2007 to 1 February 2008. The average number of days taken to respond was 8 days.
Of the 843 questions received, 802 were answered within the deadlines set by the Assembly Business Office. In all other cases a holding response was sent to the Member within the deadlines, with the answer following as soon as possible.
Plastic Surgery
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the waiting times for plastic surgery in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3922/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Waiting times for plastic surgery, by monthly timeband, for the last three years and the position at 30th September 2007, the quarter for which official information is most recently available, are outlined in the table below.
| Quarter Ending | Number of Patients Waiting for Plastic Surgery (by Monthly Timeband1) | Total Waiting | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-11 | 12-14 | 15-17 | 18-20 | 21-23 | 24+ | ||
| 31st March 2005 | 501 | 292 | 245 | 199 | 125 | 50 | 24 | 26 | 122 | 1584 |
| 31st March 2006 | 516 | 332 | 191 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1116 |
| 31st March 2007 | 503 | 208 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 711 |
| 30th September 2007 | 488 | 150 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 638 |
Source: Departmental Return CH1
1 - Waiting time relates to the number of completed months a patient has been waiting to be admitted to hospital. For example, a patient waiting 2 months and 30 days would be included in the 0-2 month category and a patient waiting 3 months and 01 day would be included in the 3-5 month category.
Waiting Times for Neurological Surgery
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the waiting times for neurological surgery in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3923/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Waiting times for neurological surgery, by monthly timeband, for the last three years and the position at 30th September 2007, the quarter for which official information is most recently available, are outlined in the table below.
| Quarter Ending | Number of Patients Waiting for Neurological Surgery (by Monthly Timeband1) | Total Waiting | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-11 | 12-14 | 15-17 | 18-20 | 21-23 | 24+ | ||
| 31st March 2005 | 51 | 45 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 35 | 15 | 11 | 137 | 383 |
| 31st March 2006 | 50 | 45 | 33 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 140 |
| 31st March 2007 | 57 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| 30th September 2007 | 105 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 109 |
Source: Departmental Return CH1
1 - Waiting time relates to the number of completed months a patient has been waiting to be admitted to hospital. For example, a patient waiting 2 months and 30 days would be included in the 0-2 month category and a patient waiting 3 months and 01 day would be included in the 3-5 month category.
Sexual Abuse
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the steps under consideration to inform and empower parents in relation to taking preventive action to protect their children from sexual abuse, whether perpetrated by family members or strangers, either inside or outside the home.
(AQW 3929/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety continues to develop and implement a wide range of measures aimed at safeguarding children and helping to keep parents informed of ongoing developments. These include:
- Issuing a Safe Parenting Handbook containing wide ranging advice on issues such as babysitting, childminding, internet safety and other useful topics relating to child protection;
- Introduction of new Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups legislation in Northern Ireland which when commenced will strengthen further current vetting and barring arrangements and will make provision for parents to check online the status of individuals such as private tutors, nannies etc before employing such people to work within their home;
- Establishment of a regional Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland to strengthen child protection arrangements by improving interagency co-operation, including proposals for a Young Person’s Reference Group to support the work of the Board; and
- Plans for officials from my Department and the Office of the Minister for Children in ROI to begin exploring how best to co-operate on an all-island child protection awareness campaign.
Diabetes
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2604/08, to confirm whether or not a decision has been made in relation to the next round of service frameworks.
(AQW 3957/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Proposed priority areas for the next round of service frameworks remain under consideration. A decision is expected before the end of March.
Wernecke-Korsakoff's Dementia
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the services available for the diagnosis and management of Wernecke-Korsakoff's dementia across all Health and Social Care Trusts.
(AQW 3960/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: These are no services which are dedicated solely to the diagnosis and management of Wernicke-Korsakoff. The expertise that is required to deal effectively with this condition is spread across different disciplines within the health and social care system.
Early diagnosis is very important for this condition. I would therefore expect all those health and social care professionals to whom people with the condition might be expected to present to be aware of the symtoms of Wernecke-Korsakoff and that anyone suspected of suffering from this condition be referred as quickly as possible to the most appropriate source of diagnosis and treatment within their particular Trust.
Once confirmed I would expect those with Wernecke-Korsakoff to be treated and supported in the way best suited to improve their particular condition and support them, as far as is possible, in independent living.
Incidences of Dementia
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment he has made in relation to projected incidences of all types of dementia, in people under the age of 65, across all Health and Social Care Trust areas.
(AQW 3964/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are a number of types of dementia which can occur in people under 65, the causes of which vary from inherited disorders to acute trauma. Projections of future incidences of early onset dementia are therefore uncertain.
Some causes of early onset dementia are better known, such as those arising from excessive alcohol intake. If the consumption of alcohol by younger people were to continue to increase I would expect larger numbers of younger people to present with the condition, and at an increasingly earlier age. This is one of the major concerns that the Department’s strategy on alcohol misuse is designed to address.
For those who already have or do develop early onset dementia, of whatever variety, I would expect to see care provision and support which is geared directly to the particular problems and circumstances of the individuals concerned, and for services to be planned and commissioned to meet future emerging needs.
Proposed Savings
Mr M Brady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the action he is taking to ensure that appropriate practice and labour standards are maintained, in light of the proposed savings from regional procurement of social care; and to confirm that the proposed savings will not jeopardise (i) in-house services; or (ii) small providers.
(AQW 3970/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: All Departments must achieve 3% efficiency per annum from 2008/09 to 2010/11 and proposals are still under development. There is a fundamental principle, however, that social care services must be procured on the basis of quality and value for money. Chief Executives of HSC Trusts have specific duties of responsibility in respect of both of these criteria. There are also detailed Government guidelines underpinning the procurement of all goods and services by public bodies and a rigorous regulatory framework for service providers.
Compliance with the regulatory framework, achievement of agreed quality standards and value for money will therefore be the key criteria for the procurement process. There is also a need to ensure that the process itself is as efficient as possible. The proposed changes to Health and Social Care structures will provide more opportunities for a harmonised approach across Northern Ireland, with procurement conducted on a regional basis where it is appropriate to do so. That is the way to assure the taxpayer that the resources at our disposal are used properly to support the maximum number of people with quality services.
MSRA Patients
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what his assessment is of whether or not patients diagnosed with MSRA should be isolated from other patients when undergoing hospital treatment.
(AQW 4005/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: On 25 January I announced an extensive package of further measures aimed at fighting healthcare-associated infections. Included in these measures, is the proposal for single rooms in new hospitals to improve privacy and hygiene.
Research shows that the main advantage of single rooms is the potential to reduce infections and improve patient safety. By isolating patients diagnosed with MRSA, this can help prevent the bacteria from spreading. Where isolation rooms are not available patients with MRSA infection will be moved to an area reserved for patients with MRSA, a practice know as ‘cohorting’.
Medical Diagnoses
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people diagnosed with (i) mellitus; (ii) encephalitis; (iii) multiple sclerosis; (iv) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; and (v) polyneuritis, in each year since 2000.
(AQW 4080/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of people who have been diagnosed with (i) mellitus; (ii) encephalitis; (iii) multiple sclerosis; (iv) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; and (v) polyneuritis in Northern Ireland is not currently available. However, information is available on the number of admissions to hospital where a diagnosis of one or more of the above conditions was recorded. The table below provides the number of admissions for each condition in each financial year from 2000/01 to 2006/07 (the latest year for which information is available).
| Diagnosis | 2006/07 | 2005/06 | 2004/05 | 2003/04 | 2002/03 | 2001/02 | 2000/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mellitus | 21,362 | 20,546 | 19,845 | 18,719 | 17,498 | 18,591 | 16,906 |
| Encephalitis | 63 | 64 | 67 | 64 | 70 | 62 | 61 |
| Multiple Sclerosis | 1,438 | 1,519 | 1,173 | 1,157 | 1,074 | 1,178 | 1,063 |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | 50 | 89 | 94 | 85 | 87 | 76 | 65 |
| Polyneuritis | 539 | 410 | 396 | 477 | 363 | 282 | 223 |
Source: Hospital Inpatient System.
Note: It is not possible to report on how many of these admissions are new diagnoses, or how many people have been diagnosed, but are not being treated in an inpatient setting. Discharges from hospital and Deaths in hospital 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.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Phosphoric Acid
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale within which phosphoric acid will no longer be added to drinking water.
(AQW 3276/08)
The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy):
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that orthophosphoric acid is used during the treatment process in order to minimise levels of lead in the drinking water supply, and to ensure that the regulatory lead standard of 10 microgrammes per litre is not exceeded.
Orthophosphoric acid will continue to be added to the water supply until the Drinking Water Inspectorate is satisfied that at least 98% of samples taken at customers’ taps can meet the lead standard. Any subsequent reduction in orthophosphoric acid will be implemented in stages in agreement with the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Lead Water Pipes
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the location of houses with lead water pipes; and to give a timescale within which the lead pipes will be coated.
(AQW 3277/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that some properties built up to 1970, mainly in the greater Belfast area and in major city and town centres, may be connected to the public water supply by a lead service pipe. NIW does not maintain records of such properties but most of the lead water pipes would be within the property boundary and are the responsibility of the owner.
NIW has for some time been treating drinking water with orthophosphoric acid which forms a coating on lead pipes and minimises levels of lead in the drinking water supply. This process will continue until the Drinking Water Inspectorate is satisfied that the regulatory lead standard of 10 microgrammes per litre is not being exceeded.
Blocked Sewers and Flooding
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of incidents recorded in the South Down constituency in relation to (i) blocked sewers; and (ii) flooding, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3342/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that incidents of blocked sewers or flooding are not recorded by Parliamentary constituency. However, the following details are based on records held by NIW of incidents in the major population centres within the South Down constituency and should give an indication of likely volumes rather than exact figures by constituency boundary. It should be noted that external flooding could include contacts which may have resulted from road, river as well as out of sewer flooding.
| YEAR | BLOCKED SEWER INCIDENTS | FLOODING INCIDENTS EXTERNAL | FLOODING INCIDENTS INTERNAL PROPERTIES |
|---|---|---|---|
2005 |
1,197 |
114 |
15 |
2006 |
898 |
77 |
5 |
2007 |
951 |
121 |
16 |
My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain central statistics of flooding incidents and therefore the number recorded in the South Down constituency in each of the last 3 years is not readily available. They do however estimate that the number of flooding incidents would be relatively low and would have resulted mainly from blocked gullies or verge outlets.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has advised me that its Rivers Agency does not hold flooding information by constituency basis but has provided the figures for flooding incidents detailed below, which are based on towns and regions in the South Down general area.
| YEAR | NUMBER OF CALLS | WATERCOURSE RELATED |
|---|---|---|
2005 |
32 |
16 |
2006 |
11 |
6 |
2007 |
27 |
17 |
Killyclogher Reservoir
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not the water infrastructure near Killyclogher reservoir is fit for purpose, given the recent faults experienced.
(AQW 3411/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that temporary repairs to the burst trunk main in the vicinity of Killyclogher reservoir have now been completed, and the water supply has been re-zoned to normal operating areas. Work is continuing to structurally strengthen the embankment in the area where the burst occurred and a permanent replacement of the main will take place when this is completed.
NIW plans to commence a Zonal Study in May 2008 which will examine the condition of the water infrastructure in Omagh and make recommendations for any improvements required to meet future demand, based on the West Tyrone Area Plan 2019 and beyond.
Door-to-Door Transport Scheme
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of people that use the Door-to-Door Transport scheme, broken down (i) by area; and (ii) by month, since the scheme was launched.
(AQW 3479/08)
Mr C Murphy: The information is not readily available in the form requested. The number of members of the scheme in each area is as follows:
Antrim 75 Armagh 45 Ballymena 110 Ballymoney 24
Banbridge 31 Bangor 483 Carrickfergus 317 Coleraine 48
Cookstown 70 Craigavon 126 Downpatrick 64 Dundonald 40
Dungannon 54 Dunmurry 64 Enniskillen 35 Holywood 79
Larne 58 Limavady 12 Lisburn 129 Lurgan 42
Newry 137 Newtownabbey 318 Newtownards 169 Omagh 102
Portadown 69 Strabane 32
A1 Dual Carriageway
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the emergency plans in place to ensure that the A1 dual carriageway remains open during severe weather conditions, such as the recent severe snow and rain.
(AQW 3516/08)
Mr C Murphy: In the event of severe weather conditions, officials in my Department’s Roads Service will concentrate their resources on keeping key traffic routes such as the A1 open and should closure occur, these routes in particular will be re-opened as quickly as possible.
Where necessary in snow conditions, gritters fitted with snow plough blades will be diverted from other routes, and, if the snow is deep enough to warrant their use, snow blowers will be deployed. If necessary, Roads Service may also engage external contractors.
The drainage systems on the A1 have been designed to modern standards and consequently, flooding is a rare occurrence. Roads Service operates a regular drainage inspection procedure and ensures that drainage gullies are cleaned at least once per year on average and more frequently if necessary. While it is not possible to ensure that the drainage system will never become blocked, on the relatively rare occasions that this does happen every effort is made to ensure that blockages are relieved as soon as possible and that no standing water remains on the carriageway.
Unfortunately, when severe weather conditions strike, it is not possible to guarantee that even main arterial routes, such as the A1 dual carriageway, can be kept open at all times. However, I am satisfied that Roads Service does have in place, all appropriate measures to ensure that A1 will remain open to traffic, where possible.
I can also advise that from 13 February 2008, as part of a Roads Service Design Build Finance and Operate (DBFO) Contract, the operation and maintenance on the A1 between Sprucefield and Beechill became the responsibility of Amey Lagan Roads, working under the supervision of Roads Service. On completion of the A1 Beechill – Cloghogue dual carriageway in 2010, Amey Lagan Roads will responsible for the operation and maintenance on the A1, from Sprucefield to the border. This contract will include responsibility for winter maintenance and emergency plans from 1 October 2008.
Bilingual Signage
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what action he is taking to ensure that signage for the new railway station, planned for Newry, will be in both Irish and English.
(AQW 3536/08)
Mr C Murphy: Road signs are authorised or prescribed by my Department under the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. There is, however, a doubt about the power to promote languages other than English on road signs, and as such my Department’s current policy is not to provide bi-lingual road signs.
You may be interested to know that my Department’s Roads Service is currently developing policy proposals and amending legislation to enable the authorisation of a limited number of bi-lingual road signs. Signs to railway stations will not, however, be included in these proposals.
Signage at railway stations is dealt with by Translink and they are currently reviewing their policy in this area.
DRD Work in Crumlin
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 February 2008.
(AQW 3560/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service is progressing works to provide traffic calming schemes in Main Street and in Glenavy Road, Crumlin. This work is time consuming and it is anticipated that it may not be completed until March. Roads Service will also complete resurfacing work on the Ballynadentragh and Ballyquillan Roads, which link Crumlin with Antrim, during February. This will involve resurfacing approximately 3.2 kilometres of carriageway.
I can also advise that Roads Service has programmed routine safety inspections of roads and footways in Crumlin for mid February. Any defects noted during these inspections will be repaired by mid March.
Northern Ireland Water has advised that work commenced on a watermain replacement at Glenavy Road on 4 February 2008, to resolve some low water pressure problems in the area. This work will take around six weeks to complete.
Planning Policy Statements
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail which Planning Policy Statements he is responsible for developing, which ones are currently being revised, and to give a timescale within which each updated statement will be published.
(AQW 3572/08)
Mr C Murphy: As a result of the Judicial Review Judgement on PPS 14, responsibility for the preparation and publication of all Planning Policy Statements has transferred to the Department of the Environment.
Ballykelly Bypass
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the answer to AQO 281/07 concerning a Ballykelly bypass, and to further provide an updated traffic census figure for Greysteel.
(AQW 3586/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Services officials advise that the award of a commission to develop a Preferred Option Scheme Assessment report for a bypass of Ballykelly was confirmed in December 2007. Ongoing work will conclude with the recommendation of a preferred route corridor and a public information day planned for April or May 2008. This will allow the public an opportunity to comment on the emerging findings of this assessment.
The appointment to provide the Preferred Option Scheme Assessment was made in advance of the determination of an expanded Strategic Road Improvement Programme to investigate if lands, that the Ministry of Defence propose to dispose of at Shackleton Barracks, are required as part of any scheme.
The Ballykelly bypass remains part of the expanded SRI Programme which has not yet been finalised. I am therefore not in a position to advise on the timing of the scheme at this time.
With regard to the second part of the question, there has been a 2.5% increase on the 2006 traffic census figure, with the annual average two-way daily traffic flow at Greysteel in 2007 being 14,965 vehicles.
Sewerage Systems
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development whether or not he will undertake an urgent review of sewerage systems at (i) Edenmore Road; and (ii) Rathmore Road, Limavady, due to further problems on 2 February 2008; and what plans his department has to increase the sewer pipe capacity.
(AQW 3589/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that a recent Drainage Area Study for Limavady identified no sewer deficiencies in Edenmore Road or Rathmore Road and there are no plans to increase the sewer capacity in these areas.
A recent sewer repair was completed at Edenmore Road, Limavady which resolved some discharge problems at Bovally Medical Centre and a blocked sewer was cleared on 2 February 2008. NIW is not aware of any problems with the sewer in Rathmore Road.
Rural Street Lighting
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail whether or not he will review the existing criteria for the installation of street lighting, particularly in relation to rural communities, to ensure that (i) personal safety; and (ii) road safety, are maximised in rural areas.
(AQW 3596/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that, in urban areas, street lighting is generally provided for roads and footways which it has adopted for maintenance purposes. When considering the provision of street lighting in rural communities, Roads Service uses two main criteria which consider both personal and road safety issues. They are:-
- the density of housing within a community, including public buildings with significant night time use; and
- road safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction in the number of night-time accidents.
The policy for provision of road lighting in rural locations was relaxed in 2002, following an extensive review of street lighting provision. Since then, any public building with significant evening use within a community is counted as two dwellings when considering housing density.
Roads Service has to balance the demand for more rural lighting against the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation of the countryside, the environmental impact of light pollution on people, wildlife and flora and the financial costs of providing and maintaining additional public lighting installations.
I have no plans for a further review of the criteria at this time.
'Project Better Place'
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of the 'Project Better Place'; and what consideration he has given to adopting such a plan.
(AQW 3599/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department has not had any contact with the recently-founded company ‘Project Better Place’. Therefore, I have not undertaken any formal assessment of ‘Project Better Place’ proposals to develop an electric recharge infrastructure to support the deployment of electric vehicles.
I have no plans to adopt the ‘Project Better Place’ plan. However, as the sustainability principles, which underpin ‘Project Better Place’, are compatible with my Department’s sustainability agenda, my officials would be willing to consider the viability of any proposal this company may wish to explore.
Congestion on the A8(M)
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development what action his department is taking to ease congestion on the A8(M) city bound.
(AQW 3632/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (2015) has identified the provision of a new junction on the M2 north of the existing Sandyknowes junction, together with a new road linking it to the A8 (M) at Corr’s Corner. This will provide greater capacity at Sandyknowes, thus reducing or eliminating many of the conflicting movements at the existing roundabout which give rise to congestion. This is one of a number of schemes under consideration for inclusion in an Expanded Strategic Road Improvement Programme, assessment of which is at an advanced stage following the endorsement of the Investment Strategy 2008-2018 by the Assembly. However, as it has not yet been finalised, I am presently not in a position to advise on details of its content or timing.
The Plan also proposes modifications to the Sandyknowes roundabout, comprising of full signalisation, coupled with layout improvements, so that conflicts between different movements are minimised and greater priority is given to the strategic M2 and A8 traffic movements. These proposals are in the early stages of development.
As it will take some time to implement these schemes, my Department’s Roads Service will continue to examine and review options for improvements at this junction in the short to medium term, with a view to increasing its traffic capacity.
The recent closure of the Hightown Road Bridge has increased traffic congestion on the Sandyknowes roundabout, which in turn may cause temporary congestion on the approach from the A8(M). To ease this, new traffic signals have been installed on the Scullions Road entrance to the roundabout. These have been supplemented by traffic monitoring cameras to allow Roads Service’s Traffic Control Centre to adjust signal timings on the roundabout according to changing traffic conditions.
M2 Motorway
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the work currently being carried out on the M2 motorway.
(AQW 3633/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service is presently undertaking improvement works on the M2 Motorway between the Sandyknowes and the Greencastle junctions. These works involve widening the Belfast-bound carriageway to three lanes between the junctions, widening the country-bound carriageway over the Greencastle Interchange, replacing the Longlands, Hightown and Collin Bridges, and upgrading Bellevue Bridge. These improvement works on the M2 started in spring 2007 and I would report the following progress to date:
M2 Road works – Work involving service diversions, road drainage, and earth works to accommodate the widened motorway and the construction of new retaining walls along both carriageways of the M2, is now well underway.
M2 Northbound at Greencastle – Work to upgrade the parapets on the bridge on the North bound carriageway of the M2 at Greencastle will start later this month. This will include the provision of an additional traffic lane over the bridge to give three continuous northbound lanes over the Greencastle Junction.
Longlands Bridge – Half of the Longlands Bridge has been demolished and traffic is presently running on the remaining half, under traffic light control. The replacement structure is due to be completed and re-opened to traffic by spring 2009.
Hightown Bridge – The new abutments and bridge deck are well advanced. Once completed, essential services will be diverted into this bridge deck and demolition of the existing Hightown Bridge, which closed on 27 January 2008, will commence. The Hightown Bridge will remain closed for up to one year during the demolition and reconstruction work. During the closure traffic is being diverted via a signed diversionary route along Mallusk Road, Scullions Road, Sandyknowes Roundabout and Antrim Road. On 7 January 2008, I announced a package of measures to accommodate the travelling public and alleviate disruption in the Glengormley and Mallusk areas during the closure.
Collin Bridge - Half of the Collin Bridge has been demolished and traffic is presently running on the remaining half, under traffic light control. The replacement structure is due to be completed and re-opened to traffic by spring 2009.
Bellevue Bridge – Work has begun to upgrade the existing substandard bridge parapets, with this work expected to be completed by summer 2008.
During the course of the works it will be necessary to introduce a number of temporary traffic management arrangements on the M2, to allow the widening works to be completed. However, during construction two lanes will be maintained in each direction on this section of the M2. The overall M2 Improvements scheme is presently on target for completion in summer 2009.
Work Carried Out in Randalstown
Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the work being carried out by Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water in Randalstown, and the surrounding areas, during February 2008.
(AQW 3647/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service will complete road lining and catseye installation work at Church Road and Craigstown Road, which were resurfaced in January 2008.
Following completion of routine safety inspections in the Randalstown area, some minor repair work will also be completed during February 2008, on roads and footpaths.
Northern Ireland Water has advised that, following leakage detection in the Randalstown Road and Creevery Upper areas of Randalstown, some repair work will be undertaken during February 2008.
Work Carried Out in Mallusk
Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the work being carried out by Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water in Mallusk, and the surrounding areas, during February 2008.
(AQW 3648/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service will continue to work on the M2 Improvements Scheme between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions.
Preparation work will take place for the demolition of the Hightown Bridge over the M2 motorway. This will involve the diversion of existing water mains, foul sewer, Phoenix Gas mains, NIE and Virgin Media cables and the provision of a new pedestrian footway that will be maintained when the existing bridge is demolished. During the closure of Hightown Bridge, Roads Service will continue to monitor traffic conditions on the diversion route and will implement additional measures as appropriate to improve the flow of traffic.
Road markings and traffic signs will be altered and maintained at the M2 and A8 (M) off slips at the Sandyknowes Roundabout. Some minor reinstatement and grassing at the new traffic signals introduced at the Scullions Road/Sandyknowes junction will be undertaken.
Temporary traffic management arrangements will be introduced on the city-bound carriageway of the M2 on the approach to Sandyknowes to facilitate the installation of a new sign for the M2 bus lane.
Routine maintenance work on the M2 motorway will be completed, including gully cleaning and cleaning at emergency telephone points.
Northern Ireland Water has advised that some minor repair work was completed following leakage detection in the greater Mallusk area. No further work is planned during the month of February 2008.
Light Rail System
Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the private sector finance that has been secured to fund the proposed light rail system for Belfast.
(AQW 3649/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department commissioned a Strategic Outline Case for the development of Rapid Transit proposals (light rail or bus based) within Belfast. The scope for securing private finance was part of the terms of reference for that study. The study is being finalised but it is already clear that there is potential for developer contributions and other private sector involvement to the scheme. My Department will be pursuing all such opportunities as the proposals move forward.
Bus Services In and Out of Belfast
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of people who have used bus services in and out of Belfast for each of the past five years.
(AQW 3666/08)
Mr C Murphy: Translink collects passenger journey data on a financial year basis. Following clarification with the Member that his Question relates to Metro services, I can advise him that the number of passenger journeys on Metro/Citybus for the last five financial years to March 2007 are as set out in the table below. Metro, which was launched in February 2005, includes a number of services previously provided by Ulsterbus.
| Period | Number of Passengers |
|---|---|
| 2002/03 | 19.9m |
| 2003/04 | 19.5m |
| 2004/05 | 19.9m |
| 2005/06 | 23.5m |
| 2006/07 | 24.1m |
| Total | 106.9m |
Flooding in McClelland Park
Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps taken by Northern Ireland Water to prevent the recurrence of flooding in McClelland Park, Dunloy.
(AQW 3676/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that in order to reduce the risk of flooding in McClelland Park, Dunloy, it is proposing to undertake work to divert some of the flow to a nearby foul sewer serving Bellaghy Park. This work, which would provide a short term solution to the flooding problems in the area, could commence within three months subject to obtaining permission to access private lands.
A permanent solution to the flooding problems at McClelland Park would require the construction of a storm water sewer to remove all surface water from the vicinity and alleviate pressure on the existing combined sewer. This work could take up to one year to deliver and would be subject to the availability of funding.
A43 Road in Glenariff
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Regional Development, in relation to the A43 Road in Glenariff, to detail the maintenance that is undertaken to prevent road slippage occurring; and to confirm (i) whether or not there is a relationship between heavy rainfall and potential slippage; and (ii) what protocols are in place to protect against this.
(AQW 3750/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service carries out routine inspections on the A43 Glenariff Road every eight weeks. These inspections can identify depressions and cracking in the road, which might indicate potential slippage. No other specific routine maintenance inspections are undertaken to identify potential slippage areas.
As surveys to identify the need for preventative measures would have to be carried out by specialists in this field, involving detailed investigations, they would be very expensive. As there have been very few instances of major landslides on roads of this nature and none on the Glenariff Road in the last 10 years, at least, the use of such surveys would be very difficult to justify.
Heavy rainfall can trigger landslides for a variety of reasons, including raised water table levels, culvert blockage and scour action. Roads Service officials are alert to the increased risk of landslides at such times and any problems with blocked drainage picked up by inspections, or otherwise reported, are remedied as quickly as possible, depending on their severity.
Ballyhenry Park and Ride Scheme
Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his involvement in the development of the Ballyhenry Park and Ride scheme to date, and to provide an update on this project.
(AQW 3753/08)
Mr C Murphy: The development of park and ride facilities is a key element of the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan. Indeed the Plan proposes a total of some 2100 park and ride spaces on the M2 and M5 corridors. These will be provided at 11 locations served by train or bus services to central Belfast.
My Department’s Roads Service proposed the Ballyhenry Park and Ride scheme some time ago, to facilitate local commuters. The land is owned by the Department and Translink’s Metro services already pass the Ballyhenry Road site. Translink has given an assurance that if the scheme is successful in attracting new customers, adequate bus capacity will be made available to facilitate this demand.
A planning application for this scheme was submitted in June 2003, which resulted in 140 letters of objection, all relating to increased traffic and traffic safety. Roads Service subsequently provided Planning Service with additional information supported by a Traffic Impact Assessment and the proposal was re-advertised on 8 August 2003.
At a subsequent meeting between Roads Service officials, Councillors and local residents, it was requested that a comparative study be carried out of the Ballyhenry site, and an alternative site at Corr’s Corner. The results of this study indicated that the alternative site would not generate as much usage as the Ballyhenry Road site and would be much more difficult for Translink to serve.
More recently, in order to alleviate concerns regarding residential amenity, Roads Service has amended the application to allow for a 1.8 m high wall and a 5 m wide landscaped strip between the site and the residential properties adjoining it. This was re-advertised on 17 August 2007 and Planning Service is currently considering further concerns expressed by local residents.
Meetings With MLAs
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of meetings he has held with MLAs since May 2007.
(AQW 3784/08)
Mr C Murphy: From 8 May 2007 to 12 February 2008 I have held meetings with MLAs on 33 occasions. This total does not include Executive Committee meetings or Sub-Committee meetings.
Season Ticket Parking
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development pursuant, to his answer to AQW 3307/08, to clarify what agency is responsible for issuing season ticket parking passes in Limavady.
(AQW 3804/08)
Mr C Murphy: NCP Services Ltd, acting on behalf of my Department’s Roads Service, is responsible for the issue of season tickets in respect of the Connell Street and Central car parks in Limavady.
Season Ticket Parking
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3307/08, to detail the reasons why business owners have been refused season ticket parking passes in Limavady in each of the last five years.
(AQW 3805/08)
Mr C Murphy: As I alluded to in my reply to the Member’s Assembly Question AQW 3307/08, there is a specific allocation of season tickets for each car park. I am not aware of any particular business owner being refused a season ticket, however, if any have, it will have been on the grounds that all available tickets have been sold at the time of their request.
Season Ticket Parking
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3307/08, to outline why charges have been raised for season parking ticket holders without consultation with all stakeholders.
(AQW 3806/08)
Mr C Murphy: I am advised by Roads Service that the scale of charges for car park tariffs, including season tickets, is specified in Schedule 2 of the Off-Street Parking Order (Northern Ireland) 2000. The season ticket charges at Connell Street and Central car parks in Limavady have not been increased since then. However, with the agreement of Roads Service, NCP now issues season tickets, on a monthly/quarterly basis rather than 4-weekly and 12-weekly. The charges of £40.95 and £99.45 respectively do not represent an increase in fees but rather reflect the different period covered.
Season Ticket Parking
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3307/08, to confirm that he is aware that business owners are being informed that there is a waiting list for season ticket parking, in both Connell Street and Central car parks, in Limavady.
(AQW 3807/08)
Mr C Murphy: I am not aware of any particular business owner being informed that there is a waiting list for season tickets in these car parks. However, the number of available tickets will vary according to demand and there may be times when all tickets are sold. In these circumstances it is good practice to give potential customers the option to be placed on a waiting list to be contacted when vacancies arise.
Water Supply at Coolcreaghy Road/Lisleen Road, Castlederg, West Tyrone
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) reported incidents of inadequate water supply at Coolcreaghy Road/Lisleen Road, Castlederg, West Tyrone; (ii) the action undertaken as a result of these reports; and (iii) the measures in place to ensure the resolving of reported difficulties.
(AQW 3813/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that since their new Customer Register was established in November 2006, there have been seven reported incidents of inadequate water supply at Coolcreaghy Road/Lisleen Road. On each occasion NIW staff responded promptly and implemented the action needed to restore the water supply as quickly as possible. These included repairing minor bursts and flushing the mains to restore water quality.
A recently completed detailed zonal study for this area has identified a need to upgrade/replace 33 kilometres of water mains, including a 5 kilometre section of cast iron pipe that supplies the Coolcreaghy Road/Lisleen Road. Replacement of this section is presently scheduled for late summer 2008.
'Water Ponding' on Rural Roads
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline what analysis has been undertaken of the increasing instances of 'water ponding' on rural roads; and to detail the steps he is taking to alleviate this problem in the interests of road safety.
(AQW 3814/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service does not routinely collect or analyse the number of instances of water ponding occurring on rural roads.
The Member will be aware that many rural roads were not built to modern standards and have evolved from old access tracks, which were largely unpaved and without formal drainage. Over the years, a combination of severe weather and heavy traffic has resulted in these roads becoming deformed slightly, leading to depressions on the road surface. This inevitably results in areas of localised ponding which can only be resolved by the installation of new drainage arrangements or by regulating and resurfacing. The use of these expensive measures is restricted by the limitation on funds available for structural maintenance.
That said, safety on rural roads is a high priority for Roads Service and a system of regular inspections is in place to ensure that response maintenance is identified and completed as necessary. For example, excessive standing water and water discharging onto or flowing across the highway is detected during routine safety inspections and noted for attention, if appropriate.
In addition to response maintenance, Roads Service also has a programme of planned maintenance, to ensure that the network remains safe and serviceable. Priorities are assessed using information obtained from condition surveys, other works programmes and professional engineering assessments by Roads Service Engineers.
Roads Service also aims to inspect, and clean where necessary, all gullies in rural areas once a year. This policy ensures that a reasonable level of maintenance is carried out to drainage systems, taking account of the Department’s finite funding and staff resource levels.
In addition to this scheduled operation, further cleaning is carried out to deal with blocked gullies, particularly at locations where fallen leaves represent an ongoing problem at certain times of the year, or where there has been a history of gullies becoming blocked for other reasons.
More recently, a Flooding Hotspots register has been established jointly by Northern Ireland Water, Rivers Agency and Roads Service. This contains a list of key flooding locations across the North, together with the nominated lead agency for each location. This register is continually updated as new locations are added and problem locations dealt with.
Traffic Management Pressures
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to address the traffic management pressures on (i) the A2 Shore Road; and (ii) the Old Shore Road, at their junctions at either end of Whiteabbey Village.
(AQW 3851/08)
Mr C Murphy: In relation to AQW 3851/08, officials from my Department’s Roads Service advise that the southern junction of the Old Shore Road with the Shore Road operates under full traffic signal control, while the northern junction takes the form of a priority junction. The level of traffic delays experienced at these junctions is not unusual for an urban setting and there are no plans at present to change the traffic management arrangements.
I would, however, note that in relation to the southern junction, the developer, as a condition of the planning approval for the redevelopment of the former Glenavana Hotel site, will install a traffic management system to improve traffic flow at the existing junction.
With regard to AQW 3852/08, I can advise that Roads Service officials are aware of the delays that traffic can experience when using this junction. However, when compared with other locations throughout the Greater Belfast area, these delays are not exceptional and possible improvements at this location would not, at present, have sufficient priority to be included within a Local Transport and Safety Measure Programme. As with all such locations, the situation will be kept under review.
Re-Opening of Hillhead Road
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the progress being made in relation to the re-opening of the Hillhead Road, Newry; and to provide a timescale in which he will be in a position to report back to residents.
(AQW 3859/08)
Mr C Murphy: Further to my answer to the Member’s previous Assembly Question (AQW 1718/08) on this matter, engineering consultants engaged by my Department’s Roads Service to consider the available options have completed an initial review and have prepared a draft report on the outcome of the assessment process, along with cost estimates.
Following consideration of the report, I have requested Roads Service to arrange a further round of meetings with both the Quarry owners and the affected residents. These will take place within the next four weeks.
The outcome of these meetings will assist Roads Service in forming a view on the progression of further works necessary on the Hillhead Road. It is also envisaged that following these consultations Roads Service will hold further meetings/discussions with local residents and public representatives.
Water Treatment Plant
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale in which Northern Ireland Water will upgrade the waste water treatment plant at Keady, in order to increase its capacity.
(AQW 3860/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the upgrade of Keady Wastewater Treatment Works, at an estimated cost of £3.7 million, is currently programmed for commencement in summer 2010 and the work will take one year to complete.
A1 Cloghogue to Beechill Scheme
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to specify the date on which all work stopped on the A1 Cloghogue to Beechill scheme; and to detail (i) the reasons for the stoppage; and (ii) the action he is taking to ensure that work resumes without any further delay.
(AQW 3920/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that work has not stopped on the A1 Beechhill to Cloghogue dual carriageway scheme, which is being constructed as part of a Design Build Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract.
As the Member will be aware, the top soil strip operation on this scheme has uncovered a number of potential archaeological features. The DBFO Co, in consultation with the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service, is currently preparing plans to deal with these.
This is normal practice in a construction project of this nature and scale and, while this may be impacting on the DBFO Co’s initial programme for earth works, it is not expected to extend the overall construction period.
This DBFO contract is a Public Private Partnership agreement and I am satisfied that my Department’s officials and their consultants are working closely with the DBFO Co, their designers and construction contractor to progress this Strategic Road Improvement scheme.
Waste Water Treatment Plant in Dunmurry
Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale within which the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Dunmurry will be upgraded.
(AQW 4079/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that a project to upgrade Dunmurry Wastewater Treatment Works is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2010 and will take slightly over 2 years to complete.
Sewerage Capacity
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development what his assessment is of the sewerage capacity for future development in (i) Newcastle; (ii) Ballynahinch; (iii) Downpatrick; and (iv) Ardglass.
(AQW 3705/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it is currently undertaking a comprehensive exercise to reassess the availability of headroom at wastewater treatment works across the North, based on the most up to date demographic information and planning projections. This work is scheduled for completion during 2008. In addition, an out of sewer flooding register is being developed to further refine the information available on system performance and deficiencies.
The Chief Executive of NIW will write to you about sewerage capacity for future development when the full assessment of wastewater treatment works in the four areas requested is complete.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Housing Executive Budget
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Northern Ireland Housing Executive grant budget, for each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3543/08)
The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The Northern Ireland Housing Executive Private Sector Grant Budget for the last 3 years is:-
| Year | £m |
|---|---|
2004/05 |
43.1 |
2005/06 |
42.9 |
2006/07 |
41.2 |
Housing Executive Budget
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the grant budget for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for the financial year 2007-08.
(AQW 3548/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Private Sector grant budget for the 2007/08 financial year is £42.8m
Housing Executive Budget
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm whether or not the grant budget for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for 2008 has been reduced.
(AQW 3550/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Details of the Budget 2008-11 were presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 29 January 2008. Over the next few weeks I will be considering how best to allocate the funding in the Budget 2008-11 across my housing priorities and I will be making a statement.
Warm Homes Scheme
Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the average length of time taken between application and the instruction to install, under the Warm Homes scheme, for each district council area.
(AQW 3574/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The attached table shows the average time taken in days between application date and instruction to install date by council area for a sample period from 1st April 2007 to 30th September 2007.
Warm Homes Scheme
Sample taken from 1st April 2007 to 30 September 07
| Council Area | Days between application date and instruction to install date |
|---|---|
Antrim |
114 |
Ards |
95 |
Armagh |
98 |
Ballymena |
100 |
Ballymoney |
84 |
Banbridge |
113 |
Belfast |
74 |
Carrickfergus |
105 |
Castlereagh |
114 |
Coleraine |
76 |
Cookstown |
69 |
Craigavon |
99 |
Derry |
104 |
Down |
115 |
Dungannon |
113 |
Fermanagh |
120 |
Larne |
97 |
Limavady |
110 |
Lisburn |
93 |
Magherafelt |
95 |
Moyle |
108 |
Newry & Mourne |
113 |
Newtownabbey |
121 |
North Down |
102 |
Omagh |
106 |
Strabane |
103 |
Warm Homes Scheme
Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of outstanding approved applications for the Warm Homes scheme relating to (i) insulation; and (ii) central heating, by district council area.
(AQW 3575/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The information is not available in the format requested. Eaga collate information from geographical areas which can be subdivided into postcode areas. The information in the attached table shows the number of approved applications for heating systems by postcode area.
There are no outstanding applications for insulation. When a survey confirms that insulation measures are required Eaga allocate the job to an installer within one week.
Warm Homes Scheme - approved applications for heating
| HEATING | AREA 1 | AREA 2 | AREA 3 | AREA 4 | AREA 5 | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved Applications | 79 | 42 | 227 | 201 | 177 | 726 |
| AREA 1 | AREA 2 | AREA 3 | AREA 4 | AREA 5 | ||
| BT60 | BT45 | BT1 | BT3 | BT2 | ||
| BT61 | BT46 | BT13 | BT4 | BT7 | ||
| BT62 | BT47 | BT14 | BT5 | BT8 | ||
| BT63 | BT48 | BT15 | BT6 | BT9 | ||
| BT64 | BT49 | BT29 | BT16 | BT10 | ||
| BT65 | BT51 | BT36 | BT18 | BT11 | ||
| BT66 | BT52 | BT37 | BT19 | BT12 | ||
| BT67 | BT53 | BT38 | BT20 | BT17 | ||
| BT68 | BT54 | BT39 | BT21 | BT24 | ||
| BT69 | BT55 | BT40 | BT22 | BT25 | ||
| BT70 | BT56 | BT41 | BT23 | BT26 | ||
| BT71 | BT57 | BT42 | BT30 | BT27 | ||
| BT74 | BT81 | BT42 | BT33 | BT28 | ||
| BT75 | BT82 | BT43 | BT31 | |||
| BT76 | BT32 | |||||
| BT77 | BT34 | |||||
| BT78 | BT35 | |||||
| BT79 | ||||||
| BT80 | ||||||
| BT92 | ||||||
| BT93 | ||||||
| BT94 |
Warm Homes Scheme
Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of applications that have been received by EAGA Partnership for the Warm Homes scheme, relating to (i) insulation; and (ii) central heating, broken down by council area for each of the last three years.
(AQW 3576/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Eaga hold information by Council area for completed work only. This is shown separately for insulation and heating by council area for the last 3 years in the attached tables. The figures for the current year show jobs completed up to 8 February. There are a further 726 approved applications not included in these figures. I refer the honourable Member to my reply to AQW 3575/08 for the detail on these.
| Insulation by Council Area | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2005 to March 2006 |
April 2006 to March 2007 |
April 2007 to date (8th Feb 08) |
|
| Council Area | Number of Completed Jobs | Number of Completed Jobs | Number of Completed Jobs |
| Antrim | 170 |
190 |
225 |
| Ards | 172 |
296 |
305 |
| Armagh | 397 |
334 |
251 |
| Ballymena | 247 |
197 |
233 |
| Ballymoney | 75 |
99 |
135 |
| Banbridge | 200 |
212 |
260 |
| Belfast | 1540 |
1203 |
1028 |
| Carrickfergus | 96 |
199 |
100 |
| Castlereagh | 250 |
261 |
217 |
| Coleraine | 154 |
183 |
214 |
| Cookstown | 283 |
248 |
256 |
| Craigavon | 327 |
546 |
567 |
| Derry | 600 |
466 |
324 |
| Down | 208 |
254 |
398 |
| Dungannon | 361 |
298 |
266 |
| Fermanagh | 234 |
303 |
319 |
| Larne | 83 |
124 |
84 |
| Limavady | 163 |
234 |
149 |
| Lisburn | 303 |
458 |
408 |
| Magherafelt | 199 |
181 |
160 |
| Moyle | 64 |
43 |
54 |
| Newry & Mourne | 704 |
953 |
481 |
| Newtownabbey | 377 |
611 |
267 |
| North Down | 372 |
275 |
269 |
| Omagh | 212 |
368 |
435 |
| Strabane | 244 |
267 |
202 |
| Totals | 8,035 |
8,803 |
7,607 |
| Heating by Council Area | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2005 to March 2006 | April 2006 to March 2007 | April 2007 to Date (8th Feb 08) | |
| Council Area | Number of Completed Jobs | Number of Completed Jobs | Number of Completed Jobs |
| Antrim | 90 | 98 | 92 |
| Ards | 67 | 76 | 112 |
| Armagh | 114 | 210 | 121 |
| Ballymena | 85 | 109 | 66 |
| Ballymoney | 40 | 38 | 47 |
| Banbridge | 58 | 95 | 148 |
| Belfast | 421 | 318 | 500 |
| Carrickfergus | 43 | 30 | 46 |
| Castlereagh | 66 | 53 | 102 |
| Coleraine | 68 | 59 | 65 |
| Cookstown | 126 | 202 | 219 |
| Craigavon | 145 | 325 | 274 |
| Derry | 53 | 309 | 154 |
| Down | 90 | 67 | 256 |
| Dungannon | 168 | 234 | 202 |
| Fermanagh | 168 | 182 | 189 |
| Larne | 43 | 32 | 31 |
| Limavady | 53 | 63 | 45 |
| Lisburn | 121 | 126 | 166 |
| Magherafelt | 64 | 100 | 69 |
| Moyle | 36 | 18 | 22 |
| Newry & Mourne | 259 | 397 | 319 |
| Newtownabbey | 123 | 124 | 210 |
| North Down | 113 | 44 | 129 |
| Omagh | 105 | 192 | 344 |
| Strabane | 57 | 77 | 136 |
| Totals | 2776 | 3578 | 4064 |
Regeneration of the Village Area, South Belfast
Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3192/08, to detail the meetings and discussions that have taken place between her department and community representatives in the Village area of South Belfast, in relation to the regeneration of the area.
(AQW 3588/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Seven meetings have taken place between my Department and community representatives in the Village area on housing issues. In addition officials within the Belfast Regeneration Office regularly take part in meetings and discussions with community representatives on Village regeneration issues.
Housing Executive Waiting List
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people currently on the waiting list for Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties in the (i) Antrim Borough Council area; and (ii) Newtownabbey Borough Council area.
(AQW 3605/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The total numbers of applicants on the waiting list for social housing at 31 December 2007 for the Antrim and Newtownabbey districts are 1,037 and 1,713 respectively of which 538 and 1,007 have more than 30 points and are therefore considered to be in housing stress.
Housing Executive Budget
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Grant Budget, broken down by parliamentary constituency, for each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3654/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The information is not available by parliamentary constituency. The table below details Private Sector grant funding broken down by District Council.
Housing Executive Budget
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Grant Budget for the Newtownards area, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 3655/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Private Sector grant budget for the Newtownards are in each of the last 3 years is:-
| 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
891,890 |
1,167,564 |
1,263,802 |
3,251,256 |
Redevelopment of the Village Area, South Belfast
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3140/08, to detail what means are being considered to address housing problems in the Village area of South Belfast.
(AQW 3686/08)
Ms M Ritchie: A dual approach will be adopted to address the problems facing the people in the Village area. In the long term my Department will be working with the community and its representatives to identify housing and regeneration opportunities; innovative private sector contributions must also play a key role. In the short term my Department will try to address the needs of those vulnerable people in the greatest need. The Housing Executive will for example carry out room conversions, install insulation, upgrade heating and re-house where necessary and feasible.
Redevelopment of the Village Area, South Belfast
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development pursuant to her answer to AQW 3155/08, and in light of her commitment to the Assembly on 2 July 2007, whether or not departmental officials met specifically with homeowners in the Village area who had concerns about home improvements.
(AQW 3687/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Officials, either from my Department and from the Housing Executive, have met on a number of occasions with homeowners in the Village area. Some homeowners also attended the Village Planning Day in July 2007, and a meeting with my Director of Housing on 26 November 2007. I am very much aware of the diversity of opinion as to the means of improving living conditions in the Village and will ensure that all views are fully considered before these are implemented.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on the findings of a report by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on the effect of allowing the first £5,000 of a disabled facilities grant to be free of means testing.
(AQW 3689/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My Department asked the Housing Executive to take part in a review of the Disabled Facilities Grants Scheme and commissioned a report on possible options including changes to the means test. The Department has not yet proceeded with the review as no changes have been made to the means test regulation in England and Wales which are normally reflected in the Northern Ireland scheme.
Housing Units
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to the answer to AQW 3213/08, to detail the number of housing units that are to be constructed in (i) Newcastle; (ii) Castlewellan; and (iii) Dundrum, in the next three years.
(AQW 3707/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The current Social Housing Development Programme makes provision for the following over the period to 2011/12 in Castlewellan, Dundrum and Newcastle.
Year |
Scheme |
Units |
Need Group |
|---|---|---|---|
2007/08 |
45A Bracken Avenue, Newcastle |
1 |
General Needs |
Total |
1 |
||
2008/09 |
Lawnfield, Newcastle |
35 |
General Needs |
PSNI Site, Castlewellan |
7 |
General Needs |
|
Total |
42 |
||
2010/11 |
Drumaroad |
6 |
General Needs |
Total |
6 |
||
2011/12 |
Newcastle |
55 |
General Needs |
Total |
55 |
||
Grand Total |
104 |
In addition to the schemes formally programmed, Housing Associations have registered an interest in six sites in Newcastle; three in Castlewellan and two in Dundrum. The feasibility of developing these sites is being investigated with a view to acquisition.
The Social Housing Development Programme is rolled forward annually and the 2008/09 – 2012/2013 update will be available shortly.
Housing Executive Grants
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm whether or not all home inspections, in relation to Northern Ireland Housing Executive Grants, have been cancelled for January to March 2008; and to detail what plans she has in relation to home inspections from April 2008.
(AQW 3710/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Home improvement grants inspections have not been cancelled. There are currently no delays in carrying out inspections. The grants budget for 2008/9 has yet to be finalised but it is not currently expected that there will be delays in inspecting grant aided works which have been approved.
All payments are kept under continuous review to ensure that budget limits are adhered to in any financial year.
Warm Homes Scheme
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Social Development to detail whether or not there is a requirement for a tenancy contract to exist prior to landlords qualifying for their properties to be upgraded under the Warm Homes scheme.
(AQW 3748/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Eaga manage the Warm Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. There is no requirement for a tenancy contract to exist in order for a tenant to qualify for assistance from the Warm Homes Scheme. The onus is on the applicant to provide proof of benefit at the specific address and on the landlord to provide proof of ownership and to give permission to carry out the work.
Meetings With MLAs
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of meetings she has held with MLAs since May 2007.
(AQW 3785/08)
Ms M Ritchie: In addition to the many informal and ad hoc meetings I have had with members, in this house and elsewhere, I have held 55 scheduled meetings with MLAs since May 2007.
Safety Issues
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3060/08, to detail the reasons why the starting date of the scheme has been frequently delayed over the last 6 years; and in view of the safety issues involved, to confirm that will she undertake to prioritise the upgrading of these properties as a matter of urgency.
(AQW 3801/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive first identified the need for a Multi Element Improvement scheme for Millburn in April 2004. The actual start date for any scheme will always be subject to normal lead in times for design and the consultation process. Estimated start dates are also subject to the availability of finance in any given year and can therefore be subject to change. The Millburn scheme is currently programmed to start in 2009/10.
Child Support Agency
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of cases held by the Child Support Agency (CSA) in which the Non-Resident Parent has been found to have provided fraudulent information in relation to their income; and to confirm (i) whether or not the CSA can take action against these parents; and (ii) how successful any such actions have been.
(AQW 3853/08)
Ms M Ritchie: To date this year the Child Support Agency (CSA) has made 343 non-benefit fraud referrals. These referrals are as a result of non-resident parents or parents with care either giving false information or failing to provide information at all. It is not possible to say how many of these referrals fall into each category.
In the case of false information the first action is for an interview to be conducted with the alleged offender under caution. In the vast majority of cases this leads to the supply of the correct information. Only when it is very clear that information is still incorrect after the interview under caution, will any prosecution be considered.
In all cases this year where an interview under caution has been carried out the Agency has been successful in obtaining correct information. No prosecutions have been necessary on these grounds.
Energy Performance Certificates
Rt Hon J Donaldson asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a timescale for the phased introduction of Energy Performance Certificates for homes.
(AQW 3892/08)
Ms M Ritchie: It is intended to roll out a programme for the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in three phases starting at the end of June of this year with existing dwellings being offered for sale on the housing market. This will be followed at the end of September by EPCs for newly constructed dwellings and finish with public and private rentals at the end of December.
Meetings Held
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of meetings she has held with (i) delegations representing one or more of the district councils; (ii) the Northern Ireland Local Government Association; and (iii) the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, since May 2007.
(AQW 3900/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Since May 2007 I have held 3 meetings with delegations representing district councils and 1 meeting with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association. I have not held any meetings with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives.
Assembly Questions
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the number of written Assembly Questions she has received since May 2007; and (ii) the average length of time it takes her department to respond.
(AQW 3910/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I have received 516 written Assembly Questions during the period from 8 May 2007 to 19 February 2008. The average length of time my Department has taken to respond is 6 days.
Ballymoney Town Centre
Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the action her department is taking in relation to the regeneration of Ballymoney town centre.
(AQW 3945/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My Department is currently working on the following regeneration activities in Ballymoney town centre.
- The department is working with Ballymoney Borough Council to complete the ‘Experience Ballymoney’ project funded under the Town Centre Promotions and Marketing Programme;
- The department is assessing a small number of projects for funding from the Urban Development Grant scheme. Ballymoney has been selected as one of five towns in Northern Ireland to benefit from a pilot of this scheme.
- The department is working up plans for an environmental improvement scheme on the Main Street and Castlecroft in conjunction with our colleagues in DRD Roads Service.
Waste Produced
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.
(AQW 3949/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My Department does not hold the information requested. However, the Department has been recycling cardboard, paper, printer cartridges and other consumables for many years and a small number of offices have been recycling additional materials, such as plastic bottles, clear glass and cans.
As a first step in trying to quantify the amount of waste going to landfill and to test how recycling can be maximised in the office environment, an environmental pilot was initiated in 2007.
The waste percentage rates during the pilot were recorded as follows:
Percentage of waste stream - Recycled: 68%
Percentage of waste stream - Landfill: 32%
Social Security Agency
Mrs C McGill asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the alternative investment plans that are in place to ensure that (i) the Social Security Agency and (ii) the Job Centre, in Strabane, can co-locate in a 'one stop shop' facility.
(AQW 3962/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Social Security Agency remains committed to the roll-out of a Jobs and Benefits service in Strabane to ensure that clients benefit from the same enhanced work focused service which is available elsewhere in the province. Following the withdrawal of the planning application, the Agency is currently exploring how best to address concerns raised by Roads Service with regards to the number of car parking spaces available on the existing site at Urney Road, Strabane. In addition, revised plans are currently being prepared and it is anticipated that a further planning application will be submitted for the new office in the near future.
Benefit System
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people receiving (i) Disability Living Allowance; and (ii) Incapacity Benefit, broken down by parliamentary constituency, in 2006 and 2007.
(AQW 4006/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is set out in the tables below. The figures in table 1 show the number of claims where Disability Living Allowance was in payment at the date of extract and table 2 shows the number of claims where Incapacity Benefit was in payment at the date of extract. The date of extract was 14 October 2006 and 20 October 2007 for both benefits.
Table 1
Disability Living Allowance Benefit Claimants by Parliamentary Constituency at 2006 and 2007
| Parliamentary Constituency | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast East | 7,217 |
7,337 |
| Belfast North | 12,193 |
12,304 |
| Belfast South | 7,176 |
7,240 |
| Belfast West | 16,111 |
16,148 |
| East Antrim | 6,462 |
6,695 |
| East Londonderry | 6,867 |
7,067 |
| Fermanagh And South Tyrone | 8,714 |
8,681 |
| Foyle | 13,471 |
13,671 |
| Lagan Valley | 7,755 |
7,898 |
| Mid Ulster | 9,008 |
9,222 |
| Newry And Armagh | 11,327 |
11,418 |
| North Antrim | 7,712 |
7,928 |
| North Down | 5,543 |
5,712 |
| South Antrim | 7,807 |
8,056 |
| South Down | 10,593 |
10,806 |
| Strangford | 7,600 |
7,790 |
| Upper Bann | 11,587 |
11,810 |
| West Tyrone | 11,745 |
11,839 |
| Unallocated Postcode* | 629 |
1,178 |
| Total | 169,517 |
172,800 |
Table 2
Incapacity Benefit Claimants by Parliamentary Constituency at 2006 and 2007
| Parliamentary Constituency | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast East | 2,944 |
2,835 |
| Belfast North | 4,421 |
4,351 |
| Belfast South | 2,796 |
2,725 |
| Belfast West | 4,686 |
4,570 |
| East Antrim | 3,178 |
3,075 |
| East Londonderry | 3,449 |
3,364 |
| Fermanagh And South Tyrone | 3,448 |
3,287 |
| Foyle | 5,388 |
5,256 |
| Lagan Valley | 3,374 |
3,359 |
| Mid Ulster | 4,026 |
3,974 |
| Newry And Armagh | 4,564 |
4,324 |
| North Antrim | 3,912 |
3,907 |
| North Down | 2,480 |
2,426 |
| South Antrim | 3,418 |
3,395 |
| South Down | 4,402 |
4,296 |
| Strangford | 3,605 |
3,510 |
| Upper Bann | 5,426 |
5,240 |
| West Tyrone | 4,638 |
4,447 |
| Unallocated Postcode* | 434 |
580 |
| Total | 70,589 |
68,921 |
* In producing these 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.
Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the discussions her department has held with other departments and agencies to advance the implementation of the neighbourhood renewal action plans of the Neighbourhood Partnership Boards in the North West; and to outline those agreements that have been reached.
(AQW 4044/08)
Ms M Ritchie: In the North West the Department meets regularly through its Neighbourhood Renewal Programme Group to take forward implementation of the Neighbourhood Renewal strategy. The Department has also had two full set of engagements with relevant Departments and agencies. There have been various agreements and these include the development of a land audit, provision of training on health statistics, signposting of services, the advancement of a number of capital projects, funding being made available to tackle educational underachievement and an agreement that schools will engage with regard to the Extended School’s programme. Furthermore, engagements have been held on a Northern Ireland wide basis at the Ministerial Group which have culminated in a number of regional targets being agreed.
Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the perceived blockages to reaching agreement with other departments and agencies, in relation to advancing the implementation of neighbourhood renewal action plans of the Neighbourhood Partnership Boards in the North West.
(AQW 4046/08)
Ms M Ritchie: There have been a number of obstacles that have to be addressed to reach agreements with other departments and agencies. These include budgetary constraints and staffing efficiencies under the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Review of Public Administration and overly ambitious Neighbourhood Action Plans that have been developed by some Neighbourhood Partnerships.
Benefit Fraud
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3151/08, what is her assessment of the levels of benefit fraud in Northern Ireland, as a result of her department's rolling programme of annual benefit review exercises.
(AQW 4049/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The latest estimate of the level of fraud in benefits administered by the Social Security Agency is £18.1m which equates to 0.5% of benefit expenditure during the survey period January to December 2006. The estimated cost of Housing Benefit Fraud during the same period is £3.3m (0.8% of expenditure).
Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the mechanisms she has put in place to ensure that essential funding to community groups will not be reduced or lost, after 31 March 2008, in light of any failure to reach agreement on the implementation of neighbourhood renewal action plans of the Neighbourhood Partnership Boards in the North West.
(AQW 4050/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I am currently in discussions with my officials regarding the implementation of Neighbourhood Renewal beyond 31 March 2008 and will make an announcement in due course. However, Neighbourhood Renewal is not about funding and, particularly, it is not about sustaining individual groups or projects because they have always been funded.
Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the long-term plans for the full implementation of the neighbourhood renewal strategy as set out in the People and Place strategy.
(AQW 4053/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Neighbourhood Renewal is being implemented as detailed in People and Place – A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal. Neighbourhood Action Plans which identify the priorities of the targeted areas have been developed and all Departments and statutory agencies are currently working to agree a collective response to these local needs, within the resources available.
Meeting Requests
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of meeting requests she has received since May 2007.
(AQW 4066/08)
Ms M Ritchie: In the period from 8 May 2007 until 18 February 2008 I have received 719 written requests for meetings.
ASSEMBLY COMMISSION
Recycling at Parliament Buildings
Mr D McKay asked the Assembly Commission to detail the amount of waste from Parliament Buildings that is recycled.
(AQW 3487/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): Estate Maintenance, Department of Finance and Personnel manage the waste and recycling for Parliament Buildings and the Stormont Estate. Estate Maintenance has tasked a company called SITA to take over the collection of the waste and recycling.
SITA collect the waste on a daily basis and segregate it at source into dedicated waste streams. The waste streams include paper, plastic, cardboard and tins. All glass used at Parliament Buildings and Annexe C is also recycled however, the figures for glass recycling is not recorded. Estate Maintenance has advised that a conservative estimate for this would be in the region of 250kg per week.
In addition the printer and fax cartridges and other computer consumables are recycled as is the cooking oil from the kitchen. It should be noted that all buildings within the estate showed a significant decrease in recycling for the month of December 2007. The contractor was unable to advise why this was the case however, it is hoped that the figures will return to around 25% as was previously achieved.
Building Management Branch meet regularly with Estate Maintenance to try to increase the recycling figures and regularly send out emails to staff to remind them of the recycling arrangements.
| Oct 06 | Nov 06 | Dec 06 | Jan 07 | Feb 07 | Mar 07 | Apr 07 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recycled Kg |
2.1 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.9 | 2 |
General Waste Kg |
4.4 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 3.3 | 3.2 | 6.4 | 4.5 |
Percentage recycled |
33% | 42.65% | 42.60% | 42.10% | 42.86% | 30.70% | 30.76% |
| May 07 | Jun 07 | July 07 | Aug 07 | Sept 07 | Oct 07 | Nov 07 | Dec 07 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Kg | 2.5 | 2 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.65 | 0.8 | ||
| General Waste Kg | 5.4 | 7 | 4.6 | 5 | 6 | 5.7 | ||
| Percentage recycled | 25.2% | 22% | 28.07% | 25.32% | 21.63% | 12.46% |
* Due to the change over in the contract there are no figures available for September and October
Paper Usage in Parliament Buildings
Mr S Wilson asked the Assembly Commission to detail what actions it will take to reduce paper usage in Parliament Buildings.
(AQW 3634/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): A review of the Assembly’s printing requirements is currently underway. The review is looking at issues such as the types of documents that need to be printed, the number of copies required and the need to e.g. print a full Committee report as opposed to the summary and recommendations. The outcome will be used to inform the specification for the Assembly’s printing and publishing contract.
A survey of Members will also be conducted to ascertain their requirements for Assembly publications in hard copy. Additionally possibilities will be explored for having printers and photocopiers set to automatically produce documents double-sided to reduce paper usage.