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 29 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

CORRIGENDA

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Anti-Poverty and Good Relations

Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the £3.6 million, allocated in the draft Budget for anti-poverty and good relations, will be shared between these programmes.

(AQW 2339/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness):

The £3.6 million figure referred to within the Member’s question relates to the additional funding allocated to anti-poverty and good relations for 2010-11, the third and final financial year covered by the current draft budget.

The total additional sum allocated within the draft budget to poverty and good relations is £7.724m. The total allocation will be shared between the two work areas as follows:

Year	Anti-Poverty	Good Relations	Total
08/09	£100k	£974k	£1.074m
09/10	£100k	£2.950m	£3.050m
10/11	£100k	£3.500m	£3.600m

 

Whilst both allocations are under a Resource Heading the finance will be used by the Department in different ways.

OFMDFM has both the policy lead and the primary responsibility for funding good relations. The funds allocated to good relations will resource a programme for cohesion sharing and integration, the detail of which will be consistent with the pledge of office to ‘promote the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared future and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society.’

Detailed plans for a shared and better future are currently being prepared; building on the good and valuable work that has gone before.

OFMDFM has overall policy responsibility for poverty and social inclusion, however funding is primarily provided through other Department’s budgets. The £100k per annum Anti-Poverty allocation is to resource spending related directly to this policy remit. Individual Departments’ budget allocations include expenditure on programmes and actions which impact either directly or indirectly on the issue of poverty and social inclusion.

MLA Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of meetings it has held with Members of the Legislative Assembly since May 2007.

(AQW 3745/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Details of the meetings since May 2007 are shown in the table below:

Number of meetings First Minister and deputy First Minister (in an official capacity) have held with Assembly Committees or Chair/Vice Chair of Committees	3
Number of meetings officials have held with Assembly Committees	23
Number of meetings officials have held with MLAs (excluding meetings with Assembly Committees)	2

 

Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

Mr G Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, with specific reference to the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2, to outline which projects are running (a) on time; and (b) on budget.

(AQW 3889/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The information requested is attached. This provides details for projects specifically mentioned within the Investment Strategy Northern Ireland 2008-2018 as approved by the Assembly on 28 January. Details are provided in the form you requested.

Investment Strategy 2 – Projects in procurement or delivery – On Time

 

DEPARTMENT	NAME OF PROJECT
Health, Social Services and Public Safety	New Health and Care Centres at Shankhill, Andersonstown and Portadown
	New regional adolescent psychiatric unit at Forster Green,
	Phase A of the Ulster Hospital  - includes maternity unit,  renal unit , car parking, multi-storey block with critical care, CSSD, theatres and laboratories
	Second phase of the Royal Victoria Hospital redevelopment  - multi-storey critical care building
	New Acute Hospital near Enniskillen,
	New local enhanced hospital at Omagh
	New local enhanced Downe hospital
Employment and Learning	North West Regional College , L/Derry
	Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey
	Belfast Metropolitan College , Springvale
	South Eastern Regional College, Bangor and Newtownards
Finance & Personnel	e-HR Programme (HR Connect)
Regional Development	Roads Service Design Build Finance Operate (DBFO) Package 1
	Roads Service DBFO Package 2
	An enhanced ferry service for Rathlin Island by 2009
	Completing the Belfast Sewer Project by 2010 in order to significantly reduce the risks of flooding in part of the City
	Upgrading water treatment and distribution infrastructure to comply with existing water quality regulations across the region by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Alpha.
	Upgrading waste water treatment infrastructure to bring the region into compliance with current EU standards by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Omega.
Social Development	Jobs and benefits Accommodation Project
Education Northern Ireland	Bangor Academy/ Nendrum College (Comber) PPP Project
	Holy Cross College (Strabane) PPP Project
	Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh
	Ballyholme Primary School, Bangor
	St Patrick’s Primary School, Saul
	Assumption Grammar School , Ballynahinch
	St Dominic’s High School, Belfast
	Convent Grammar School , Enniskillen (Final Phase)
	Maralin Primary School , Magheralin
	Killen Primary School , Castlederg
	Fourtowns Primary School , Ahogill
	Carnalridge Primary School , Portrush
	Moorfields Primary School , Ballymena
	Brookfield Special School
	St Peters Primary School , Cloughreagh
	Burnfoot, Largy, Dungiven Primary School
	St Colmans College, Newry
	Waringstown Primary School
	Ballymacrickett Primary School
	Abbey Grammar School , Newry
	Victoria Primary School , Ballyhalbert
	Ballinderry Primary School
	Pond Park Primary School , Lisburn

 

Investment Strategy 2 – Projects in procurement or delivery – On Budget

 

DEPARTMENT	NAME OF PROJECT
Health, Social Services and Public Safety	New Health and Care Centres at Shankhill, Andersonstown and Portadown
	New regional adolescent psychiatric unit at Forster Green,
	Phase A of the Ulster Hospital  - includes maternity unit,  renal unit , car parking, multi-storey block with critical care, CSSD, theatres and laboratories
	Second phase of the Royal Victoria Hospital redevelopment  - multi-storey critical care building
	New Acute Hospital near Enniskillen,
	New local enhanced hospital at Omagh
	New local enhanced Downe hospital
Employment and Learning	South Eastern Regional College - Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and Newcastle campuses.
	South Eastern Regional College - Lisburn campus.
	Belfast Metropolitan College - Titanic Quarter
	Fermanagh Further Educational College
	North West Regional College , L/Derry
	Northern Regional College, Newtownabbey
	Belfast Metropolitan College , Springvale
	South Eastern Regional College, Bangor and Newtownards
Finance & Personnel	Workplace 2010
	Account NI
	e-HR Programme (HR Connect)
Regional Development	Roads Service Design Build Finance Operate (DBFO) Package 1
	Roads Service DBFO Package 2
	An enhanced ferry service for Rathlin Island by 2009
	Completing the Belfast Sewer Project by 2010 in order to significantly reduce the risks of flooding in part of the City
	Upgrading water treatment and distribution infrastructure to comply with existing water quality regulations across the region by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Alpha.
	Upgrading waste water treatment infrastructure to bring the region into compliance with current EU standards by 2014. This will include service commencement of Project Omega.
Social Development	Jobs ad benefits Accommodation Project
Education Northern Ireland	Bangor Academy/ Nendrum College (Comber) PPP Project
	Holy Cross College (Strabane) PPP Project
	Derry Diocesan PPP Project (St Mary's and St Cecilia's Colleges)
	Down & Connor / De La Salle PPP Project (St Mary's Primary, Portglenone; St Joseph's Primary, Carryduff; St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick; Our Lady & St Patrick's College, Knock)
	Lagan College ( Belfast) / Tor Bank Special School (Dundonald) PPP Project
	Belfast Education and Library Board Strategic Partnering PPP Project - Phase 1 (Orangefield Primary School, Ashfield Girls High School, Belfast Boys Model School, Belfast Model School for Girls, Grosvenor Grammar)
	Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh
	Ballyholme Primary School, Bangor
	St Patrick’s Primary School, Saul
	Assumption Grammar School , Ballynahinch
	St Dominic’s High School, Belfast
	Convent Grammar School , Enniskillen (Final Phase)
	Maralin Primary School , Magheralin
	Killen Primary School , Castlederg
	Fourtowns Primary School , Ahogill
	Carnalridge Primary School , Portrush
	Moorfields Primary School , Ballymena
	Brookfield Special School
	St Peters Primary School , Cloughreagh
	Burnfoot, Largy, Dungiven Primary School
	St Colmans College, Newry
	Waringstown Primary School
	Ballymacrickett Primary School
	Abbey Grammar School , Newry
	Victoria Primary School , Ballyhalbert
	Ballinderry Primary School
	Pond Park Primary School , Lisburn

 

Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

Mr G Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, with specific reference to the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2, to provide a list of all Public Private Partnerships/Private Finance Initiatives across all sectors; and to detail (i) the projects which are delayed; (ii) the reasons for delays; and (iii) completion dates for delivering these projects.

(AQW 3890/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: AQW 3890/08 – PPP Projects – Investment Strategy 2008-2018

DEPARTMENT	NAME OF PROJECT	COMPLETION DATE	DELAYED Yes/No	REASON FOR DELAY
Health, Social Services and Public Safety	South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen	2011/2012	No
	Enhanced Local Hospital Complex, Omagh	2012/2013	No
Regional Development	Alpha - provision of water	October 2008	No
	Omega - Improvement in waste water treatment facilities	June 2009	No
	Roads Service Design Build Finance Operate (DBFO) Package 1	February 2009	No
	Roads Service DBFO Package 2	December 2010	No
Finance and Personnel	Workplace 2010	March 2009	Yes	The programme was delayed by a legal challenge issued by an unsuccessful bidder, which has now been resolved.
Employment and Learning	South Eastern Regional College - Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and Newcastle campuses.	April 2010	Yes	Financial failure of one of the bidders at Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage, which required them to be re-qualified.
	South Eastern Regional College - Lisburn campus.	April 2010	Yes	Financial failure of one of the bidders at Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage, which required them to be re-qualified, plus purchase of additional land to offer a better solution.
	Belfast Metropolitan College - Titanic Quarter	September2010	Yes	A number of complex negotiation matters. Securing an appropriate Head Lease for land Meeting Planning Conditions Finalising land values.
Education	Bangor Academy / Nendrum College (Comber) PPP Project	Nendrum-March 2008 Bangor-May 2008	No
	Holy Cross College (Strabane) PPP Project	October 2008	No
	Derry Diocesan PPP Project (St Mary's and St Cecilia's Colleges)	2009/10	Yes	Full business case delayed due to the need to ensure compliance with revised guidance on PPPs.
	Down & Connor / De La Salle PPP Project (St Mary's Primary, Portglenone; St Joseph's Primary, Carryduff; St Patrick's Grammar, Downpatrick; Our Lady & St Patrick's College, Knock)	2010/11	Yes	Full business case delayed due to the need to ensure compliance with revised guidance on PPPs.
	Lagan College ( Belfast) / Tor Bank Special School (Dundonald) PPP Project	2010/11	Yes	The need to resolve site issues at Lagan College.
	Belfast Education and Library Board Strategic Partnering PPP Project - Phase 1 (Orangefield Primary School, Ashfield Girls High School, Belfast Boys Model School, Belfast Model School for Girls, Grosvenor Grammar)	2010/11	Yes	Project is part of proposed partnering arrangement and proceeded more slowly than anticipated because of increased scale and complexity.

 

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister 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 3990/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Within OFMDFM, the following facilities are available to assist those who are hearing impaired i.e. deaf or hard of hearing:

(i)	Facilities which allow hard of hearing and deaf people to access services provided by the department.	Text phone; Speech to text operators (electronic notetakers), provided for meetings and events when required and when the Department is made aware of the need in advance – this service is provided by Royal National Institute for the Deaf; British and Irish sign language translators. Similarly, British and Irish sign language translators are available for meetings and events as appropriate.
(ii)	Format or method of communication involved
(iii)	How deaf and hard of hearing people are made aware of the services available and how to access them.	The text phone number, located within the Equality Directorate, is printed on all publications issued by the department to facilitate participation and communication with officials; the number is also listed in the Government Offices section of the BT Phonebook and Yellow Pages (under Equality) and is listed under the Contact Us section within the Disability Unit pages on the OFMDFM website.

 

Children and Young People

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail who will make up the Ministerial sub-committee on Children and Young People.

(AQW 4040/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: All Ministers in the Executive, as well as representatives from the NIO and the Northern Ireland Court Service, have been invited to the first meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People, during which attendance at future meetings will be discussed. It is intended that the agenda would indicate the required attendance for future meetings although any Minister can attend if he or she so wishes.

Planning Appeals Commission

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the recommended length of time it will take for a decision, following the lodgement of appeal papers to the Planning Appeals Commission.

(AQW 4091/08)

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

“The Commission has various performance measures and targets relating to the timescales which have been set for the issuing of appeal decisions. The Commission aims to decide 80% of appeals by formal hearing within 34 weeks, 80% of appeals by informal hearing within 27 weeks and 80% of appeals by written representations within 24 weeks. The sheer volume of appeals, which the Commission has received over the 24 months, has made it impossible for the Commission to achieve these targets.”

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

Planning Appeals Commission

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of planning appeals received by the Planning Appeals Commission, in relation to the Ards Borough Council area, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 4092/08)

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

“I have set out in the following table, the total number of appeals received, determinations issued and the average length of time taken by the Planning Appeals Commission to issue a determination in each of the last five years, in relation to appeals received from the Ards Borough Council area.”

 

Year	Number of Appeals Received	Number of Decisions Issued	Average Time (weeks)
01/04/03- 31/03/04	31	31	27
01/04/04- 31/03/05	62	61	29
01/04/05- 31/03/06	49	49	44
01/04/06- 31/03/07	85	30	68
01/04/07- 18/02/08	18	0	N/A

 

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

Planning Appeals Commission

Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in relation to appeals received by the Planning Appeals Commission for the Ards Borough Council area, to detail: (i) the number that have had determinations issued; and (ii) the average length of time that elapsed between lodging the application and a determination being made, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 4093/08)

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

“I have set out in the following table, the total number of appeals received, determinations issued and the average length of time taken by the Planning Appeals Commission to issue a determination in each of the last five years, in relation to appeals received from the Ards Borough Council area.”

 

Year	Number of Appeals Received	Number of Decisions Issued	Average Time (weeks)
01/04/03- 31/03/04	31	31	27
01/04/04- 31/03/05	62	61	29
01/04/05- 31/03/06	49	49	44
01/04/06- 31/03/07	85	30	68
01/04/07- 18/02/08	18	0	N/A

 

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

Agriculture and Rural Development

Ministerial Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of meetings she has held with MLAs since May 2007.

(AQW 3829/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): I have met MLAs on 12 occasions in my capacity as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development since May 2007.

Northern Ireland Produce

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the levels of investment in relation to the marketing and advertising of Northern Ireland produce in (i) Northern Ireland; (ii) Great Britain; and (iii) Europe.

(AQW 3873/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department is proactive in assisting the industry where it can. However, European Commission State Aid rules place severe constraints on the use of Government funds for the advertising of local agri-food products both here and across the EC.

In relation to the marketing of local produce, my Department administers the Regional Food Programme. This is designed to promote quality local produce, to develop profitable and sustainable markets here, in the South and in Britain and to increase co-operation and communication between all sectors of the agri-food industry.

Under the first phase of the programme, over £300,000 was awarded to representative groups. Activities included the new Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show, the Loughshore Food Festival and a cross-sectoral recipe book which promoted the use of fresh local ingredients.

DARD provided marketing support to local agri-food companies under the EU Marketing of Quality Agricultural Products Grant Scheme. During the period 2000 to 2006 DARD awarded funding of £1.25m under this Scheme to enable companies to increase their marketing capability and develop new markets for quality local produce.

The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) are responsible for the promotion of red meat and red meat products in domestic and international markets. Its current marketing budget is approximately £1.5 million. The LMC, in association with InvestNI, participates in trade missions to international food fairs such as SIAL in France and ANUGA in Germany.

Subsidy Payments

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to enable farmers to receive their European Commission subsidy payments via the BACS service.

(AQW 3911/08)

Ms M Gildernew: From 16 October 2008 EC requirements oblige DARD to make all subsidy payments by Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS). To help ensure a smooth transition it is intended that from 1 May 2008, no subsidy payment will be issued unless bank details have been provided by the farm business. On 11 February 2008 my Department wrote to the 20% of farm businesses who had not signed up for BACS requesting them to provide bank account details as soon as possible, and in advance of the Less Favoured Area (LFA) payments due to issue in March.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of written questions received since May 2007, and the average length of time taken to publish a response.

(AQW 3976/08)

Ms M Gildernew: From May 2007 to January 31 2008 my office has received and answered 247 written assembly questions. The average length of time taken to publish a response has been 8 working days.

Development of Forests

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the discussions she has had with Waterways Ireland on the future development of forests adjacent to rivers zoned for boating and other leisure/tourist-related development.

(AQW 3984/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I wish to advise that to date, I have not been engaged in any discussions with Waterways Ireland on the future development of forests adjacent to rivers zoned for boating and other leisure/tourist – related development.

I am aware however, that my officials in Rivers Agency continue to liaise with Waterways Ireland on matters around transfer arrangements of facilities on my Department’s land. The Forestry Strategy recognises the potential for forests to provide a wider range of tourist-related activities and I can confirm that Forest Service will be happy to consider projects that these forests can accommodate.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development 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 3993/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department recognises that some of our customers and staff may be either deaf or hard of hearing. In light of this we have instigated a number of physical changes to some Departmental buildings. Induction loops have been installed in key premises, such as college conference and training rooms which are used by customers, students and staff. Portable loop systems are also provided in some buildings. The international ear-T symbol is used in buildings indicating where a hearing loop is available.

Information boards and signage giving details of the main attractions are sited at Forest Parks and Recreation Areas. Computerised information kiosks are sited at Tollymore, Glenariff and Florencecourt Forest Parks.

Deaf Awareness training was provided to approximately 70 front-line staff during 2006/07. The aim of this training was to create an awareness and understanding of the communication needs and different methods of communication used by Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and also to enable participants to become aware of the need to acquire a basic ability to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

The Department has a Textphone installed to enable more effective communication between the Department and those with hearing difficulties . The Department’s Corporate Departmental notepaper also advises of textphone contact numbers for those who have a hearing difficulty.

Easy read versions of publications have also previously been suggested as helping people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Department, as a matter of good practice actively encourages policy officials to produce easy-read versions of publications which use plain language and includes straightforward instructions for customers to follow.

Assistance for Fishermen

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her strategy to assist fishermen in 2008.

(AQW 3998/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am fully aware that the industry has faced difficult times recently due to lower prices for fish and higher operating costs. I want to see a fishing industry here that is both profitable and sustainable. Fishing opportunities are clearly an important factor in this and in the year ahead I will want to improve our scientific knowledge of fish stocks in the Irish Sea to ensure that fisheries management decisions are well informed and that our fishermen are able to benefit from fish quotas that are consistent with ensuring the long-term sustainability of these fisheries.

During 2008 I will continue to articulate the needs of our industry in meetings with my Ministerial counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales. I also intend to explore areas of mutual co-operation with Mary Coughlan TD, the Minister responsible for fisheries in the South. In April I will be meeting with Commissioner Borg to discuss with him the difficulties faced by our fishing fleet.

This year my Department will bring forward a draft Strategy for the Inshore Fisheries and legislative measures to improve conservation for species such as crabs and lobster and scallops. These proposals are and will be developed in close consultation with the industry and other marine stakeholders.

As you will be aware, I announced recently that the fishing industry would shortly benefit for some £25m of investment from the European Fisheries Fund. The EFF will be open to applications later in the year whenever the European Commission has approved the Operational Programme which is being developed jointly with fisheries administrations in England, Scotland and Wales.

Fishing Fleet

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) what strategy she has adopted in relation to understanding the fundamental problems faced by the Northern Ireland fishing fleet; (ii) what steps she intends to take in order to involve local fishermen in policy development; and (iii) what priority she is giving to assisting the industry, ahead of enforcing legislation.

(AQW 3999/08)

Ms M Gildernew: During my time as Minister I have met with fishermen and their representatives on a number of occasions. For example, last December I visited Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie and had the opportunity to listen to fishermen and their representatives prior to the Fisheries Council in Brussels. Earlier this month I had a meeting with a delegation from the NI Trawlermens Trading Co. The industry has made me aware of the key issues and challenges it faces and I will be articulating these on their behalf when I meet with Commissioner Borg in April.

Fishermen are already involved in shaping policies. At the moment my Department is working with fishermen to bring forward a management plan for the Strangford Lough pot fishery. Fishermen have also suggested a package of conservation measures that can be deployed in the scallop fishery and my Department is drafting policy and legislation proposals to bring those into effect.

The Irish Sea Data Enhancement Pilot Project is an important area of collaboration between policy makers, scientists and fishermen. It will help provide data through about the extent and reasons for discarding and identify ways to minimise these. I welcome the involvement of fishermen in these projects and policy developments because of the insight they bring to those issues. I want to see more joint working so that we can together help develop a stronger, more sustainable fishing industry.

The fishing industry as with other industries must operate within a regulatory framework. In the case of fishing, much of this originates from the Common Fisheries Policy and the complex rules and regulations that have been established to control the exploitation of fish in European waters and control effort on vulnerable fish stocks. It is vital that the fishing industry comply with these rules to ensure its long-term sustainability. This year the Commission will be finalising its review of the Cod Recovery Plan and will introduce new measures to help build cod stocks. I will want to see that any new management regime for the Irish Sea is appropriate and that it takes full account of the fishing patterns of our fleet and the relatively low impact that the prawn fleet makes on cod mortality. I will be using my forthcoming meeting with Commissioner Borg to press home this point.

Fisheries Legislation

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the annual cost of enforcing fisheries legislation in relation to the Northern Ireland fishing fleet, broken down by costs for (i) the Ken Vickers; (ii) Royal Navy vessels; (iii) Royal Air Force (RAF) Nimrods; (iv) the RAF aircraft; (v) United Kingdom fisheries protection vessels; (vi) Isle of Man fisheries protection vessels; and (vii) her department's officials.

(AQW 4016/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The annual cost of enforcing fisheries regulations in relation to the North’s fleet is broken down as follows:

• Ken Vickers: £38,806
• Royal Navy vessels: £294,525
• Royal Air Force Nimrods: £ nil
• The RAF aircraft: £ nil
• UK fisheries Protection Vessels: £ nil
• Isle of Man fisheries Protection Vessel: £55782
• My Department’s officials £743,294

It should be noted that only the costs for the Ken Vickers and this Department’s officials come directly from the North’s block. In addition the Isle of Man authorities are not able to distinguish costs attributable to the North’s vessels.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of meeting requests she has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4027/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Since May 2007 I have received 432 formal requests for meetings. These include requests from MLA’s and other organisations.

Irish Sea Cod Fishery

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of money that was allocated to the tie-up scheme for the Northern Ireland fishing fleet, during the closure of the Irish Sea Cod Fishery in 2004.

(AQW 4060/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Payments totalling £1.23m were made to vessel owners who participated in the 2004 Transitional Aid scheme.

Fisheries Scientist

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the current average annual salary of a fisheries scientist in her department.

(AQW 4061/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Scientists who specialise in fisheries research are employed by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) which is a Non Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The current average annual salary of the AFBI scientists engaged in fisheries research is £28,710.

Tuberculosis Reactor

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the minimum; (ii) the maximum; and (iii) the average, time-scale for (a) the removal of tuberculosis reactor animals off-farm, following a positive test; and (b) the results of tests performed on tuberculosis reactor animals, following animal presentation at abattoir and post-mortem.

(AQW 4069/08)

(a) Ms M Gildernew: The average time for the removal of a tuberculosis reactor animal off-farm during the period 1/1/2007 to 30/11/2007 was 12.4 working days. The minimum and maximum times were 2.7 and 94.5 working days respectively.

(b) The average time for histopathology results following presentation at abattoir, during the period 1/1/2007 to 30/11/2007, was 16 working days. The minimum and maximum times were 7 and 41 working days respectively.

The average time for bacteriological results following presentation at abattoir was 52 working days. The minimum and maximum times were 24 and 114 working days respectively.

The information provided is based on the most recent results from the period 1/1/2007 to 30/11/2007, which allows the information on bacteriology to be considered in full. The bacteriology tests take approximately two months.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of (i) pre-enquiry; and (ii) full, applications submitted for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme.

(AQW 4070/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The numbers ofapplications received, for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme, were as follows:-

(i) 11,473 preliminary applications.

(ii) 4891 full applications.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of claims that have been submitted for completed Farm Nutrient Management Scheme projects.

(AQW 4071/08)

Ms M Gildernew: 1,134 claims for payment under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme were received by 18 th February.

Single Farm Payment Scheme

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of farmers who (i) are in receipt of a Single Farm Payment; (ii) received their Single Farm Payment on time; and (iii) are still awaiting receipt of their Single Farm Payment; and to further detail the reasons for the delay.

(AQW 4114/08)

Ms M Gildernew:

(i) A total of 39,039 applications were submitted under the 2007 Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme.

(ii) Payments have been processed for receipt by the end of February 2008 in 35,521 (90.9%) cases. At 21 February 2008, a further 159 applications had been assessed as being ineligible, bringing the total number of finalised claims to 35,680 (91.3%). These figures are ahead of the published schedule.

(iii) The 3,359 remaining cases either have queries which require correction as a result of, for example on-farm inspections or because of set aside conditions not being met , or cannot be paid as the farmer’s estate is in probate. A payment will not be due in some of the remaining cases because of ineligibility or the application of penalties under scheme rules. It is anticipated that at least 96.15% of the annual budget will be paid out by the end of June 2008 in accordance with European Union legislation.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of pre-work inspections for Farm Nutrient Management Scheme projects that have been carried out and have had no claim submitted.

(AQW 4241/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Since the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) opened on26 January 2005, some 4000 pre-approval inspections have been carried out. At 25 th February, approvals had been issued in 3088 such cases and, of these, 1,945 applicants have still to complete their work or/and submit their claims for payment.

MSc Communication Students

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of MSc Communication students at Loughry College who have gained employment in the area of agriculture or the agri-food industry in the last five years.

(AQW 4283/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Over the last 5 years, from 2003 to 2007, a total of 56 students have completed the MSc in Communications. (38 of these studied on a full-time basis and 18 studied on a part-time basis).

22 of these students either were employed or have gained employment in the area of agriculture or the agri-food industry.

A further 10 graduates either were employed or have gained employment in rural businesses / voluntary.

The employment status of 2 students is unknown.

European Union

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of (i) the implications of the Treaty of Lisbon in relation to the remit of her department; (ii) the latest proposals drawn up by the leaders of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agricultural Negotiating Committee; and (iii) the likely outcomes for Northern Ireland farming if the European Union Commissioner supports the WTO proposals.

(AQW 4299/08)

Ms M Gildernew: (i):

Within the remit of my Department, the main impact of the treaty of Lisbon, if ratified, is the extension of the ‘co-decision procedure’ to cover Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP) legislation and most Common Fisheries Policy legislation . This will mean that from 2009, the European Parliament as well as the EU Council of Ministers will need to approve changes to the CAP, compared with the present situation where the Parliament is required only to provide an opinion. This will give MEP’s a much greater say in the decision-making process on the future of the CAP from 2009 onwards, although the co-decision procedure may mean that changes will take longer to be agreed. Similarly MEPs will have a greater involvement in the process of making CFP legislation.

ANSWER (ii):

On 8 February 2008, the chair of the WTO agricultural negotiations, Crawford Falconer, published a revised draft modalities paper setting out a range of proposals covering domestic support, market access and export competition. There will need to be a significant amount of further negotiation before the gaps between the main negotiators can be narrowed and a final agreement reached. The proposed range of reductions in import tariffs, which may be countered to some extent by making use of the proposed options for nominating key product lines as “ sensitive products”, are likely to have the greatest impact within the EU. However, we need to know the details of any final agreement before a full assessment of the impacts can be made.

ANSWER (iii):

To obtain a WTO agreement, the proposals not only need to be supported by the European Trade Commissioner, but also by the EU Council of Ministers and other members of the WTO. In advance of a final agreement, it is not possible to project with any confidence what the possible impacts of a eventual WTO deal might be on agriculture in the North . However, my Department has an on-going research project which has looked at the possible impact of earlier WTO proposals. From this, we know that the magnitude of tariff cuts and the use of sensitive products status will be key issues in determining the effects of a WTO deal on the local industry. However, these issues remain under negotiation and it remains unclear if a WTO agreement will be reached in the near future and precisely what it might comprise.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Waste Produced

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.

(AQW 3948/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland required Government Departments to have Departmental Waste Management Plans in place. This Department’s plan was published in 2005 and is updated annually.

Within DCAL significant streams of waste paper, toner cartridges, cardboard, aluminium cans, plastic bottles, furniture and light bulbs are recycled. The data is not available to provide the actual percentage of DCAL’s waste that is recycled.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of written questions received since May 2007, and the average length of time taken to publish a response.

(AQW 3977/08)

Mr E Poots: Three hundred and thirty eight written questions have been received since May 2007 and the average length of time taken to respond was 8.6 days.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure 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 3991/08)

Mr E Poots: Within the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Induction Loop systems are available at the Department’s premises for use as required by the deaf and hard of hearing. This is an electronic device which is used in conjunction with a hearing aid. At entrances to Departmental premises, signs are displayed to inform hard of hearing and deaf people that an induction loop system is available. Also within the Department’s Headquarters at Interpoint a Deaf Alerter is available to any deaf or hard of hearing visitor. This vibrates should the Fire Alarm activate. In addition, a number of staff within DCAL have received training in basic sign language skills.

Bangor Library

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much funding has been allocated for the completion of the new Bangor library.

(AQW 3996/08)

Mr E Poots: The current allocation of capital grant for the completion of the new Bangor Library is £2.221m. This includes construction costs and professional fees but excludes non capital grant monies for items such as book stock, furniture and fittings.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of meeting requests he has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4026/08)

Mr E Poots:

I have received a total of 203 meeting requests, 36 of which were from MLAs.

Funding Applications

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of (i) successful; and (ii) unsuccessful, funding applications submitted by (a) music groups; (b) music organisations; and (c) members of the Bands' Association, since May 2007.

(AQW 4085/08)

Mr E Poots: The information requested is shown in the table below:

Funding organisation		No. successful	No. unsuccessful
Arts Council of Northern Ireland	Music groups	10	0
	Music organisations	10	3
	Members of the bands Association	40*	15*
Ulster Scots Agency	Music groups	2	0
	Music organisations	3	1
	Members of the bands Association	35*	13*

*These figures are the numbers of bands, rather than members of the Bands’ Association. The Arts Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency do not hold information to confirm whether the bands are members of the Bands’ Association.

Irish Rugby Football Union

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3535/08, to confirm that all documentation relating to the potential funding of the Irish Rugby Football Union by his department, to be placed in the Assembly library, will include documentation held by Sport NI.

(AQW 4136/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the documentation that it holds and for its placement in the Assembly Library. In light of your question, however, I am happy to bring this matter to the attention of the Chief Executive of SNI for his consideration.

Recruitment

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3563/08, to detail (i) the geographic area that these posts cover; (ii) the recruitment process used to fill these posts; and (iii) how the equality of the appointments was monitored.

(AQW 4137/08)

Mr E Poots: I apologise for the delay in replying to the member.

Pursuant to my answer to AQW 3563/08, the geographic area covered by those Ulster Branch, Irish Rugby Football Union (UB-IRFU) posts in receipt of Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) funding is as follows:

Post	Period	Geographic scope of posts
Domestic Rugby Development Manager	1.4.03 – 31.8.06	UB-IRFU province of Ulster.
Club/Volunteer Development Manager	1.4.03 – 31.3.06 1.9.06 – 31.3.09	UB-IRFU province of Ulster
Referees Development Manager	1.4.05 – 31.3.08	UB-IRFU province of Ulster
Registration Manager	1.4.05 – 31.3.08	UB-IRFU province of Ulster
All other posts	1.4.05 – 31.3.08	Northern Ireland only

All recruitment processes followed UB-IRFU recruitment procedures. SNI undertakes management audits of UB-IRFU which includes its equity policy and staff appointment processes.

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the location, within the redeveloped Ulster Museum building, that will be used to display and interpret the machinery associated with the linen and engineering industries.

(AQW 4138/08)

Mr E Poots: I will answer these four questions together. The displays in the re-designed Belfast Gallery will use the rich photographic collections of National Museums Northern Ireland to convey a strong sense of the lives and working conditions of the many thousands of men and women who were employed in the linen, engineering and other industries (for example the ropeworks and tobacco industries) which underpinned the city's industrial and commercial achievements. Allied to this the National Museums Northern Ireland (Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) is already responsible for the protection, preservation and retention of artefacts associated with both the aerospace industry and maritime history and holds considerable and significant collections in both areas. These include:

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

• Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
• aircraft production

I readily accept that Museums make a key contribution to the achievement of Government priorities and goals, including tourism. The success of the Titanic - Built in Belfast exhibition at Union Station in Washington DC in June 2007 suggests there may be tourism potential associated with maritime material and artefacts, including vessels. It is worth remembering, however, that the viability and sustainability of such a dedicated museum are of paramount importance.

With regard to the above issues a display tower aimed at showcasing the quality and scope of the national collections, will be prominently and permanently positioned on the ground floor of the redeveloped Ulster Museum and will be the focal point for the display and interpretation of a number of iconic objects including a 19th century reeling machine used in the linen production process.

Finally In your final question you refer to a report produced by the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee in 2002 in which the Committee outlined their support for a maritime and industrial museum in Titanic Quarter. I can report that discussions have taken place with National Museums on the possibility of revisiting their proposals for the interpretation of Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage, this to be taken forward within the context of the current plans for the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter. Officials will draw on the Committee's report "Cultural Tourism and the Arts” as appropriate.

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the action he has taken to ensure that artefacts associated with (i) the aero-space industry; and (ii) maritime history, are protected, preserved and retained in a dedicated museum; and to make a statement.

(AQW 4139/08)

Mr E Poots: The displays in the re-designed Belfast Gallery will use the rich photographic collections of National Museums Northern Ireland to convey a strong sense of the lives and working conditions of the many thousands of men and women who were employed in the linen, engineering and other industries (for example the ropeworks and tobacco industries) which underpinned the city's industrial and commercial achievements. Allied to this the National Museums Northern Ireland (Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) is already responsible for the protection, preservation and retention of artefacts associated with both the aerospace industry and maritime history and holds considerable and significant collections in both areas. These include:

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

• Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
• aircraft production

I readily accept that Museums make a key contribution to the achievement of Government priorities and goals, including tourism. The success of the Titanic - Built in Belfast exhibition at Union Station in Washington DC in June 2007 suggests there may be tourism potential associated with maritime material and artefacts, including vessels. It is worth remembering, however, that the viability and sustainability of such a dedicated museum are of paramount importance.

With regard to the above issues a display tower aimed at showcasing the quality and scope of the national collections, will be prominently and permanently positioned on the ground floor of the redeveloped Ulster Museum and will be the focal point for the display and interpretation of a number of iconic objects including a 19th century reeling machine used in the linen production process.

Finally In your final question you refer to a report produced by the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee in 2002 in which the Committee outlined their support for a maritime and industrial museum in Titanic Quarter. I can report that discussions have taken place with National Museums on the possibility of revisiting their proposals for the interpretation of Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage, this to be taken forward within the context of the current plans for the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter. Officials will draw on the Committee's report "Cultural Tourism and the Arts” as appropriate.

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what his assessment is of the tourist potential of bringing together a critical mass of maritime material and artefacts, including vessels, that would form the nucleus of a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nautical heritage of Northern Ireland, at a suitable location in Belfast.

(AQW 4140/08)

Mr E Poots: The displays in the re-designed Belfast Gallery will use the rich photographic collections of National Museums Northern Ireland to convey a strong sense of the lives and working conditions of the many thousands of men and women who were employed in the linen, engineering and other industries (for example the ropeworks and tobacco industries) which underpinned the city's industrial and commercial achievements. Allied to this the National Museums Northern Ireland (Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) is already responsible for the protection, preservation and retention of artefacts associated with both the aerospace industry and maritime history and holds considerable and significant collections in both areas. These include:

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

• Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
• aircraft production

I readily accept that Museums make a key contribution to the achievement of Government priorities and goals, including tourism. The success of the Titanic - Built in Belfast exhibition at Union Station in Washington DC in June 2007 suggests there may be tourism potential associated with maritime material and artefacts, including vessels. It is worth remembering, however, that the viability and sustainability of such a dedicated museum are of paramount importance.

With regard to the above issues a display tower aimed at showcasing the quality and scope of the national collections, will be prominently and permanently positioned on the ground floor of the redeveloped Ulster Museum and will be the focal point for the display and interpretation of a number of iconic objects including a 19th century reeling machine used in the linen production process.

Finally In your final question you refer to a report produced by the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee in 2002 in which the Committee outlined their support for a maritime and industrial museum in Titanic Quarter. I can report that discussions have taken place with National Museums on the possibility of revisiting their proposals for the interpretation of Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage, this to be taken forward within the context of the current plans for the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter. Officials will draw on the Committee's report "Cultural Tourism and the Arts” as appropriate.

Ulster Museum Building

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to take forward a report produced by the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, published on the 23 May 2002, which highlighted the tourist potential of a museum, bringing together the maritime history, aeronautical history and technological achievements of the previous centuries; and to make a statement.

(AQW 4142/08)

Mr E Poots: I will answer these four questions together. The displays in the re-designed Belfast Gallery will use the rich photographic collections of National Museums Northern Ireland to convey a strong sense of the lives and working conditions of the many thousands of men and women who were employed in the linen, engineering and other industries (for example the ropeworks and tobacco industries) which underpinned the city's industrial and commercial achievements. Allied to this the National Museums Northern Ireland (Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) is already responsible for the protection, preservation and retention of artefacts associated with both the aerospace industry and maritime history and holds considerable and significant collections in both areas. These include:

- Artefact Collections ranging from individual objects and paintings to full-sized craft;

- Technical Plans Collections, including, in the case of maritime

history, the Harland & Wolff Ship Plans Collection, the most

comprehensive of its kind in the world, and

• Photographic Archives, including shipbuilding images and wartime
• aircraft production

I readily accept that Museums make a key contribution to the achievement of Government priorities and goals, including tourism. The success of the Titanic - Built in Belfast exhibition at Union Station in Washington DC in June 2007 suggests there may be tourism potential associated with maritime material and artefacts, including vessels. It is worth remembering, however, that the viability and sustainability of such a dedicated museum are of paramount importance.

With regard to the above issues a display tower aimed at showcasing the quality and scope of the national collections, will be prominently and permanently positioned on the ground floor of the redeveloped Ulster Museum and will be the focal point for the display and interpretation of a number of iconic objects including a 19th century reeling machine used in the linen production process.

Finally In your final question you refer to a report produced by the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee in 2002 in which the Committee outlined their support for a maritime and industrial museum in Titanic Quarter. I can report that discussions have taken place with National Museums on the possibility of revisiting their proposals for the interpretation of Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage, this to be taken forward within the context of the current plans for the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter. Officials will draw on the Committee's report "Cultural Tourism and the Arts” as appropriate.

Language Funding

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the funding for (i) Irish language; and (ii) Ulster-Scots, projects over the next 3 years.

(AQW 4180/08)

Mr E Poots: I would refer the member to AQO 1661/08 which was answered on 8 February 2008 and fully answers this question.

Funding to Feile an Phobail

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to provide funding to Feile an Phobail over the next 3 years.

(AQW 4183/08)

Mr E Poots: The Community Festivals Fund is being devolved to the local councils with effect from 1 April 2008 and decisions on grants to specific festivals will be their responsibility.

At this point in time I have no plans to provide any direct funding to Community Festivals.

Public Records Office

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline whether the proposed location of the Public Records Office is consistent with the British Standard BS5454:2000, particularly in relation to humidity and moisture.

(AQW 4228/08)

Mr E Poots: I can confirm that the proposed location of the Public Record Office is consistent with the British Standard BS5454:2000 and the building will meet BS5454:2000 in relation to humidity and moisture.

Public Records Office

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (i) the number of people working at staff officer level and above in the Public Records Office who are in post as a result of acting up from a lower grade and who did not undergo a competitive interview process; (ii) the number of people working at staff officer level and above who were formally interviewed in an open competitive process; and (iii) the process for career advancement through the various grades in the Public Records Office.

(AQW 4239/08)

1. Mr E Poots: At the 27 February, the Department has 8 people working at Staff Officer level and above in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) who are in post as a result of acting up from a lower grade.
2. At the 27 February, the Department has 14 people at staff officer level and above in PRONI, who have been formally interviewed in an open competitive process;
3. There are staff employed in a number of disciplines within PRONI and, with the exception of curatorial staff, career advancement is by NICS promotion and trawl competitions.  On occasion, posts may be advertised externally.  Career advancement for curatorial staff is also by NICS promotion and trawl competitions, however at recruitment stage and again at promotion to Curatorial Grade D, straight through grading arrangements apply.  When straight through grading arrangements apply, the criteria to be satisfied for promotion is fitness to perform the duties of the higher grade and the availability of work at the higher level.

Ulster-Scots Education

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline her policy for funding Ulster-Scots Education Summer Schools.

(AQW 4266/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department has no specific policy in relation to funding Ulster-Scots Education Summer schools.

The funding for Ulster-Scots Summer Schools is managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency on receipt of applications from Ulster-Scots groups within the community.

Ulster-Scots Education

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding available for Ulster-Scots Education Summer Schools.

(AQW 4267/08)

Mr E Poots:

I refer to your previous question (AQW 4266/08) in which you ask about my policy on the funding of Ulster-Scots Education Summer Schools.

My Department does not fund Ulster-Scots Summer Schools. The funding is managed by the Ulster-Scots Agency on receipt of applications from Ulster-Scots groups within the community.

The Ulster-Scots Agency has “set aside” £200,000 for the project in 2008 and the closing date for applications is 17 th March 2008.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of written questions he has answered in each month since May 2007.

(AQW 4268/08)

Mr E Poots: Since May 2007 the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has received 338 Written questions for answer and the breakdown per month is as follows:

Month/Year	Number of questions
May 2007	2
June 2007	63
July 2007	56
August 2007	0 (due to recess)
September 2007	18
October 2007	41
November 2007	36
December 2007	57
January 2008	21
February 2008*	44

* up to 13 th February 2008

Public Records Office

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the process and findings of the equality impact assessment preceding or subsequent to the announcement in relation to the relocation of the Public Records Office; and to outline any proposed mitigating actions in response to these findings.

(AQW 4281/08)

Mr E Poots: The policy to relocate the Public Record Office and the location of the new Record Office were both the subject of equality screening exercises.

As there was not f ound to be any equality implications with the policy or location, a full equality impact assessment was not required. There are therefore no mitigating actions.

Irish Language Events

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 4045/08, to detail the reasons why he has been unable to attend an Irish language event since taking up office.

(AQW 4300/08)

Mr E Poots: While I would, diary permitting, be happy to attend events of a cultural nature, I am not a speaker of the Irish language and could not contribute in any meaningful way to an event conducted in Irish.

International Olympic Commission

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline what plans he has to liaise with the International Olympic Commission in order to encourage the incorporation of Gaelic games as part of the Olympics.

(AQW 4426/08)

Mr E Poots: The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the governing body of Gaelic games and is responsible for their development and promotion. Any plans to liaise with the International Olympic Commission in order to encourage the incorporation of Gaelic games as part of the Olympics would therefore be a matter for the GAA.

Education

Keeping Parents Informed

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQO 444/08, to outline how she expects (i) school principals; and (ii) boards of governors, to work with parents on requests regarding their children's education.

(AQW 1071/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department recognises that there are real benefits when schools engage openly with parents and actively encourage them to have a say in how their children are educated. It also recognises that the means by which schools and parents should relate to each other are most effective when they are developed at local level by schools themselves, in consultation with parents and does not therefore prescribe any particular approach.

The new School Improvement Policy which issued for consultation on 21 January highlights the importance of constructive and regular communication between parents, pupils and schools and seeks views on proposals to harness more effectively the opportunities that extended schools provide for such communication and to provide additional resource material to help schools in developing and maintaining their links with parents.

Ghríosóinn gach páirtí leasmhar le páirt a ghlacadh sa chomhairliúchán seo agus a dtuairimí orthu seo agus ar mholtaí eile atá leagtha amach i Scoil Mhaith Gach Scoil a chur in iúl dúinn.

I would encourage all interested parties to take part in this consultation and to let us have their views on these and other proposals set out in Scoil Mhaith Gach Scoil a chur in iúl dúinn Every School a Good School.

Academic Selection

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not the principle of academic selection is safeguarded in legislation; and if she will bring forward proposals for the replacement of the transfer test that uphold this principle.

(AQW 1772/08)

Ms C Ruane: The principle of academic selection is not safeguarded in legislation. What the legislation does is make the commencement of the abolition of academic admissions criteria subject to an Assembly vote and it makes the introduction of new admissions criteria regulations contingent on resolution of the future of academic selection. Without this resolution and without these regulations there will simply be an absence of law and an unregulated system. A lapse into un-regulation would not, I believe, safeguard academic selection as independent and unregulated academic selection is a prospect fraught with administrative and litigious perils.

Sin an fáth ar chuir mé béim ar leith ariamh ar an riachtanas le comhaontú, nó creidim gur sin atá de dhíth orainn.  Tá rún agam moltaí a chur chun tosaigh leis an suíomh seo a léiriú. 

This is why I have always been clear on the need for consensus as I believe that is what the position requires of us. It is my intention to being forward proposals reflecting this position.

New Build Programme for Schools

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale for the new build programme for schools in the Upper Bann constituency; and to detail any delays that have occurred, and the reason for these delays.

(AQW 3215/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are eight schools approved for new buildings in Upper Bann. Construction of Waringstown P.S. has already started on site. Planning is underway for the other schools. Planning of St Teresa’s P.S. and Tannaghmore P.S. has not progressed as quickly as anticipated due to the need for revisions to the designs previously submitted to the Department.

In the case of Banbridge Academy pre-tender costs have only recently been submitted to the Department for consideration. Revised Economic Appraisals for Lurgan College and Portadown College were required as a result of changes affecting the respective sites and this work has impacted on the planned timescales. These appraisals have recently been submitted by the Southern Education and Library Board to the Department for consideration. In the case of St Mary’s P.S., Banbridge planning remains on target and for St Patrick’s College planning has progressed more quickly than previously estimated.

Sa tábla thíos léirítear an chéim atá bainte amach ag na scoileanna faoi láthair. Tabharfar na scéimeanna ar aghaidh leis an údarás ábhartha oideachais agus beidh na hamscálaí chuige seo faoi réir na próisis riachtanacha pleanála agus tógála a bheith críochnaithe go sásúil agus infhaighteacht acmhainní in aon bhliain ar leith.

The table below shows the current stage which the schools have reached. The schemes will be progressed with the relevant education authority and the timescales for doing so will be subject to the necessary planning and building processes being completed satisfactorily and the availability of resources in any particular year.

SCHOOL	Current stage of project
St Teresa’s P.S., Lurgan	Revised Stage D submission under consideration (final design drawings and costs)
Tannaghmore P.S., Lurgan	Revised Stage D submission received and under consideration
St Mary’s P.S., Banbridge	Stage C submission approved Jan 08. Stage D submission awaited.
St Patrick’s College, Banbridge	Stage C submission approved Dec 07. Stage D submission awaited.
Waringstown P.S.	Construction work started August 2007.
Banbridge Academy	Pre-tender costs received and under consideration
Lurgan College	Revised Economic Appraisal currently being considered
Portadown College	Revised Economic Appraisal currently being considered

New Build Programme for Schools

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not her proposals for post-primary transfer will have an impact on the New Build Programme for schools.

(AQW 3263/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is éadóigh feidhm a bheith ag mo phleananna le hathstruchtú mór diomaite den mhéid atá riachtanach cheana féin ag an fheidhm le scoileanna inbhuanaithe. Sna deich mbliana seo romhainn, de thairbhe ár n-easpaí cóiríochta faoi láthair, beidh fiacha orainn méid mór den eastát iar-bhunscoile a atógáil, is cuma cad é a tharlóidh.

My plans are unlikely to require restructuring significantly beyond that already required by the need for sustainable schools. In the next ten years our current accommodation deficiencies mean that we have to rebuild a significant amount of the post-primary estate whatever happens.

Teachers with Criminal Convictions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers in Northern Ireland with criminal convictions.

(AQW 3392/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé curtha in iúl ag Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne go bhfuil cúigear múinteoir i dTuaisceart na hÉireann a ciontaíodh, a bhfuil beirt acu fostaithe faoi láthair.

The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards have advised that there are five teachers in the North of Ireland with convictions of which two are currently in employment.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2920/08, to detail (i) the date of the meeting (ii) who she met with; and (iii) the subjects that were discussed.

(AQW 3459/08)

Ms C Ruane: Chuaigh mé go Dún Éideann 12 Nollaig, áit ar bhuail mé le Fióna Hyslop, Aire Oideachais na hAlban. Phléigh muid na ceisteanna a leanas:

I travelled to Edinburgh on 12 December and met with Fiona Hyslop, the Education Minister for Scotland.We discussed the following issues –

• OECD Peer Review;
• Family Resilience/Disadvantage;
• Teacher Recruitment and Induction including funding for this;
• Gaelic Medium Education; and
• Parental Involvement in Education.

Pre-School Provision

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the need for increased pre-school provision at St Brigid's school, Glassdrummond; and what plans her department has to deal with the increased number of applications for enrolment at the school.

(AQW 3518/08)

Ms C Ruane: Of the 20 pupils admitted to Year 1 at St Brigid’s Primary School for the 2007/08 school year, 10 were reception aged children.

Schools may only admit reception age pupils where there are places left after the school has admitted all those of compulsory school age applying for places from within their approved admissions number. Therefore the school has not turned down any application from children of compulsory school age.

The school authorities have not made an application to my Department for the provision of a nursery unit at the school but I understand that the level of provision in the immediate area is considered to be sufficient to meet current demand.

With regard to the overall enrolment at St Brigid’s, it is a matter for the school authorities to consider whether they wish to make a request for a temporary variation to the school's intake or enrolment number.

Bhreithneodh mo Roinn aon iarratas den chineál sin, i gcomhairle le Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt agus Comhairle na Scoileanna Caitliceacha faoi Chothabháil.

My Department would consider any such application in consultation with the Southern Education and Library Board and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools.

Language at Schools

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she intends to introduce (i) GCSE; (ii) 'AS' level; and (iii) 'A' level courses in Hindi, Mandarin and Russian into schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3581/08)

Ms C Ruane: Responsibility for the delivery of specific courses at GCSE and A level rests with individual schools, in the context of the requirements of the revised curriculum. At Key Stage 4, schools are required to offer pupils access to at least one language course in an official EU language and many offer a wider range than that. Both Russian and Mandarin are available at GCSE and A level and may be offered by schools here.

Ní thairgeann na forais cháiliúcháin cúrsaí GCSE agus A-leibhéil í Hiondúch, ach tá cáilíochtaí eile ar fáil i gcomhthéacs an chreat cáilíochtaí atá ann idir Sasain, Alba agus Tuaisceart na hÉireann. Is féidir le scoileanna, mar sin de, na cáilíochtaí seo a bhreithniú.

Awarding bodies do not offer GCSE and A level courses in Hindi, but other qualifications are available within the context of the qualifications framework which is in place between England, Scotland and the North of Ireland and are therefore open to all schools to consider.

Modern Languages Provision

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail which modern languages will be provided at primary school level under the provisions of the new Northern Ireland curriculum.

(AQW 3582/08)

Ms C Ruane: I believe an early start to language learning is of benefit to our young people. Although languages are not compulsory at primary level, the revised curriculum gives primary schools greater flexibility to introduce a modern language of their choice.

Additionally, through my Primary Languages programme, support will be available to primary schools who want to introduce Spanish or Irish.

Tá mé ag fanacht fosta le moltaí do straitéis fhoriomlán teangacha don Tuaisceart ón chomhIonad Ábhair do Theangacha, Theangeolaíocht agus Staidéir Cheantair idir Ollscoil Uladh agus Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste. Cuimseoidh seo foghlaim teanga ag bunleibhéal.

I am also waiting for recommendations to inform an overall languages strategy for the North from the joint University of Ulster-Queen’s University Belfast Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies. This will include language learning at primary level.

Modern Languages Provision

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps she is taking to provide the relevant training to primary school teachers (i) in post; (ii) in training; and (iii) on the substitute teachers' register, in those modern languages that will be introduced as part of the new Northern Ireland curriculum.

(AQW 3662/08)

Ms C Ruane: The revised curriculum gives primary schools greater flexibility to introduce a modern language of their choice but languages are not compulsory at primary level. As training must meet statutory requirements in the first instance, languages are not currently part of the specific curriculum training for primary teachers.

However, steps are being taken in this area. Stranmillis University College is offering two optional modules in languages for BEd (primary) students. In addition, I will, in the coming months, be receiving recommendations on a languages strategy for the North, which will include language learning at primary level and the associated training.

Sa scoilbhliain seo, tá mé ag cur Chlár Teangacha i mBunscoileanna in áit le tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do scoileanna ar maith leo Spáinnis nó Gaeilge a thabhairt isteach. Is príomhghné de mo chlár rannpháirtíocht an mhúinteoir ranga agus an fhorbairt ghairmiúil a bhaineann léi.

In this school year, I am putting in place a Primary Languages Programme to provide support for schools who wish to introduce Spanish or Irish. A key element of my programme is class teacher participation and associated professional development.

School Development Proposals

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school development proposals in relation to (i) the closure of a school; (ii) the amalgamation of two or more schools; (iii) a change to integrated status; and (iv) any other development proposals, that have been submitted to her department (a) in each of the last 5 years; and (b) since May 2007.

(AQW 3680/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below summarises the number of school Development Proposals submitted to the Department in each of the last five years and since May 2007 dealing with

• the closure of a school
• the amalgamation and merger of two or more schools
• a change to integrated status
• all other Development Proposals

Liostaíodh Moltaí Forbartha sa bhlian inar foilsíodh iad.

Please note that Development Proposals have been listed in the year in which they were published.

Development Proposals Submitted to the Department

	(i) the closure of a school	(ii) the merger or amalgamation of two or more schools	(iii) a change to integrated status	(iv) all other Development Proposals	Total by year
2003	5	9	2	29	45
2004	4	3	0	12	19
2005	12	3	1	18	34
2006	18	4	6	17	45
2007	7	3	3	25	38
Total by type	46	22	12	101	181
Since May 2007	4	0	2	14	20

Of the proposals detailed as submitted to the Department, decisions on fifteen Development Proposals are pending.

Irish Medium Schools

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of applications for the establishment of Irish Medium schools that (i) have been approved; (ii) have been rejected; and (iii) are still pending a decision, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3683/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sna táblaí thíos, leagtar amach na Moltaí Forbartha a ceadaíodh, a diúltaíodh agus atá ar feitheamh go fóill d’earnáil an Ghaeloideachais i ngach ceann de na cúig bliana seo caite. Tá moltaí do bhunú Gaelscoileanna le deontas i gcabhair, aonaid Ghaeloideachais agus Gaelnaíonraí san áireamh.

The tables below set out the Development Proposal applications that have been approved, rejected and that are still pending for the Irish Medium sector in each of the last five years. Proposals for the establishment of grant-aided Irish medium schools, Irish medium units and Irish medium nurseries are included.

2003

Proposals Approved

ELB area	School	Date Published	Description of Proposal
WELB	St Colmcille's Primary School Carrickmore.	13/03/03	Establishment of an Irish-medium unit at St Colmcille's Primary School, Carrickmore.
SELB	St Mary's Primary School, Pomeroy	27/03/03	Establishment of a unit at St Mary's Primary School, Pomeroy for the education of children of primary school age through the medium of Irish.
SELB	St Patrick's Primary School, Crossmaglen	19/05/03	Establishment of a Unit at St Patrick's PS, Crossmaglen for the education of children of primary school age through the medium of Irish.
NEELB	Bunscoil an Chaistil	26/05/03	Proposal that Bunscoil an Chaistil, an Irish Language Medium Primary School in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, should be given grant-aided status.
BELB	Gaelscoil an Damba	05/06/03	Proposal that a new Gaelscoil will open in September 2003.

Proposals Withdrawn

BELB

Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh

22/05/03

Establishment, within the school, of a twenty-six unit nursery offering full-time provision.

2004

Proposals Approved

BELB	Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain	20/11/03 Republished on 08/01/04	Recognise this school as a controlled Irish-medium primary school.
BELB	Gaelscoil na Mona, Turf Lodge	20/05/04	Establishment of a new Irish Medium Primary School in the Turf Lodge area.
WELB	Gaelscoil An Traonaigh, Lisnaskea	09/06/04	Establishment of a new Irish Medium Primary School in Lisnaskea.
NEELB	Gaelscoil na Speiríní, Draperstown	17/06/04	Establishment of a new Irish Medium Primary School in Draperstown.

Proposals Rejected

BELB	Gaelscoil an Lonnáin	22/04/04	That the school should be recognised as a grant-aided Irish-medium primary school.
BELB	Bunscoil Thaoilinn, Poleglass	11/05/04	Establishment of a new Irish Medium primary school in the Poleglass area.

2005

Proposals Approved

NEELB	Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach	14/02/05	Establishment of Grant-Aided Irish-Medium Primary School in Crumlin.
BELB	Gaelscoil an Lonnáin	17/02/05	Establishment of a new grant-aided, Irish-medium primary school at Falls Road.
WELB	Gaelscoil na gCrann	31/03/05	Establishment of a new grant-aided, Irish-medium primary school in Omagh.

 

School Development Proposals

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school development proposals dealing with (i) the closure of a school; (ii) the merger of two or more schools; (iii) a change to integrated status; and (iv) any other development proposals, have been determined by the department since 8 May 2007.

(AQW 3688/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below summarises the number of school Development Proposals submitted to the Department in each of the last five years and since May 2007 dealing with

1. the closure of a school
2. the amalgamation and merger of two or more schools
3. a change to integrated status
4. all other Development Proposals

Liostaíodh Moltaí Forbartha sa bhlian inar foilsíodh iad.

Please note that Development Proposals have been listed in the year in which they were published.

Development Proposals Submitted to the Department

	(i) the closure of a school	(ii) the merger or amalgamation of two or more schools	(iii) a change to integrated status	(iv) all other Development Proposals	Total by year
2003	5	9	2	29	45
2004	4	3	0	12	19
2005	12	3	1	18	34
2006	18	4	6	17	45
2007	7	3	3	25	38
Total by type	46	22	12	101	181
Since May 2007	4	0	2	14	20

Of the proposals detailed as submitted to the Department, decisions on fifteen Development Proposals are pending.

School Development Proposals

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school development proposals dealing with (i) the closure of a school; (ii) the merger of two or more schools; (iii) a change to integrated status; and (iv) any other development proposals, that have been determined by the department in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3704/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below summarises the number of school Development Proposals submitted to the Department in each of the last five years and since May 2007 dealing with

1. the closure of a school
2. the amalgamation and merger of two or more schools
3. a change to integrated status
4. all other Development Proposals

Liostaíodh Moltaí Forbartha sa bhlian inar foilsíodh iad.

Please note that Development Proposals have been listed in the year in which they were published.

Development Proposals Submitted to the Department

	(i) the closure of a school	(ii) the merger or amalgamation of two or more schools	(iii) a change to integrated status	(iv) all other Development Proposals	Total by year
2003	5	9	2	29	45
2004	4	3	0	12	19
2005	12	3	1	18	34
2006	18	4	6	17	45
2007	7	3	3	25	38
Total by type	46	22	12	101	181
Since May 2007	4	0	2	14	20

Of the proposals detailed as submitted to the Department, decisions on fifteen Development Proposals are pending.

Consultancy Firms

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of occasions her department has employed the services of consultancy firms; (ii) the work completed on each occasion; and (iii) the costs incurred by her department, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3714/08)

Ms C Ruane: D’fhostaigh an Roinn seirbhísí chomhlachtaí Sainchomhairliúcháin ar roinnt ócáidí le 5 bliana anuas. Tugtar achoimre ar líon na n-ócáidí agus ar na costais a bhain leo do gach ceann de na 5 bliana airgeadais seo caite sa tábla thíos.

The Department have employed the services of Consultancy firms on a number of occasions over the last 5 years. A summary of the number of occasions and the costs incurred is contained in the table below for each of the last 5 financial years.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Financial Year	Number of occasions in which Consultancy Services were employed	£
2002/03	16	£217,359.53
2003/04	50	£510,432.00
2004/05	37	£765,799.21
2005/06	46	£532,244.15
2006/07	44	£905,600.57

A breakdown of the work completed on each occasion is detailed in the following tables in each of the respective financial years.

Consultancy Services employed by the Department of Education in Financial Year 2002/03

Consultancy work carried out
Accounts Branch
LMS Common Funding Formula
LMS Common Funding Formula
Pay Flexibility
Review of ARNE
Review of ELB Chief Executives' Pay
Mail sweeper Training
Access to DE Network by Inspectors
Inventory/ISU Service desk
Clustered Firewall
Desktop Publishing
Assist General Consultancy
Web Analysis
Information Needs Analysis
Security Assessment of DE Network
Consultancy Support for Development of Business Case for Teachers Systems Replacement

Consultancy Services employed by the Department of Education in Financial Year 2003/04

Consultancy work carried out
Scoping study on European Strategy
Review of Business Education
Catering Advisor
Nutritional Standards Pilot
Senior Management Development
Senior Management Development
Senior Management Development
Senior Management Development
Senior Management Development
GMI School management problems
GMI School management problems
Organisational Review and Process mapping
Preparation of DE file plan
Review of PS Support
Review of PS Support
Facilitation of AA/AO workshops
Management Project (Waterside)
Harassment Investigation
Harassment Investigation
Balance creditors for school building projects
Fixed asset note for 2002/03 Accounts
Whole of Government Accounts
Oracle migration
Economic appraisals
Belfast Door project
Review of teacher demand model
Health and Safety - Traffic Investigation
Health and Safety - DSE workplace assessments
Health and Safety - DSE workplace assessments
Health and Safety - Traffic Investigation
Youth Services
EU Special Funding Initiatives
Planning and Accountability Review
Electronic reposity of research in the north of Ireland
Admissions criteria as part of post primary education
Post primary review of post primary education
Facilitation of AA/AO away day
Evaluation of Inspection process
Editing of Edlines magazine
Graphic design for DE corporate identity
Media training
Advertising campaign
Middletown
Conversion of XML files to CSV format
Software development for web content management
Implementation of new software
Surf control software
Web Analyst (for ETI)
E-Business strategy
Teacher's System business case

Consultancy Services employed by the Department of Education in Financial Year 2004/05

Consultancy work carried out
Focus group with year 8 re current transfer process
Suitable admissions criteria - part of Costello work
Facilitate strategic planning
Facilitate strategic planning
Facilitate strategic planning
Investigation into suspected fraud
Planning and Accountability
SFIU EU audit
ICT Governance Review
Web Review
ICT Governance Review
Legal advice
Advice on refurbishment of property
Special education and needs
English as an additional language review
Advice on the quality of PPP projects
Improving performance thro culture change
Project management support
Health and Safety Risk assessment
Internal Audit
Financial systems
Review of home to school transport
Catering advisor
Nutritional standards
Completion of EAs
Article 10 checks
Procurement & delivery arrangements for schools estate
Suspension and expulsion procedures
Suspension and expulsion procedures
Professional services
Organisational review
Organisational review and process mapping
SCS structure
Transforming education
Transforming education
Transforming education
Review of ETI and DE/DEL/DCAL

Consultancy Services employed by the Department of Education in Financial Year 2005/06

Consultancy work carried out
English as an additional language consultation
Facilitation of Education Partners and DE for a Strategic Planning Workshop to update the Strategic Plan for Education
Evaluation
Assessment
Corporate Development
Governance
Audit of Development Branch
Audit of School Improvement Branch
EU Art 10 checks
Art 10 Checks 2004 (50% fixed fee)
Audit of DE Personnel and Development Services Branch
Audit of Finance Branch
Audit of Post Primary Review Team
Risk Management Review
Data Mining
Data Mining
Network Health Check
CLAS Consultant
Policy Review of Teacher Education in the north of Ireland
Teachers' Pay/Pensions Project Support
TPPAB culture change
Review of suspension and expulsion procedures
Consultation on new admissions arrangements
To assess unavoidable costs of operating a specific school on a split site in 2004/05 in an effective and efficient manner and provide an estimate of the total unavoidable costs of operating the split site across the period 1999/2000 to 2004/05
Corporate Identity Proposal
Provide Graphics for existing stands
Editorial support and project management for Edlines
To assess viability of desktop publishing unit and provide findings
OBC for PPP schemes
OBC for PPP schemes
Procurement & Delivery arrangements for schools estate
Alternative Education Provision
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Review of Statistics & Research Branch
Keying of Census Forms
Equal Opportunities Investigation
Holy Cross College - PPP Procurement - Advice on Project Procurement Guidance and Law
Middletown
Middletown
Middletown
Middletown
Middletown
Middletown
Evaluation of Nutritional Standards pilot scheme
DE catering Advisor
Review of Home to School Transport policy

Consultancy Services employed by the Department of Education in Financial Year 2006/07

Consultancy work carried out
Business Education Strategy Unit Review
Provision of Support to assist with RPA implementation
Recruitment assistance - Recruitment of ESA CE Designate
Preparation of Workshop Materials
Printing of RPA Newsletter
RPA Newsletter design
Development of Communications Strategy
EQIA Training
English as an additional language consultation
Evaluation
Re-assessment
Governance
Governance
Governance
Governance
Audit of School Improvement Branch
Audit of Development Branch
Audit of School Admin Branch
Audit of PPP & SU
Audit of Teachers Negotiating Committee Branch
IT Hardware Review
Network Health Check
Teachers' Pay/Pensions Project Support
Teachers' Pay/Pensions Project Support
Review of suspension and expulsion procedures
Audit on external communications
Independent Strategic Review of Education
Facilitation exercise for Mid/South Down post primary provision
Procurement & Delivery arrangements for schools estate
Alternative Education Provision
Bullying in schools
PISA Additional analysis
Teachers Vacancies Survey
Review of Research, Monitoring and Advice
Keying of Census Forms
NI Schools Modernisation Programme
NI Schools Modernisation Programme
NI Schools Modernisation Programme
Middletown
Middletown
Middletown
Middletown
DE catering Advisor
Review of Home to School Transport policy

Consultancy Firms

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of occasions the Southern Education and Library Board (SEELB) has employed the services of consultancy firms; (ii) the work completed on each occasion; and (iii) the costs incurred by the SEELB, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3715/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sa tábla atá ceangailte leis seo tá sonraí curtha ar fáil ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt d’obair a rinne comhlachtaí sainchomhairliúcháin don Bhord sna 5 bliana seo caite.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board has provided the information in the attached table which details the work completed by consultancy firms for the Board in the last 5 years.

SEELB: Work Carried Out by Consultancy Firms

YEAR	COMPANY	PROJECT	AMOUNT PAID
2003/04	Price Waterhouse Coopers	Bangor Nendrum PPP	£201,832
	Farrell Grant Sparks Ltd	Lagan College/Tor Bank PPP	£74,038
2004/05	Price Waterhouse Coopers	Bangor Nendrum PPP	£136,752
	Ernst & Ernst	Financial Modelling	£3,656
2005/06	Price Waterhouse Coopers	Bangor Nendrum PPP	£245,683
	Mouchel Parkman Services	Special Education Project	£46,891
	Farrell Grant Sparks Ltd	Lagan College/Tor Bank PPP	£13,919
	KPMG	Financial Management Review	£16,343
2006/07	Price Waterhouse Coopers	Bangor Nendrum PPP	£349,820
	Farrell Grant Sparks Ltd	Lagan College/Tor Bank PPP	£141,537
	KPMG	Financial Management Review	£48,804
	Deloitte & Touche	Lisburn Library PPP	£21,200
2007/08	Price Waterhouse Coopers	Bangor Nendrum PPP	£130,232

Improper Conduct

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of Education Board employees, including teachers, who have been formally warned by their Boards in the last five years for (i) improper conduct with school pupils; (ii) sexually inappropriate behaviour with school pupils; and (iii) internet contact with school pupils.

(AQW 3769/08)

Ms C Ruane: Matters causing concern to school management and or employing authorities which give rise to the initiation of a formal warning to board employees, including teachers are not made known to the Department.

The Department would only be made aware of cases when employers make a referral to the Department where employees have been dismissed for misconduct, whether or not they were convicted of a criminal offence, or where they would have been dismissed or considered for dismissal, had it not been for their resignation, retirement or redundancy.

Déanfaidh an Roinn machnamh ar cé acu ba chóir fostaíocht an duine sin mar mhúinteoir nó mar fhostaí a theorannú nó a chosc má shíltear go mbeadh páistí i mbaol.

The Department will then consider whether or not to prohibit or restrict the individual’s further employment as a teacher or employee where it is felt that children would be at risk.

Education Board Employees

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail the restrictions placed on Education Board employees, including teachers, regarding their contact with pupils, both during and outside school hours.

(AQW 3770/08)

Ms C Ruane: Employers must have a pastoral care policy which should contain a child protection policy which reflects both its legal duties and pastoral care responsibilities. Employers should ensure that a Code of Conduct for employees within the education sector whose work brings them into contact with children and young people exists within either the child protection or pastoral care policies.

Employers must not employ anyone to work in an educational setting in a paid, unpaid or voluntary capacity, who is included in the Disqualification from Working with Children List held by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), the Unsuitable Persons’ List held by the Department of Education (DE), List 99 or who has a disqualification order from the courts. Any person who is convicted of an offence listed in the Schedule to the Education (Prohibition from Teaching or Working with Children) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2007 is automatically prohibited from working with children and included in the Department’s Unsuitable Persons’ List. Persons convicted of lesser offences listed in the Schedule are subsequently allowed to make representations to the Department against being listed.

Faoi Alt 30 den Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Northern Ireland) Order 2003 is coir ag duine ar bith atá ar an Liosta Daoine Neamhfhóirsteanacha atá i seilbh na RO, nó atá ar an Liosta Daoine atá Dícháilithe ó Oibriú le Páistí atá i seilbh na RSSSSP, nó a bhfuil ordú dícháilithe ó na cúirteanna air, fostaíocht le páistí a iarraidh nó a ghlacadh go feasach.

Is cion é de réir Airteagal 30 den Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 duine atá ar liosta de Dhaoine Mí-Oiriúnacha i seilbh na Roinne Oideachais, ar Liosta Dícháiliú ó Bheith ag Obair le Páistí i seilbh na Roinne Sláinte, nó a fuair ordú dícháilithe ó chur isteach go feasach ar a bheith ag obair le páistí nó le glacadh le fostaíocht le páistí.   

Article 30 of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 makes it an offence for any person included in the Unsuitable Persons’ List held by DE, the Disqualification from Working with Children List held by DHSSPS, or who has a disqualification order from the courts to knowingly apply for or accept employment with children.

Waste Produced

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.

(AQW 3794/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education operates a Waste Management programme, in line with DE’s Waste Management Action Plan.

The Department of Education operates from 3 sites,

Rathgael House, Bangor

Waterside House, Derry

Forestview, Belfast

All waste is carefully segregated and presented for recycling with a number of Collection Agencies. Individual colour coded containers have been made available for staff to play their part in waste management and recycling.

The following table lists the most commonly recycling waste.

% Recycling

Paper	100%	All sites specialist collection weekly
Cardboard	100%	All sites specialist collection weekly
Magazines/Phonebooks	100%
Furniture	75%	Returned for Repair/Refurbishment
	25%	Charities
Electrical Equipment Computer Products	100%	Specialist collection on request locally
Metal Products	100%	Segregated and collected by specialist
Photocopier Products Toners etc	100%	Specialist collection monthly
Polystyrene/Plastic	100%
Wooden Pallets	100%	Locally

Níl an liosta thuas uileghabhálach; breithneofar aon earraí breise nach bhfuil sonraithe thuas i gcomhair athchúrsála, más cuí, agus rachfar i dteagmháil leis na gníomhaireachtaí ábhartha.

The above list is not exhaustive, any additional items not specified above, will be considered for recycling where appropriate and relevant agencies contacted.

Roman Catholic Teachers

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the percentage; and (ii) the number of Roman Catholic teachers currently employed in primary schools in (a) the controlled sector; and (b) the voluntary maintained sector.

(AQW 3836/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní fhostaíonn an Roinn múinteoirí agus níl aon eolas staitistiúil aici ar mhiondealú múinteoirí de réir creidimh.

The Department does not employ teachers and does not hold statistical information on the religious breakdown of teachers.

Teachers Currently Employed

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the total number of teachers currently employed in primary schools.

(AQW 3837/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is é 7975 líon iomlán na múinteoirí atá fostaithe i mbunscoileanna faoi láthair.

The total number of teachers currently employed in primary schools is 7975.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education to outline the progress made (i) in the Executive; (ii) in the Committee for Education; and (iii) in the Assembly, in relation to securing a consensus for her proposals on post-primary transfer.

(AQW 3856/08)

Ms C Ruane: Bhí plé agam ar an cheist seo san Fheidhmeannas agus bhí mé os comhair an Choiste Oideachais ar 31 Eanáir 2008. Tá plé ag dul ar aghaidh le réimse páirtithe leasmhara oideachais. Cuirfidh seo ar mo chumas plé a bhfuil dlúth agus inneach ann a bheith agam leis an Fheidhmeannas, le Coiste Oideachais an Tionóil agus ráiteas a dhéanamh sa Tionól.

I have had discussions on this issue in the Executive and I appeared before the Education Committee on 31 January 2008. Discussions with a range of education interests are ongoing. In the near future, these will enable me to have discussions of substance with the Executive, the Assembly Education Committee and make a statement in the Assembly.

Dickson Plan

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail how her proposals for post-primary transfer will apply to each of the schools that currently operate under the Dickson Plan.

(AQW 3858/08)

Ms C Ruane: Socrófar soláthar iar-bhunscoile taobh istigh de cheantar Phlean Dickson ar an dóigh chéanna le soláthar i ngach ceantar eile, trí phróiseas pleanála ceantarbhunaithe, agus oibreoidh scoileanna taobh istigh den cheantar sin faoi na rialacháin chéanna um chritéir iontrála le scoileanna i gceantair eile.

Post-primary provision within the Dickson Plan area will be determined in the same way as provision in all other areas, through an area based planning process, and schools within that area will operate under the same admissions criteria regulations as schools in other areas.

Gealscoileanna Accommodation

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which her department (i) will be in a position to make a decision on whether or not Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaiochta is entitled to rent accommodation for Gealscoileanna; and (ii) will make arrangements to pay for the rent of accommodation for Gaelscoileanna.

(AQW 3878/08)

Ms C Ruane: Officials in my Department have been liaising with Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta (InaG) on the entitlement to rent for approved accommodation under the Local Management of Schools policy.

Tá eolas breise ar chóiríocht á lorg ó InaG leis an beart a chríochnú agus beidh an t-amscála le seo a dhéanamh ag brath ar iomlán an eolais atá riachtanach a bheith ar fail

Additional information on premises is being sought from InaG to help complete the exercise and the timescale for doing so will be dependent on having all the necessary information.

C2K Helpdesk

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3374/08, to detail the actual costs incurred by each school in calling the C2K helpdesk, in the last year.

(AQW 3899/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Ní furasta eolas a fháil ar an dóigh atá molta, agus ní thiocfadh a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. T he cost of the calls to the C2k Help Desk number would have to be extracted from each school’s telephone bill.

C2K Helpdesk

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail, in relation to the C2K Helpdesk (i) the number of staff involved; (ii) the related staff costs; and (iii) its total running costs.

(AQW 3901/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní foireann C2k atá i mbun líne chabhrach C2k. Foinsítear allamuigh ag Hewlett Packard í mar chuid den chonradh le líonra achair fhairsing, lúdracht agus seirbhísí lánaontaithe a sholáthar ar chostas £660,000 sa bhliain. Tá 15 ball foirne de chuid Hewlett Packard i mbun na nguthán.

The C2k helpdesk is not staffed by C2k employees. It is outsourced to Hewlett Packard as part of the contract for the delivery of wide area network, connectivity and integration services to every school in the north of Ireland at a cost of £660,000 per annum. Calls are handled by 15 Hewlett Packard staff.

C2K Helpdesk

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost per annum of employing Northgate/Hewlett Packard to support the C2K Helpdesk.

(AQW 3904/08)

Ms C Ruane: The C2k Help Desk is outsourced to Hewlett Packard at a cost of £660,000 per annum as part of the contract for the delivery of wide area network, connectivity and integration services to every school in the north of Ireland.

Níl eolas faoi chostais a bhaineann le glaoanna a atreorú chuig Northgate Information Solutions ar fáil go héasca agus níorbh fhéidir seo a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

Information in relation to the costs associated with calls referred to Northgate Information Solutions is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Portadown College

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the progress of the building project at Portadown College.

(AQW 3936/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) have undertaken a revision to the economic appraisal (EA) as a new road layout on site was set to impact on the building project for the school.

Chuir BOLO BE athmheasta faoi bhráid na Roinne i Mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2007 agus faoi láthair tá sé ag comhairleoirí gairmiúla na Roinne i gcomhair breithnithe agus ceadaithe. Aon uair amháin a cheadófar an BE, rachaidh an tionscadal chuig na céimeanna pleanála mionsonraithe

A revised EA was submitted to the Department by the SELB in October 2007 and is currently with the Department’s professional advisors for consideration and approval. Once the EA is approved the project will proceed to detailed planning stages.

School Closure

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) controlled; (ii) maintained; (iii) integrated; (iv) voluntary grammar; and (v) Irish medium schools that have been closed in each of the last 3 years; and to detail the pupil enrolment in each school at the time of closure.

(AQW 3943/08)

Ms C Ruane: Table below summarises the number of school closures in each of the last three years.

Table B summarises the number of amalgamations of two or more schools in each of the last three years.

Soláthraítear liosta de na scoileanna agus líon na ndaltaí ar rolla i mbliain a ndruidte. Glacadh líon na ndaltaí ar rolla ó Shonraí i nDaonáireamh Scoile Mhí Dheireadh Fómhair na scoilbhliana ábhartha.

A list of the schools involved and pupil enrolments in the year of closure is also provided. The enrolments are from the October Schools Census Data for the relevant school year.

	(i)Controlled	(ii) Maintained	(iii) Integrated	(iv) Voluntary Grammar	(v)Irish Medium	Total
2005	2	1	0	1 (Prep Dept)	0	4
2006	8	2	0	0	0	10
2007	10	2	0	0	1(IM Unit)	13
Total Closures	20	5	0	1	1	27

Table B: Closures due to amalgamation of two or more schools.

Numbers of Schools Amalgamating.

	(i)Controlled	(ii) Maintained	(iii) Integrated	(iv) Voluntary Grammar	(v)Irish Medium	Total
2005	9	5	0	1	0	15
2006	0	4	0	0	0	4
2007	3	6	0	0	0	9
Total Closures	12	15	0	1	0	28

School closures by sector 2005 to 2007 inclusive

2005

School	Date of Closure	Enrolment in Year of Closure
Controlled
Antiville PS, Larne (NEELB)	31/08/05	57
Granville PS, Dungannon (SELB)	31/08/05	21
Maintained
St Mary’s PS (Laught), Drumquin	31/08/05	10
Voluntary Grammar
Portadown College Preparatory Dept	31/08/05	23

2006

School	Date of Closure	Enrolment in Year of Closure
Controlled
Mersey Street PS Belfast (BELB)	31/08/06	80
Glenarm PS (NEELB)	31/08/06	20
Larne Nursery School * 1 (NEELB)	31/08/06	52
Lisnamurrican PS, Broughshane (NEELB)	31/08/06	31
Masserene Community College , Antrim (NEELB)	31/08/06	189
Ardmore PS, Derryadd (SELB)	31/08/06	15
Loughbrickland PS (SELB)	31/08/06	22
Stragowna PS, Kinawley (WELB)	31/08/06	15
Maintained
St Mary’s PS, Aghadowey	31/08/06	19
All Saints PS, (Ballela), Banbridge	31/08/06	14

* 1 A nursery unit was opened at Linn PS, Larne at meet the demand for pre-school places.

2007

School	Date of Closure	Enrolment in Year of Closure
Controlled
Mount Gilbert Community College (BELB)	31/08/07	94
Ballycastle Nursery School * 1 (NEELB)	31/08/07	26
Ballyduff PS, Newtownabbey (NEELB)	31/08/07	24
Charley Memorial PS, Dunmurry (SEELB)	31/08/07	10
Drumbo PS (SEELB)	31/08/07	12
Groomsport PS (SEELB)	31/08/07	25
Hillhall PS, Lisburn (SEELB)	31/08/07	39
Lambeg PS (SEELB)	31/08/07	23
Eglish PS, Dungannon (SELB)	31/08/07	11
Tullymacarette PS, Dromore (SELB)	31/08/07	14
Maintained
St Mary’s PS, Ballygowan	31/08/07	3
St Joseph ’s HS, Plumbridge	31/08/07	85
Irish-Medium
Irish-medium Unit at St Patrick’s PS, Gortin	31/08/07	4

* 1 A replacement nursery unit opened at Ballycastle Controlled Integrated PS at 1/9/2007.

School closures due to amalgamations of two or more schools

2005

School	Date of Closure	Enrolment in Year of Closure
Controlled
Dervaghroy PS, Sixmilecross * 1 (WELB)	21/02/05	22
Hutton PS, Beragh, Sixmilecross * 1	21/02/05	29
Sixmilecross PS * 1	21/02/05	91
Clough PS, Downpatrick (SEELB) * 2	30/04/05	115
Downshire PS, Dundrum * 2	30/04/05	24
Hillsborough PS (SEELB) * 3	31/08/05	386
Newport PS, Hillsborough * 3	31/08/05	39
Annaghmore PS, Portadown (SELB) * 4	31/08/05	70
Tullyroan PS, Dungannon	31/08/05	29
Maintained
St Catherine’s PS, Belfast * 5	31/08/05	167
St Gall’s PS, Belfast * 5	31/08/05	196
St John ’s PS, Belfast * 5	31/08/05	102
St Colman’s HS, Strabane * 6	31/08/05	686
Our Lady of Mercy HS, Strabane * 6	31/08/05	300
Convent Grammar School , Strabane * 6	31/08/05	595

* 1 Amalgamated to become Cooley PS.

* 2 Amalgamated to become Cumran PS.

* 3 Amalgamated to become Downshire PS.

* 4 Amalgamated to become Orchard PS.

* 5 Amalgamated to become St Clare’s PS.

* 6 Amalgamated to become Holy Cross College on existing sites; new-build school in planning.

2006

School	Date of Closure	Enrolment in Year of Closure
Maintained
St Malachy’s HS Antrim * 1	31/08/06	136
St Olcan’s HS, Randalstown * 1	31/08/06	373
St Mary’s Boys PS, Rostrevor * 2	31/08/06	122
Convent of Mercy PS, Rostrevor * 2	31/08/06	92

* 1 Amalgamated to become St Benedict’s College, Randalstown on the former St Olcan’s HS site.

* 2 Amalgamated to become St Bronagh’s PS, Rostrevor

2007

School	Date of Closure	Enrolment in Year of Closure
Controlled
Crossgar PS (SEELB) * 1	31/08/07	52
Drumaghlis PS (SEELB) * 1	31/08/07	36
Dungiven PS (WELB) * 2	31/08/07	17
Maintained
All Saints PS, Ballymena * 3	31/08/07	216
St Joseph ’s PS, Ballymena * 3	31/08/07	73
St Louis ’ PS, Ballymena * 3	31/08/07	284
St Mary’s PS, Ballymena * 3	31/08/07	45
St James’ PS, Tandragee * 4	31/08/07	14
St Joseph ’s PS, Poyntzpass * 4	31/08/07	96

* 1 Amalgamated to become Glasswater PS at Crossgar PS site.

* 2 Closed as first phase of the amalgamation of Dungiven PS, Burnfoot PS and Largy PS.

* 3 Amalgamated into 2 new schools – St Colmcille’s PS Ballymena and St Brigid’s PS, Ballymena.

* 4 Amalgamated to become St James’ and St Joseph’s PS, Poyntzpass on the St Joseph’s site.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to detail the average length of time it takes for a child to be statemented, in relation to Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

(AQW 3953/08)

Ms C Ruane: The prescribed time limit for completion of a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) from the date that the request to carry out an assessment is received by an Education and Library Board from either a parent or a school is 26 weeks regardless of a child’s individual SEN, subject to the exemptions outlined in the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs.

Ní choinníonn an Roinn Oideachais an meánfhad ama le ráiteas a bhronnadh ar pháiste, agus is é comhairle a fhaighim ó Phríomh-Fheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne, nach bhfuil figiúirí do na catagóiri éagsúla sainriachtanas oideachasúil ar fáil taobh istigh den amscála.

The Department of Education does not hold the average length of time it takes for a child to be statemented and I am advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that separate figures for the various categories of special educational needs are not available within the timescale.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to detail the waiting times for services from Longstone Outreach Support Services, for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder who live in West Belfast.

(AQW 3954/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl aon liosta feithimh ann ar sheirbhísí ó Sheirbhísí Tacaíochta For-rochtana na Cloiche Fada, do pháistí le Neamhord Speictrim Uathaigh (NSU) a chónaíonn in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste. Is é comhairle a fuair mé ó Phríomh-Feidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oir-Dheiscirt: cé go dtairgeann Scoil Speisialta na Cloiche Fada seirbhís tacaíochta for-rochtana do shaindeacrachtaí foghlama, do thacaíocht iompair agus do mheándeacrachtaí foghlama, ní thairgeann siad an tseirbhís seo do NSU.

There is no waiting list for services from Longstone Outreach Support Services for children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who live in West Belfast. I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the South-Eastern Education and Library Board that while Longstone Special School offers an outreach support service for specific learning difficulties, behaviour support and moderate learning difficulties it does not do so for ASD.

Ministerial Commitments

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail her ministerial commitments for Thursday 31 January, 2008.

(AQW 3979/08)

Ms C Ruane: Déardaoin 31 Eanáir 2008, bhí na ceangaltais aire seo a leanas orm:

On Thursday 31 January 2008, I had the following ministerial commitments:

9.00 – 9.30am Media Briefing

10.00 – 11.00am Education Committee

11.00 – 11.30am Meeting with Special Advisor

11.30am – 12.30pm Pre-Executive Meeting With Party

1.30 – 3.30pm Executive Meeting.

3.30pm Media Interviews

Review of Public Administration

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which education legislation in relation to the Review of Public Administration will be introduced.

(AQW 3981/08)

Ms C Ruane: Beidh dhá Acht Tionóil riachtanach leis an Athbhreithniú ar Riarachán Poiblí san oideachas a chur i bhfeidhm. Tá sé beartaithe go lorgfar cead an Fheidhmeannais a luaithe is féidir leis an chéad Bhille a thabhairt isteach. Ní féidir, áfach, dáta beacht a thabhairt san am seo. Is rún go dtabharfar an dara Bille isteach taobh istigh de bhliain ón am a thabharfar isteach an chéad Bhille.

The implementation of the Review of Public Administration in education will require two Acts of the Assembly. It is intended that Executive approval to introduce the first Bill will be sought as soon as possible. However it is not possible to give a precise date at this time. The intention is that a second Bill will be introduced within a year of the first.

Community Relations Work

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Education to detail what funding will be available specifically for community relations work in schools in the year 2008/2009.

(AQW 3994/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education provides funding to schools through the Schools’ Community Relations Programme (SCRP) , which is administered by the Education and Library Boards (ELBs).

Tá críoch go fóill á cur ar leithdháiltí do na Boird éagsúla.

Allocations to individual ELBs are still being finalised.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of both pre-school age and school age children who are currently 'statemented' with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (i) confirmed as the diagnosis; or (ii) identified as a contributory element of an overall diagnosis, broken down by Education and Library Board.

(AQW 4000/08)

Ms C Ruane: An Internal Review has been undertaken by the Department of Education to identify the functions and potential staff that may transfer to the Education and Skills Authority.

Tá torthaí an athbhreithnithe seo á mbreithniú faoi láthair agus, mar sin de, níl aon eolas breise ar fáil ag an am seo.

The outcomes of this review are currently being considered and as such no further information is available at this time.

Conlig Primary School

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education what her assessment is of the results of the second transformation process on integrated status for Conlig Primary School; and to confirm if she made a final decision on the future of Conlig Primary School.

(AQW 4004/08)

Ms C Ruane: Bhí deireadh leis an tréimhse inar féidir tuairimí agus agóidí ar Mholadh Forbartha a thairgeadh don Roinn ar 27 Nollaig 2007. Déanfaidh mé cinneadh ar an mholadh a luaithe is féidir.

The statutory two-month period during which comments and objections on a Development Proposal may be offered to the Department ended on 27 December 2007. I will make a decision on the proposal as soon as possible.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education 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 4012/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education (DE) provides a number of communication aids to address the requirements of Hard of Hearing and Deaf Persons. These include:

• Portable induction Loop System
• Mini Com
• Telephone amplifier, which is approved by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)

In addition, a number of staff have been trained in Sign Language.

Cuireann láithreán gréasáin RO www.deni.gov.uk eolas ar fáil ar na háiseanna agus ar an dóigh ar féidir teacht orthu.

The DE website www.deni.gov.uk provides information about the facilities and how these can be accessed.

Omagh Integrated Primary School

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not she has concluded the economic appraisal for a new build scheme at Crevenagh Road for Omagh Integrated Primary School; and to provide a timescale for the completion of the planning and design stage for this new build scheme.

(AQW 4021/08)

Ms C Ruane: The economic appraisal, including the option of a new build scheme at Crevenagh Road for Omagh Integrated Primary School, has not yet been finalised due to planning problems relating to the school’s need for vehicular access at that site. The Department is currently seeking a resolution to this problem with the school and other parties concerned.

Faoi réir ceadú riachtanach an bhreithmheasa a fháil ón Roinn, rachadh an scéim ar aghaidh chuig an chéim phleanála mionsonraithe agus dheartha, ach mar gheall ar na deacrachtaí reatha pleanála, ní féidir san am i láthair amscála do chríochnú na céime sin a chur ar fáil.

Subject to the necessary Departmental approval of the appraisal, the scheme would then proceed to the detailed planning and design stage, but due to the current planning difficulties, it is not currently possible to provide a timescale for the completion of that stage.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of meeting requests she has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4024/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ó Mhí na Bealtaine 2007, fuair mé 253 iarratas ar chruinnithe.

Since May 2007, I have received 253 requests for meetings.

Academic Selection

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to clarify how educational experience/performance differs from academic selection.

(AQW 4036/08)

Ms C Ruane: Academic selection involves the use of academic admissions criteria – applied on the basis of an assessment of an applicant’s academic ability. By way of contrast my proposals provide for a rounded picture of a child’s education and aptitude for learning to be used to inform an advisory procedure which results in a parent and child determining the most suitable provision for a child.

D’oibreodh an nós imeachta comhairleach seo i gcomhthéacs nach bhfuil aon chritéir acadúla iontrála ann.

This advisory procedure would operate in a context where there are no academic admissions criteria.

Voluntary Redundancy

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers who have taken voluntary redundancy, in each of the Education and Library Boards, over the last three years.

(AQW 4042/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sholáthair Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus CSCC an t-eolas atá sonraithe sa tábla thíos.

The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards and CCMS have provided the information detailed in the table below.

	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	Total
BELB	46	39	31	116
WELB	21	22	20	63
NEELB	63	67	49	179
SEELB	43	52	66	161
SELB	46	28	19	93
CCMS	145	175.2	209	529.2
Total	364	383.2	394	1141.2

Scoil Na Fuiseoige Primary School

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why work on the Scoil Na Fuiseoige Primary School in Twinbrook has not yet started; and to provide a timescale within which it will start.

(AQW 4043/08)

Ms C Ruane: Planning for the new school for Scoil Na Fuiseóige Primary School is well advanced with a revised Stage D submission (final sketch plans and costs) having been sent to the Department last September. The Department’s review of the submission has now been completed and a letter of approval will issue to the school Trustees shortly. A pre-tender submission will then be required from the school’s design team. Following its receipt and consideration, tenders for the construction of the new school would be sought.

Táthar ag súil go dtosódh an obair san fhómhar faoi réir na próisis riachtanacha phleanála a bheith críochnaithe go sásúil.

It is hoped that construction work could commence in the autumn subject to the necessary planning processes being completed satisfactorily.

National Bookstart Programme

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding allocated to the National Bookstart Programme by her department, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 4086/08)

Ms C Ruane: To ask the Minister for Education to detail the funding allocated to the National Bookstart Programme by her department, in each of the last 5 years.

Chuir an Roinn Oideachais maoiniú ar fáil do chlár Bookstart le linn na tréimhse 2002/03 go 2005/06 mar seo a leanas:

The Department of Education provided funding for the Bookstart programme during the period 2002/03 to 2005/06 as follows: -

2002/3 - £50K

2003/4 - £50K

2004/5 - £25K

2005/6 - £265K

Assembly Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of written Assembly questions she has answered each month, since May 2007.

(AQW 4095/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table

	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb
Witten Questions Answered	10	109	168	2	51	134	150	104	62	63*

* figure correct as at 19 February 2008

Computer Adaptive Testing

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not she (i) is familiar with; and (ii) has been independently briefed, on the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) procedure, which can be used to match children to the most appropriate second level school; and to detail the experts she has consulted on the issue.

(AQW 4099/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am familiar with the general concept of Computer Adaptive Testing and also a proposal for using such tests to inform a system of post-primary transfer.

Tá mé eolach, ó m’fheidhmeannaigh, ar chomhairle neamhspleách ó phríomhacadóir oideachais agus fosta ar chomhairle ón Chomhairle Churaclaim, Scrúdúcháin agus Mheasúnaithe.

I am aware, through my officials, of independent advice from a leading educational academic and also advice from the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.

Nursery Schools

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to the transition of existing nursery schools to Centres of Excellence.

(AQW 4186/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níor breithníodh stádas Ionad Barr Feabhais a bhronnadh ar naíscoileanna. San am i láthair tá mo Roinn ag obair ar straitéis Luathbhlianta do pháistí 0-6 bliana d’aois a scrúdóidh na socruithe do sheirbhísí comhtháite.

No consideration has been given to awarding Centre of Excellence status to nursery schools. My Department is currently working on an Early Years strategy for 0-6 year olds which will examine the arrangements for integrated services.

Daily Rate Pay Scale

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the current hourly rate for teachers on the daily rate pay scale at (i) ordinary; and (ii) upper pay scales.

(AQW 4199/08)

Ms C Ruane: Only temporary teachers are paid on a daily rate, calculated at 1/195 of the appropriate point on the annual pay scale. The main and upper pay scales for teachers are as follows with effect from 1 September 2007:

Main Pay Scale	£	Upper Pay Scale	£
M1	20,133	UPS1	31,878
M2	21,726	UPS2	33,060
M3	23,472	UPS3	34,281
M4	25,278
M5	27,270
M6	29,427

Is féidir an ráta san uair do mhúinteoir nach n-oibríonn laethanta iomlána a áireamh ach an ráta bliantúil a roinnt le 1265, uaslíon na n-uaireanta a oibríonn múinteoir lánaimseartha.

The hourly rate for a teacher working less than full days may be calculated by dividing the annual rate by 1265, which is the maximum number of hours worked by a full time teacher.

Employment and Learning

Department Discussions

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2897/08, to detail the discussions his department has had with (i) the Department for Work and Pensions; and (ii) the European Commission; and to outline his plans to make a statement.

(AQW 3894/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey):

Departmental officials have contacted the Department for Work and Pensions to clarify the process involved and the information required to make an application to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. There have been no further discussions with the European Commission. I have no plans at present to make a statement.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning 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 3903/08)

Sir Reg Empey: In my capacity as Minister for Employment and Learning I have met with delegations representing district councils on four occasions, and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association once. To date, I have not received a request to meet with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives.

Further Education Colleges

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the financial arrangements that are in place to ensure that (i) students from the Republic of Ireland can attend Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland; and (ii) students from Northern Ireland can attend Further Education Colleges in the Republic of Ireland, without disadvantage.

(AQW 3917/08)

Sir Reg Empey: European Community Law requires all Member States to provide rights of access to education for migrant workers and citizens of the European Union. Therefore, all EU citizens, including those from the Republic of Ireland, are funded on the same basis as students from Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK.

These rights also apply to those accessing education in the Republic of Ireland.

Ban on Political Activity

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment he has made of the University of Ulster's ban on political activity on campus.

(AQW 3930/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The University of Ulster is an independent autonomous institution responsible for its own policies and practices and I have, therefore, no locus in this matter.

However, my officials have been informed by the University that there is no ban on the organisation of political activity on any of its campuses, as reflected in a protocol agreed between the University and the Students’ Union.

The University has a policy of creating a politically neutral environment whilst recognising that political activity is a fundamental right devolved to the Students’ Union and the activities undertaken by its Clubs and Societies. To this end, the University, in agreement with the Students’ Union, has in place a protocol governing political activities involving the Students’ Union, its Clubs and Societies and political parties wishing to undertake political activity on any of its campuses.

The protocol governs political meetings, recruitment to politically oriented Clubs and Societies and the use of University facilities for the purposes of political activity. For example, the Students’ Union may be used for political meetings subject to the President’s approval and the approval of the campus Provost. Similarly, politically oriented Clubs and Societies may also host a stall at the annual Fresher’s Fayre (and any other open events), subject to a number of conditions. Flags and emblems must not be displayed on the stall and political leaflets may be displayed and made available, but not actively distributed. The Club or Society can, however, display the official logo of the ‘parent’ political party.

The University will allow recruitment on University premises to ‘parent’ political parties where this is organised in a closed room and subject to the conditions set out in the protocol, agreed with the Students’ Union.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of written questions received since May 2007, and the average length of time taken to publish a response.

(AQW 3978/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

As at 15 February 2008 the Department for Employment and Learning has received 218 written AQs since May 2007. The average length of time taken to respond to Members is 6 working days.

Redundancy Payments

Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment he has made of the impact that the decision to withhold redundancy payments from college staff will have on regional college mergers.

(AQW 3982/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Forty redundancies of further education (FE) lecturers have already been effected under the Teachers’ Premature Retirement Scheme in the current financial year, following the merger of FE colleges on 1 st August 2007. In view of the resource and other implications, no further redundancies can be supported under the Scheme in the 2007/08 year ending 31 st March 2008. This does not rule out the possibility of further redundancies being effected under the Scheme later in the current academic year when they would normally occur. Any delay in the redundancy programme will be short-term and will not disrupt College re-organisation plans following mergers.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the criteria used in calculating eligibility for Education Maintenance Allowance.

(AQW 3985/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Education Maintenance Allowance is an allowance for those students remaining at a school or a Further Education College and celebrate their 16 th, 17, 18 th or 19 th birthdays between the 2 nd July 2006 and the 1 st July 2007. To be eligible you must be resident in the UK for three years prior to the 1 st of September.

It is also a means tested allowance 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

Education Maintenance Allowance

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the amount of Education Maintenance Allowance paid in each constituency, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3986/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Education Maintenance Allowance scheme commenced at the beginning of the 2004/05 academic year. Data as requested is not readily available however the table below details the total amount of Education Maintenance Allowance paid to students in the last four academic years.

Academic Year	EMA Payments
2004 -2005	£11,010,810
2005 - 2006	£19,986,650
2006 - 2007	£20,454,610
2007 - 22nd Jan 2008	£6,596,780

Education Maintenance Allowance

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the number of students who have had applications for Education Maintenance Allowance refused; and (ii) the categories for refusal, detailed by number and percentage, broken down by parliamentary constituency, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3987/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Education Maintenance Allowance scheme commenced at the beginning of the 2004/05 academic year. Data as requested is not readily available in the format requested however the table below details (i) the number of students who have had applications for Education Maintenance Allowance refused; and (ii) the categories for refusal, detailed by number and percentage, in each of the last four academic years.

Academic Year	2004 -2005		2005 - 2006		2006 - 2007		2007 - 22nd Jan 2008
Total Applications	11645		19883		21151		21185
(i) Applications Refused	680		783		756		754
(ii) Category for Refusal	No:	%	No:	%	No:	%	No:	%
Household income too high	355	3.05%	684	3.44%	604	2.86%	590	2.78%
Age not within eligible age range	309	2.65%	59	0.30%	59	0.28%	69	0.33%
Learning centre not recognised	16	0.14%	31	0.16%	34	0.16%	69	0.33%
HH address not in UK	0	0.00%	9	0.05%	19	0.09%	17	0.08%
Application outside deadline	0	0.00%	0	0.00%	40	0.19%	0	0.00%
FE DARD Bursary Indicated	0	0.00%	0	0.00%	0	0.00%	9	0.04%

Education Maintenance Allowance

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm whether or not student income is taken into consideration when assessing applications for Education Maintenance Allowance; and to detail what measures are in place to ensure that this information is disclosed.

(AQW 3988/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

Education Maintenance Allowance applications are assessed on the basis of the annual income of the household in which the prospective applicant resides; this is generally the income of the parents. Generally, any income received by the student is not taken into account. Student income is only taken into account where students are estranged or living independently from their parents and are not in receipt of income support.

Applications will not be processed if the section of the application form dealing with household income has not been completed.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning 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 4011/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

(i) Jobs and Benefits Offices (JBOs)

All JBOs incorporate the Induction Loop system. The Queue Management System, which is also available in all JBOs, provides an auditory and visual indicator showing position in queue. In addition, a number of the operational staff in JBOs have been provided with sign language training.

Careers Service

The Careers Service employs professionally trained Careers Advisers who are based in Job Centres, Jobs and Benefits Offices and Careers Offices throughout Northern Ireland and also deliver services in most post-primary schools.  

Further Education (FE)

Assistance available to students with hearing impairments attending FE Colleges will depend on the degree of impairment and the nature of the course attended. This can be arranged with the College concerned.

Higher Education

The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) allows the Department to fund the Register of Support Providers which is available to all disabled students, including those with hearing difficulties, who are in Higher Education.

Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunal

5 of the Tribunal’s 9 hearing rooms have a Loop System. A portable Loop System can be transferred between the other rooms as necessary. Interpreters from RNID can also be provided and paid for by the Office of the Tribunals.

Training for Success

Where a young person entering the Training for Success (TfS) initiative has special needs, including hearing difficulties, the Department funds a number of Specialist Support Providers to assist their participation.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of meeting requests he has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4025/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

From May 2007 to date, I have received 150 formal meeting requests.

Bamford Report

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the measures put in place to address issues relevant to his department contained in the Bamford Report.

(AQW 4037/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Bamford Review and seven of its subsequent Reports include recommendations that have implications for the Department for Employment and Learning. I met recently with Professor Roy McConnell, Chair of the Bamford Group, and discussed with him the measures that are already in place within the Department. The meeting was very positive and I have made the offer of further engagement between my officials and the Group.

The Department for Employment and Learning has already an extensive range of programmes designed to help and support people with mental ill health or learning disability to find work and to stay in work. DEL must engage with all eligible clients, regardless of the type of condition or disability and would be difficult to direct resources at those with mental ill-health to the detriment of people with other conditions/disabilities and in the absence of additional resources specifically for this group. However, in addition to the recent Strategic Review of the Disablement Advisory Service carried out by the sector, DEL is in the process of commissioning the Education and Training Inspectorate to review standards of provision and identify any actual gaps in provision for disabled people in DEL’s client group across Further Education and Training.

Many of the Bamford recommendations are already a feature of existing policy and activity, including actions on the back of the Transitions Report. The Pathways Programme for new Incapacity Benefit Claimants is the latest addition to the portfolio. Working in close collaboration with DHSSPS and health service practitioners this includes a Condition Management Programme (CMP) offering one on one support from specially trained DEL advisers to provide referral to health care professionals. CMP offers an innovative and highly effective service to Incapacity Benefit claimants through the establishment of a strong partnership between not only DHSSPS and DEL, but also with colleagues delivering mainstream health services. CMP provision is complimented by other elements of the Pathways initiative such as work tasters and workplace support.

Further Education colleges are required by legislation to make adjustments to allow people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to access their mainstream courses. The Additional Support Fund (£1.5m) provides for technical and /or human support. A further £1.5m was made available in 2007/08 to enable colleges to meet the additional related costs of reduced classroom sizes and additional lecturer contact time, classroom assistants and so on when delivering discrete (i.e. specialised) provision in Colleges or outreach centres.

One of the Bamford Recommendations calls for dedicated places across the FE sector for severely learning disabled individuals. The extent of personal and health care needed to support severely learning disabled renders this an unworkable proposition in an FE setting and the needs of these individuals are more effectively managed in specialist settings. FE colleges are already working with such individuals on an outreach basis and the scope to do more in this area will be explored.

Further Education College and Library in Cookstown

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, in light of the joint approach between his department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure 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 4116/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department is always willing to examine the potential for cross departmental working, where there is an opportunity to do so and where such an approach provides the value for money solution. Although there are no opportunities to replicate this joint approach at present we would be happy to consider the feasibility of such partnerships in the future.

The South West College will also be carrying out a Post Project Evaluation, with the Education and Library Board, of the Further Education campus / Library later this year. This will examine the outturn of the joint project against the expected benefits to ensure that the lessons learned are fed back into the decision-making process.

Curriculum Vitae

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the help in writing a curriculum vitae that is available through his department, to people seeking a return to work.

(AQW 4207/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning offers a range of assistance in writing a curriculum vitae for people seeking a return to work.

Detailed information on compiling a CV is available on the Careers Service website www.careersserviceni.com. Customers can also access information through books and leaflets held by Careers Service staff based in Jobs & Benefits Offices, JobCentres and Careers Offices.

Participants on the New Deal programme attending Core Gateway provision are provided with help to improve their job search and employability skills including compiling or updating a CV.

Participants on the Personal Development element of Training for Success will be afforded the opportunity to gain experience in various job search activities including development of a CV.

The Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) which is available in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane exists to help the unemployed and economically inactive find suitable jobs. As part of that service, clients are given practical help and support in preparing and updating curricula vitae.

Returning to Employment

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the provisions in place to assist those who have given up paid employment to act as a carer to enable them to re-enter the workforce.

(AQW 4290/08)

Sir Reg Empey: A comprehensive range of provision is available through my Department’s Employment Service which is delivered via the network of 35 Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres, and through contracted Providers, all of which is designed to help jobseekers and other benefit clients find suitable work. The services include mandatory work-focused interviews; action planning for certain clients and measures specifically designed to improve the job prospects of those in areas of high unemployment and deprivation who have severe employability barriers. The Employment Service also provides details of a substantial number of current job vacancies, not only in Northern Ireland but throughout the rest of Europe. Staff in the offices can offer jobseekers help to access suitable opportunities.

Enterprise , Trade and Investment

Renewable Energy Sources

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of financial assistance that is available for renewable energy sources.

(AQW 3351/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): The main financial support mechanism for the generation of electricity from renewable sources is provided through the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) and is in the region £15million per annum.

The financial allocation available in 07/08 from the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund (EREF) for renewable energy sources is £34.125m, across 4 Departments. In addition, the Carbon Trust Loan Fund (supported through Invest NI), can support commercially viable renewable energy projects. The loan fund currently stands at £4.7million.

For companies involved in providing products or services in the renewable energy market each request for Selective Financial Assistance to Invest NI will be examined on its merits and support, if any, determined following an appraisal of the project.

Financial assistance is also available through UK wide programmes such as the Low Carbon Building Programme (for householders and community applications) and via capital grants available from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) for renewable technology development.

Renewable Energy Sources

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of finance allocated to renewable energy sources for each of the last three years.

(AQW 3417/08)

Mr N Dodds: The amount of Government funding spent on renewable energy sources in each of the last three years is outlined below:-

	05/06 (£m)	06/07 (£m)	07/08 (to date) (£m)
Environment and Renewable Energy Fund (EREF)	----	5.629	9.860
DETI	1.000	0.766	0.375
Invest NI	0.586	1.033	0.647
DARD	0.921	0.539	0.708
DFP	0.140	1.138	2.328
TOTAL	2.647	9.105	13.918

The amount of financial assistance that is available for renewable energy sources is detailed in the response to AQW 3351/08.

East Antrim as a Tourist Destination

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the action being taken by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to promote East Antrim as a tourist destination.

(AQW 3839/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) role is to promote and competitively position Northern Ireland as a world class tourist destination. NITB in partnership with the regional delivery bodies in the North East continue to develop and promote the Causeway Coast and Glens as a ‘must see’ visitor destination.

East Antrim is within the Signature Project for the Antrim and Causeway Coast Area, a strand of which is the Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism Masterplan. A key project within the Masterplan was the development of the Causeway Coastal Route, which passes through East Antrim. £410,807 has been spent on the Causeway Coastal Route in 2006/07 and 2007/08.

In addition, the area benefits from further significant funding which is allocated to the Signature Project. Since April 2005, financial assistance totalling £451,250 has been offered by NITB and Invest NI to tourism projects specifically in the East Antrim constituency.

In terms of promotion, NITB provides business and financial assistance to the Causeway Coast and Glens Regional Tourism Partnership which is tasked with marketing, product development and visitor servicing at a regional level.

During the period April 2005 to March 2008, financial assistance of £492,229 has been made available to the Causeway Coast & Glens Regional Tourism Partnership, whose remit covers the East Antrim area.

Covenanters Initiative

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what action he is taking to support the Covenanters Initiative launched by the Ulster-Scots Agency; and what action is being taken by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to work with the Ulster-Scots Agency, in developing and marketing it across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

(AQW 3846/08)

Mr N Dodds: I understand that the Ulster Scots Agency has just established a small steering group to assess the potential to create an event based on the Covenanters Initiative. The discussions are at a very early stage and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has not yet been involved.

Should the Ulster Scots Agency decide to run an event which has capacity to attract visitors, the NITB will help promote it through their events pages on www.discovernorthernireland.com

Both the NITB and Tourism Ireland Ltd (TIL) work closely with the Ulster Scots Agency to ensure that relevant Ulster Scots elements are integrated into the key tourism themes of Heritage, Living Culture, Creative Tourism and the Arts.

NITB and TIL also provide feedback to the Agency on market research from key markets to help guide the development of any Ulster Scots events, to ensure they are presented in a way that appeals to their target audience

Bushmills Distillery

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his department's plans to mark the 400th anniversary of Bushmills Distillery.

(AQW 3857/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has met representatives of Bushmills Distillery and its parent company Diageo and has advised them in relation to activity to mark the 400 th anniversary of Bushmills throughout this year. NITB is jointly hosting a Bushmills 400 th anniversary event at the Culloden Hotel on 27 th February, which will include visiting travel media from key overseas markets.

NITB will include details of the Bushmills 400 th anniversary when conducting briefings with all overseas media throughout 2008 and is in discussion with Bushmills Distillery about incorporating the 400 th anniversary theme in NITB’s annual Meet the Buyer event in May, which is attended by over one hundred top tour operators from around the world.

Moyle District Council has received a letter of offer under the Tourism Development Scheme for 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of £76,752 to develop a footbridge across the river Bush in Bushmills. The bridge design incorporates images to mark the 400 th anniversary of the village of Bushmills being granted a royal license to distill alcohol.

Tourist Numbers

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his department's plans to prioritise increasing the number of tourists visiting from (i) Great Britain; (ii) the Republic of Ireland; (iii) the European Union; (iv) North America; and (v) elsewhere, over the next 5 years.

(AQW 3932/08)

Mr N Dodds: ROI market (ii)

In the context of ROI marketing, Dublin is a vital gateway to Northern Ireland and a key factor in holiday growth has been driven by those who visit via the Republic of Ireland. Previous Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) Gateway campaigns have proved extremely successful and strategies will be put in place to target more potential visitors including improved visitor servicing through information at key points of entry and targeted campaigns.

Overseas Markets (I, iii, iv, v)

Tourism Ireland (TIL) will continue to promote Northern Ireland vigorously in 22 markets overseas. Northern Ireland will feature in the full range of TIL’s global destination marketing programmes. In addition, TIL will engage in tactical marketing activity specifically to promote Northern Ireland overseas. TIL will seek to encourage greater participation in overseas marketing by the Northern Ireland industry.

The continued development of convenient, competitive and direct access services will be critical to achieving the targets TIL have set out above, for growing overseas tourism to Northern Ireland. TIL will continue to identify and exploit marketing opportunities arising from existing and additional direct, air services in Great Britain, in Mainland Europe and in North America. TIL will also continue to work with sea carriers to encourage more visitors from GB and elsewhere to take their cars to Northern Ireland.

Comunication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment 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 3992/08)

Mr N Dodds: In line with its commitment to meeting the obligations of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, DETI offers the following facilities specifically designed to facilitate hard of hearing and deaf people.

(a) Textphone facilities which enable customers with hearing difficulties to contact the Department. The textphone numbers are published in all Departmental publications.

(b) Induction loop facilities which have been installed in a number of meeting and training rooms on the Department’s premises. Two portable induction loop systems are available for use as required.

When organising events, officials from DETI and the Department’s NDPBs are advised to check in advance with attendees whether they have any special requirements so that appropriate provision, including the use of sign language interpreters, if necessary, can be made.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of meeting requests he has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4068/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has received 151 formal meeting requests since May 2007, with 17 of these coming from MLAs.

Visitors to Carrickfergus

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of visitors to Carrickfergus in each of the last 5 years; and to detail the action he is taking to increase the tourist potential of Carrickfergus Castle.

(AQW 4089/08)

Mr N Dodds: The number of visitors to Carrickfergus in each of the last 5 years (2007 figures are not yet available) is detailed in the table below. These figures include out of state and domestic visitors visiting for any reason (e.g. holiday, business, visiting friends and relatives), and staying for at least one night. It does not include day trips.

Out-of-state visitors and domestic holidaymakers to Carrickfergus Borough Council Area
	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Trips	47,800	54,100	59,100	54,600	59,300
Nights	198,500	227,400	226,700	211,900	230,200

¹Due to changes in the survey methodology relating to domestic trips, along with the decision in 2006 to adopt figures produced by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for Republic of Ireland residents visiting Northern Ireland, the figures for 2005 and 2006 above cannot be compared to any previous year.

One of the key roles of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is to promote and competitively position Northern Ireland as a world class destination. NITB in partnership with the regional delivery body, the Causeway Coast & Glens Regional Tourism Partnership is promoting the Causeway Coast and Glens which includes Carrickfergus as a ‘must see’ region within the Northern Ireland brand. Carrickfergus Castle is actively promoted online by NITB, Tourism Ireland and Causeway Coast & Glens on their websites and in national and regional publications. It also benefits through media familiarisation trips, PR and marketing initiatives.

The Department of Environment’s Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) is engaged in a programme of maintenance to ensure Carrickfergus Castle’s upkeep as an iconic historic monument.

EHS provides regular visitor and educational tours. It is running a programme of events from February to November which will include ‘living history’ demonstrations of armoury, archery and fencing, two major fairs and tours of the Town Walls. EHS has also c ommissioned a DVD on the layout and history of the Castle, available in several languages and with subtitles for the hard of hearing.

NITB, Carrickfergus Borough Council and EHS liaise on the promotion and marketing of the castle and castle staff now liaise directly with coach tour operators over the provision of short visits as a first stop on tours of the Causeway Coastal Route.

NITB and partners are currently developing a ‘world class’ visitor interpretation and infrastructure plan for the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project area, primarily focused on the Causeway Coastal Route and consultants have been appointed to undertake a technical study of the top flagship attractions – including Carrickfergus Castle - along the Causeway Coastal Route. This work will provide recommendations on interpretation and infrastructural requirements and will be the nucleus of creating a world class visitor experience.

Assembly Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of written Assembly questions he has answered each month, since May 2007.

(AQW 4094/08)

Mr N Dodds: The number of written Assembly Questions answered by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, each month from May 2007 to January 2008, is detailed in the table below:

Month	Number Answered
May 2007	1
June 2007	33
July 2007	40
August 2007	0
September 2007	10
October 2007	60
November 2007	42
December 2007	46
January 2008	22

Land Available

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to (i) list the locations; and (ii) detail the amount of land available for commercial/industrial use, in the district electoral areas of Crotlieve and Mourne, in the Newry and Mourne District Council area.

(AQW 4163/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI does not hold information on the land at a district electoral area level and is thus unable to comment specifically on the Crotlieve and Mourne electoral areas.

In the wider Newry and Mourne District Council area, Invest NI holds circa 100 acres of land at eight locations in Newry (c.98 acres), Hilltown (c.1 acre), Crossmaglen (c.0.5 acres) & Kilkeel (c.0.5 acres). However, all of this land has already been leased to client companies.

Through its online property database, accessible through the www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk web portal, Invest NI markets its own and private sector property solutions. Currently approximately 163,000 square feet of workspace are being advertised on this database in the Newry and Mourne Council Area.

Pomeroy Developments Project

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the conditions that are placed upon funding for the Pomeroy Developments Project.

(AQW 4190/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment issued a Letter of Offer under the Peace II Programme to Pomeroy Development Projects on 28 January 2008 for assistance of £489,740 towards the construction of workspace units.

The Letter of Offer requires the project promoter to fulfil standard contractual conditions. The conditions include the appointment of a design team and contractor, ensuring full project funding is in place and that full planning permission has been obtained before construction commences and grant assistance is drawn down.

The promoter must also ensure that general conditions concerning EU publicity, liaison with project funders and the retention of documents are adhered to throughout the lifetime of the project. Additionally, the Department requires that all statutory approvals are in place, and that the newly built workspace premises are insured and fit for purpose before trading.

Eligible project expenditure on the Letter of Offer is that incurred on or before 30 June 2008.

Bushmills Distillery

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the action his department is taking to promote Bushmills Distillery in the year of its 400th anniversary.

(AQW 4328/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has met representatives of Bushmills Distillery and its parent company Diageo and has advised them in relation to activity to mark the 400 th anniversary of Bushmills throughout this year. NITB is jointly hosting a Bushmills 400 th anniversary event at the Culloden Hotel on 27 th February, which will include visiting travel media from key overseas markets.

NITB will include details of the Bushmills 400 th anniversary when conducting briefings with all overseas media throughout 2008 and is in discussion with Bushmills Distillery about incorporating the 400 th anniversary theme in NITB’s annual Meet the Buyer event in May, which is attended by over one hundred top tour operators from around the world.

Moyle District Council has received a letter of offer under the Tourism Development Scheme for 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of £76,752 to develop a footbridge across the river Bush in Bushmills. The bridge design incorporates images to mark the 400 th anniversary of the village of Bushmills being granted a royal license to distill alcohol.

Environment

Ministerial Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of meetings she has held with MLAs since May 2007.

(AQW 3828/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): I have held seventy one meetings with MLAs since May 2007.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment 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 3881/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have held seven meetings with district councils; two meetings with NILGA; and I have not met SOLACE formally.

Planning Applications

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications that have been approved for apartments along the Old Shore Road, Carrickfergus, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3906/08)

Mrs A Foster: I regret that the Planning Service’s current IT system does not record applications in sufficient detail to provide the information requested. Accurate figures for the years in question could only be provided through a manual exercise at a disproportionate cost.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of written questions received since May 2007, and the average length of time taken to publish a response.

(AQW 3975/08)

Mrs A Foster: I received 499 written questions between May 2007 and 31 January 2008. The average length of time taken to publish a response was 7.5 days.

Planning Officer Earnings

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the average annual earnings of a senior planning officer in the Planning Service.

(AQW 3997/08)

Mrs A Foster: The average annual salaries for senior planning officials in my Department’s Planning Service, based on the 2007 pay scales, are as follows:-

Grade	Average salary (£)
Senior Professional & Technical Officer (SPTO)	31,800
Principal Professional & Technical Officer (PPTO)	42,400
Grade 6 Planner	54,400

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment 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 4013/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department has produced a “ Guide to Making Information Accessible” which sets out how information provided to the public should be made available in a range of accessible formats that meet the needs of all those who wish to access its services. The Guide has issued to all staff and is available on the Department’s Intranet site. It contains a section on “communicating with deaf or hard of hearing people” which sets out some practical measures for staff such as ensuring Departmental textphone numbers are included on all correspondence.

My Department has also played an active role in the British/Irish Sign Language Partnership group, which drew up best practice guidance on the provision of public services through British and Irish Sign Language.

My Department will organise sign language interpreters or speech to text operators for those people who require this aid to communication.

The Driver and Vehicle Agency has taken a number of practical steps to assist deaf and hard of hearing customers, such as:-

• Installation of loop systems and associated signage within all eight Local Vehicle Licensing Offices and at the public counter of the Driver Licensing Office in Coleraine.
• Installation of an induction loop system in all Agency test centres, including theory test centres, and information scroller systems at all eight Local Vehicle Licensing Offices.
• The availability of two minicoms for both Driver and Vehicle licensing queries.
• Provision of a textphone for candidates wishing to book theory tests, driving tests or vehicle tests by telephone as well as an online facility for each of these services.
• The availability of theory tests onscreen in British Sign Language.
• The decision to allow cards with appropriate signage during the practical driving test to assist deaf and hard of hearing customers and signers to accompany candidates during practical driving tests.

These facilities are advertised through the telephone directory, yellow pages, application forms, information cards and the internet. Details on how to book a vehicle test on-line are also incorporated on the reminder forms.

Environment and Heritage Service has installed loop systems and associated signage at Carrickfergus Castle, Crawfordsburn Country Park and Peatlands Park. At Carrickfergus Castle, subtitled films will soon be available, to enhance the audio visual experience for customers with hearing disabilities.

The Cist Stones

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm the financial assistance that would be available from the Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch for an interpretive panel for the Cist Stones to be exhibited at Mountstewart, Newtownards.

(AQW 4075/08)

Mrs A Foster: I am pleased to advise that my Department is prepared to provide £500 towards the cost of the production of an information panel. Part of this could be ‘in kind’ by providing the services of the in-house graphics unit.

Quarrying on Black Mountain

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of complaints received in relation to (i) dust; and (ii) noise, that the Environment and Heritage Service has investigated, arising from quarrying on the Black Mountain, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 4081/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Environment and Heritage Service has received no complaints in the last 5 years relating to dust arising from quarrying on the Black Mountain.

EHS has no information on noise complaints as regulation of noise from quarrying operations is the responsibility of the local council within whose area the quarry falls, in this case Belfast City Council.

Quarrying on Black Mountain

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to indicate whether or not she will initiate discontinuance action, under Article 39 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, to close the quarry on Black Mountain.

(AQW 4082/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department recognises the importance of the Belfast Hills, not only in providing a landscape setting for the north and west of the city, but also as a recreational resource of immense potential for all the people of Belfast and visitors to Northern Ireland. However, I also recognise that there are many difficulties and challenges to be overcome if this potential is to be realised – not least the fact that the area has a history of quarrying which dates back several centuries and still continues today.

Through the planning process the Department has imposed strict limits on the extent of quarrying in the area. By the use of stringent conditions my Department has sought to contain the extent of extraction and to minimise visual impact by landscaping etc.

The largest quarry in the area and most visually intrusive is Black Mountain. Through the use of conditions and discussions with the quarry owners, significant tidying-up and landscaping work has been undertaken in the past along the southern edge of the quarry, above the Upper Springfield Road. The improvements include the relocation of quarry stockpiles and waste tips, the grading and seeding of frontage embankments and the planting of trees and shrubs. As a result, a considerable visual improvement has been achieved.

The Department could initiate discontinuance action under Article 39 of the 1991 Planning Order. This is a lengthy process with no guarantee of success. Anyone on whom a notice of intention is served is entitled to a hearing before the Planning Appeals Commission, an independent appellate body.

If successful, the Department would also have to pay significant compensation to quarry owners for the closure of their businesses. This is likely to be very significant, possibly running into millions of pounds, and would have to be met from within the existing Northern Ireland allocation and ultimately by the taxpayer. My Department has not made budget provision for such compensation payments.

There is also the effect that closures would have on the local economy and employment. For example the last figures provided with planning applications indicated that Whitemountain Quarries Ltd employs around 35 local people directly and provides services mainly within the Belfast area. Recognition must also be given to the importance of maintaining jobs and services, not just through direct employment, but also indirectly through knock-on contracts and services.

There is also the question of setting a precedent. There are over 250 quarrying operations throughout the Province, all of which contribute to the economy of Northern Ireland. In making any decision, the Department would have to take account of demands for other quarries to be closed down and to justify not taking such action when it had already set a precedent.

Ulster Farm By Products

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of occasions the Environment and Heritage Service has investigated Ulster Farm By Products Ltd, Glenavy, in relation to (i) breaches of emission authorisation conditions; (ii) the pollution of local rivers; and (iii) the pollution of Lough Neagh; and to further detail the action taken against the company.

(AQW 4110/08)

Mrs A Foster: Since November 2005 Ulster Farm By Products has been regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2003 (PPC).

Under these regulations 24 breaches of conditions for discharges to the Glenavy River have been investigated. One case is currently with the Courts.

Prior to regulation under PPC my Department took six prosecutions against Ulster Farm By-Products under the Water ( Northern Ireland) Order 1999 for offences involving pollution of Glenavy River. Details, including the fines imposed by the Magistrates Court, are as follows:

DATE OF INCIDENT	OUTCOME OF COURT CASE
13 February 2002	£750 + costs
11 March 2003	£750 + costs
05 August 2003	£1,000 + costs
18 March 2004	£1,250 + costs
30 November 2004	£4,500 + costs
26 April 2005	£3,600 + costs

There are no discharges from Ulster Farm By-Products to Lough Neagh controlled under the PPC Regulations or the Water (NI) Order 1999.

In relation to emissions to air, a significant number of odour complaints have been investigated under the PPC Regulations. As you are aware from previous correspondence, the substantial improvement programme undertaken by the company to address the odour problems included the appointment of independent consultants to review the operation. Their recommendations for improvement have now been received and incorporated into a programme of work.

Domestic Oil Tanks

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of domestic oil tank (i) spillages; and (ii) fires, dealt with by each of the environmental departments of the 26 district councils, in each of the last 5 years; and to further detail the cost incurred by each district council, in dealing with such incidents, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 4112/08)

Mrs A Foster: Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) staff and District Council Environmental Department staff both investigate reports of pollution which have the potential to cause damage to the aquatic environment.

I am able to provide details of incidents and costs in relation to investigations by EHS staff, however, I am unable to provide details in relation to fires and incidents dealt with by the Council Environmental Department staff.

EHS staff have investigated 131 substantiated water pollution incidents involving domestic oil tanks over the 26 District Council areas over the 5 year period 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2007.

Table 1: Substantiated Water Pollution Incidents – Domestic Oil Tanks (By Year)

Year	Incidents
2003	21
2004	24
2005	30
2006	22
2007*	34
TOTAL	131

*Data for 2007 may be subject to some change as investigation reports are updated.

EHS does not record specific cost details for each incident they are called to investigate, however, average costs have been calculated to provide figures across the 26 District Council areas for the 5 year period to 31 December 2007. EHS staff costs amount to £19,961 for the 5 year period to 31 December 2007.

Table 2: Substantiated Water Pollution Incidents – Domestic Oil Tanks.

Local Council Area	Number of Incidents	Estimated Cost (£)
Antrim	13	1,980.88
Ards	6	914.25
Armagh	4	609.50
Ballymena	6	914.25
Ballymoney	4	609.50
Banbridge	7	1,066.62
Belfast	3	457.13
Carrick	5	761.87
Castlereagh	1	152.37
Coleraine	6	914.25
Cookstown	5	761.88
Craigavon	3	457.13
Derry	7	1,066.63
Down	2	304.75
Dungannon	2	304.75
Fermanagh	12	1,828.50
Larne	3	457.13
Limavady	1	152.38
Lisburn	8	1,219.00
Magherafelt	1	152.38
Moyle	3	457.13
N'Abbey	5	761.87
Newry & Mourne	2	304.75
North Down	1	152.38
Omagh	17	2,590.38
Strabane	4	609.50
Total	131	19,961.16

Use of Lead Shot

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any plans to restrict the use of lead shot around the sea coast; and to confirm whether or not such a restriction would also apply to inland waterways.

(AQW 4226/08)

Mrs A Foster: We are examining how best to restrict the use of leadshot over wetlands, including the foreshore and inland waters. I expect to bring forward proposals by the summer.

Waste Incinerator Plant

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 4047/08, to outline planning policy in relation to the siting of a chicken waste incinerator plant in an area of High Scenic Value.

(AQW 4394/08)

Mrs A Foster: Policy in relation to development in Areas of High Scenic Value is set out in Policy COU7 contained in the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) 2015. Specifically it states that “planning permission will not be granted to development proposals that would adversely affect the quality, character and features of interest in Areas of High Scenic Value. Proposals for mineral working and waste disposal will not be acceptable. A Landscape Analysis must accompany development proposals in these areas to indicate the likely effects of the proposal on the landscape.”

Finance and Personnel

Value of Assets

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the total value of additional assets transferred from reserved departments to the Executive since the formation of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998; and to detail (i) the value of each site transferred; and (ii) the date each transfer was agreed.

(AQW 3571/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): Although the question specifies “reserved departments”, it has been assumed that it is referring to the transfer of assets to the 11 Departments of the Northern Ireland Administration, from other UK Government Departments.

Information provided by Northern Ireland Departments indicates that since 1998, eleven sites have been transferred to the Departments of the Northern Ireland Administration as set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Sites transferred to the Northern Ireland Administration since 1998

Description	Transfer Date	Value of Site £m	NI Department
Crumlin Road Gaol	Aug-03	1.3	OFMDFM
Maze Prison	Apr-04	6.2	OFMDFM
Crisis Management Centre	Apr-06	0.2	OFMDFM
Malone Road Army Barracks	Mar-03	4.3	OFMDFM
Magherafelt Royal Irish Regiment Base	Mar-03	0.3	OFMDFM
Long Kesh	Mar-03	1.5	OFMDFM
Ebrington Barracks	Dec-03	4.0	OFMDFM
Girdwood Barracks	Mar-06	7.0	DSD
Clooney Army Base	Feb-05	12.8	DSD
Andersonstown Police Station	Feb-06	0.4	DSD
Fort George	Apr-04	0.1	DSD

Ministerial Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of meetings he has held with Member of the Legislative Assembly since May 2007.

(AQW 3737/08)

Mr P Robinson: I have had 42 separate meetings with Members of the Legislative Assembly relating to my Departmental responsibilities as Minister for Finance and Personnel. In total 56 Members attended these meetings.

Rate Payment

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, in the context of ensuring that the appropriate contributions are being made, to outline the action he is taking to ensure that properties for which no rates are being paid are vacant.[R]

(AQW 3821/08)

Mr P Robinson: Land and Property Services identifies vacant properties and determines liability for rates through -

• Data-sharing with other Government bodies and district councils.
• Data-matching with Northern Ireland Electricity.
• Issuing occupancy enquiry letters as part of normal daily business.
• Carrying out physical inspections.

The Agency has been developing partnerships with Northern Ireland Electricity and district councils to share information to assist in determining rate liability and to reduce the volume of physical inspections needed.

The Agency continues to carry out physical inspections where it is considered necessary. As a result of reform pressures and work to advance a new IT system, a lower number of physical inspections have been undertaken over the last two years by the Agency itself. However, it has been developing partnerships with a number of district councils to undertake some of these inspections on behalf of Land and Property Services.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel 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 3883/08)

Mr P Robinson: In my capacity as Minister for Finance and Personnel I have met with (i) delegations representing one or more of the district councils on five occasions, and (ii) the Northern Ireland Local Government Association once, since May 2007. I have not met with (iii) the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, during this period.

Sick Leave

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the estimated cost to the public purse of sick leave in each Government department, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3938/08)

Mr P Robinson: Given the similar nature of these questions, I have addressed both in this joint answer.

The details requested in AQW 3938/08 and AQW 3946/08 are set out in the attached tables. They include the total number of days absence, the average number of days lost per staff member, in each of the last 5 years and the total cost. The overall figures presented include NI Government departments, Executive Agencies and NDPBs (where such information is available).

Sickness Absence in last 5 financial years

2006/07 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	30,276.8	11.1	2,502,520
DCAL	4,438.8	10.5	478,667
DE	7,949.4	12.2	700,995
DETI	6,793.8	10.0	629,878
DFP	35,682.5	12.4	3,048,089
DEL	24,035.1	14.5	2,010,388
DHSSPS	10,997.4	11.4	1,161,752
DOE	31,379.2	11.5	2,766,018
DRD	26,531.3	9.2	2,558,020
DSD	140,778.1	18.7	9,374,199
OFMDFM	3,629.8	10.7	400,756
Total*	322,640.3	13.7	25,649,986

*Please note that a small number of staff (20.5 staff in post) are not coded to an individual department but are included in the overall total.

2005/06 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	38,484.8	11.1	3,169,466
DCAL	4,439.8	10.3	492,580
DE	8,634.0	12.9	710,132
DETI	7,578.0	10.7	668,496
DFP	37,388.5	13.0	2,973,683
DEL	23,409.0	14.0	1,818,003
DHSSPS	10,613.0	10.7	1,127,687
DOE	28,788.1	11.1	2,511,703
DRD	25,110.4	8.2	2,416,376
DSD	140,572.3	18.3	9,164,223
OFMDFM	3,123.1	8.6	307,706
Total	328,141.0	13.4	25,360,055

2004/05 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	40,273.3	11.5	3,033,434
DCAL	4,653.7	11.0	434,989
DE	8,274.7	12.8	716,665
DETI	7,090.8	9.9	570,762
DFP	39,831.3	13.7	2,990,330
DEL	24,610.1	14.7	1,760,015
DHSSPS	9,584.9	9.5	948,547
DOE	29,241.7	12.0	2,470,560
DRD	32,285.3	10.2	2,877,604
DSD	152,260.4	19.4	9,212,062
OFMDFM	3,314.9	8.6	326,737
Total	351,421.0	14.2	25,341,703

2003/04 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	40,428.5	12.4	3,076,221
DCAL	6,464.4	15.1	594,459
DE	6,984.9	11.7	530,094
DETI	8,218.2	11.8	639,922
DFP	40,020.6	14.3	2,837,135
DEL	28,413.8	17.7	2,117,164
DHSSPS	12,128.9	12.3	1,127,489
DOE	29,216.4	13.4	2,291,734
DRD	37,036.9	12.0	3,125,789
DSD	159,088.4	19.7	9,414,774
OFMDFM	4,815.5	12.6	355,725
Total	372,816.7	15.5	26,110,505

2002/03 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	41,667.9	13.4	3,174,979
DCAL	5,481.5	13.8	538,402
DE	7,097.1	12.5	541,145
DETI	8,633.6	12.7	734,282
DFP	36,150.3	13.6	2,620,363
DEL	28,374.4	18.7	1,975,050
DHSSPS	12,637.8	13.2	1,116,699
DOE	28,616.6	14.5	2,106,627
DRD	30,792.7	10.7	2,531,747
DSD	152,501.0	19.1	8,595,556
OFMDFM	4,623.2	12.2	376,952
Total	356,576.1	15.4	24,311,804

Sick Leave

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the total number of days; (ii) the average number of days per member of staff, in relation to sick leave taken in each Government department, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3946/08)

Mr P Robinson: Given the similar nature of these questions, I have addressed both in this joint answer.

The details requested in AQW 3938/08 and AQW 3946/08 are set out in the attached tables. They include the total number of days absence, the average number of days lost per staff member, in each of the last 5 years and the total cost. The overall figures presented include NI Government departments, Executive Agencies and NDPBs (where such information is available).

Sickness Absence in last 5 financial years

2006/07 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	30,276.8	11.1	2,502,520
DCAL	4,438.8	10.5	478,667
DE	7,949.4	12.2	700,995
DETI	6,793.8	10.0	629,878
DFP	35,682.5	12.4	3,048,089
DEL	24,035.1	14.5	2,010,388
DHSSPS	10,997.4	11.4	1,161,752
DOE	31,379.2	11.5	2,766,018
DRD	26,531.3	9.2	2,558,020
DSD	140,778.1	18.7	9,374,199
OFMDFM	3,629.8	10.7	400,756
Total*	322,640.3	13.7	25,649,986

*Please note that a small number of staff (20.5 staff in post) are not coded to an individual department but are included in the overall total.

2005/06 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	38,484.8	11.1	3,169,466
DCAL	4,439.8	10.3	492,580
DE	8,634.0	12.9	710,132
DETI	7,578.0	10.7	668,496
DFP	37,388.5	13.0	2,973,683
DEL	23,409.0	14.0	1,818,003
DHSSPS	10,613.0	10.7	1,127,687
DOE	28,788.1	11.1	2,511,703
DRD	25,110.4	8.2	2,416,376
DSD	140,572.3	18.3	9,164,223
OFMDFM	3,123.1	8.6	307,706
Total	328,141.0	13.4	25,360,055

2004/05 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	40,273.3	11.5	3,033,434
DCAL	4,653.7	11.0	434,989
DE	8,274.7	12.8	716,665
DETI	7,090.8	9.9	570,762
DFP	39,831.3	13.7	2,990,330
DEL	24,610.1	14.7	1,760,015
DHSSPS	9,584.9	9.5	948,547
DOE	29,241.7	12.0	2,470,560
DRD	32,285.3	10.2	2,877,604
DSD	152,260.4	19.4	9,212,062
OFMDFM	3,314.9	8.6	326,737
Total	351,421.0	14.2	25,341,703

2003/04 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	40,428.5	12.4	3,076,221
DCAL	6,464.4	15.1	594,459
DE	6,984.9	11.7	530,094
DETI	8,218.2	11.8	639,922
DFP	40,020.6	14.3	2,837,135
DEL	28,413.8	17.7	2,117,164
DHSSPS	12,128.9	12.3	1,127,489
DOE	29,216.4	13.4	2,291,734
DRD	37,036.9	12.0	3,125,789
DSD	159,088.4	19.7	9,414,774
OFMDFM	4,815.5	12.6	355,725
Total	372,816.7	15.5	26,110,505

2002/03 Absence Rates by Department

	Total no of days absence	Ave no. of days lost per staff member	Total Cost (£)
DARD	41,667.9	13.4	3,174,979
DCAL	5,481.5	13.8	538,402
DE	7,097.1	12.5	541,145
DETI	8,633.6	12.7	734,282
DFP	36,150.3	13.6	2,620,363
DEL	28,374.4	18.7	1,975,050
DHSSPS	12,637.8	13.2	1,116,699
DOE	28,616.6	14.5	2,106,627
DRD	30,792.7	10.7	2,531,747
DSD	152,501.0	19.1	8,595,556
OFMDFM	4,623.2	12.2	376,952
Total	356,576.1	15.4	24,311,804

 

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Consultant Neurologists

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3059/08, to confirm whether or not (i) the 6 consultant neurologists in training will replace existing consultant neurologists who are retiring, and will not increase the current total; and (ii) there is a guarantee that the 6 consultant neurologists in training will remain in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3833/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): The current numbers in specialty training in neurology will both replace anticipated retirements over the next 5-6 years and be available to increase the overall number of consultants.

No assurances can be given that current trainees will take up local consultant posts as this will depend on posts available on completion of training and their personal preference.

Mental Health Services

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment he has made in relation to the future of mental health services in the Downpatrick area.

(AQW 3848/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In line with the recommendations of the Bamford Review, the following nine points are the key features for the future development of Mental Health Services within the South Eastern Trust area, with specific reference to the Down Sector. The Trust will:-

1.	Continue its commitment to care and treatment of the Mentally ill – further focusing hospital care on those whose needs can not realistically be met elsewhere.
2.	Strengthen Community Services through the development of a range of person-centred treatment and care options which are close to home, in the least restrictive environments.
3.	Further develop Rapid Response Services to urgent referrals – with these services being available on a 24 / 7/ 365 day basis.
4.	Ensure that no patient will be waiting longer than six weeks to be seen, assessed and placed on a Treatment Programme.
5.	Responsive Acute in-patient and Dementia services available within the New Downe Hospital for the Down Sector population.
6.	Site specialist Intensive and Continuing Care patients Hospital provision in Knockbracken Healthcare Centre, in keeping with the Commissioning Intent of the EHSSB.
7.	Develop a range of Supported Housing and Hostel Accommodation across the Down Sector for those who do not require Hospital care, but, who need ongoing support and intervention from Mental Health Services.
8.	Develop a range of Day Services and activities in partnership with Users, Carers, Voluntary Groups and communities.
9	Participate in the Regional and Board review of the Commissioning and Provision of Addictions Services. The ex-patients Group will be actively involved in this process.

Consultant Neurologists

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3059/08, to confirm that an actual increase in the numbers of consultant neurologists will only be met by investing in further training for new neurologists, in line with the previous departmental review of adult neurology services.

(AQW 3850/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There are currently 13 consultant neurologists in post with six doctors in training.

The number in training is consistent with a consultant body of 16, in the period 2012 to 2014. Any investment in specialist training at this point would not achieve this number at an earlier date.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety 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 3884/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I can advise that from taking up office on 8 May 2007 I have met with:

• Newry and Mourne District Council on 5 September 2007, Down District Council on 30 January 2008. A meeting with a delegation from Omagh district council is scheduled for February 20 2008.
• NILGA once on 29/01/08, a further meeting is to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
• No meetings have taken place to date with SOLACE

Research Investment

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money invested by his department in research, in each of the last 3 years; and what his assessment is of the profitable returns that will accrue from this investment.

(AQW 3893/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below details the research expenditure committed by DHSSPS in in the last three years from April 2004 to March 2007.

2004/05	£10,535,159
2005/06	£12,128,574
2006/07	£11,445,682
TOTAL	£34,109,415

Source: Research and Development Office, Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Central Services Agency

Health and Social Care (HSC) Research is primarily about improving health and wellbeing. There is however the potential that investment in HSC research can be accompanied by increasing wealth. That is why we work with other departments such as DETI and welcome joint initiatives such as HSC Innovations launched last October which will help harness the research strengths in Northern Ireland and bring knowledge based health research through to commercial viability. Those research strengths have in the last 18 months brought in over £12 million of additional research funding for HSC R&D into Northern Ireland from external funders including the Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Wellcome Trust and other research charities. This external funding brings new high value jobs and new buildings to Northern Ireland and the potential to encourage yet more external investment in HSC R&D.

Hospital Infections

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reasons why the target for the reduction of hospital infections has been set at 20%, in contrast to the reduction target of 30% that has been set in Great Britain.

(AQW 3925/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On 11 September 2007 I announced that, for the first time, targets on reducing two particular healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) were being put in place in Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland. The first of the new targets will require a drop of 10% in the numbers of people in hospital with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections, including MRSA. For Clostridium difficile I am seeking a reduction of 20% in hospital patients aged 65 and over. Both of these reductions are to be achieved by March 2009, using 2006/07 as the baseline year against which progress will be measured.

The target set in the NHS Operating Framework for 2008/09 is for a 30% national reduction in C. difficile infections to be achieved by 2011, not by March 2009 as is the case with the targets which I have set for Northern Ireland, and uses 2007/08 as the baseline year.

Northern Ireland has a lower HCAI prevalence rate than England and Wales. The targets that I have set are achievable, challenging, and right for Northern Ireland.

Substance Abuse

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients treated as a result of (i) aerosol; and (ii) substance abuse, in each of the last 3 years, broken down by (a) age group; (b) gender; and (c) Health and Social Care Trust area.

(AQW 3927/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of individuals who have been treated for aerosol abuse is not available. However, information is available from the Northern Ireland Drug Misuse Database (DMD) on the number of individuals who have been treated for solvent abuse: solvents include aerosols, as well as gas fuels, adhesives and glues, and other products such as paint thinners and strippers and dry cleaning fluids. The tables below show the number of problem drug users who presented to treatment services and gave their consent for their details to be held on the database, with solvents as their main problem drug.

(a) by age group

	Under 18 years	18-21 years	22-25 years	26-29 years	30-39 years	40 years & over	Total
2004/05	21	9	2	0	0	2	34
2005/06	21	4	1	1	3	0	30
2006/07	6	1	1	0	2	1	11

(b) by gender

	Male	Female	Total
2004/05	19	15	34
2005/06	23	7	30
2006/07	10	1	11

(c) by Health and Social Care Trust area

	Belfast	Northern	Southern	South Eastern	Western	Prison	Total
2004/05	16	2	1	2	8	5	34
2005/06	15	4	0	1	3	7	30
2006/07	7	2	0	1	0	1	11

Information on the number of individuals who have been treated for substance misuse is not available. However, information is available from the DMD on the number of problem drug users presenting for treatment. Drugs are defined as any drug, whether prescribed or not, including solvents and tranquillisers but excluding, alcohol and tobacco. The next three tables below show information from the DMD.

(a) by age group

	Under 18 years	18-21 years	22-25 years	26-29 years	30-39 years	40 years & over	Total
2004/05	285	283	284	210	423	260	1,746 (1)
2005/06	314	306	223	210	355	258	1,666
2006/07	165	264	193	219	379	244	1,464

(1) This figure includes one individual whose date of birth was not recorded.

(b) by gender

	Male	Female	Total
2004/05	1,320	426	1,746
2005/06	1,202	464	1,666
2006/07	1,125	339	1,464

(c) by Health and Social Care Trust area

	Belfast	Northern	Southern	South Eastern	Western	Prison	Total
2004/05	627	255	145	185	386	148	1,746
2005/06	736	153	136	172	307	162	1,666
2006/07	627	176	132	117	334	78	1,464

In addition to this information, a Census of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Northern Ireland was conducted on the 1 st March 2005 and 1 st March 2007, collecting information on the number of individuals receiving treatment on these two days for drug only, alcohol only, or drug and alcohol misuse.

(a) by age group

	Under 18 years	18 years & over	Total
1 st March 2005	271	4,793	5,064
1 st March 2007	847	4,736	5,583

(b) by gender

	Male	Female	Total
1 st March 2005	3,292	1,772	5,064
1 st March 2007	3,686	1,897	5,583

(c) by Health and Social Care Trust area

	Belfast	Northern	Southern	South Eastern	Western	Prison	HIS (2)	Total
1 st March 2005	1,079	1,108	863	675	921	186	232	5,064
1 st March 2007	1,035	1,382	1,320	589	859	257	141	5,583

(2) Hospital Inpatient System (HIS) processes information relating to inpatient stays in hospital. It records details of the patient’s primary diagnosis and up to six secondary diagnoses. The ICD 10 codes F10 to F19 have been used to identify mental and behavioural disorders due to substances use.

Proposed Pay Bands

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of staff (i) who have received confirmation of their new proposed pay bands; (ii) who are still to be informed of their new proposed pay bands; and (iii) who have appealed their proposed new pay bands, under Agenda for Change, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 3965/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: At this point in the implementation process in the Belfast HSC Trust – (i) 16,208 staff have received confirmation of their new proposed pay bands , (ii) 5,023 staff are still to be informed of their new proposed pay bands , and (iii) 1,739 staffhave asked to have their proposed new pay banding reviewed . Details for the four other Trusts are as follows: Northern HSC Trust - (i) 10,468, (ii) 2,374, and (iii) 1,333. Southern HSC Trust - (i) 9,016, (ii) 2,351, and (iii) 816. South Eastern HSC Trust - (i) 7,656, (ii) 2,929, and (iii) 933. Western HSC Trust - (i) 8,466 (ii) 4,278, and (iii) 386.

Music Therapy

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the research funding that will be made available in order to assess the benefits of music therapy for children and young people with special educational needs and mental health problems.

(AQW 3966/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Funding for research is allocated on the basis of research proposals meeting specified criteria assessed by the Research and Development office. Currently the Research and Development office have no potential research projects into the benefits of Music Therapy for children and young people with special educational needs and mental health problems. My officials are currently working with the Research and Development office to identify future programmes for commissioned research. These are likely to include mental health related research; however, at this point it would not be possible to predict if any will include music therapy.

Faith-Based Youth Groups

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funding that will be made available for faith-based youth groups that work with young people in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention.

(AQW 3967/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In 2007/08 £600k was made available to Health and Social Services Boards and the Health Promotion Agency to implement the Promoting Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan.

£1.8m has also been allocated this financial year to support local communities with the development of initiatives to tackle the high rates of suicide and self harm across NI. All voluntary and community based organisation including faith-based youth groups, are eligible to apply for this funding.

Funding arrangement for 2008/09 are currently being finalised, however it is anticipated there will not be any decrease in spend in these important areas of work.

Proposed Pay Bands

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of staff whose new proposed pay band, under Agenda for Change, will lead to a reduction in their current level of pay; and (ii) the number of staff who could be subject to a claw back of money overpaid to them, for each Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 3968/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: At this point in the process in the Belfast HSC Trust – (i) 155 staff will have a reduction in their current level of pay on moving to Agenda for Change pay bands, and (ii) 182 staff will be subject to a claw back of money overpaid to them. Similar details for the other four HSC Trusts are as follows: Northern HSC Trust - (i) 35 and (ii) 35. Southern HSC Trust - (i) 65 and (ii) 124. South Eastern HSC Trust - (i) 58 and (ii) 125. Western HSC Trust - (i) 23 and (ii) 52.

Attacks on Staff

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) accident and emergency staff; and (ii) emergency ambulance staff, who have been attacked at work, in the past three years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 3969/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below details the recorded number of Accident & Emergency staff and ambulance personnel who have been physically attacked at work in the past three years.

Organisation	Number of staff
Belfast HSC Trust	111
Northern HSC Trust	43
Southern HSC Trust	30
Western HSC Trust	61
South Eastern HSC Trust	64
NI Ambulance Service	167

Occupational Therapists

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking (i) to address the shortage of occupational therapists in North Belfast; and (ii) to ensure that services are available on an equal and equitable basis.

(AQW 3973/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The recruitment of staff is a matter for individual Health and Social Care Trusts taking into account factors such as service needs and available resources. Nevertheless I have been advised that a recruitment process is underway in the Belfast Trust to address current vacant Occupational Therapy posts in the North and West Belfast locality. As an interim measure, locum staff are also being used on a temporary basis.

A target has been set to ensure by March 2008, no patient waits longer than 26 weeks from referral to commencement of treatment in Allied Health Profession services including Occupational Therapy. Excellent progress is being made towards this target and I am confident it will be achieved.

'I Can' Early Years Centre

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the current position with respect to funding for the 'I Can' Early Years Centre at Ballynahinch Primary School.

(AQW 3995/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The I Can Early Years Centre was funded in 2007/2008 jointly by the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. Both are now engaged in high level discussions regarding funding for I CAN for the 2008/09 financial year.

Recurrent funding for one Speech and Language Therapist has been secured for the I Can Early Years Centre in Ballynahinch Primary School for 2008/09 from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety 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 4014/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has a number of measures in place to assist service delivery to customers who are deaf or are hard of hearing:

(i) a text phone facility is available for customers who wish to make telephone contact with the Department. This facility will be advertised on the Departmental website.

(ii) clear visual information about the Department’s services is posted on the Departmental internet website and consultation documents and other material is available at public libraries and other public bodies. The Department also provides Deaf Alerters for the use of any staff or visitors with hearing difficulties. Deaf Alerters are linked to the fire alarm system to provide information about possible emergencies in Castle Buildings;

(iii) the Department routinely provides the Royal National Institute for Deaf People with copies of all its public consultation material. In addition, in 2005 the Department ran a deaf awareness-training programme for approximately 20 staff, to support them in working with a profoundly deaf colleague. Two members of staff have also been provided with dedicated textphones and, where staff have a requirement, the Department will provide induction couplers for use on telephone handsets.

Particular needs are identified through the recruitment process when staff are being appointed to the Department and also through health and safety assessments on the job.

Termination of Pregnancy

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the guidance given to employees of his department in relation to the law on termination of pregnancy.

(AQW 4030/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On 25 August 2005, as part of the process to determine the adequacy of termination of pregnancy services in Northern Ireland, my Department sent a questionnaire to the Chief Executives of Health and Social Services Trusts, GPs, Gynaecological Nurses, Obstetricians and Midwives. The covering letter which accompanied the questionnaire set out in clear terms the legal position in NI as it relates to the termination of pregnancy.

My Department is currently developing guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy in Northern Ireland. Draft guidelines were issued to interested parties for comment in January 2007. In October 2007, I set up a Departmental group to consider the responses to the draft guidance. The group will ensure that the guidelines are; set within the confines of the NI Law and clarify the existing law in Northern Ireland; are quality assured and set a benchmark on clinical and good practice guidance for health professionals.

I would like to re-iterate that there are no plans to amend the law regarding the termination of pregnancy as it stands in Northern Ireland.

Counselling Provision

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the counselling provision made available to (i) women considering a termination of pregnancy; (ii) women who have decided to have a termination of pregnancy; and (iii) women who have had a termination of pregnancy.

(AQW 4032/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It is the responsibility of Boards and Trusts to ensure that there is provision of counselling services for women who (i) are considering a termination of pregnancy; (ii) have decided to have a termination of pregnancy; and (iii) who have had a termination of pregnancy.

Staff Turnover

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the policies in place across the Health and Social Services Boards to reduce staff turnover.

(AQW 4033/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The management of staffing issues, including staff turnover, is a matter for the Health and Social Services Boards.

However I am aware thatthe Health and Social Services Boards have a range of employee friendly policies in place to support employees at work, enabling them to continue working and thereby aiming to reduce staff turnover. These include flexible working arrangements, term time working, carer’s leave, and job share opportunities.

Consultant Locums

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the quantum used to pay for consultant locums across the Health and Social Services Boards.

(AQW 4034/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In 2006/07 financial year the total costs for employing consultant locums in the four Health and Social Services Boards was £15,893,810.

From the 1 April 2007 to 31 January 2008 the total cost for employing consultant locums was £10,786,328.

Wind Turbine

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the income generated by the wind turbine located at Antrim Area Hospital; and (ii) the total savings resulting for the hospital by using wind energy.

(AQW 4035/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) The income generated by the wind turbine located at Antrim Area Hospital from February 2005 to January 2008 is some £56k

(ii) The total savings resulting for the hospital by using wind energy from February 2005 to January 2008 is some £186k with an associated saving of 1084.39 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of meeting requests he has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4067/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I can advise that from taking up office on 8 May 2007 I have received:

607 meeting requests during the period of 8 May to 31 December 2007 and 114 meeting requests since 1 January 2008. Giving a total to date of 721 meeting requests received during 2007/08.

Satellite Cancer Centre

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the progress made in discussions with his Ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, in developing a satellite cancer centre in the North West, since the last North-South Ministerial meeting.

(AQW 4072/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On 15 January 2008, I made a statement to the Assembly regarding the North South Ministerial Council Health and Food Safety Sectoral meeting held in Dublin on 28 November 2007. At that meeting I discussed the issue of radiotherapy services in the northwest with the Minister for Health and Children and we agreed that our respective departments should assess the potential for further cooperation in that specialty.

My Department has asked service commissioners to take forward the development of a business case for an increase in radiotherapy provision in Northern Ireland that would ensure sufficient capacity to meet demand from 2015.

An initial assessment of projected cancer incidence conducted by the Department suggests that a combination of radiotherapy services in Belfast and a satellite radiotherapy centre in Altnagelvin would best meet the needs of the Northern Ireland population beyond 2015.The business case process will be informed by the Department’s ongoing discussions with the Department of Health and Children on this issue. Specialist tertiary cancer services will continue to be provided at the Cancer Centre in Belfast.

Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money allocated for multiple sclerosis sufferers in the Budget for the year 2008-2009.

(AQW 4074/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The 2008-09 budget allocation does not specifically earmark funding for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The budget does however include additional funding for a number of service developments which are likely to benefit people with MS. These include £9.28 million to improve access to specialist drugs, including the introduction of the disease modifying drug Tysabri in line with NICE recommendations and sustaining a maximum waiting time of 13 weeks for other disease modifying therapies for MS; and £1 million to reduce waiting times for specialised wheelchairs and provide additional respite care for people with physical and sensory disabilities.

Taxis Spending

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money spent on taxis by the Ulster Hospital, to transport medical records to other hospitals.

(AQW 4088/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The cost of taxis for the Ulster Hospital medical records department for 2006/07 was £55.

Funding Allocation

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, further to comments made by the junior Minister to the Assembly on 12 February 2008, to confirm the allocation of £2.5 million to twenty organisations in the 2007/08 financial year; and to provide details of this funding allocation.

(AQW 4129/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below shows the allocation of core and project funding to disability organisations from the Mental Health and Disability Policy Directorate in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, which totals approximately £2.5 million, as referred to by the junior Minister on 12 February 2008, during a debate on the bullying of disabled children.

Organisation	Core Funding	Project Funding
British Epilepsy Association	11,549	Nil
Council for Advancement for Communication for Deaf People (CACDP)	19,625	Nil
Crossroads	54,802	Nil
Institute for Counselling and Personal Development	13,184	Nil
Autism NI	48,721	17,498
Royal National Institute for the Deaf	28,025	Nil
Blind Centre Northern Ireland	74,901	Nil
Disability Action	157,194	Nil
MENCAP	104,840	Nil
Mucopolysaccharide	3,763	Nil
NI Music Therapy Trust	16,250	Nil
Speechmatters	13,749
The Cedar Foundation	42,997	30,781
Contact a Family	29,604	Nil
Down's Syndrome Association	33,357	Nil
SENSE	23,831	Nil
The Child Brain Injury Trust		53,993
National Deaf Children’s Society		55,330
Whizzkidz		32,973
Family Fund	1,651,000	Nil
TOTAL	2,327,392	190,575

Out-of-Hours Services

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the benchmarking exercise that is currently taking place into the performance of all out-of-hours services, to detail (i) by whom the benchmarking exercise is being undertaken; (ii) the start date of the exercise; (iii) the timescale within which the exercise will be completed; and (iv) the objectives of the exercise.

(AQW 4162/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The GP out-of-hours benchmarking exercise is being undertaken by the Primary Care Foundation, an independent charity working to improve the quality of healthcare across the UK and beyond. The benchmarking exercise began in November 2007 and is due to be completed by May 2008. The objective of the exercise is to assist in the process of determining how best to meet urgent patient out-of-hours healthcare needs in line with best practice.

Out-of-Hours Services

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) calls made to Strabane out-of-hours service seeking advice; (ii) patients seen at Strabane out-of-hours service; (iii) home visits that resulted from calls to Strabane out-of-hours service; and (iv) people who were redirected to other facilities in Omagh or Derry/Londonderry after an initial call to Strabane out-of-hours service, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 4166/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below details the breakdown of calls made to the Strabane Out of Hours service in each of the last 3 years.

	Telephone Advice	Attended Centre	Home Visits	Total
Jan – Dec 2005	7,245 (49%)	6,957 (47%)	563 (4%)	14,765
Jan – Dec 2006	7,378 (50%)	6,918 (46%)	528 (4%)	14,824
Jan – Dec 2007	7,415 (50%)	6,867 (46%)	528 (4%)	14,810

The number of patients who were subsequently re-directed to services in Londonderry/Derry and Omagh during the period January – December 2007 is as follows:

	Londonderry/Derry	Omagh
Jan – Dec 2007	2,477	50

Information for 2005 & 2006 regarding patients who were re-directed to Londonderry/Derry and Omagh is not readily available as an older version of the computer system was in place in these years.

Appleby Trust

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans to maintain funding for leader programmes such as the Appleby Trust in Armagh City.

(AQW 4232/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Southern Health and Social Care Trust have recently been successful in securing a bid of £38,000 for the Appleby Trust and this is currently being processed. Bids for funding are required to be made on an annual basis by a Health and Social Care Trust to the relevant Health and Social Services Board and it is therefore not appropriate for me to comment on any plans to maintain this funding.

Primary Care Provision

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the provision of primary care in the community in Keady.

(AQW 4280/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Primary care services in Keady are currently provided through 2 GP practices, with 6 GPs. There are also 2 Pharmacies and a Dental and an Optometrist practice in the Keady area. A wide range of primary and community care services are provided for the people of Keady by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, including services from community nurses and allied health professionals.

The Southern Health and Social Services Board has included a proposal to build a new Health and Care Centre in Keady as a priority in their Primary and Community Care Infrastructure business case. To date, the Trust has not been able to secure the purchase of a suitable development site in the Keady area, but the Department is working closely with the Southern Trust to secure the necessary business case approval and, subject to that approval, will seek to identify funding to secure a site in Keady for the future development of a new Health and Care Centre at the earliest opportunity in line with the Trust’s ongoing priorities.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) what treatment is available to Age Related Macular Degeneration patients, either wet or dry, where only one eye is affected; and (ii) a timescale within which free treatment will be made available to all patients with Age Related Macular Degeneration.

(AQW 4296/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There is no medical treatment currently available to cure dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients may be offered optical aids, counselling and social support as appropriate.

For patients with wet AMD, specialised treatments are available: argon laser and photodynamic therapy. Patients who are clinically suitable for treatment are treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is currently appraising two anti-VEGF drugs 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.

The decision on whether to fund a particular treatment 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 wet AMD, consistent with the emerging evidence base for the treatment of this condition.

Decisions on the timescale, 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.

Excess Payments

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether or not he will consider reversing the decision to recoup excess payments to Health Service staff following the implementation of the Agenda for Change agreement.

(AQW 4331/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: HSC employers are required under the Government Accounting Northern Ireland guidance to seek to recoup any excess payment from public funding including those arising following the implementation of the Agenda for Change Agreement. This guidance is drawn up by the Department of Finance and Personnel and applies to all Departments and Public Bodies.

Agenda for Change Pay System

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline why staff in the Health Service in Northern Ireland are not being afforded the pay protection offered in other parts of the United Kingdom, following the assimilation of the Agenda for Change pay system.

(AQW 4332/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: HSC staff are being afforded pay protection as set out in the Agenda for Change Agreement. Under this Agreement Agenda for Change rates are paid to staff from 1 October 2004 and pay is protected at the 1 April 2005 rate.

X-Ray Facilities

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to extend access to x-ray facilities during weekends, at the Ards Hospital Minor Injuries Unit.

(AQW 4337/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: X-ray facilities at Ards Minor Injuries Unit are provided from 9.00-17.00 Monday to Friday. When the facility is not available, patients requiring an x-ray are transferred to the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, located five miles from Ards Hospital. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has advised that there are no current plans to extend the x-ray cover to include weekends.

Agenda for Change

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not the full implementation of the Agenda for Change arrangements will be achievable by the target date of 31 March 2008.

(AQW 4385/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On 20 February 2008 I advised the Health Committee that, following representation from Regional Staff Side Secretaries, I had agreed to extend the deadline for all staff to be on Agenda for Change rates to 30 June 2008. I expect all Health and Social Care employers to work to this revised deadline.

Agenda for Change

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his department's policy in relation to pay protection for staff, who were employed post-October 2004, and who were not matched through the Agenda for Change process until after taking up their post.

(AQW 4386/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Where pay protection is required staff appointed after 1 October 2004, and before their job was matched to an Agenda for Change pay band, will have their salary protected at the rate paid to them when their employment began.

Agenda for Change

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his department's policy in relation to pay protection for staff whose salary was higher, prior to matching and assimilation through the Agenda for Change process.

(AQW 4387/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Pay protection arrangements for Health and Social Care staff moving to the new rates of pay are clearly set out in the Agenda for Change Agreement. Under these arrangements the new rates are paid to staff in post from 1 October 2004 and where the existing salary is higher than the new Agenda for Change rate pay protection will apply.

Agenda for Change

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his department's policy in relation to payment variances for those staff who have been matched after the October 2004 deadline, through Agenda for Change, but who continue to be paid at the rate prior to this process.

(AQW 4389/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: All staff will be given the benefit of the new Agenda for Change rates of pay from 1 October 2004. Any variance in the rates of pay between 1 October 2004 and the actual date that staff are moved to the new rate will be taken into account in the assimilation process. This policy will be applied regardless of the date on which the individual is moved to the new rates.

Agenda for Change

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) the percentage of staff; and (ii) the staff groupings, in each Health and Social Care Trust area, that remain to be matched and assimilated to new pay bands within the Agenda for Change process.

(AQW 4390/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The specific information requested is not held. However, from my Department’s monitoring of the implementation process I can report that all jobs in the Health and Social Care Trusts have been considered by an Agenda for Change matching panel. In the Belfast HSC Trust 23% of the Agenda for Change workforce have yet to be moved to the new pay bands. Details for the other Trusts are as follows: Northern HSC Trust – 16%, Southern HSC Trust – 21%, South Eastern HSC Trust – 26%, and Western HSC Trust – 20%.

Craigavon Maternity Unit

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of births in the last 12 months; and (ii) the number of births that can be accommodated annually, at the Craigavon Maternity Unit.

(AQW 4398/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of births in the last 12 months at the Down Midwife-led Maternity Unit, the Craigavon Maternity Unit, the Ulster Maternity Unit, the Mater Maternity Unit and the Royal Victoria Maternity Unit are given in the table below.

Hospital	Number of Births in 2007
Down Maternity Unit*	0
Craigavon	3,708
Ulster	2,950
Mater	1,174
Royal Victoria	5,482

*Downe Maternity Unit closed from 2003/2004

Information on the number of births that can be accommodated annually at each of these Units is not available centrally.

Ulster Maternity Unit

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of births in the last 12 months; and (ii) the number of births that can be accommodated annually, at the Ulster Maternity Unit.

(AQW 4399/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of births in the last 12 months at the Down Midwife-led Maternity Unit, the Craigavon Maternity Unit, the Ulster Maternity Unit, the Mater Maternity Unit and the Royal Victoria Maternity Unit are given in the table below.

Hospital	Number of Births in 2007
Down Maternity Unit*	0
Craigavon	3,708
Ulster	2,950
Mater	1,174
Royal Victoria	5,482

*Downe Maternity Unit closed from 2003/2004

Information on the number of births that can be accommodated annually at each of these Units is not available centrally.

Mater Maternity Unit

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of births in the last 12 months; and (ii) the number of births that can be accommodated annually, at the Mater Maternity Unit.

(AQW 4400/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of births in the last 12 months at the Down Midwife-led Maternity Unit, the Craigavon Maternity Unit, the Ulster Maternity Unit, the Mater Maternity Unit and the Royal Victoria Maternity Unit are given in the table below.

Hospital	Number of Births in 2007
Down Maternity Unit*	0
Craigavon	3,708
Ulster	2,950
Mater	1,174
Royal Victoria	5,482

*Downe Maternity Unit closed from 2003/2004

Information on the number of births that can be accommodated annually at each of these Units is not available centrally.

Appleby Trust

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the plans he has to assist the Appleby Trust in securing long term funding, to ensure that people with learning disabilities currently being assisted by the Trust continue to be assisted and supported in their work placements within the Armagh area; and to confirm whether or not he will liaise with the Department for Employment and Learning to increase the level of funding available to sustain the organisation for the future.

(AQW 4445/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Directors of the Appleby Trust have advised the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) that an anonymous benefactor has offered the Appleby Trust funding for 2008/2009, with the proviso that match funding be provided by the SHSCT. The match funding has been agreed in principle and meetings are scheduled for March 2008 to agree on operational details.

This should secure the continuation of the Appleby Trust for the next year and during this time the SHSCT will be reviewing all services for people with a learning disability provided by voluntary and independent sector to ensure the most effective service provision for clients.

I am informed that the Appleby Trust is not currently funded by DEL nor has it approached DEL for funding.

Bamford Review of Mental Health

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the current status of the implementation of the Bamford Review of Mental Health.

(AQO 2189/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Boards and Trusts are already planning and developing services in line with Bamford recommendations. However, implementation of the Review requires a Government-wide response and my Department is leading on this work. I am aiming to submit the response document to the Executive for approval in May 2008 and the response will then be issued for public consultation.

Child Poverty

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to address the health inequalities associated with child poverty.

(AQO 2166/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The cross-Departmental Investing for Health Strategy clearly recognises the impact that childhood poverty has on health inequalities. My Department is currently addressing this through Investing for Health and its underpinning healthy lifestyle strategies, all of which have a particular focus on tackling health inequalities.

In addition proposals included in the ‘Families Matter,’ and ‘Care Matters’ strategies are designed to meet the needs of those vulnerable children who are particularly susceptible to health inequalities.

Waiting Times

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reasons for the current waiting time for an outpatient appointment at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald being eight weeks.

(AQO 2105/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have set a target to ensure that no patient is waiting longer than 13 weeks for a first outpatient appointment by 31 March 2008. Excellent progress is being made by all Trusts towards this target and I am confident that it will be achieved. The transformation in waiting times seen over the last two years has been as a result of a comprehensive programme of investment and reform by my Department, Boards and Trusts.

Regional Suicide Helpline

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the support services and back-up that is available for people who ring the regional suicide helpline.

(AQO 2190/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The regional 24/7 suicide prevention telephone helpline is available 365 (366 in 2008) days of the year, 24 hours a day. All calls made to the helpline are answered directly by an appropriately qualified counsellor. Callers in distress will be offered an immediate clinical assessment. The assessment will address the risk including the immediate medical risk, available resources including family/friends and access to voluntary, community or statutory services. The services available include rapid response telephone counselling, face to face counselling, peer mentoring support, referral to primary/secondary care services and signposting to appropriate community resources. The provider is also required to develop strong linkages/referral pathways/protocols with both existing statutory and community/voluntary sectors.

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.

(AQO 2099/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I know about the valuable work that is being supported by the Children’s Fund, and would like to be in a position to continue to fund everything that we would wish to. However, given the tough Budget settlement, the financial reality is that this will not be possible.

I have agreed that my Department should support Home Start Ards, Comber and Peninsula for one more year at their current levels of funding.

Details of individual grant awards, and conditions attaching, will be notified to projects shortly.

Capital Spending

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his plans for capital spending in the East Antrim constituency over the next three years.

(AQO 2153/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Board and Trust have submitted a Stage 2 Outline Business Case identifying the Carrickfergus Health and Care Centre and the Larne Health and Care Centre and Day Centre as priority projects within Phase 1 of the Primary and Community Care Infrastructure programme. However the outcome for my Department of this year’s Comprehensive Spending Review will only allow current contractual commitments to be met with only a small number of schemes to be started from scratch and completed in the next 3 years. It is unlikely that these two schemes will progress during the next 3 years unless additional funding can be secured.

Health Discussions

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not he will meet with a delegation of East Antrim Assembly Members to discuss health issues within this constituency.

(AQO 2187/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I would be pleased to meet with a delegation of East Antrim MLAs to discuss health issues within this constituency.

Clostridium Difficile

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of cases of clostridium difficile at Causeway Hospital over the last five years.

(AQO 2143/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Clostridium difficile mandatory surveillance programme commenced in January 2005. Since that date cases of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea in those aged over 65 years have been recorded. This information is available by hospital and Trust, and figures are available up to 30 September 2007.  The figures for Causeway Hospital are:

2005: 52

2006: 50

2007, to 30 Sept: 27

During the first year of the mandatory surveillance programme some laboratories had to change their method of detecting Clostridium difficile. Since 2006 all laboratories have been detecting and reporting Clostridium difficile in those aged 65 years and over in a standardised manner.

The Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre Northern Ireland (CDSC) does hold records from Causeway laboratory for Clostridium difficile, for all ages, from before 2005 but it is not possible to fully disaggregate those originating from Causeway hospital, other hospitals in that area or specimens from GP sources in the Causeway area.

Services at the Mater Hospital

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what his assessment is of the future provision of services at the Mater Hospital.

(AQO 2186/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Developing Better Services sets out the future provision of acute services and in his speech, former Minister Des Browne highlighted the need to ensure the Mater delivered a full range of acute services for a considerable period ahead. I fully agree and understand not only the high regard with which the Mater Hospital is held by the local community in north Belfast, but also realise the pivotal role it plays in providing vital acute services to the Greater Belfast population.

Omagh Fire Station

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, given the additional £14 million capital funding for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), to give a timeframe within which the Omagh Fire Station will receive the enhanced emergency cover highlighted by the NIFRS as being necessary for the area.

(AQO 2150/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It is a matter for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board and its Chief Fire Officer to determine the priorities of the capital budget, including renewal / upgrading of fire stations. They have been working closely with my Department and others to complete an overarching Business Case for the modernisation of buildings, appliances and equipment. Omagh is one of the priority stations and the timing of construction of this, and other new stations, will emerge as the business case progresses.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of nurses that have been trained in suicide awareness and prevention.

(AQO 2231/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I can confirm that there are a range of training programmes (modules and courses) available to help nurses recognise and deal effectively with people who show risk of self-harm.

The Schools of Nursing at Queen’s University and the University of Ulster provide modules for all first year nursing students. This involves 480 students at QUB and 250 students at UU. Some 80 students per annum studying mental health pre-registration programmes receive additional training.

Registered nurses also receive additional training as part of other programmes (e.g. midwifery and health visiting). Registered nurses can also access specific self-harm modules, e.g. Risk Assessment: Suicide and Self-harm, and can undertake an internationally recognised programme called ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Workshop). Mental Health nurses can access additional courses such as Management of the Suicidal Patient. These courses are provided by the In-service Consortia (made up of EDUCARE and the Beeches Management Centre).

However, comprehensive statistics on the numbers of post-registration nurses who have received suicide awareness and prevention training are not available. Figures provided by the Beeches Management Centre show that 402 nurses have attended the Risk Management course over a 10 year period and 34 have attended the Management of the Suicidal Patient. ASIST has been running for 18 months with 34 attending. Figures from EDUCARE show that since September 2006, 20 have attended the Management of the Suicidal Patient course and 66 attended the Risk Management course.

In recognition of the role that GPs can play in tackling suicide a training programme has been specifically designed by the Health Promotion Agency ( Northern Ireland). This programme, in depression awareness, has been attended by 71 practice managers/nurses to date.

Treatment Centre for Banbridge

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the new Health and Social Care Treatment Centre for Banbridge.

(AQO 2181/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The proposal for a new Health and Care Centre along with a new Learning Disability Day Centre, on the Banbridge community health village site is a high priority within the Primary and Community Care Infrastructure (PCCI) Programme. The business case for the project is currently being appraised and further input is being sought from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust before a decision on approval can be taken. It is expected that a decision will be made by the end of March 2008.

Suicide Inquiry

Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations from the inquiry into the suicide of Danny McCartan.

(AQO 2228/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Boards and Trusts have developed action plans to address recommendations arising from the Independent Report on the suicide of Danny McCartan Report. A number of key actions points have already been implemented and work is ongoing to implement the remainder.

Epilepsy Treatment

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the steps he is taking to ensure National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines are being followed in relation to epilepsy treatment in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 2140/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On 31 January 2008, my Department endorsed the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline on the management of epilepsy as being valid for Northern Ireland. This requires Health and Social Care sector organisations to take account of the NICE guidelines in their planning and delivery of services to people with epilepsy.

Regional Development

Train Services

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of people who have used train services in and out of Belfast in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3733/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): The number of passengers boarding and alighting at Central, Botanic, City Hospital and Great Victoria Street stations in the last three years was:

2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
5.1 million	5.3 million	6.1 million

Translink extracted this information from the Wayfarer ticketing database which was installed in 2003/04. Translink does not hold details of the number of passengers using train services in and out of Belfast prior to this and, as a result, is unable to provide figures for either 2002/03 or 2003/04.

Waste Produced

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.

(AQW 3793/08)

Mr C Murphy: A recent waste audit for the Department’s headquarters building, Clarence Court, which is shared with another Department, confirmed that the percentage of waste recycled had increased from 10% in 2004 to 75%. Similar recycling arrangements exist in other buildings, many of which are also shared, but no figures are maintained by the Department of the overall percentage of waste recycled.

In addition, a recent study undertaken in partnership with the Quarry Products Association (NI), has indicated that a maximum of 10% by volume of secondary and recycled materials is normally included as part of the road construction layers.

Roads Service is also currently working with Waste and Resources Action Partnership in a pilot scheme to determine the total value of recycled products used within road schemes.

Under works contracts awarded by Roads Service, the contractor is responsible for disposal of all waste associated with the contract to appropriate licensed waste disposal or recycling sites. Roads Service is not able to accurately track the quantity of waste material that is actually recycled in the licensed facility.

Largy Road Route Study

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the implementation of the B52 Largy Road Route Study.

(AQW 3835/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that since my last response to the Member’s Assembly Question, AQW 601/08, the minor works scheme at Casheltown Crossroads, which was included in the implementation of the B52 Largy Road Route Study, is substantially complete. This scheme will introduce a one way system on the western leg of this road from the Largy Road towards Kilcurry Road, thereby preventing access onto the Largy Road at this junction where sight lines are sub-standard. In addition, there have been improvements to the sight distance at the junction of Kilcurry Road and Casheltown Road.

My previous response advised that the B52 Largy Road Route Study also identified a number of locations where it was considered that improvements would be beneficial, and that improvements at the Gillistown Road Junction were completed. Assessment of the remaining scheme proposals is ongoing with a view to advancing to preliminary design stage and subsequent prioritisation within a works programme for Roads Service’s Northern Division. Prioritisation will take account of the technical merit of each scheme, availability of funding, Council consultation and Road Service priorities.

A4 and A5 Duelling

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the timescale anticipated for the completion of the A4 and A5 duelling and road improvements.

(AQW 3867/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the construction contract for the A4 dualling between Dungannon and Ballygawley, and improvement works on the A4 at Annaghilla and the A5 at Tullyvar was awarded on 16 November 2007 and work has commenced on site. I anticipate completion of the dual carriageway between Dungannon and Ballygawley in late 2010.

In relation to the proposed A5 dualling from Derry to the border at Aughnacloy, Roads Service has commissioned consultants to undertake a route corridor study.

This study will allow the production of a preliminary options report and recommend a preferred corridor by late 2008.

I anticipate that subsequent work should enable the identification of a preferred route within that corridor by mid 2009 and publication of draft statutory orders associated with the Environmental Statement, Direction Order and Vesting Order, in 2010. However, it is not practical to set further milestones for the project at this stage, as the timing of the works will be dependent on the outcome of the statutory orders.

Parking Schemes

Dr S Farry asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale in which he intends to make a statement to the Assembly in relation to the outcome of the consultation on a policy for residents' parking schemes.

(AQW 3880/08)

Mr C Murphy:

I do not intend to make a statement to the Assembly in relation to the outcome of the consultation on a policy for residents’ parking schemes.

However, I can confirm, that, following consultation with the Regional Departmental Committee, the policy was finalised and that the consultation document, together with the consultation report and detailed feedback analysis, have been placed on my Department’s Roads Service internet site. Those who responded have been advised accordingly.

You may be interested to know that, following the consultation process, a number of changes were made to the policy including:-

• a reduction in the cost of a residents permit from £80 to £40, where the scheme falls wholly or partly within a Neighbourhood Renewal Area as defined by the Department for Social Development; and
• a change in the time limit for a visitors permit which will now be valid for a full day’s scheme operation.

Roads Service is now in the early stages of implementing the policy and survey work is currently underway in a number of areas where schemes may be introduced.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development 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 3902/08)

Mr C Murphy: For the period 8 May 2007 to 15 February 2008 I have:

• Met delegations representing one or more Councils on 10 occasions. This includes meetings which took place during visits to Councils.
• Met once with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, and
• Not met with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives.

Road Upgrade

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what plans he has to upgrade the B52 Randalstown to Portglenone road, in preparation for increased traffic when the new A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dual carriageway is being constructed.

(AQW 3913/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have advised me that they have no plans to upgrade the B52 Randalstown to Portglenone road, at this time.

The proposed alignment for the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dual carriageway is mostly off line, except for a section between the Moyola River and the Castledawson Roundabout. The vast majority of the construction work will be carried out with minimal interference to the travelling public, and there will only be short periods of disruption when connections are made to and from the existing network.

Wheelchair Use

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of discussions he has had with disabled groups, in relation to the having kerbs dropped for wheelchair use in (i) the Ards area; and (ii) the Strangford constituency.

(AQW 3921/08)

Mr C Murphy:

I have not been directly involved in any discussions with disabled groups, in relation to having kerbs dropped for wheelchair use in the Ards area or the Strangford constituency.

While my Department’s Roads Service has no record of meetings with disabled groups to discuss the issue of dropped kerbs specifically within these areas, I can advise that officials are currently finalising a policy for the use of dropped kerbs and tactile paving surfaces. This aims to formalize the current custom and practice in the use of dropped kerbs in the following circumstances:-

• at all road crossing points in road improvement schemes, resurfacing project or footway reconstruction works;
• on existing footways, as part of a pedestrian route strategy;
• in town centres, to ensure that all areas are accessible; and
• in urban areas, on routes that link residential areas with town centre or other large commercial centres.

During the development of this policy, which is about to be published, Roads Service conducted an Equality Impact Assessment, in accordance with the terms of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This incorporated formal consultation with each of the equality categories identified under Section 75, including a number of groups representing disabled people.

Budgetary Allocation

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the budgetary allocation for the maintenance of roads in (i) the Omagh district; (ii) the Strabane district; (iii) the Dungannon district; and (iv) the Cookstown district, in 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and 2010/2011.

(AQW 3924/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Road Service overall budget allocations for 2008/09, 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 have not yet been finalised.

You may wish to note that Roads Service does not budget on a District Council basis. Budget allocations are based on need, rather than Council boundaries. While some elements of Roads Service’s operational budget including resurfacing, patching, gully emptying, grass cutting etc are allocated on a Section Office basis, whose boundaries generally correspond with those of the District Councils, these figures do not give an overall indication of actual spend within the Section Office area. Sizeable elements of the budget are allocated either on a Divisional basis, or indeed on a province-wide basis.

Belfast to Bangor Railway Line

Mr R Newton asked the Minister for Regional Development to (i) outline his plans for the future development of the Belfast to Bangor Railway line; (ii) confirm whether or not these include the provision of a station/stop to service the expanding retail development at Holywood Exchange; and (iii) detail the passenger numbers using the line in (a) 2003-04; (b) 2004-05; and (c) 2005-06.

(AQW 3931/08)

Mr C Murphy: Works to improve accessibility, lighting and signage is almost complete on railway halts along this line. During 2008 Northern Ireland Railways will prepare to pilot a new passenger information system within the Greater Belfast Area and, following successful trials, this will roll out to halts /stations on the Bangor line during 2009/11.

There are no current plans to provide additional rail halts at Holywood Exchange following the completion of the new Ikea Store. Planning permissions for the Ikea site were granted on condition of the provision of enhanced public transport facilities based on bus services linking Holywood Exchange to the centre of Belfast. Translink operate special Saturday day-trip services to Ikea from five major towns Derry, Omagh, Coleraine, Armagh and Newry, and further journey stops are made for passengers boarding along these routes.

Translink will continue to seek to expand Park and Ride facilities along the Belfast to Bangor railway line as opportunities arise and funding becomes available.

The passenger numbers using the line were:

2003/04 – 1,756,899

2004/05 – 1,517,300

2005/06 – 1,860,700

Memorials on Public Roads

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 1650/08, to list the memorials that have been erected on public roads without lawful authority.

(AQW 3939/08)

Mr C Murphy: When last counted in November 2007, there were 106 illegally erected monuments on public roads of which 72 relate to road traffic fatalities, 31 relating directly to the troubles and 3 erected to mark deaths due to other causes.

The locations of the 31 memorials relating to the troubles are readily available and are listed in the table below. However, Roads Service does not maintain a record to whom the memorials were erected.

If the Member wants a list of the locations of the other memorials he should write to the Roads Service’s Acting Chief Executive, who will arrange for the information to be collated and sent to him.

Location Of Illegally Erected Monuments

Junction at Moss Road, Stoneyford Road, Ballypitmave Road, Steedstown Road, Y Bridge Road, Stoneyford

Roundabout at Upper Dunmurry Lane at the junction with Stewartstown Road, Colin Road, Pantridge Road, Belfast

Malachy Conlon Park , Cullaville

Dorans Hill at Raymond Kelly Park, Newry

Derrybeg Estate, Newry

Derrybeg at junction of Camlough Road, Newry

Tievecrom Road , Forkhill, Newry

Tullynavall Road , Cullyhanna

Donaldson’s Road at Ballyfannahan Road, Cullyhanna

Kelly’s Road, Killeen

Edenappa Road , Jonesborough

Annaghgad Road , Cullaville

Newry Road , Camlough

Kilmorey Street Flood defence wall, Newry

Buttercrane Quay, Newry

Barley Lane, Newry

Ford’s Cross, Silverbridge

Newry Bypass, Newry

Skerriff Road , Cullyhanna

Near frontier, Cashel Road, Enniskillen

Clonliff Road , Enniskillen

Near frontier Drumnasreane Road, Enniskillen

Eshnadarragh Road , Rosslea

Opposite Holiday Centre, Garrison

Swanlinbar Road , Enniskillen

Eshnadarragh Altawalk Cross, Rosslea

Drumnakilly Road , Omagh

Water Wall Footpath, Mourne Bridge, Strabane

Annagher Road , Coalisland

Drum Road, Near to Teebane Road, Cookstown

Corrick Road , Dungiven

 

Rail Passengers

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the percentage increase of passengers on the (i) Belfast to Larne; (ii) Belfast to Derry/Londonderry; (iii) Belfast to Bangor; and (iv) Belfast to Portadown, rail lines, over the last 5 years.

(AQW 3951/08)

Mr C Murphy: The percentage increases in passenger numbers from 2001/02 to 2006/07 were - 3% on the Belfast to Larne line, 62% on the Belfast to Derry/Londonderry line, 49% on the Belfast to Bangor line and 48% on the Belfast to Portadown rail line.

Passenger journeys on the Larne line fell in 2005/06 because of a disruption to service caused by a major track re-lay. Since the re-opening of the line in February 2006, passenger numbers have grown steadily and are now on target to carry a record 1.9 million passengers this year.

You should note that since April 2004 the method of counting passenger numbers changed. The 2001/02 baseline figures are estimates based on the new methodology.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of written questions received since May 2007, and the average length of time taken to publish a response.

(AQW 3974/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have answered 659 written Assembly Questions during the period 8 May 2007 to 31 January 2008. The average length of time taken for each question to be forwarded to the Assembly Business Office for publication is 6.21 days.

Mothballed Railway Stations

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the amount spent on maintenance (excluding track maintenance), security and repairs at the mothballed railway stations at Crumlin, Glenavy, Ballinderry and Knockmore in each of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

(AQW 4028/08)

Mr C Murphy: The following table provides a summary of station maintenance and security costs on the Antrim to Knockmore line between 2002/03 and 2006/07.

	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	Total
Revenue	£8,500	£9,120	£9,744	£5,516	£21,190	£54,070
Capital	£0	£0	£25,150	£0	£0	£25,150
Total	£8,500	£9,120	£34,894	£5,516	£21,190	£79,220

Knockmore Railway Line

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number; and (ii) type of trains that used the Knockmore railway line in 2007; (iii) the purpose of the journeys; and (iv) the date on which this line was last used.

(AQW 4029/08)

Mr C Murphy: During 2007 the Knockmore line was used once for driver training and twice for pilotman training (all using class 450 units). In addition, the Knockmore line was twice used for infrastructure work. The last time the Knockmore line was used on 4 November for pilotman training and there has been no further activity to date this year.

Transport Holding Company

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail all land owned by the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) in the South Antrim parliamentary constituency, broken down by (i) the number of sites owned; (ii) the location of each site; (iii) the size of each site; (iv) what each site is used for; and (v) the length of time each site has been owned by the NITHC.

(AQW 4031/08)

Mr C Murphy: The land owned by the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) in the South Antrim parliamentary constituency, broken down by (i) the number of sites owned; (ii) the location of each site; (iii) the size of each site; (iv) what each site is used for; and (v) the length of time each site has been owned by the NITHC, is set out below.

1. Ballyclare

Location -------- Mill Road

Use -------- Bus Station

Area -------- 0.735 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) in 1967

2. Antrim

Location -------- Station Road

Use -------- Bus Station

Area -------- 1.38 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from UTA in 1967

3. Location -------- Station Road

Use -------- Railway Station

Area -------- 0.54 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from UTA in 1967

4. Location -------- Steeple Road

Use -------- Warehouse and yard

Area -------- 0.38 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from UTA in 1967

5. Location -------- Railway Street/Church Street

Use -------- Vacant (originally purchased for new bus station)

Area -------- 0.70 acres approx

Ownership -------- Purchased 1993

6. Location -------- Steeple Road

Use -------- Park and Ride

Area -------- 0.37 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from UTA in 1967

7. Muckamore

Location -------- 159 Belfast Road

Use -------- Vacant (possible location for bridge across

railway)

Area -------- 3.24 acres approx

Ownership -------- Purchased 2007

8. Mossley Halt

Location -------- Doagh Road

Use -------- Park and Ride

Area -------- 0.75 acres approx

Ownership -------- Purchased 1999

9. Kingsbog

Location -------- Ballyclare Road

Use -------- Vacant arable land

Area -------- 5.34 acres approx

Ownership -------- Purchased to close accommodation crossings 1999

10. Ballypalady

Location -------- Ballypalady Road

Use -------- Vacant arable land

Area -------- 2 acres approx

Ownership -------- Purchased to close accommodation crossings 1999

11. Ballypalady

Location -------- Between Ballypalady Road & Templepatrick

Road

Use -------- Arable land (let in con acre)

Area -------- 6.84 acres approx

Ownership -------- Purchased to close accommodation crossings

1999

12. Crumlin

Location -------- Main Street

Use -------- Railway Station + land beside station

Area -------- 5.3 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from UTA 1967

13. Location -------- Main Street

Use -------- Bus Depot

Area -------- 0.8 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from UTA 1967

14. Aldergrove Station (disused)

Location -------- Station Road

Use -------- Disused railway station

Area -------- 1.85 acres approx

Ownership -------- Inherited from UTA 1967

15. Permanent Way

The permanent way between stations was inherited in 1967 from UTA. This is land on which the track is laid and includes all embankments gripes (a gripe is a 6 foot strip of land for maintenance to fences hedges etc.) and sheughs.

The length of the permanent way in South Antrim is approximately 31 miles.

Sewerage Infrastructure

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline plans to upgrade Northern Ireland's sewerage infrastructure over the next five years.

(AQW 4051/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that substantial investment will continue to be directed towards improving wastewater treatment and sewers, with committed expenditure of £492 million in the three year period up to 2010 together with Public Private Partnership investment of £122 million. NIW has completed a number of drainage area plans to identify deficiencies within the sewerage system and a programme of sewer network improvements is ongoing. In addition, poorly performing small wastewater treatment works serving local communities will benefit from investment of £30 million in the period up to 2014.

NIW’s post 2010 budget will depend on the outcome of the regulatory periodic review in 2009. While it is not possible to define exactly what works will be progressed from 2010, it is expected that compliance with wastewater standards will be comparable with the water companies in Britain by 2015.

Penalty Charge Notices

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) discounts that have been applied in the last year, following payment of the PCN within 14 days, (i) in total; and (ii) by district council area.

(AQW 4052/08)

Mr C Murphy:

In the period 1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008, 105,213 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), were paid at the discounted amount. My Department’s Roads Service does not collate this data by district council area, however, on the basis of percentage figures for the issue of PCNs, an estimated breakdown for the figure is as follows:

Council Area	PCNs Paid at Discount 1/2/07 to 31/1/08 (est.)		Council Area	PCNs Paid at Discount 1/2/07 to 31/1/08 (est.)
Antrim	1609		Dungannon	2263
Ards	2549		Fermanagh	6885
Armagh	2859		Larne	629
Ballymena	3901		Limavady	1239
Ballymoney	1327		Lisburn	3725
Banbridge	1393		Magherafelt	2355
Belfast (including Castlereagh)	29260		Moyle	190
Carrickfergus	1847		Newry & Mourne	4100
Coleraine	4421		Newtownabbey	1310
Cookstown	1704		North Down	3543
Craigavon	5207		Omagh	4286
Derry	12847		Strabane	2832
Down	2932

For the same period, the number of PCNs issued to vehicles parked in a disabled person’s parking space, without clearly displaying a blue badge, is 6,017. A breakdown, by district council area is given below:-

Council Area	PCNs – Disabled Person’s Spaces, 1/2/07 to 31/1/08		Council Area	PCNs – Disabled Person’s Spaces, 1/2/07 to 31/1/08
Antrim	94		Dungannon	187
Ards	153		Fermanagh	258
Armagh	132		Larne	160
Ballymena	447		Limavady	110
Ballymoney	155		Lisburn	137
Banbridge	84		Magherafelt	238
Belfast (including Castlereagh)	427		Moyle	31
Carrickfergus	191		Newry & Mourne	160
Coleraine	525		Newtownabbey	62
Cookstown	352		North Down	186
Craigavon	566		Omagh	319
Derry	448		Strabane	160
Down	435

Penalty Charge Notices

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of Penalty Charge Notices that have been issued by traffic attendants to vehicles occupying a parking bay for disabled persons in the last year, (i) in total; and (ii) by district council area.

(AQW 4054/08)

Mr C Murphy:

In the period 1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008, 105,213 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), were paid at the discounted amount. My Department’s Roads Service does not collate this data by district council area, however, on the basis of percentage figures for the issue of PCNs, an estimated breakdown for the figure is as follows:

Council Area	PCNs Paid at Discount 1/2/07 to 31/1/08 (est.)		Council Area	PCNs Paid at Discount 1/2/07 to 31/1/08 (est.)
Antrim	1609		Dungannon	2263
Ards	2549		Fermanagh	6885
Armagh	2859		Larne	629
Ballymena	3901		Limavady	1239
Ballymoney	1327		Lisburn	3725
Banbridge	1393		Magherafelt	2355
Belfast (including Castlereagh)	29260		Moyle	190
Carrickfergus	1847		Newry & Mourne	4100
Coleraine	4421		Newtownabbey	1310
Cookstown	1704		North Down	3543
Craigavon	5207		Omagh	4286
Derry	12847		Strabane	2832
Down	2932

For the same period, the number of PCNs issued to vehicles parked in a disabled person’s parking space, without clearly displaying a blue badge, is 6,017. A breakdown, by district council area is given below:-

Council Area	PCNs – Disabled Person’s Spaces, 1/2/07 to 31/1/08		Council Area	PCNs – Disabled Person’s Spaces, 1/2/07 to 31/1/08
Antrim	94		Dungannon	187
Ards	153		Fermanagh	258
Armagh	132		Larne	160
Ballymena	447		Limavady	110
Ballymoney	155		Lisburn	137
Banbridge	84		Magherafelt	238
Belfast (including Castlereagh)	427		Moyle	31
Carrickfergus	191		Newry & Mourne	160
Coleraine	525		Newtownabbey	62
Cookstown	352		North Down	186
Craigavon	566		Omagh	319
Derry	448		Strabane	160
Down	435

Blue Badge Misuse

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development, in relation to the blue badge parking scheme, to detail the number of blue badges that have been confiscated owing to misuse in each of the last three years, (i) in total; and (ii) by district council area.

(AQW 4055/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that, in the last three years, no Blue Badges have been withdrawn as a result of misuse.

Water Mains Replacement

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of the last mile of water mains replacement completed.

(AQW 4057/08)

Mr C Murphy:

I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the average cost per mile for water mains replacement is £137,000. This reflects the most common diameters of water main and takes into account a range of ground conditions and a variety of road reinstatement categories.

Bus Purchases

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of the last bus purchased.

(AQW 4058/08)

Mr C Murphy: During 2007, the cost of buses ranged from £113,707 to £163,416. The last bus purchased was a single deck bus costing £139,000.00.

Single Lane Road

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of the last one mile stretch of single lane road way constructed.

(AQW 4059/08)

Mr C Murphy: Omagh Throughpass, which opened to traffic on 13 October 2006, was the last single carriageway Major Works scheme to be constructed. The total cost to provide this 2.4km of single carriageway, was £11.2 million, which equates to £4.6 million per km or £7.4 million per mile. However, I should advise that this scheme included two bridges and extensive retaining walls, which added considerable costs. It also traversed both urban and rural environments.

A57 Antrim/Dublin Road

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any scheduled, or proposed, upgrades to the A57 Antrim/Dublin Road which will take place in the next three years.

(AQW 4062/08)

Mr C Murphy:

My Department’s Roads Service is currently progressing proposals to develop a road widening and realignment scheme on the A57 Antrim Road/Dublin Road in County Antrim. Considering the length and complexity of this improvement scheme (approx 1.8km), and the potential significant costs involved in its delivery, it is likely the scheme will be brought forward in stages.

You may also be aware that the airport authority has plans, at an advanced stage, to provide a roundabout at the junction of the Antrim Road/Ballyrobin Road and to realign the Antrim Road for a distance of approximately 400m in a northerly direction from this proposed roundabout. It is intended that Roads Service’s proposed scheme will link into these works.

I would stress however, that the proposal for improvement works on the A57, as with all such proposals, is subject to a detailed economic appraisal, clearing of the relevant statutory procedures and the availability of funds at that time. I am not yet in a position to indicate the possible timescale for these works, although it is hoped that the first stage could commence within the next three years.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development 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 4063/08)

Mr C Murphy: (i) The Department uses textphones, induction loop systems, the internet, SMS text, e-mail, fax and sign language interpreters to help hard of hearing and deaf people to access its services and those provided under the Transport Programme for People with Disabilities and the Rural Community Transport Partnerships. Appropriate staff, such as booking centre staff for Door-to-Door Transport, are trained in disability equality, etiquette and attitude, equal rights, passenger handling and customer services.

(ii) The method of communication can be oral, written or sign, depending on the facility used. For example, the services provided by the Transport Programme for People with Disabilities and the Rural Community Transport Partnerships can be booked using textphone, SMS text or the Internet. Material issued by the Department advertises text phone numbers and other accessible methods of communication. Induction loops and sign language interpreters are engaged as necessary to facilitate face-to face contacts.

(iii) Hard of hearing or deaf people are made aware of the services available and how to access them by written material, the internet, information seminars, presentations to disabled and community organisations, advertisements in newspapers and disability-related magazines, display of leaflets and posters in public places such as doctors’ surgeries, citizens advice bureaux, bus and rail stations, etc. The Department also provides information on a number of programmes it supports, such as the Transport Programme for People with Disabilities, the Rural Community Transport Partnerships and other accessible services, on the Getting Out and About website ( www.ni-transportguide.info). In addition, the Department has developed a Guide to Making Information Accessible to ensure that its information and services are accessible to people with physical, sensory and learning difficulties and those whose first language is not English.

This is on the internet and includes specific advice on communicating with deaf and hard of hearing people.

Meeting Requests

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of meeting requests he has received since May 2007.

(AQW 4065/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have received 166 meeting requests from 8 May 2007 to 18 February 2008.

This figure does not include requests to attend events such as dinners, presentations, seminars or conferences.

Safety Barrier

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to erect a safety barrier at the corner opposite 41 Rowreagh Road, Ardkeen, Portaferry.

(AQW 4076/08)

Mr C Murphy: While I am aware that several vehicles lost control and left the carriageway in the vicinity of No. 41 Rowreagh Road on 3 January 2008, I have been informed by officials in my Department’s Roads Service that this occurred as the result of heavy snow and ice which was present at the time.

The erection of crash barriers is subject to certain criteria and this site would rate as low priority in the assessment procedure.

Pelican Crossing in Glenavy

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to provide a pelican crossing in Glenavy, Co Antrim.

(AQW 4078/08)

Mr C Murphy: Requests for Pelican crossings are assessed using established criteria relating to the number of pedestrians crossing the road and the volume of vehicles.

Officials from my Department’s Roads Service advise that their latest survey, carried out at Main Street Glenavy in 2006, confirmed that the criteria for the provision of a Pelican crossing were not met. The results of the survey fell well below those required to justify a Pelican crossing and, as such, there are no current plans to provide one.

Water Mains Supply

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale within which the water mains on the Lettercarn Road, Castlederg, will be upgraded.

(AQW 4124/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it is not proposing to upgrade the water main on the Lettercarn Road, Castlederg. However, water mains which supply the Lettercarn Road area will be replaced under the Derg West Rehabilitation Zone project, which is scheduled for completion by early 2009. This work should lead to an improvement in water pressure to homes in the area and reduce the risk of interruptions to the water supply.

Building New Roads

Mr G McHugh asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the expenditure on building new roads, broken down by county and the amount spent per mile of road, in the last five years.

(AQW 4149/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain an analysis of its capital spend on a county basis. It does, however, undertake an analysis of actual spend during the preceding financial year in each Council area and retains a breakdown of miles of road managed in each Council area. The total capital spend includes Major Capital, Minor Capital, Street Lighting, Car Parks, Other Capital (including Ferry), Transportation Policy and Land.

In providing this information, I should explain that Roads Service does not simply split its total budget for capital expenditure on roads across all the district council areas. Major road improvements are prioritised on a countrywide basis taking account of a broad range of criteria such as strategic planning policy, traffic flow, number of accidents, potential travel save times, environmental impact, accessibility and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be within one district council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council, constituency or county in which they are located. This is evidenced by the spend per mile analysis provided in that there is little consistency between council areas and over the years in question.

Roads Service expenditure on minor road improvements includes minor works, accident remedial schemes, transportation measure and minor bridge strengthening. The resources available for such works are allocated to the four Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas on a needs-based priority approach using indicators such as population, weighted road lengths and the number of accidents. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the country.

The table below provides details of capital spend in each of the last five years.

District Council	Length (miles)*	Capital Spend
		02-03		03-04		04-05		05-06		06-07
		£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile
Antrim	497	9,825	20	10,066	20	4,952	10	1,901	4	2,801	6
Coleraine	532	933	2	1,143	2	2,555	5	2,152	4	1,380	3
Limavady	403	9,553	24	3,490	9	2,615	6	1,390	3	1,145	3
Moyle	325	213	1	151	0	333	1	383	1	177	1
Ballymoney	349	354	1	264	1	948	3	3,753	11	1,223	4
L'derry	557	3,009	5	4,081	7	9,325	17	9,165	16	3,754	7
Ballymena	617	959	2	724	1	1,259	2	2,343	4	1,910	3
Larne	298	612	2	1,956	7	650	2	1,825	6	346	1
Belfast	548	9,875	18	8,443	15	20,160	37	7,246	13	26,628	49
Castlereagh	220	506	2	664	3	1,551	7	8,440	38	835	4
Newtownabby	323	2,380	7	4,572	14	5,694	18	3,476	11	1,578	5
Carrickfergus	137	392	3	441	3	721	5	1,712	12	2,566	19
North Down	225	947	4	568	3	1,310	6	1,892	8	1,916	9
Lisburn	730	1,308	2	2,209	3	3,097	4	3,855	5	3,673	5
Ards	473	2,879	6	3,685	8	1,859	4	1,790	4	1,725	4
Armagh	1070	681	1	947	1	2,561	2	2,270	2	1,677	2
Newry & Mourne	1067	1,185	1	7,780	7	19,922	19	17,692	17	62,010	58
Banbridge	635	1,251	2	3,845	6	4,018	6	2,262	4	2,221	3
Craigavon	507	1,410	3	1,944	4	3,973	8	4,879	10	1,803	4
Down	711	528	1	719	1	1,721	2	2,679	4	1,539	2
Magherafelt	571	661	1	637	1	1,964	3	1,344	2	966	2
Omagh	1171	1,670	1	1,366	1	6,201	5	7,869	7	3,455	3
Strabane	850	7,828	9	2,056	2	2,274	3	3,006	4	2,067	2
Cookstown	558	537	1	673	1	948	2	975	2	1,078	2
Fermanagh	1280	895	1	1,163	1	3,675	3	4,137	3	2,121	2
Dungannon	956	419	0	746	1	3,556	4	5,401	6	15,361	16
Totals	15,608	60,810	4	64,333	4	107,842	7	103,837	7	145,955	9

* Road lengths are route miles as at 1 April 2007 and exclude slip road lengths

Road Repairs

Mr G McHugh asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the projected expenditure on road repairs, broken down by county and the projected amount spent per mile of road, in the next financial year.

(AQW 4150/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain an analysis of its spend nor a breakdown of the number of miles of road managed by it on a County basis. It does, however, undertake an analysis of actual spend during the preceeding financial year in each Council area and retains a breakdown of miles of road managed in each Council area.

In relation to AQW 4150/08, as spend is only analysised on a retrospective basis, I am not able to provide you with details of projected spend for 2008/09

District Council	Length (miles)*	Spend 02-03		Spend 03-04		Spend 04-05		Spend 05-06		Spend 06-07
		£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile
Antrim	497	2,293	5	2,994	6	2,355	5	2,164	4	1,740	3
Coleraine	532	2,310	4	3,434	6	2,369	4	2,431	5	2,317	4
Limavady	403	1,625	4	2,637	7	2,061	5	2,020	5	1,561	4
Moyle	325	1,003	3	1,319	4	1,263	4	1,301	4	1,187	4
Ballymoney	349	1,914	5	2,055	6	1,540	4	1,527	4	1,433	4
L'derry	557	2,371	4	3,174	6	2,719	5	2,667	5	2,510	5
Ballymena	617	2,307	4	3,282	5	2,997	5	3,354	5	2,471	4
Larne	298	1,206	4	1,603	5	1,384	5	1,285	4	1,280	4
Belfast	548	6,192	11	6,328	12	5,943	11	5,408	10	4,946	9
Castlereagh	220	1,256	6	1,384	6	1,171	5	2,073	9	1,842	8
Newtownabby	323	2,247	7	2,037	6	2,207	7	1,412	4	1,869	6
Carrickfergus	137	1,068	8	919	7	824	6	754	5	934	7
North Down	225	2,911	13	2,642	12	1,279	6	2,537	11	2,368	11
Lisburn	730	3,678	5	4,782	7	4,463	6	3,585	5	3,077	4
Ards	473	1,802	4	2,264	5	2,217	5	2,120	4	2,118	4
Armagh	1070	3,068	3	3,869	4	4,117	4	4,202	4	3,661	3
Newry & Mourne	1067	3,249	3	4,376	4	4,863	5	4,394	4	3,634	3
Banbridge	635	2,252	4	2,639	4	2,374	4	2,511	4	2,222	3
Craigavon	507	2,859	6	3,186	6	3,381	7	3,055	6	2,948	6
Down	711	3,043	4	3,510	5	3,388	5	3,003	4	2,794	4
Magherafelt	571	1,901	3	2,700	5	2,178	4	2,346	4	1,755	3
Omagh	1171	4,040	3	4,910	4	4,024	3	3,939	3	3,458	3
Strabane	850	2,931	3	3,402	4	3,868	5	3,146	4	3,056	4
Cookstown	558	1,803	3	2,482	4	2,201	4	1,823	3	1,980	4
Fermanagh	1280	4,263	3	5,477	4	4,615	4	3,844	3	4,522	4
Dungannon	956	3,466	4	5,350	6	4,013	4	3,920	4	3,911	4
Totals	15,608	67,058	4	82,755	5	73,814	5	70,821	5	65,594	4

* Road lengths are route miles as at 1 April 2007 and exclude slip road lengths

Note : Structural maintenance includes resurfacing strengthening, surface dressing, patching and structural drainage.

Road Repairs

Mr G McHugh asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the expenditure on road repairs, broken down by county and the amount spent per mile of road, in the last five years.

(AQW 4151/08)

Mr C Murphy: In relation to AQW4151/08, the table below provides details of spend an structural maintenance in each of the last five years together with the number of miles managed in each Council area and the spend per mile.

District Council	Length (miles)*	Spend 02-03		Spend 03-04		Spend 04-05		Spend 05-06		Spend 06-07
		£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile
Antrim	497	2,293	5	2,994	6	2,355	5	2,164	4	1,740	3
Coleraine	532	2,310	4	3,434	6	2,369	4	2,431	5	2,317	4
Limavady	403	1,625	4	2,637	7	2,061	5	2,020	5	1,561	4
Moyle	325	1,003	3	1,319	4	1,263	4	1,301	4	1,187	4
Ballymoney	349	1,914	5	2,055	6	1,540	4	1,527	4	1,433	4
L'derry	557	2,371	4	3,174	6	2,719	5	2,667	5	2,510	5
Ballymena	617	2,307	4	3,282	5	2,997	5	3,354	5	2,471	4
Larne	298	1,206	4	1,603	5	1,384	5	1,285	4	1,280	4
Belfast	548	6,192	11	6,328	12	5,943	11	5,408	10	4,946	9
Castlereagh	220	1,256	6	1,384	6	1,171	5	2,073	9	1,842	8
Newtownabby	323	2,247	7	2,037	6	2,207	7	1,412	4	1,869	6
Carrickfergus	137	1,068	8	919	7	824	6	754	5	934	7
North Down	225	2,911	13	2,642	12	1,279	6	2,537	11	2,368	11
Lisburn	730	3,678	5	4,782	7	4,463	6	3,585	5	3,077	4
Ards	473	1,802	4	2,264	5	2,217	5	2,120	4	2,118	4
Armagh	1070	3,068	3	3,869	4	4,117	4	4,202	4	3,661	3
Newry & Mourne	1067	3,249	3	4,376	4	4,863	5	4,394	4	3,634	3
Banbridge	635	2,252	4	2,639	4	2,374	4	2,511	4	2,222	3
Craigavon	507	2,859	6	3,186	6	3,381	7	3,055	6	2,948	6
Down	711	3,043	4	3,510	5	3,388	5	3,003	4	2,794	4
Magherafelt	571	1,901	3	2,700	5	2,178	4	2,346	4	1,755	3
Omagh	1171	4,040	3	4,910	4	4,024	3	3,939	3	3,458	3
Strabane	850	2,931	3	3,402	4	3,868	5	3,146	4	3,056	4
Cookstown	558	1,803	3	2,482	4	2,201	4	1,823	3	1,980	4
Fermanagh	1280	4,263	3	5,477	4	4,615	4	3,844	3	4,522	4
Dungannon	956	3,466	4	5,350	6	4,013	4	3,920	4	3,911	4
Totals	15,608	67,058	4	82,755	5	73,814	5	70,821	5	65,594	4

* Road lengths are route miles as at 1 April 2007 and exclude slip road lengths

Note : Structural maintenance includes resurfacing strengthening, surface dressing, patching and structural drainage.

Road Repairs

Mr G McHugh asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of miles of road managed by the Roads Service, broken down by county.

(AQW 4152/08)

Mr C Murphy: In relation to AQW 4152/08, the table below provides details of spend an structural maintenance in each of the last five years together with the number of miles managed in each Council area and the spend per mile.

District Council	Length (miles)*	Spend 02-03		Spend 03-04		Spend 04-05		Spend 05-06		Spend 06-07
		£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile	£k	£k/ mile
Antrim	497	2,293	5	2,994	6	2,355	5	2,164	4	1,740	3
Coleraine	532	2,310	4	3,434	6	2,369	4	2,431	5	2,317	4
Limavady	403	1,625	4	2,637	7	2,061	5	2,020	5	1,561	4
Moyle	325	1,003	3	1,319	4	1,263	4	1,301	4	1,187	4
Ballymoney	349	1,914	5	2,055	6	1,540	4	1,527	4	1,433	4
L'derry	557	2,371	4	3,174	6	2,719	5	2,667	5	2,510	5
Ballymena	617	2,307	4	3,282	5	2,997	5	3,354	5	2,471	4
Larne	298	1,206	4	1,603	5	1,384	5	1,285	4	1,280	4
Belfast	548	6,192	11	6,328	12	5,943	11	5,408	10	4,946	9
Castlereagh	220	1,256	6	1,384	6	1,171	5	2,073	9	1,842	8
Newtownabby	323	2,247	7	2,037	6	2,207	7	1,412	4	1,869	6
Carrickfergus	137	1,068	8	919	7	824	6	754	5	934	7
North Down	225	2,911	13	2,642	12	1,279	6	2,537	11	2,368	11
Lisburn	730	3,678	5	4,782	7	4,463	6	3,585	5	3,077	4
Ards	473	1,802	4	2,264	5	2,217	5	2,120	4	2,118	4
Armagh	1070	3,068	3	3,869	4	4,117	4	4,202	4	3,661	3
Newry & Mourne	1067	3,249	3	4,376	4	4,863	5	4,394	4	3,634	3
Banbridge	635	2,252	4	2,639	4	2,374	4	2,511	4	2,222	3
Craigavon	507	2,859	6	3,186	6	3,381	7	3,055	6	2,948	6
Down	711	3,043	4	3,510	5	3,388	5	3,003	4	2,794	4
Magherafelt	571	1,901	3	2,700	5	2,178	4	2,346	4	1,755	3
Omagh	1171	4,040	3	4,910	4	4,024	3	3,939	3	3,458	3
Strabane	850	2,931	3	3,402	4	3,868	5	3,146	4	3,056	4
Cookstown	558	1,803	3	2,482	4	2,201	4	1,823	3	1,980	4
Fermanagh	1280	4,263	3	5,477	4	4,615	4	3,844	3	4,522	4
Dungannon	956	3,466	4	5,350	6	4,013	4	3,920	4	3,911	4
Totals	15,608	67,058	4	82,755	5	73,814	5	70,821	5	65,594	4

* Road lengths are route miles as at 1 April 2007 and exclude slip road lengths

Note : Structural maintenance includes resurfacing strengthening, surface dressing, patching and structural drainage.

Door-To-Door Scheme

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the steps he is taking to promote the Door-To-Door Transport scheme.

(AQW 4169/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Department, in association with the operator of the services, has developed and implemented a marketing strategy to promote Door-to-Door transport services.

To date steps have included:

 

• Advertisements on local radio, in magazines read by our target group, and in doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, local constituency offices, Citizens Advice Bureaux, community centres, and Shopmobility schemes;
• Presentations made to organizations that represent our target group, and information seminars for professionals dealing with disabled people;
• Local advertising and media events and photocalls to coincide with the launch of services in particular areas;
• Additional media events to publicise services.

In addition, the Department is currently in the process of appointing an agency to help promote the services over the coming years.

Door-To-Door Service

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail where the responsibility lies for the promotion of the Door-To-Door service.

(AQW 4182/08)

Mr C Murphy:

The responsibility for promoting the Door-to-Door transport service lies with this Department. However, under contract arrangements, the operator of the service, Chambers Coach Hire Ltd, also assists in promoting the services.

Pollution of the Colin River

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development whether or not he will carry out an investigation into the pollution of the Colin river, Dunmurry, by Northern Ireland Water.

(AQW 4302/08)

Mr C Murphy: Under the new regulatory regime, responsibility for investigating such pollution incidents and the subsequent initiation of prosecution proceedings against Northern Ireland Water (or anyone else) is a matter for the Environment and Heritage Service, which is the environmental regulator. Previously, prosecution against Water Service was not possible due to Crown Immunity.

I am advised that on 1 April 2007, an Inspector, acting on behalf of the Environment and Heritage Service, investigated a pollution incident affecting the Colin Glen River, and subsequently the River Lagan, at Dunmurry. Further to this investigation, proceedings on two counts were initiated against Northern Ireland Water under the Water (NI) Order 1999. Northern Ireland Water pleaded guilty in court in respect of both breaches and was fined £100, plus analysis costs of £186.10 and court costs of £25.

Northern Ireland Water has advised me that it takes any issue of pollution very seriously and is investing £1m per day to upgrade water and wastewater services up to the highest possible standard.

I will continue to make sure that we provide the investment needed to improve our environment. However, where pollution occurs and there are prosecutions this shows that the regulatory system is working properly, with Northern Ireland Water being treated in the same way as any other discharger.

Waste Water Laboratory

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not the waste water laboratory at Altnagelvin will be closed.

(AQW 4349/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it has no plans to close the wastewater laboratory at Altnagelvin. Indeed, the laboratory has recently been extended to provide increased capacity for the analysis of wastewater samples.

Waste Water Laboratory

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not the staffing level, at January 2008, will be reduced at the waste water laboratory at Altnagelvin.

(AQW 4350/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that its operational plan and budget for 2008-09 envisages reductions in staffing levels for most of its functional areas including two posts from the laboratory at Altnagelvin.

Waste Water Laboratory

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of the impact on performance standards at the waste water laboratory at Altnagelvin of a reduction in current staffing levels.

(AQW 4351/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it does not anticipate that the reduction of two posts at the wastewater laboratory at Altnagelvin, which are currently filled by temporary staff, will impact on performance standards. Any future reduction in staffing levels will be assessed carefully in terms of meeting regulatory compliance and performance levels.

Waste Water Laboratory

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm that existing staff at the waste water laboratory at Altnagelvin were advised that no staffing cuts would be made before 2010.

(AQW 4352/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that no commitment has been given to keep staffing at the wastewater laboratory at Altnagelvin at current levels until 2010. Staff are aware of the reductions envisaged by NIW’s operational plan and budget for 2008-09. The performance of the Altnagelvin laboratory will be reviewed in 2010. This will include a benchmarking exercise to compare the operational efficiency of NIW laboratories with similar organisations.

Regional Development Strategy

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the action he is taking; and (ii) timeframe he is working to, in relation to reviewing the Regional Development Strategy.

(AQO 2242/08)

Mr C Murphy: A 5 Year focused assessment of the Regional Development Strategy has been completed and is being discussed with the Regional Development Committee. I propose to publish the report by the summer after discussion with Executive colleagues.

I believe that it is vital that we undertake a more fundamental review to take account of the Programme for Government and to assist in the implementation of our Investment Strategy. This proposal is also being discussed with the Regional Development Committee. I will subsequently be discussing this more fundamental review with Executive colleagues and will then inform the Assembly.

Residents' Parking Permits

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale in which he intends to introduce residents' parking permits.

(AQO 2158/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service finalised the policy for introducing residents’ parking schemes in January 2008. Preliminary work is currently underway to allow for the introduction of schemes in a number of areas in Belfast and Derry.

Consideration is being given to schemes in the following general areas:

Belfast

• The Markets Area (west of Cromac Street)
• Sandy Row
• John Street / Hamill Street
• Brown’s Square
• Donegall Pass

Derry

• Bogside
• City Centre South

The scheme design process in these areas has commenced and this will involve conducting surveys, consultation with residents, finalisation of scheme designs, and subject to the support of the local communities, commencement of the necessary legislative process.

This is a significant undertaking and I understand the legislative process itself may take up to 12 months to complete. It is likely, therefore, that it will be sometime in 2009 before the first schemes will be operational.

Traffic Congestion

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline how he plans to address the traffic congestion currently affecting the M2 and Sandyknowes roundabout.

(AQO 2200/08)

Mr C Murphy: The road works presently being undertaken on the M2 involve the widening of the Belfast-bound carriageway between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions, widening the country-bound carriageway over the Greencastle Interchange and the replacement of the Hightown, Collin and Longlands Bridges.

This scheme is specifically designed to relieve congestion on this section of the M2, especially in the morning and evening peak periods. As you will appreciate it is not possible to undertake major road works of this scale without causing some disruption.

However, there are a number of measures in place to reduce the impact of this scheme on the M2 and the Sandyknowes Roundabout, while works are progressing. These include:

• maintaining 2 lanes of traffic in each direction on the M2;
• providing a free breakdown recovery service and restricting the contractor from closing roads at busy times; and
• while works are progressing on the replacement of the Hightown Bridge, the provision of traffic signals at the Scullions Road/ Sandyknowes junction, a traffic monitoring camera on Scullions Road as well as an emergency breakdown vehicle recovery service for Sandyknowes Roundabout at peak traffic times during the period of the bridge closure.

I can assure Members that Roads Service officials will continue to actively monitor traffic conditions on the M2 and Sandyknowes Roundabout and will, if appropriate, introduce additional measures to address the traffic congestion.

I can also advise that following the endorsement of the Investment Strategy 2008 - 2018 by the Assembly, work on the assessment of an expanded Strategic Road Improvement Programme is at an advanced stage. One of the proposals under consideration is the A8(M) / M2 Sandyknowes Junction Improvement scheme.

This scheme would provide a direct link road from the A8 (M) to the M2, eliminating the delay at Sandyknowes Roundabout for the Larne to Belfast traffic and thus also reducing traffic congestion on the roundabout for the other traffic movements.

Light Rail Transport System

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the W.S. Atkins study on the potential for a light rapid transit system for Belfast.

(AQO 2211/08)

Mr C Murphy: The feasibility study for a pilot rapid transit system for Belfast has been concluded and I am currently considering its findings and recommendations. Once that has been completed I intend to discuss the way forward with members of the Regional Development Committee and with Executive colleagues.

Enterprise Rail Link

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development whether or not he has made an assessment of the number of passengers using the Belfast to Dublin Enterprise rail link, including those who board/alight at every stop.

(AQO 2134/08)

Mr C Murphy:

Passenger numbers attributed to the Enterprise service are those actually travelling across the border irrespective of which stations they board or alight at. During the year to March 2007, some 861,000 people used the Enterprise to travel across the border. This compares with 819,000 passenger journeys in the year to March 2006 and 837,000 passenger journeys in the year to March 2005.

Light Rail Transport System

Mr A Attwood asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the progress that has been made to develop a light rail transport system for Belfast.

(AQO 2198/08)

Mr C Murphy: I refer you to the previous answer AQO 2211 (10).

I have now received the feasibility study for a pilot rapid transit system for Belfast which includes the most appropriate technology for Belfast. I am currently considering the findings contained within the report and anticipate discussing the way forward with members of the Regional Development Committee and colleagues in the Executive in the near future.

Dual Carriageway Project

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the preparatory work being carried out on the Derry/Londonderry - Aughnacloy dual carriageway project co-funded by the Government of the Republic of Ireland.

(AQO 2139/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has commissioned consultants to undertake a route corridor study for the dualling of the A5 from Derry to the border at Aughnacloy. It is anticipated that a preliminary options report which will recommend a preferred corridor will be completed by late 2008. Subsequent work should enable the identification of a preferred route within that corridor by mid 2009.

Enterprise Rail Link

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any discussions that have taken place with Iarnród Éireann to plan improvements in the Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin, including new rolling stock and improvements to the permanent way.

(AQO 2199/08)

Mr C Murphy: Discussions have taken place between NIR and Iarnród Éireann over a number of years in respect of potential upgrades to the Belfast-Dublin rail service. In February 2006 NIR and Iarnród Éireann agreed a forward development strategy for the Enterprise service, recognising the long-term aspiration to improve journey times and service frequencies. The North- South Ministerial Council in December 2007 asked officials to assess the options and prepare a Business Case for consideration at the next Transport meeting in May 2008.

Larne to Belfast Railway Line

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of passengers who have travelled on the Larne to Belfast railway line in each of the last three years.

(AQO 2151/08)

Mr C Murphy: There were 1.8 million passenger journeys on the Larne line in 2004/05, £1.5 million in 2005/06 and £1.7 million in 2006/07.

Passenger journeys fell in 2005/06 because of a disruption to service caused by a major track re-lay. Since the re-opening of the line in February 2006, passenger numbers have grown steadily and are now on target to carry a record 1.9 million passengers this year.

Portadown Railway Station

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline plans for the completion of refurbishments to Portadown railway station.

(AQO 2128/08)

Mr C Murphy: Translink is currently in the preliminary stages of a project to refurbish Portadown Station and is in the process of appointing professional advisors to develop and assess viable options. While plans for the scheme will be developed over the next few years the budget does not include funding for construction. It is hoped that this can be secured for the period following March 2011 as part of the next Spending Review.

New Road Bridge

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of the benefits to be accrued from the construction of a new road bridge link from Narrow Water, near Newry; and to detail the amount that has been budgeted for this initiative.

(AQO 2123/08)

Mr C Murphy: At a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council, held on 14 September 2007, the Council noted the Irish Government’s proposal for the construction of a bridge at Narrow Water linking Co Louth with Co Down and that the Irish Government has granted funding to Louth County Council to undertake preliminary technical work on the proposal. The benefits to be accrued from this project will be appraised as part of the technical study.

There will be no financial input from Roads Service to this work.

My Department’s Roads Service has employed consultants to undertake a local transport study of the southern part of Newry to assess the impact of a Southern Relief Road scheme. This study will identify a possible route corridor and explore other options to relieve traffic congestion in this part of the city and help traffic from Warrenpoint access the A1 Key Transport Corridor.

It has been agreed that the results from these studies will be made available to both Road Authorities.

All-Ireland Port at Bremore

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of the potential impact on Northern Ireland ports of an all-Ireland port at Bremore.

(AQO 2131/08)

Mr C Murphy: I am aware that consideration is being given to development of port facilities at Bremore.

Ports in the north make their own assessments of the commercial opportunities and threats that they face. I would expect them to make such assessments in respect of any plans that emerge for Bremore.

Rathlin Island

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a timescale within which he will initiate the special island policy for Rathlin Island, including the timescale for implementation and rollout.

(AQO 2217/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department is currently working to develop the central government island policy for Rathlin. A cross-Departmental group has been set up and has met to consider the range of issues involved. I will be meeting representatives from the island in the near future to explore their views on the priorities to be addressed, and that information will be taken on board in developing the policy. Until that stage has been reached, I am not in a position to comment on the timescale for future action.

A2 Road Widening Scheme

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the A2 road widening scheme between Seapark and Silverstream Banks in Carrickfergus.

(AQO 2180/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service held a public inquiry in October 2007 into its proposals for a major works scheme on the A2 at Shore Road, Greenisland. The Inspectors’ report on the inquiry was forwarded to Roads Service on 22 January 2008.

Roads Service is currently considering the contents of the report with a view to producing a Departmental Statement on its proposals for progressing the scheme.

It is presently anticipated that the Statement will be published in the autumn of this year.

Social Development

Housing Needs

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the criteria used by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to establish housing needs of applicants experiencing (i) physical; and (ii) mental, disabilities.

(AQW 3916/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): A detailed housing needs assessment is carried out for all applicants for social housing. Where necessary a Health and Social Wellbeing assessment is undertaken. In addition points can be awarded to applicants in recognition of a wide range of health and social factors relevant to each individual’s circumstances.

For those applicants who have additional care needs a more detailed assessment is undertaken by a Housing Support Officer/Welfare Officer who also looks at various housing options such as:

 

• adapting or extending the current dwelling
• transfer within the social housing stock
• consideration for a new build scheme (including any specific design requirements to reflect the applicant’s needs)
• the provision of support services and/or
• an allocation to a specialist supported housing scheme.

In very exceptional circumstances where all potential housing options are exhausted, consideration will be given to the purchase of a dwelling appropriate to the needs of the applicant provided it meets the standards set out in the Housing Association Guide.

In the event that the applicant is threatened with homelessness, the needs identified will be considered in deciding the most appropriate form of temporary accommodation to be offered. Care will be taken to balance the needs of the applicant in terms of the physical layout and location of the accommodation.

Doury Road Estate

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a list of every street in the Doury Road Estate; and to detail, in each street, the number of houses that are owned (i) by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; (ii) by Housing Associations; or (iii) privately.

(AQW 4002/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is listed in the table below. There are no Housing Association properties in the area.

Street Name	Northern Ireland Housing Executive Properties	Private Properties
Holland Park	11	17
Richmond Park	29	17
Regents Park	13	2
Wayside Green	4	0
Doury Park	2	2
Sandown Park	28	9
Kensington Park	4	0
Kew Link	4	2
Kew Gardens	16	1
Hyde Park	12	0
Camberwell Way	8	7
Victoria Park	10	11
Chiswick Walk	0	12
Alexandra Park	0	9
Windsor Walk	1	3
	142	92

Eco-Schemes for Social Housing

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the incentives that exist in relation to eco-schemes for social housing.

(AQW 4007/08)

Ms M Ritchie: All new social houses constructed after 1st April 2008 must comply with the 3 star level of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Currently a dditional grant funding is available to Housing Associations to assist with the cost of the works required to achieve the very good and excellent EcoHome standards. This will ensure that new social housing is as eco-friendly as can be reasonably achieved at present.

Social Housing

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of eco-schemes that have been processed for social housing in the last two years.

(AQW 4008/08)

Ms M Ritchie: No ‘eco-schemes’ have been processed for social housing in the last 2 years. However, the Department for Social Development requires all new social houses constructed after 1 April 2008 to comply with the 3 star level of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

As indicated in my statement of 26 February 2008 on the New Housing Agenda for Northern Ireland, the former Grosvenor Barracks site will also house Northern Ireland’s first ever eco village.

Communication Access

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development 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 4015/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My department takes seriously the provision of services to deaf and hard of hearing customers. The Department accommodates the use of text messaging and e-mail to transact business. Induction loop systems are available in public offices and portable loop systems are also accessible. Minicom and textphones are used and the Department embraces the use of telecommunications technology services to aid communication with this important client group. Information about the facilities available is publicised on the internet, in signage in local offices and advice is included in various publications for customers.

Fuel Poverty

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the number of pensioner households currently living in fuel poverty; and (ii) the proportion of fuel poor households that are occupied by persons aged (a) 65 years and over; and (b) 75 years and over.

(AQW 4022/08)

Ms M Ritchie: T he most recent figures available are from the 2004 Interim House Condition Survey. The figures used are for those pensioners aged 60 years and over rather than 65 years and over as women can claim retirement pension from age 60.

1. Number of pensioner households living in fuel poverty was approximately 72,000.

2. The proportion of fuel poor households aged (a) 60 years or more was 34% (b) 75 years or more was 20%

Figures emerging from the 2006 House Conditions Survey will be available in the summer.

Energy Performance Certificates

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a timescale for the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates as part of Home Information Packs.

(AQW 4101/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Home Information Packs will not be introduced in Northern Ireland. However, 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.

Jobs and Benefits Office

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons for the withdrawal of planning application I/2007/0523/F, related to the erection of a new Jobs and Benefits office on Fairhill Road, Cookstown.

(AQW 4105/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Social Security Agency remains committed to the roll-out of a Jobs and Benefits service in Cookstown to ensure that clients benefit from the same enhanced work focused service which is available elsewhere in Northern Ireland. Whilst a planning application was submitted for a new office on the existing site at Fairhill Road, Cookstown, Roads Service raised a number of issues regarding the level of on-site car parking which could be provided. As these issues could not be resolved, a decision was taken to withdraw the planning application. A further planning application will be submitted once a way forward has been agreed

Economy 7 Heating

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants who still have Economy 7 heating in their homes.

(AQW 4111/08)

Ms M Ritchie: There are currently 11,612 Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants using Economy 7 electric heating systems. It is NIHE's policy to replace Economy 7 heating in areas where heating replacement is being undertaken and gas or oil is a technically practical alternative.

Equality Impact Assessment

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons why she did not instruct her department to carry out an equality impact assessment on the Girdwood site, North Belfast.

(AQW 4156/08)

Ms M Ritchie: T he Girdwood site is to be developed as part of a wider site which includes the former Crumlin Road Gaol. The regeneration and redevelopment of this combined site is being taken forward on the basis of an integrated masterplan for which I announced a 14-week period of public consultation on 16 October 2007 and which ended on 22 January 2008.

In June 2007 the draft masterplan was examined by officials in consultation with the Department’s Equality Officer to determine what was required under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Given the conceptual nature of the document, and the fact that the outlined proposals are simply illustrative of the potential usage of the site, it was considered unnecessary, at that time, to carry out a screening exercise.

Following consideration of the responses to the public consultation a final masterplan containing proposals for the Crumlin Road Gaol/Girdwood Park site will be prepared. At that stage, firmer proposals underpinning the future development of the site will be set out. A screening exercise will then be carried out and an Equality Impact Assessment undertaken, if appropriate.

Travellers' Sites

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development what consideration she has given to amending existing (i) legislation; and (ii) working practices, in relation to the positioning of (a) serviced; and (b) temporary halting, travellers' sites, to ensure that a greater geographical spread is maintained.

(AQW 4174/08)

Ms M Ritchie: There is no legislation which provides for the location of Travellers sites. Traveller sites are provided where there is a need; available land; and planning permission.

There is currently a good geographical spread of sites across Northern Ireland namely in Belfast, Craigavon, Derry, Strabane, Omagh and Dungannon. In cases of over use of sites Traveller families are encouraged to move on to a more suitable location.

Pomeroy Developments Project

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm (i) whether or not grant funding has been (a) offered; or (b) provided, to the Pomeroy Developments Project; (ii) when any offer was made; and (iii) the conditions applying to any funding.

(AQW 4191/08)

Ms M Ritchie: (i).(a) The Department for Social Development, working in partnership with the International Fund for Ireland, has approved a CRISP Programme in Pomeroy. As part of the CRISP Programme, a total of £673,050 has been allocated by DSD and IFI to the core project – a £1.2 million Business Park being developed by Pomeroy Development Projects Ltd. (£336,525 each from DSD and IFI). (b) Of this, £41,019 has been spent to date, leaving a balance of £632,031.

(ii) The Contract for Funding was issued on 27 November, 2007.

(iii) The Contract for Funding is the standard document for CRISP Core Projects, and contains no special conditions or requirements. However, as is standard, it does stipulate that the entire funding package must be in place and that the scheme has planning permission.

Fuel Oil Tanks

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to undertake an urgent review of (i) the siting; and (ii) the security, of fuel oil tanks located in Northern Ireland Housing Executive homes, in light of recent serious fires due to the vandalism and subsequent arson attacks related to fuel oil tanks.

(AQW 4297/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Building Regulations, which also incorporate the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) Regulations, require oil tanks to be located a minimum of 1.8 metres away from the dwelling and at least 760mm from the boundary of the property. Where these minimum standards cannot be achieved then resisting barriers need to be provided. I am advised that the siting of all oil tanks at Housing Executive homes complies with the Regulations.

As far as security is concerned, with effect from 2007 all oil tanks provided by the Housing Executive are PVC double skinned tanks with a facility for locking.

Andersonstown Road Public Realm Scheme

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps she is taking to (i) reconsider her department's decision on the Andersonstown Road public realm scheme; and (ii) begin the scheme as soon as possible.

(AQW 4298/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Andersonstown Road is a key project in my Department’s programme of public realm schemes. There was uncertainty around when works on the scheme could begin while future years budgets were being finalised. Now that the budget is agreed my officials will be prioritising my Department’s programme of spend in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas over the next 3 years (2008-2011). On completion of that work I will then decide when the scheme in Andersonstown will commence.

Replacement Schemes

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Social Development to give details of (i) window replacement schemes; (ii) external maintenance schemes; and (iii) kitchen replacement schemes, in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Dairyfarm office, Lisburn, over the next year.

(AQW 4301/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive does not operate Window Replacement Schemes. Where they require replacement, windows are replaced as an integral part of External Cyclical Maintenance ( ECM) schemes. O ne such ECM scheme planned for the 152 properties in the Woodside area but the inspection of the windows in that area has indicated very little window replacement is required. The contractor will take possession of the site in March 2008,

A kitchen replacement scheme is ongoing in the Glenkeen Estate leaving only the Glenbawn and Ardcaoin Estates in the whole of Twinbrook and Poleglass requiring attention. These are currently scheduled for 2010 and 2012 respectively.

Youth Services

Mr G Adams asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the existing funding provided by her department for youth services within Belfast, that will be due to run out in March 2008.

(AQO 2193/08)

Ms M Ritchie: A total of £219,192 of funding is being provided by my Department to projects delivering youth services across Belfast. The funding in respect of these services is scheduled to end in March 2008.

Free School Meals

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development what plans he has to develop a more streamlined data-sharing arrangement with the Department of Education, aimed at maximising the uptake of free school meals, and other allowances.

(AQO 2112/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The sharing of personal data is governed by the Data Protection Act 1998 which requires that “Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully…”. Until appropriate legislation is in place, the Department is unable to share personal information directly with the Department of Education. Officials of both Departments are currently seeking to address this matter.

Child Support Agency

Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps she is taking to recover debts, in relation to the Child Support Agency, that have been outstanding for up to 15 years.

(AQO 2146/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The recovery of debt is key to the Child Support Agency’s Operational Improvements, as is an increased focus on parents who fail to meet their financial responsibilities. A range of powers to pursue debt are available to the organisation and are deployed by the Agency and I intend introducing new legislation with proposals to enhance the existing powers.

Disadvantaged Areas

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of working class/disadvantaged areas that she has visited since taking up office.

(AQO 2120/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I put a high priority on seeing for myself the work that my department is supporting across the community. Disadvantage is no respecter of community or cultural background and the work being undertaken on housing and in supporting disadvantaged communities across Northern Ireland features prominantly in my visits programme. Since taking office I have been able to visit more than 50 areas that might be described as disadvantaged, these include neighbourhood renewal areas, districts involved in my department’s Areas at Risk programme and communities outside those initiatives.

Positive Steps Report

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a timeframe for implementing the recommendations arising from the Positive Steps report into the future of the community sector.

(AQO 2246/08)

Ms M Ritchie: As Minister for Social Development I Chair the cross-Departmental Implementation Group established to take forward the commitments made in Positive Steps: The Government’s response to Investing Together: Report of the Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector. This is to ensure a co-ordinated Government response to the commitments set out in Positive Steps to support change and investment in the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. The actions set a clear agenda for investment and transformation and an extra £23 million was made available to 2009 to help support this process. The Positive Steps Implementation Report “Evaluating Progress” was published on the departmental website in March 2007. This evaluation report shows that Government has made significant progress to date on many of the commitments:

The new Charities Legislation is passing through the Assembly; The Community Investment Fund has provided an investment of £5 million over 3 years to support community development work ; DSD is supporting change in the sector through the £18m Modernisation Fund (£3 million revenue and £15 million for capital projects); Best practice on finance and governance has been documented, endorsed by DFP, and disseminated across both Government and the Sector; Guidance on financial reserves policies by VCS organisations has been produced and disseminated across government by DFP; The matter of Dormant Accounts is being progressed in line with policy and legislation in Westminster, and NI will be included in a Bill on unclaimed assets.

Positive Steps set a challenging agenda for change. We are working with our colleagues in DFP and the sector to address other issues around the burden of audit and more complex funding issues, such as Lead Funder and Full Cost Recovery. I expect to receive a final progress report by December 2008, with Departments indicating where they have fully delivered on Positive Steps commitments, or that clear, agreed action plans are in place to deliver on them.

Social Housing

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in relation to the provision of social housing in the Carrickfergus area.

(AQO 2179/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I have not held any discussions with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in relation to the provision of social housing in the Carrickfergus area.

Housing in the Village Area of South Belfast

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps she is taking to improve the standard of housing in the Village area of South Belfast.

(AQO 2194/08)

Ms M Ritchie: A dual approach will be adopted to address the problems facing the people in the Village area. My Department we 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 Northern Ireland Housing Executive will for example carry out room conversions, install insulation, upgrade heating and re-house where necessary and feasible.

Regeneration of the Village Area, South Belfast

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to list the specific bids made by her within this year's Budget and in-year monitoring rounds, in relation to the regeneration of the Village area, South Belfast.

(AQO 2093/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The proposals for the Village area, which are being examined, involve major redevelopment and major expenditure which is currently costed at around £200 million. I made bids in the Comprehensive Spending Review to take forward the proposals in the economic appraisal prepared for the Village area.

Hostel Accommodation

Mr R Newton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of applicants for public sector housing from Belfast District 2, and Castlereagh District, that were offered hostel accommodation, due to appropriate housing not being available, in each of the years 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006.

(AQO 2178/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Information on the numbers of applicants offered temporary accommodation has been placed in the Assembly Library

Housing Needs

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Development whether or not the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is planning to review the potential housing needs of older people, in light of demographic changes.

(AQO 2197/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The housing needs of elderly people are regularly considered in the context of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s annual assessment of housing need. This assessment is projected forward five years and is used to help formulate the social new build programme.

Expenditure Incurred

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any expenditure her department has incurred in relation to media training, wardrobe and hairdressing for the Minister.

(AQO 2245/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I have undertaken media training at a cost of £650 plus VAT to my Department. There has been no expenditure by my Department in relation to wardrobe and hairdressing.

Housing Affordability

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an overview of the report of the expert panel appointed to examine issues of housing affordability.

(AQO 2114/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I plan to make a formal statement to the Assembly tomorrow on the progress I have made on my Affordability Review.

Semple Recommendations

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to implement the Semple recommendations on 20% of private developments being social housing.

(AQO 2176/08)

Ms M Ritchie: This is an issue that my Affordability Review Group and Expert Panel have carefully considered. I will be making a formal statement to the Assembly tomorrow when I shall go into greater detail on this.

Pomeroy Developments Project

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development whether or not the department has offered, or provided, any finance to the Pomeroy Developments Project.

(AQO 2177/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Department for Social Development, working in partnership with the International Fund for Ireland, has approved a CRISP Project in Pomeroy. As part of the CRISP project, a total of £673,050 has been allocated by DSD and IFI to the core project – a £1.2 million Business Park being developed by Pomeroy Development Projects Ltd. (£336,525 each from DSD and IFI). Of this, £41,019 has been spent to date, leaving a balance of £632,031.

CORRIGENDA

Written Answer Booklet of 11 January 2008

(Volume 26, No WA3)

In page WA221, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 2563/08) with;

In response to AQW 2563/08, regarding your request for information on traffic delays on citybound routes approaching Sandyknowes roundabout, I would advise that my Department’s Roads Service does not hold any information on actual delays. I have, however, attached below, journey time information on citybound routes approaching Sandyknowes roundabout, during the times requested, surveyed during the same period as the information contained in response to AQW 2106/08. I have also included journey time information for the A8(M) that has been resurveyed since the response to AQW 2106/08 because, as previously stated, journey times provided in that response were affected by an incident on the M2 on the morning of the survey.  

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.34am	3 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.56am	3 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.33am	6 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	9.03am	3 mins
Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 26 November	Time of day	Time taken
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.23 am	2 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.28 am	2 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.34 am	2 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.39 am	4 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.48 am	4 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.56 am	5 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.05 am	8 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.18 am	7 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.40 am	13 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.57 am	4 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	9.04 am	5 mins
A6 ( Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	9.13 am	1 min
Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.43 am	3 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.10 am	5 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.48 am	6 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	9.10 am	4 mins
Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	7.41 am	5 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	8.09 am	9 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	8.49 am	11 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	9.04 am	4 mins
Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 26 November	Time of day	Time taken
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.27 am	3 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.32 am	6 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.41 am	7 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.51 am	8 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.02 am	12 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.20 am	14 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.40 am	16 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.59 am	12 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	9.14 am	8 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	9.25 am	6 mins

In response to AQW 2564/08, I can advise that my Department’s Roads Service has been able to extract average speed values from the system using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, to measure journey times on the M2 Citybound between Sandyknowes and Greencastle. These are shown in the table below:-

Sandyknowes – Greencastle 10-14 December 2007

Time	Avg Speed Mon	Avg Speed Tues	Avg Speed Wed	Avg Speed Thurs	Avg Speed Fri
0800	11.4 mph	11.9 mph	11.7 mph	13.0 mph	13.3 mph
0830	11.6 mph	11.0 mph	11.7 mph	12.1 mph	16.3 mph
0900	10.2 mph	6.0 mph	12.7 mph	21.4 mph	33.9 mph
0930	11.4 mph	4.5 mph	34.4 mph	46.8 mph	43.8 mph

Written Answer Booklet of 15 February 2008

(Volume 27, No WA3)

 In page WA159, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQO 1833/08) with;

Dáileann mo Roinn gach maoiniú ar féidir a chur ar fáil do scoileanna trí na húdaráis mhaoinithe tríd an mhodh sin.

My Department distributes all funds that could be made available to schools through the funding authorities, via that route.  

This includes the delegated budget made available to every grant-aided school covered by the Common Funding Scheme .  

The common funding formula, which is used to determine individual school budgets, is made up of a range of factors developed to reflect the main costs associated with the running of a school. The common funding formula allocations delegated to each school, are designed to cover all essential expenditure on items to be met from within the school’s budget, including expenditure on books and learning aids.

The formula takes account of the number of pupils; their ages and profile; the relative size of schools; together with a range of other factors. Falling pupil enrolments inevitably impact on the budgets available to individual schools and highlight the importance of having sustainable schools planned on an area basis.

Once the size of an individual school budget is determined, it is for the Board of Governors of each school to decide how to use its funding to meet its needs and priorities.