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 07 March 2008

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

West Tyrone Voice

Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 272/08, to detail the funding made available to 'West Tyrone Voice', in each of the last 10 financial years.

(AQW 3810/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Records show that funding available to West Tyrone Voice between April 1998 and March 2007 was £820,085. A year by year breakdown of these figures is not currently available.

In addition this group may also have applied for funding from other programmes or schemes, such as the District Council Community Relations Programme or European Union funding through the Local Strategy Partnerships, we do not hold this information.

Derry & Raphoe Action

Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 272/08, to detail the funding made available to 'Derry & Raphoe Action', in each of the last 10 financial years.

(AQW 3811/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Records show that funding available to ‘Derry & Raphoe Action’ between April 1998 and March 2007 was £347,229. A year by year breakdown of these figures is not currently available.

In addition this group may also have applied for funding from any other programmes or schemes, such as the District Council Community Relations Programme or European Union funding through the Local Strategy Partnerships, we do not hold this information.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of written Assembly questions answered each month, since May 2007.

(AQW 4097/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The number of written Assembly Questions answered each month since May 2007 is as follows:-

Month

Number

May 2007

June 2007

July 2007

August 2007

September 2007

October 2007

November 2007

December 2007

January 2008

February 2008*

1

29

26

14

10

27

22

32

30

38

TOTAL

229

*This figure comprises replies up to and including 22 February 2008.

Planning Appeals Commission

Mr T Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the steps that are being taken to address the pressures on the Planning Appeals Commission.

(AQO 2320/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to addressing pressures on the Planning Appeals Commission and have committed within the Public Service Agreement to deliver increased resources to enable the Planning Appeals Commission to address the backlog of appeal cases. As a result additional funding has been made available both in year and through the Budget 2008-11.

The amount of receipts which may be retained by the Commission has been increased from £150,000 to £241,000 within the current financial year and the Commission’s budget allocation has been increased by over half a million pounds in each of the next three financial years resulting in a budget of £2.368m in 2008-09, £2.378m in 2009-10 and £2.396m in 2010-11. In addition the amount of receipts which the Commission may retain has increased from £241,000 to £376,000 per annum in each of these years. This will provide an overall increase of up to £1.973m in the Commission’s spending power over the next three years.

This extra funding will enable the Chief Commissioner to strengthen and expand the existing capacity of the Commission to address the existing workload and associated backlog of planning appeals. Plans are already in place to recruit a further 6 part time call-off panel commissioners and 6 permanent full-time commissioners.

Commissioner for Older Persons

Mr K McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the progress made on the appointment of a Commissioner for Older Persons.

(AQO 2285/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The appointment of an Older People’s Commissioner is a key priority for us and officials will endeavour to prioritise the process where possible.

In order to assist in developing proposals for the specific remit of the Office, a number of consultation events are currently being organised, one in Cookstown and two further events in Belfast and Londonderry.

A report, which will include options on the possible role and remit of a Commissioner, taking account of the outcome of consultations will be presented to us later this month. Following this, Officials will draft proposals for the remit of the Commissioner and members of the public will be consulted on this.

We are keen to ensure that momentum towards the establishment of an Older People’s Commissioner is not lost and are currently finalising interim arrangements, details of which will be announced shortly and conveyed to the OFMDFM Committee and this Assembly.

Child Poverty

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the targets it will set in order to reduce child poverty.

(AQO 2259/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Within Programme for Government 2008-2011 we have set challenging targets;

To work towards the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012 and;

To work towards the elimination of child poverty in Northern Ireland by 2020 and reducing child poverty by 50% by 2010.

Tackling Poverty and Social Inclusion which affects the most vulnerable in our society will require co-ordinated action across all Departments and further interim targets will be developed in conjunction with Departments to reduce child poverty.

Anti-Racism Strategy

Mr A Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the anti-racism strategy.

(AQO 2387/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Executive’s primary focus is on building a shared and better future for all people living here, both new and host communities. We are committed to building and shaping a society that is free of both racism and other forms of intolerance. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is currently working on bringing forward detailed proposals for a ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a Shared and Better Future.’ This programme will build on some of the excellent work, particularly by district councils and community organisations, to address the challenges which local communities are facing. Action to tackle both racism and sectarianism will be at the core of these proposals.

This programme will focus on local people dealing with local issues through their own local solutions.

We will bring forward these proposals for discussion with the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Social Cohesion

Mr A Bresland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that funding for a programme of social cohesion will be significantly increased over the next three years.

(AQO 2318/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As I have previously said, we are fully committed to building a shared and better future for all. We will bring forward proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

The core of these proposals will be action to tackle racism, sectarianism and intolerance. The emphasis of the action will be support for local people to deal with local issues through their local solutions.

The Budget recognises that the past 3 years have seen significant progress in improved relationships, with historically low levels of violence and tension.

We want to ensure that improved relationships within the whole community continue and we want to address the challenges that face new and host communities. The expenditure on good relations and good race relations in the past 3 years is approx £21 million.

Within the budget we will increase this investment to ensure continued improvement in relationships and to address the challenges facing new and host communities by almost ₤7.5m over the next 3 years.

Total investment between 2008/09 and 2010/11 will therefore be approximately ₤28.7m, (taking account of efficiencies over the period) to meet the PSA target of building a shared and better future for all.

Freedom of Information Act

Mr J McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not consideration is being given to extending the operation of the Freedom of Information Act to include bodies not presently covered by the Act.

(AQO 2266/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The extension of the operation of the Freedom of Information Act to new public bodies is provided for routinely, either by the legislation that establishes the new body, or by an Order made by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice following consultation with the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Furthermore, the Freedom of Information Act provides that publicly-owned companies are covered by its provisions from their inception.

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice may also make an Order to extend the Freedom of Information Act to bodies which exercise functions of a public nature or to contractors who provide services which are a function of a public body. A three-month public consultation carried out by the Ministry of Justice regarding such an extension concluded on 1^st February 2008. Should the Ministry of Justice decide to make such an Order, then a further consultation would occur with those organisations likely to be affected by the Order, accompanied by a full impact assessment of the coverage.

Victims' Commissioners

Mr A Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the legal advice it received in relation to the appointment of four Victims' Commissioners.

(AQO 2316/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We took legal advice from the Departmental Solicitors Office on the concept of appointing four Commissioners for Victims and Survivors.

Eames/Bradley Consultative Group

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the representations it plans to make to the Eames/Bradley consultative group on the past.

(AQO 2299/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Officials met with the Consultative Group on the Past in October 2007. The Consultative Group asked to meet with us. These meetings took place in January 2008. The meetings were largely a listening exercise and no conclusions have been reached at this stage.

Capital Realisations Taskforce

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not the Capital Realisations Taskforce report will take account of any recommendations emerging from the review of the location of public sector jobs.

(AQO 2376/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:

The Capital Realisations Taskforce report focuses on how best to realise the value of underutilised or surplus public sector assets. We recognise the existing regional infrastructure disparities. We will work to address them and to ensure that we deliver a more balanced regional outcome, including within the out-workings of asset realisation.

Civic Forum

Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the analysis it has made of the replies it has received from former members of the Civic Forum to the department's consultation exercise.

(AQO 2264/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the restoration of devolution in May 2007, the members of the Civic Forum were consulted about their availability and willingness to serve, in an interim capacity, if it were decided to reconvene the Forum during the review period.

Forty-nine of the original 60 members of the Forum were consulted. Of the other 11, 6 had been appointees of the former First Minister and deputy First Minister and there were 5 vacancies. Thirty-two members indicated unambiguously that they would be willing to return in an interim capacity. Of the remainder, 4 preferred to await the outcome of the review, 6 did not wish to return and 7 did not reply.

As well as considering individual members’ responses, we also had to consider the extent to which those prepared to return would be sufficiently representative of the original sectors.

Although about half of the original members of the Forum were willing to serve while the review was underway, this was not representative of some of the smaller sectors and, given the short remaining lifespan of the existing Forum, it was decided not to recall the members but to concentrate instead on pressing ahead with the review.

Bill of Rights

Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to support the work of the Bill of Rights Forum; and to confirm that it is committed to delivering an extensive and inclusive Bill of Rights.

(AQO 2389/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Responsibility for the Bill of Rights rests with the NIO. The Bill of Rights Forum will make recommendations on a Bill of Rights to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and it in turn will make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has no direct role in the development of proposals on a Bill of Rights.

Equality Legislation

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its plans to assess the impact of equality legislation on the different communities in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 2261/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has a statutory responsibility under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to keep under review the effectiveness of duties imposed by Section 75 of the Act. The Commission is currently reviewing the effectiveness of Section 75; it published a draft report for consultation in May 2007 and a final report is due at the end of March 2008. The review includes a focus on the impact that the legislation has had across the nine Section 75 categories and on the development and implementation of public policy.

The Department has also been reviewing equality legislation in the context of the single Equality Bill process, and has identified some areas that need to be addressed. Proposals will be brought to the Executive in due course.

The Department also views a range of statistical evidence in considering the impact of policy and legislation including: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland statistics on the monitored workforce; the Labour Force Survey Religion Report; various reports on the socio-economic conditions of the two communities; survey evidence of job applicants and appointees; and monitoring of the employment, unemployment and economic activity rates of different groups including religion, disability, gender and age.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Ruddock Review

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on her department's implementation of the recommendations of the Ruddock review into the handling of the alpha-nortestosterone issue; particularly in relation to (i) on-farm searches; and (ii) developing best practice guidelines from the examination of approaches taken by other enforcement agencies.

(AQW 4154/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Progress is well underway with all the recommendations of the Ruddock review of the handling of the alpha-nortestosterone issue. I can provide an update as follows:

Recommendation 1

Progress has been made on implementing the recommendation to provide scientific evidence which will allow interpretation of the legislation to be changed. There is now emerging recognition within the EU that alpha-nortestosterone is likely to occur naturally in injured or stressed male bovines. The European Community Reference Laboratory is expected to draft a guidance paper to reflect this position. Further scientific work to inform the evidence base in this area is expected to be completed by the end of March.

Recommendation 2 and 4

The recommendations that DARD should adopt a project management approach in order to improve policy development and implementation in the future, is also being progressed and I can advise that a team of key senior officials is being established, representing DARD, AFBI, the Food Standards Agency and the Departmental Solicitors Office. In the event of a residues emergency this team will facilitate a rapid response to findings arising from emerging science and ensure policy development is initiated immediately.

Recommendation 3

You refer in particular to the recommendation concerning on-farm searches and our commitment to develop best practice. As I indicated in the Assembly on the 21^st of January, my officials are currently reviewing and updating standard operating procedures and this work will be completed shortly.

Recommendation 5

Systems have been put in place to ensure that the recommendation to formally involve key stakeholders in strategic discussions in any future similar event is fully implemented.

Agriculture Industry

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of foreign nationals who are working (i) on farms; and (ii) in the agriculture industry.

(AQW 4161/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department does not collect information on the numbers of foreign nationals employed on farms or in the Agriculture industry in the North. However, following the European Union Farm Structure Survey conducted in 2007 DARD estimated that some 541 farms employed personnel from outside of these islands over the period April 2006 to March 2007.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (i) to confirm that compensation measures are in place for those farmers who have lost cattle and business due to the recent bluetongue outbreak; and (ii) to detail the steps she has taken, following her statement on the 19 February 2008, to ensure that Northern Ireland remains disease-free.

(AQW 4164/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As I explained to the Assembly on 19^th February, my Department is under no obligation to pay any compensation for imported animals that have been affected by or exposed to the bluetongue virus.

This position has been made abundantly clear to the agriculture industry and the position is supported by industry leaders.

If the animal was not imported from another country, then compensation would be payable if the Department requires it to be slaughtered. In the case of such affected animals compensation is paid at 50 per cent of the value of the animal: if not affected the rate of compensation is 100 per cent.

No compensation is payable for loss of business.

In relation to the steps I have taken to ensure that the North remains disease free, the latest and most significant action was to suspend the imports of cattle over 12 months and sheep over 6 months from Bluetongue Zones. I took this action in response to emerging scientific evidence following the Bluetongue case in North Antrim.

I have also run an advertising campaign in the daily and farming press to ensure that everyone is aware of the dangers of importing livestock. This follows a public awareness campaign during 2006 when the Department issued posters and flyers to farmers and Private Veterinary Practitioners. At that time the Chief Veterinary Officer also wrote to all cattle and sheep owners in the North reminding them to be vigilant and to make them aware of the precautions they should take in relation to Bluetongue. The DARD website has also been regularly updated with information for the farming community, including advice and symptoms to look out for.

My own consistent message to farmers has been to think very carefully before importing livestock from Bluetongue infected areas and I have reiterated this message numerous times.

I have put in place a comprehensive surveillance programme to ensure that no other infected animals are present in the North. I have also sought veterinary advice on the level of testing post-import. As a result, in addition to the current post-import test 10 days after the animals comes in, a further test will be required after 30 days.

Overnight Accommodation

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost of overnight accommodation for her departmental officials, attending functions in an official capacity, (i) in total; (ii) in Northern Ireland; (iii) in the Republic of Ireland; (iv) in Great Britain; (v) in other EU countries; and (vi) elsewhere, in each of the past three years.

(AQW 4208/08)

Ms M Gildernew:

	Accommodation costs for attendance at functions in:-
	NI	ROI	GB	Other EU Countries	Other Countries	Total Costs (£)
2004/5	£	£168	£1,033	£	£	£1,201
2005/6	£105	£76.50	£497	£1,246	£	£1,924.5
2006/7	£177	£1,015	£997	£2,813	£379	£5,381

Additional information:-

The above information details expenditure on overnight accommodation for the core Department (excluding Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies) and relates to functions organised by industry/private companies in the financial years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 where officials have attended to represent the Department. The figures exclude costs for attendance at training/personal development events.

The Department was unable to disaggregate expenditure incurred for a small number of functions where overnight accommodation has formed part of the overall costs for attendance at the event. These figures are not included in the above information.

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of written questions she has answered in each month since May 2007.

(AQW 4214/08)

Ms M Gildernew: From May 2007 to 31 January 2008 I have answered a total of 247 written Assembly Questions. The breakdown by month is as follows –

May 2007 – 10

June 2007 – 22

July 2007 – 27

August 2007 – NIL

September 2007 – 23

October 2007 – 55

November 2007 – 45

December 2007 – 38

January 2008 – 27

Bluetongue Disease

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the advice she has received from the Chief Veterinary Officer concerning bluetongue disease.

(AQW 4224/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have been in regular discussions with my Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) on Bluetongue since it became an issue for us. The advice I receive on any particular issues is based on the output of my Department’s Strategy Group. That Strategy Group convenes in emergency/exceptional circumstances and is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, and attended by senior officers and when required, those with specialist knowledge in the particular area. The advice I receive therefore takes account of the views of the CVO whose advice is incorporated within the advice from this group.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how bluetongue infected stock were able to make it into the country if they were infected before transit.

(AQW 4225/08)

Ms M Gildernew: On 11^th January a consignment of cattle arrived in the North from an export assembly centre in the Netherlands. All the animals had tested negative for the Bluetongue virus before leaving the Netherlands. They had been tested using the PCR test that detects virus in the blood. This testing was in accordance with the European regulations and all animals were able to be exported in line with EU intra-community trade conditions.

On arrival in the North they were restricted in the herd of destination until routine post-import tests were carried out 10 days after arrival, as is the case for all ruminant animals imported into the North from Bluetongue affected areas of the EU. At this point eight animals tested positive for the presence of antibodies on the Elisa test, although they all remained negative on the PCR test meaning that no virus was present in their blood. The negative PCR and eight positive Elisa tests showed that the animals had been affected by or exposed to Bluetongue virus in the past. As these were the first Elisa positive animals to be detected in the North on post–import testing, and as a precautionary measure, the restriction was maintained on these imported animals and they were retested 30 days post-import. It was at this test that active infection was detected in the blood of one animal. This animal had been PCR negative prior to import, Elisa negative and PCR negative on the first post-import test, and remained Elisa negative.

As you are aware this case is still under investigation and I would not make further comments until that investigation is complete.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm whether or not the decision to cull the livestock affected by bluetongue was made on the advice of the Chief Veterinary Officer.

(AQW 4230/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The decision to cull livestock affected by Bluetongue was made by me. In reaching my decisions I took advice from my Department’s Strategy Group which convenes in this type of circumstance. The Strategy Group is chaired by the Permanent Secretary and attended by senior officials, and when required, those with specialist knowledge in a particular area.

The group that provided information on culling livestock included the Chief Veterinary Officer and the Head of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) as well as other senior officials including the Senior Finance Officer.

Infectious Vectors

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm whether or not infectious vectors were found on livestock that could have caused the spread of bluetongue disease.

(AQW 4236/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Regarding the recent case of Bluetongue in North Antrim, vector surveillance that was in place on the farm did not find vectors on or around the vicinity of the affected livestock at that time that could have caused the spread of Bluetongue virus. However, one midge was caught in a trap on the farm on the weekend of 23/24 February and has been sent to the Community Bluetongue Reference Laboratory at Pirbright for testing.

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 yet to take place.

(AQW 4242/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As at 25^th February, 520 applicants to the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme had pre-approval inspections yet to be completed.

Single Farm Payments

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of Single Farm Payment entitlements her department has claimed back since the introduction of the scheme.

(AQW 4247/08)

Ms M Gildernew: For the 2005 scheme year, Single Farm Payment Entitlements to the value of €9,916.69 were confiscated because the usage rules were not met. For the 2006 scheme, the value was €11,442.40. So far for 2007, the value is €8,116.24. The total value is €29,475.33, in respect of 208 entitlements, since the introduction of the scheme.

Single Farm Payments

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how she intends to allocate monies received from unused Single Farm Payment entitlements claimed back by the department.

(AQW 4249/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The value of Single Farm Payment entitlements returned to the National Reserve to-date, is less than €30,000.

The amount in the National Reserve, which might be attributed to the North, is estimated to be €330,000. This is needed to address unresolved cases, to meet revisions to entitlements already allocated and, subject to the outcome of consultation, for any new entitlements which need to be issued following reform to the CAP fruit and vegetable regime.

Consequently I have no other plans to introduce allocations from the National Reserve.

Animal Welfare

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the bodies and number of specialists who advise her on animal welfare.

(AQW 4252/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I do not take advice on animal welfare directly from any bodies or specialists outside my Department and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.

I do however, take advice from veterinary and scientific professionals in my Department and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. I also consult with a wide range of stakeholders who have an interest and expertise in a wide range of animal welfare issues.

Foreign Imports

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the assistance she is giving to producer sectors, in order to address the impact that foreign imports, misleadingly labelled, are having on the sale of local produce.

(AQW 4256/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Firstly, I must respond to your point about imported food being misleadingly labelled. My Department is responsible for the labelling of beef and I can assure you that the legislation in this area is robustly enforced. The beef labelling rules require all operators in the supply chain, including retailers but excluding the food service sector, to label their beef with origin and traceability information. These rules apply equally to locally produced and imported beef. Regular inspections are carried out and appropriate enforcement action is taken where necessary. The labelling of other foods is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency and is therefore outside my remit.

The labelling issue aside, I can assure you that I am committed to assisting the local agri-food industry to compete successfully in both domestic and export markets.

My Department is involved in a range of initiatives designed to increase business performance and success in the marketplace. I recently launched a new round of the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme which aims to promote quality regional food and increase its consumption within Ireland and Britain. In the first phase of the programme over £300,000 was awarded to representative groups. Activities included the new Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show and the Lough Neagh Food Festival, which showcased the wide range of quality local produce available.

At primary producer level, knowledge and technology transfer, industry training programmes, and benchmarking, all contribute to improving farm business performance and assisting farmers and growers to produce the quality of product demanded by an increasingly competitive marketplace.

My Department facilitates the EU Protected Food Names Scheme which provides a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis. Registered names are protected from imitation throughout the EU and should benefit from increased consumer awareness of regional and speciality foods. I can advise that my Department is currently progressing a number of applications under this Scheme.

The Livestock and Meat Commission (a Non-Departmental Public Body of DARD’s) is responsible for the promotion of red meat and red meat products in both domestic and international markets. You should be aware, however, that EU State Aid rules place severe constraints on the use of Government funds for promotional activities both here and across the EU.

Birdcover Projects

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm if there are threats to livestock or the environment in relation from foreign ingredients used in DARD promoted birdcover projects.

(AQW 4374/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The seed components of wild bird cover sown as Optional Habitats under the Countryside Management Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme are not considered to be a threat to the environment or to livestock

Trawlermen's Trading Company

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, further to her meeting with the Northern Ireland Trawlermen's Trading Company, what action she is taking to address their concerns; and to detail the offers of assistance she has made to the Company.

(AQW 4375/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I had a very helpful meeting with the Trawlermen’s Trading Company and we discussed a range of issues around future financial support for the fleet including vessel modernisation and re-engining. My Departments proposals for financial support for the fishing industry will be contained in its European Fisheries Fund Investment Plan which will issue for consultation at the end of April. This coincides with the launch of similar documents in England, Scotland and Wales.

I explained to the delegation that I would be meeting with Commissioner Borg in April and I intended to use that opportunity to relay to him the concerns expressed by our fishermen and the difficulties being experienced because of escalating operating costs.

Communications Course

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm (i) if a screening exercise has been carried out in relation to an equality impact assessment on the proposed ending of the communications course at Loughry College; and (ii) if she will make the documentation regarding this screening exercise available to MLAs.

(AQW 4579/08)

Ms M Gildernew: No decisions have yet been taken on the proposal to end the Communications programme and a screening exercise in relation to the proposal has not yet been carried out.

Firm decisions on the proposal will be taken only when the full implications have been assessed, including consideration of equality implications. Papers can be released once the process is completed.

Single Farm Payments

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that Single Farm Payments will not be paid to those entitled to payment, but who have indicated they prefer not to have the payment lodged in a bank or building society account.

(AQO 2302/08)

Ms M Gildernew: On 24 April 2007 my Department announced that, with effect from 1 March 2008, agriculture subsidy payments would only be paid electronically. This decision was taken in order to prepare for compliance with the European Commission’s requirement that all subsidy payments should be made electronically, and in our case by Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS) to a UK bank account, from 16 October 2008. However, recognising some farmers’ concern, I announced recently that the date for introducing this change would be deferred until 1 May 2008. In doing so, I am ensuring that 2007 Single Farm Payments and 2008 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances payable up to the end of April will not be delayed for those not yet BACS compliant. After 1 May it is intended that no subsidies will issue unless my Department has been provided with the necessary bank details to facilitate electronic payment. I urge any farm business, that has not already provided bank details to my Department, does so as soon as possible. This information is essential as all future subsidy payments, including those relating to the 2008 Single Farm Payment Scheme, will only be made electronically to a UK bank/building society/credit union account through the BACS system.

Pig Industry

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any discussions that have taken place with the pig industry in relation to the poor profitability within the sector.

(AQO 2349/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Since my appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development I have had discussions with the industry on a number of occasions to find out more about the pig sector and the problems facing it. I am also planning to visit a pig farm very shortly. I remain deeply committed to supporting the industry and share the concerns of the pig sector at this difficult time.

At the beginning of September I contacted every supermarket in the North, expressing my concern about returns at producer level given the rising cost of feed prices and am aware that there has been a subsequent rise in some retail prices. I met the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum following which I agreed that my Department will co-fund, with industry stakeholders, a review of key issues impacting on the pig sector.

I met the senior management team of a leading pork processor and, following a meeting with industry representatives, I wrote to Defra and DAFF ministers to urge support for the re-introduction of export refunds which were subsequently reinstated.

I have had discussions with my Ministerial colleagues in health and education with a view to increasing the public procurement of locally produced pork and bacon. Under EU legislation, the procurement of food by public sector bodies cannot be restricted to specific locations or suppliers. In this respect the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate has a key role to play and has developed a range of guidance with the aim of increasing the participation of local enterprises in competition for Government business.

Of course, in addition to formal discussions with the industry, I have regular informal discussions with farmers and others on this subject and many others, as I travel around the North.

I will continue to work directly with representatives of the industry to see how we can progress together through the current difficulty, and my officials will continue to deal with farmers on an individual basis to discuss a range of issues, including areas of potential improvement in production efficiency on-farm.

Woodland Forests

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to explore increased development of native woodland forests on an all-Ireland basis.

(AQO 2371/08)

Ms M Gildernew: A Forestry Strategy was published by my Department in 2006, following two rounds of public consultation and an economic appraisal. The Strategy outlines key themes, one of which is a programme of afforestation, including the creation of new native woodland, that the Department will take forward through the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme.

To date, good progress has been made in establishing native woodland in the North, 1,030 hectares having been established since 1998, over 40% of which has been created by private landowners with the assistance from the Woodland Grant Scheme and the remainder planted by Forest Service.

My officials also deal positively with their counterparts in the South on a range of forestry activities, including the subject of native woodland. For example, the Native Woodland Group, established jointly by DARD Forest Service and DoE Environment and Heritage Service, includes representatives of Woodlands of Ireland and the South’s National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Native Woodland Group also provides a representative to attend meetings of the Woodlands of Ireland Steering Committee. This provides a means by which technical, regulatory and other information relevant to native woodland development will continue to be shared on an all-Ireland basis. I am aware that the Native Woodland Scheme in the South has recently re-opened and my officials will continue to monitor this mechanism for support of native woodland creation. I will also consider further ways in which my forestry officials can co-operate with counterparts in the South on a range of forestry issues.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to ensure that the maximum number of farmers benefit from the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme before the cut-off date.

(AQO 2308/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I can advise that such plans have been in operation and that good progress has been made on inspections and in issuing grant approvals.

Last June, when I secured funding assurance to cover all applications to the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS), my Department set a target to have pre-approval inspections completed this spring so that the maximum number of farmers could get an opportunity to benefit by the closing date. I am pleased to advise that some 4000 applicants have now had their pre approval inspection and approvals have issued to over 3,000 applicants.

Last June, pre approval inspections were still required on a balance of 2,800 applications. These were divided into three groups for pre approval inspections and the Department is now part way through processing the last group. The Department committed additional advisory and inspection staff to assist in the pre-approval process and so the effort has been put into the task.

During the period August to November 2007, I issued three News Releases updating progress on the processing of FNMS applications. In these I stressed the importance of farmers, who had already received their approval, getting their work completed.

I also encouraged those farmers who had their pre-approval inspections not to delay in getting information back to DARD so that their approvals could be issued. The Department has monitored those cases who needed to get planning or other approvals and has kept in touch with the relevant bodies. Farmers should not delay asking for those necessary clearances.

Organic Action Plan Group

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to make a statement in relation to progress of the Organic Action Plan Group for Northern Ireland.

(AQO 2289/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I met with representatives from the Organic Action Plan Group for NI in December 2007 when they updated me on their progress to date and the need to take stock of achievements and set the path for the next 3 years. Some of the Group’s achievements include the production of a Market Study; holding an Organic Supply Chain Conference; detailed advice to the Department in relation to the introduction of a new Organic Farming Scheme and the Countryside Management Scheme ‘Organic Option’ under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013; and, sponsorship of producer study visits to the South and to England. The group are currently finalising a consumer information leaflet and organic educational materials for schools.

Bog Meadows Nature Reserve

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the work undertaken by the Rivers Agency in the Bog Meadows nature reserve.

(AQO 2329/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Rivers Agency was involved in a water recreation scheme in 1998/1999 in partnership with the Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Friends of the Bog Meadows for development of the Bog Meadows nature reserve, conservation and amenity site. The works mainly involved the excavation of the main pond to improve the wildlife amenity, re-aligning watercourses and improving access to the area. The Agency, which had a water recreation remit at that time, contributed approximately £30,000 to the scheme.

Rivers Agency has ongoing drainage maintenance functions on the designated section of the Ballymurphy Stream at this location and the inlet grille to the road culvert at the M1 motorway to ensure free flow and minimise the risk of flooding. In 2006 the Agency undertook substantial works to address flooding of the paths in the reserve from overtopping of the Ballymurphy Stream. These Agency works on the designated watercourse also facilitated the Ulster Wildlife Trust, in their opening up of an undesignated watercourse which had become silted.

Annual maintenance works on the Ballymurphy Stream, which included clearance of the channel, were undertaken in October 2007.

Forest Service

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether or not there are any plans to de-centralise the Forest Service out of Belfast.

(AQO 2345/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Forest Service’s HQ is located in Dundonald House. However, the majority of staff are already decentralised, working from District Offices at Castlewellan, Enniskillen and Garvagh and a number of small operational bases throughout the North. At present, there are no plans to relocate the HQ outside of Belfast.

Northern Ireland Products

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps she is taking to promote Northern Ireland products, such as Portavogie prawns, Comber potatoes and Glastry ice cream.

(AQO 2342/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am committed to supporting quality local produce as I believe that we have access to some of the best natural ingredients in the world.

I have recently launched the new round of the NI Regional Food Programme which aims to promote quality regional food and increase its consumption within the island of Ireland and Britain. Under this programme assistance is available to develop and expand profitable and sustainable markets by encouraging better co-operation and communications between all sectors of the food industry.

The programme in past 12 months has provided financial support to a range of successful events, such as the Lough Neagh Food Festival, which showcased the wide range of quality local produce available.

The European Union Protected Food Names scheme provides a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis. Under this system, a named food or drink registered at European level is given protection against imitation throughout the European Union. This may in turn help them to take advantage of the wider markets that are arising from consumers’ increasing awareness of the importance of regional and speciality foods. Applications for the scheme may only be submitted by industry interests through my Department.

The Department is at the initial stages of progressing an application for Comber Potatoes under the EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. We have not been approached by interested parties regarding Portavogie prawns or by Glastry ice cream.

Rural Development Programme

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the organisations that will be responsible for the delivery of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

(AQO 2348/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Axis 1 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will be delivered by a mix of DARD staff and third-party delivery agents.

Focus farms and benchmarking, two elements of measure 1.1, which covers vocational training and information actions, will be delivered by third-party delivery agents, who have yet to be appointed. The farm family options will be delivered through Local Action Groups covering seven council clusters, which I shall presently describe in more detail.

Measures 1.2, adding value to agricultural and forestry products and improving marketing capability, and 1.4, the supply chain development programme, will be delivered directly by the Department.

Measure 1.3, modernisation of agricultural holdings, will be delivered by third-party delivery agents, who have yet to be appointed.

Under Axis 2 of the NIRDP 2007 - 13, DARD’s Countryside Management Branch is responsible for the development, delivery and management of the Agri-environment Programme, including the Organic Farming Scheme.

The Agri-environment Programme will be delivered through the new and improved Countryside Management Scheme (NIRDP). It is anticipated that this scheme will be open to applications late spring / early summer 2008.

Rural Payments and Inspection Division, DARDNI, deliver the Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme under Axis 2.

Forestry Schemes are delivered by Forest Services under Axis 2.

The quality-of-life measures under Axis 3 of the programme will be delivered by seven council clusters, each in partnership with a newly formed Local Action Group. Each cluster will have one council as lead financial actor. The clusters that have formed are:-

Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey, in which Antrim will lead;

Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle, in which Ballymena will lead;

Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down, in which Ards will lead;

Magherafelt, Cookstown, Dungannon and Enniskillen, in which Cookstown will lead;

Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn, in which Lisburn will lead;

Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Limavady, in which Omagh will lead; and

Armagh, Craigavon, and Newry and Mourne, for which a lead council will shortly be agreed.

The clusters are now beginning to animate their areas in preparation for the competitive selection of Local Action Groups, which will include at least 50% representation from the economic and social partners, as well as organisations representing civil society. The role of the Local Action Groups will be, in partnership with their council cluster, to define a local development strategy for the cluster area to inform priorities for programme delivery.

As managing authority, DARD will, of course, retain overall responsibility for delivery of the 2007-2013 NI Rural Development Programme.

Farming Sector

Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the assistance being offered to encourage those in the farming sector, under the age of 35, to remain in the sector.

(AQO 2309/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department, primarily through the Development Service of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) provides support and assistance to those farmers of all age groups who wish to develop their farm business and commit to a future in the industry.

CAFRE’s team of Development Advisers, who are located throughout the North, work with farmers through delivery of tailored Development Plans for their businesses. Through this process business objectives and development needs are identified and the appropriate support agreed. Development Advisers provide support to these farmers through delivery of:-

Benchmarking – this enables farmers to compare their business / farm enterprise performance with other similar businesses. With the support of Development Advisers participating farmers can set and monitor realistic targets for the development of the businesses;

Knowledge and Technology Transfer – through a diverse range of projects, CAFRE encourages the industry to adopt world-class, leading edge technology. CAFRE Development Advisers assist farmers to deal with specific issues of adopting these technologies within their own business environment. Depending on the specific technologies economic, environmental, health and safety or animal welfare benefits will accrue;

Training – CAFRE has developed a wide portfolio of short courses to meet the competence development needs of those within the industry. These programmes are delivered locally. Many of them allow farmers to gain a nationally recognised qualification. In recent years considerable investment has been put into developing a suite of "Challenge" programmes. These are designed to help farmers meet a specific business objective through a supported learning environment that includes workshops, visits to other business units and mentoring.

For those young people wishing to pursue a career in farming, CAFRE also provides further and higher education programmes in agriculture. Courses ranging from NVQ level 2 to Honours degree level, (which is delivered in partnership with Queen’s University, Belfast), are available at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus in Antrim. The NVQ level 2 part-time programme is also available at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus.

On behalf of DARD, CAFRE is also currently delivering the New Entrants Scheme (NES) which commenced in June 2005. Under the NES, participants are encouraged to come forward with innovative agricultural projects that will add value and make a positive impact to the farming industry and the rural economy.

Financial assistance takes the form of an interest rate subsidy on loans taken out in pursuance of an agreed agricultural project as detailed in the applicant's business plan. The maximum amount of interest rate subsidy available is £17,000 and the maximum duration of subsidised interest payment is five years.

The Scheme was originally due to close in June 2008. However, in December 2007 I announced that, subject to the necessary legislative amendments, the closing date for applications to the Scheme will be extended to 27 February 2009 or when the £4.5 million budget has been fully committed, whichever comes sooner. At current rates of expenditure it is anticipated that the budget will support 280-290 applicants.

Brucellosis in Cattle

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to tackle brucellosis in cattle.

(AQO 2369/08)

Ms M Gildernew: We have made significant progress in recent years with Brucellosis. Since peak levels for the disease in 2002, the herd incidence has been reduced by more than 50%. My ultimate aim is to eradicate Brucellosis completely from the North and we are continuing to work towards that end.

I will continue to ensure that everything possible is done to keep pushing forward towards the eradication of this disease. Our veterinary assessment is that as we continue to drive Brucellosis levels down, we will need to retain all aspects of the existing control programme. My Department will continue to monitor and improve the implementation of the programme according to the disease situation as it changes. We may need stricter measures as we deal with the tail of the epidemic. We will also need the co-operation of farmers through good biosecurity and compliance with the rules.

At present, my Department is considering what additional measures might be applied in any areas in the North where Brucellosis incidence is highest, including the border areas of South Armagh but also Newry and Fermanagh, or any other area where the disease might flare up. This is so that we will contain and stamp out disease in any disease hotspot areas and prevent it spreading to other areas in the North.

Over the coming months, my Department will be engaging with farmers around the North to raise awareness about the disease risks and to advise them what more they could do to protect their herds from Brucellosis. This must be a genuine partnership effort with the industry. Individuals play a vital role in reducing the spread of this disease. For instance, it is critical that farmers maintain good biosecurity on their farms such as maintaining good boundary fencing, and making sure that negative pre movement test results are received before moving cattle. It is also vitally important that farmers report any abortions in cattle, immediately, because it is by detecting the disease early that we can prevent it from spreading.

There is very close, on-going co-operation between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) in Dublin on Brucellosis. There is an active North/South Working Group which brings together officials from DARD and DAFF that meets regularly to specifically discuss Brucellosis issues and share good practice.

This close level of North/South co-operation will continue, given the interest we all share in moving as quickly as we can towards an island that is free of this disease.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that the department has been advised that documents accepting the terms and conditions of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme, posted by approved applicants, (i) have not been delivered to Orchard House; or (ii) may have been mislaid in her department's office.

(AQO 2301/08)

Ms M Gildernew: All documents received by the Department under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) are recorded and acknowledged on the Department’s data base.

Since the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme opened on 26 January 2005 over 3,000 FNMS approvals have been issued. Some 20 applicants have stated that they returned their signed FNMS acceptance documents by post but the Department has no record of having received them either in Orchard House or in any of the County Agricultural Offices. There is no evidence that the Department has mislaid any FNMS documents.

Farmers have not been disadvantaged and duplicate approvals were issued where necessary.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Community and Voluntary Sector

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the groups within the community and voluntary sector that have been informed that funding will cease in March 2008; and to outline the services/programmes that will be affected.

(AQW 4274/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The Department has not informed any community or voluntary groups that funding will cease in March 2008.

Voluntary and Community Sector

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail, since the publication of the Budget, those groups within the voluntary and community sector which have secured funding and for what services.

(AQW 4276/08)

Mr E Poots: Through awards made under the Community Sport Programme, the following organisations have been awarded additional funding to complete a project level evaluation at the end of their initial 3 year investment award (2005-2008):

Organisation	Amount - £	Project
Age Concern	2,000	Community Sport Development Initiative (Lisburn)
Youth Sport Omagh	1,500	Community Sport Programme – people with disabilities, women & girls
Newry & Mourne Carers Association	2,500	Swimming Lessons for Adult Family Carers
Greater Village Regeneration Trust and Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group in association with Castlereagh Borough Council	5,000	Older & Active Programme

Through awards made under the Community Sport Programme, the following organisations have been awarded additional funding for the training and deployment of community coaches through the Inclusive Community Coach Programme.

Organisation	Number of individuals selected for programme	Total amount - £
Brownlow Campus Sports Trust	1	1366
Clarendon Sports Association	1	1366
Greater Village Regeneration Trust	1	1366
Down Clubmark Association	1	1366
Youth Sport Omagh	2	2732
Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group	1	1366

Arts funding through Northern Ireland Screen has been issued as follows:

Organisation	Amount - £
Cinemagic	37, 500
Nerve Centre	82, 500
Queens Film Centre (QFT)	60, 750
Belfast Film Festival (BFF)	40, 500
Northern Visions	78, 750
Cinemobile	7, 500
Nerve Centre – After School Film Clubs, North West	20, 000
Cinemagic – Ater Schools Film Clubs	60, 000
Creative Learning Centres (CLC) – Studio On	237, 500
CLC – Amma Centre	93, 750
CLC – Co-Ordinator	30, 000
CLC - Nerve Centre	138, 750

Festivals Provision

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQO 1772/08, if he will consider making provision for other festivals if he is provided with three-year business plan for them.

(AQW 4427/08)

Mr E Poots: Only in very exceptional cases would the Department undertake a direct funding role. However, on a without prejudice basis, I am considering if provision should be made to facilitate a small number of established festivals who can demonstrate over time a greater self-reliance on box office receipts and private sector sponsorship.

Translation of Correspondence

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure spent on the translation of correspondence received by all departments, that was written in (i) Irish; (ii) Ulster-Scots; and (iii) other languages, in the last two years.

(AQW 4494/08)

Mr E Poots: Records kept by my Department do not specify the type of document translated. I cannot distinguish the amount spent on correspondence received from the amount spent on other translations such as responses to correspondence, advertisements and official documents.

Detailed breakdowns of translation costs for each Government Department for each of the last two years are provided in the following tables. These figures are provided to DCAL by each Department annually.

		BREAKDOWN 2005/06
DEPARTMENT	TOTAL 2005/06	IRISH	ULSTER SCOTS	* ETHNIC	SIGN	** OTHER
NIO	£527,454.57	£480.76	£0.00	£510,893.87	£16,079.94	£0.00
DE	£37,827.10	£19,349.27	£0.00	£14,094.27	£3,559.65	£823.91
DARD	£5,076.85	£3,192.16	£95.89	£1,590.00	£0.00	£198.80
DEL	£232,064.00	£0.00	£0.00	£230,841.00	£1,223.00	£0.00
DETI	£7,510.19	£390.89	£0.00	£5,430.59	£1,611.17	£77.54
DFP	£1,498.03	£899.73	£0.00	£180.00	£356.50	£61.80
DHSSPS	£27,262.66	£8,974.00	£0.00	£17,545.66	£0.00	£743.00
DOE	£16,330.78	£7,290.06	£7,931.62	£309.10	£800.00	£0.00
DRD	£546.04	£436.04	£0.00	£110.00	£0.00	£0.00
DSD	£309,871.19	£0.00	£0.00	£308,602.40	£561.00	£707.79
OFMDFM	£24,081.60	£2,740.77	£515.36	£15,210.47	£4,291.60	£1,323.40
DCAL	£25,183.92	£20,801.17	£783.40	£1,535.90	£532.30	£1,531.15
TOTAL	£1,214,706.93	£64,554.85	£9,326.27	£1,106,343.26	£29,015.16	£5,467.39

		BREAKDOWN 2006/07
DEPARTMENT	TOTAL 2006/07	IRISH	ULSTER SCOTS	ETHNIC*	SIGN	OTHER**
NIO***	£359,775.00	£1,963.00	£193.00	£337,935.00	£19,070.00	£614.00
DE	£235,520.11	£19,371.88	£50.61	£212,177.62	£3,590.00	£330.00
DARD	£8,723.20	£2,087.49	£489.77	£6,145.94	£0.00	£0.00
DEL	£118,987.71	£2,375.06	£630.00	£35,795.65	£80,187.00	£0.00
DETI	£12,482.65	£223.75	£0.00	£11,622.02	£113.00	£523.88
DFP	£14,040.03	£9,971.29	£0.00	£174.36	£3,763.88	£130.50
DHSSPS	£14,786.46	£14,046.45	£0.00	£740.01	£0.00	£0.00
DOE	£22,246.57	£20,145.87	£1,060.50	£508.20	£532.00	£0.00
DRD	£5,042.51	£410.67	£175.00	£1,547.34	£2,593.00	£316.50
DSD	£262,630.97	£1,932.88	£0.00	£257,924.33	£990.95	£1,782.81
OFMDFM	£14,926.86	£3,891.97	£499.60	£7,815.46	£2,111.40	£608.43
DCAL	£44,918.38	£40,667.70	£0.00	£2,191.31	£0.00	£2,059.37

TOTAL	£1,114,080.45	£117,088.01	£3,098.48	£874,577.24	£112,951.23	£6,365.49

* Ethnic refers to translations other than English, Irish and Ulster-Scots

** Other refers to braille and interpretation costs

*** NIO have identified an additional £552,348 in Interpretation costs which has not yet been categorised for use in the above tables.

Irish Translation

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) to confirm that his department provides translations of Assembly written questions from English into Irish for the Department of Education and other Government departments; (ii) to detail the cost of providing these translations; and (iii) what assessment he has made of the extent to which the provision of these services contributes to delays in meeting response times for questions.

(AQW 4550/08)

Mr E Poots: The translation service operated by my Department has overseen requests for translation of Written Assembly Questions from the Department of Education. No other Government Department has requested translations in relation to Written Assembly Questions.

My Department does not keep a record of the translation costs organised by document type however the Department of Education have estimated that £346.33 has been spent on translations into Irish for inclusion in answers to Written Assembly Questions. This work is ongoing and these costs relate to invoices received as of 3 March 2008.

I am unable to offer an assessment of the means by which my Ministerial colleagues choose to respond to questions asked of their Departments. My Department does not operate a policy of translating Written Assembly Questions and therefore there is no effect on the response times.

Circuit Racing

Mr D Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his plans for supporting motor cycle road and closed circuit racing in 2008.

(AQO 2273/08)

Mr E Poots: Responsibility for supporting motor cycle road and closed circuit racing in Northern Ireland is a matter in the first instance for the governing bodies of motorsport as represented by the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited (2&4 Wheel MSG).

My Department has made available a sum of £100,000 to assist 2&4 Wheel MSG support motor cycle road and closed circuit racing in Northern Ireland during 2008.

In addition to this, I have met with representatives of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) and 2&4 Wheel MSG to discuss how major motor cycle events can be further developed.

Library Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to indicate the measures he has put in place to avert cuts in community library provision in Belfast.

(AQO 2361/08)

Mr E Poots: Following the Comprehensive Spending Review public consultation exercise, I secured an additional £4 million pounds for my Department for the next two years.

Of this, I have allocated £1 million to libraries over the next two years and the Belfast Education and Library Board will benefit from this allocation.

I have also secured in the region of £30 million pounds capital for the next three years, and a further £107 million for the following seven years, to modernise and improve the library estate across Northern Ireland and I would encourage all Boards, including Belfast, to bring forward proposals to access this funding.

However, the Belfast Education and Library Board is responsible for determining how best to deliver public library services in Belfast from within available resources.

Irish Language Broadcasting Fund

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the meetings his department has had with the United Kingdom Government in order to secure additional funding for the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund.

(AQO 2334/08)

Mr E Poots: My officials held initial discussions with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office both before and after Christmas with a view to determining how the UK ensures compliance with the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of its agreed media provisions.

Broadcasting remains a reserved matter, therefore, it is planned to continue these discussions with officials in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Motor Sport Safety Measures

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a timescale within which allocations will be made from the funding announced for motor sport safety measures.

(AQO 2283/08)

Mr E Poots: Responsibility for the allocation of funding for motorsport events, including the timescale within which allocations are made, is a matter, in the first instance, for the governing bodies of motorsport as represented by the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited (2&4 Wheel MSG). I understand that 2&4 Wheel MSG is currently in discussion with motorsport clubs over the allocation of the recently announced funding.

Multi-Sports Stadium

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the expected completion date for a new multi-sports stadium.

(AQO 2288/08)

Mr E Poots: A completion date for the Multi-Sports Stadium is dependent on how quickly we can get on a decision on a way forward. The Outline Business Case on the Multi-Sports Stadium is currently with the Department of Finance and Personnel for scrutiny and, if approved, will then be submitted, as part of the overall Maze/Long Kesh proposal, to the Executive for consideration. The entire process could however take a number of months.

Elite Facilities Projects

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a timescale within which the next stage of the proposed elite facilities projects will be completed by Sport Northern Ireland.

(AQO 2296/08)

Mr E Poots:

In March 2006, the then Minister for Sport, David Hanson MP announced that approximately £50m had been provisionally allocated for high priority sports infrastructure projects.

Since then, two separate competitions have been held, seeking expressions of interest from anyone interested in developing elite Olympic and Paralympic facilities in Northern Ireland.

The 2008/2011 Budget provides circa £145m for all sport including £111.6m for capital funding. We are currently in discussion with Sport Northern Ireland about the allocation of the capital budget and planning for the delivery of the Elite Facilities Programme.

Once we have agreed the budget available for the Elite Facilities Capital Programme, Sport Northern Ireland will then proceed with issuing letters to those organizations that have been approved to proceed to the next stage. It is intended that this will happen in the next future.

Devolution of Broadcasting

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his department's efforts to secure the devolution of broadcasting responsibilities and powers.

(AQO 2352/08)

Mr E Poots: Broadcasting responsibilities and powers are currently reserved matters and therefore I cannot comment further.

Stadium Development

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the capital grants that are available for stadium development in relation to (i) rugby; (ii) gaelic games; and (iii) soccer, in this year's budget.

(AQO 2317/08)

Mr E Poots: The recently announced capital budget for sport is £31.2m in 2008/09, £36.4m in 2009/10 and £44m in 2010/11. Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding. SNI is currently considering how these funds can be allocated across sport. As part of that process, SNI is working closely with sports governing bodies, including that for Soccer, on stadium development needs. Decisions on the grants available for stadium development, including maximum grants, will be taken by SNI once this process is completed

Ulster-Scots

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the resource implications of moving Ulster-Scots from Part II to Part III Status.

(AQO 2257/08)

Mr E Poots: It would not be possible to determine the resource implications required to move Ulster-Scots from Part II to Part III of the Charter without carrying out an extensive study across a number of Northern Ireland Civil Service and Whitehall Departments. This may determine the resource implications to those areas of the UK Government that could be affected by the Charter.

Library Services

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the revenue and capital monies available to library services.

(AQO 2314/08)

Mr E Poots: The total libraries recurrent budget for each of the next three years is £31.3m in 2008/09, £32m in 2009/10 and £31.8m in 2010/11.

These figures include funding for public libraries and other library funded bodies.

The capital budget is £6.1m for 2008/09, £11.5m in 2009/10 and £14m in 2010/11. The 10 year Capital Investment Strategy allocates a further £107 million in the following seven years to library capital projects.

Stadium Development

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the grants available under capital stadium development for senior soccer clubs; and (ii) the maximum grant available.

(AQO 2311/08)

EDUCATION

Fabricated Items

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail all those who tendered for stainless steel fabricated items in newly built schools in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area; and to detail the successful tenderers, in each of the last two years.

(AQW 988/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): I have asked for a review of the Boards’ procurement processes to provide assurance that there is compliance with best procurement practice.

The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) have advised their

tendering procedures is to advertise publicly for main contractors who wish to be included in a select list of contractors for their major schemes. A short list would then be prepared (based on approved criteria) and the successful contractors would be invited to submit tenders in due course.

It is the successful main contractor’s decision as to which sub-contractor to appoint for the supply and fitting of stainless steel fixtures. The NEELB has confirmed that four new schools have been built within its area in the last two years.

Ceapadh príomhchonraitheoir difriúil i ngach cás, agus tuigim gurb é Stephens Catering Equipment Ltd an fochonraitheoir a bhí ceaptha ag na conraitheoirí go léir le feistí dosmálta a sholáthar agus a fheistiú.

A different main contractor was appointed in each case, and I understand that Stephens Catering Equipment Ltd was the sub-contractor appointed by all the contractors for the supply and fitting of stainless steel fixtures.

Maintenance Funding

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail the planned reductions in maintenance funding for primary schools in the Strangford constituency, in each of the next three years.

(AQW 2793/08)

Ms C Ruane: The amount of funding allocated to maintenance by the South Eastern Education and Library Board is decided each year as a portion of its block grant.

Ní bheidh an Bord in ann a maoiniú pleanáilte i gcomhair cothabhála do na trí bliana seo romhainn a shocrú go leithdháiltear a bhlocdheontais do na blianta sin.

The Board will not be in a position to establish its planned maintenance funding for the next three years until after its block grants for those years are allocated.

Written Question

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education why an answer to AQW 1772/08 has not yet been received, given that the question was submitted two months ago; and to confirm whether or not the principle of academic selection is safeguarded in legislation.

(AQW 2864/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ba mhaith liom leithscéal a ghabháil as an mhoill freagra a thabhairt ar AQW 1772/08. Tá sé tugtha le fios domh go bhfuil freagra tugtha uirthi faoi seo.

I wish to apologise for the delay in responding to AQW 1772/08 which I understand has now been answered.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and (ii) the amount of funding that has been allocated against them in the Budget 2008-11.

(AQW 3303/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sa tábla thíos tá liosta de na tairiscintí maidir le caiteachas reatha a chuir mo Roinn isteach mar chuid de phróiseas Buiséid 2007. Chuir an Buiséad deiridh an maoiniú breise seo a leanas ar fáil don Oideachas:

The table below lists the bids in relation to current expenditure submitted by my department as part of the Budget 2007 process. The final Budget has provided the following additional funding for Education:

£m

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Current Expenditure 149.1 300.0 428.7

Capital investment requirements were considered as part of the process of formulating the Investment Strategy. The final allocations for Education amount to:

£m

Capital Investment 214.6 253.3 201.1

BUDGET 2007 – DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BIDS SET AGAINST PRIORITIES						£000s

TITLE	2008/09		2009/10		2010/11
	Res	Admin	Res	Admin	Res	Admin

Sustaining Existing Services

Children and Young People Funding Package - Restoration of Existing Provision	23,174		23,800		24,443
Departmental Administration - Review of Public Administration/ Reforms		2,078		2,531		2,640
Education Administration Reform	3,000		38,400		13,405
Education Services: Maintenance of Expenditure Levels (MEL) (Excl Schools' Aggregated School Budgets)	23,956		47,436		72,222
EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in the north of Ireland	512		0		0
and the Border Region of Ireland - Measure 2.2
Developing Children and Young People
Healthy Schools	250		3,250		3,750
Integrated Development Fund (including Renewing Communities) - Continuation of Existing Provision	5,299		5,442		5,589
Improving the Professional Development of Teachers	5,000		7,200		7,200
Maintenance of Schools Estate	7,419		10,534		16,000
Pre-Employment Checks of Teaching/Non-Teaching Staff	942		1,161		1,161
Preparation for the introduction of new arrangements for the	1,000		500		500
transfer of pupils from primary to post-primary education
School Transport - Safety	4,580		4,640		4,695
School Budgets - Guaranteed Per Pupil Uplift	114,660		192,327		262,251
Strengthening Governance	750		1,750		3,000
Sustainable Living Schools	3,750		5,250		6,500

BUDGET 2007 – DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BIDS SET AGAINST PRIORITIES (Continued)						£000s
TITLE	2008/09		2009/10		2010/11
	Res	Admin	Res	Admin	Res	Admin
Supporting The Economy
Curriculum, Assessment & ICT	25,567		23,725		22,952
Early Years - Begin with Quality	27,070		27,810		28,570
Employability, Careers and Business Education	6,000		6,500		7,000
Enhance Science Technology Engineering &	3,629		6,124		6,124
Mathematics (STEM) Education & Increase
Supply of STEM Skills
Entitlement Framework Support	17,667	500	21,464	510	21,239	520
School Improvement Fund including Measures	12,950	500	13,600	510	14,000	520
to Promote Literacy and Numeracy
Extension of Specialist Schools Programme	3,273		4,976		6,792
Implementation of a Languages Strategy for NI	9,130		9,222		9,419
PPP and Infrastructure Procurement	8,000		25,555		39,960
Support for Foundation Stage Statutory Curriculum	20,200		17,200		17,200

Equality and Inclusion
Children affected by Educational Disadvantage	3,897		4,214		4,223
Connecting Schools to their Communities	30,784		32,290		33,935
High Quality Youth Service	7,334		9,164		13,494
Irish-Medium Education	3,270		2,305		2,325
Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion - Early Years/Early Intervention Package	15,697		16,835		14,782
SEN and Inclusion - Development of School Based Integrated	7,320	500	12,241	510	14,126	520
Capacity building
SEN and Inclusion - Enhanced Support	1,297		1,469		1,503
TOTALS	397,377	3,578	576,384	4,061	678,360	4,200

Meeting with Counterpart

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Education to detail the outcome of the meeting with her counterpart in the Scottish Executive.

(AQW 3325/08)

Ms C Ruane: I met with Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 12 December. During the meeting, we discussed a range of issues including Irish and Gaelic-medium education, teacher recruitment and induction, raising standards and tackling educational underachievement and funding.

Tugadh miontuairisc ar an chruinniú don Choiste Oideachais ar 8 Feabhra 2008, agus tá cóip di ar fáil i Leabharlann an Tionóil.

A detailed report on the meeting was provided to the Education Committee on 8 February 2008 and is also available in the Assembly Library.

Meetings Held

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of meetings she has held with (i) MLAs; and (ii) other groups, since she took up office.

(AQW 3369/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ó ghlac mé oifig, bhí 43 cruinnithe agam le CTRí agus 142 cruinniú le grúpaí eile.

Since I took up office, I have held 43 meetings with MLA’s and 142 meetings with other groups

Capital Projects

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education to outline the capital projects which will begin during the coming year.

(AQW 3398/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá na mórthionscadail chaipitil a meastar faoi láthair gurbh fhéidir le hobair tógála tosú ar an láthair orthu i 2008 sonraithe sa tábla thíos.

The table below details those major capital projects where it is currently estimated construction work could start on site in 2008.

These projects 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 sufficient resources.

SCHOOL	DETAILS OF PROJECT
St Clare’s Abbey PS Newry	New school on extended site
Lisnagelvin P.S.	New school on existing site
Lisbellaw P.S.	New school on existing site
Banbridge Academy	Extension & Refurbishment
Templepatrick PS	New school on existing site
St Joseph's P.S Madden, Armagh	New school on existing site
St Columba's P.S, Straw, Draperstown	New school on new site
St Catherine's College, Armagh	Extension
Whitehouse PS, N'Abbey	New school on existing site
St Pat's & St Brigid's P.S. B'castle	New school on existing site
Carrick P.S. Warrenpoint	New school on extended site
St Mary's P.S, Newcastle	New school on existing site
Magherafelt P.S.	New school on new site
Scoil Na Fuiseoige P.S, Belfast	New school on existing site
Magherafelt HS	New school on existing site
St Colman's P.S. Lambeg	New school on extended site
Parkhall College, Antrim	New school on existing site
St Columbkille's P.S. Carrickmore	New school on extended site
St Oliver Plunkett P.S. Forkhill	New school on new site
St Pat's Boys/Girls Acad, Dgnon	New school on existing site
Coranny & Cornagague P.S.	New school on new site
St Conor's P.S, Omagh	New school on extended site
Bangor Grammar	New school on new site
Knockevin Spec School, Downpatrick	New school on existing site
Knockbreda HS, Belfast	New school on existing site
Strathearn GS, Belfast	New school on existing site
Glendhu NS, Belfast	New school on existing site
Ravenscroft NS, Belfast	New school on existing site
Glastry College, Ballyhalbert	New school on extended site
Cranny Special School, Omagh	New school on existing site
Arvalee Spec School, Omagh	New school on existing site

Primary School Leavers

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of primary school leavers that have gone to (i) grammar schools; and (ii) secondary schools, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3567/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sa tábla thíos tugtar céatadáin na ndaltaí a d’fhág an bhunscoil agus a chuaigh chuig (i) scoileanna gramadaí; agus (ii) meánscoileanna, le cúg bliana anuas.

The percentage of primary school leavers that have gone to (i) grammar schools; and (ii) secondary schools, in each of the last five years is set out in the table, below.

Date Transferring to Post-Primary Education	% Transferring to Grammar Schools (i)	% Transferring to Non-Grammar Schools (ii)
September 2003	36	64
September 2004	38	62
September 2005	38	62
September 2006	39	61
September 2007	39	61

Sustainable Schools

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons for the absence of any reference to a policy for sustainable schools within the Programme for Government and 2008-2011 Budget.

(AQW 3669/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Programme for Government and Budget documents set out a strategic framework for the delivery of policies and programmes over the next three years, though they do not provide an exhaustive list of all policies.

Tá beart i gComhaontú Seirbhíse Poiblí 16 "Le pleanáil straitéiseach an eastát scoile a fheabhsú" agus sprioc ghaolmhar le cur chuige pleanála bunaithe sa cheantar a bheith ann. Beidh cur chuige beartais i leith scoileanna inbhuanaithe mar phríomhghné de phleanáil bunaithe sa cheantar.

Public Service Agreement 16 includes an action "To improve the strategic planning of the schools estate" with an associated target to put in place an area-based planning approach. A key element of area- based planning will be a policy approach to sustainable schools.

Professional Consultants

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail whether the precedent that exists to permit her department to employ the services of professional consultants, in relation to work concerning independent integrated schools.

(AQW 3716/08)

Ms C Ruane: My Department would not normally employ consultants to undertake work in relation to schools which are not in receipt of grant funding.

The Department did not fund any work in relation to Development Proposal 172. Development Proposal 202 involves an existing grant-aided school, Down Academy, which is owned by the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

Building options for existing schools are examined through undertaking a feasibility study and an economic appraisal. Professional consultants have been engaged by my Department to undertake a feasibility study and an appraisal in this case and work is continuing to complete them.

Is é £50, 000, gan CBL san áireamh, an costas iomlán measta ar an obair atá i gceist.

The overall estimated cost for the work involved is expected to be in the region of £50,000, excluding VAT.

Rowallane Integrated School

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not her department employed the services of professional consultants in relation to Development Proposal 172, Rowallane Integrated School; and to detail (i) the work completed; and (ii) the cost incurred by her department.

(AQW 3717/08)

Ms C Ruane: My Department would not normally employ consultants to undertake work in relation to schools which are not in receipt of grant funding.

Is é £50, 000, gan CBL san áireamh, an costas iomlán measta ar an obair atá i gceist.

The overall estimated cost for the work involved is expected to be in the region of £50,000, excluding VAT.

Blackwater Integrated College

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not her department employed the services of professional consultants in relation to Development Proposal 202, Blackwater Integrated College; and to detail (i) the work completed; and (ii) the cost incurred by her department.

(AQW 3718/08)

Ms C Ruane: My Department would not normally employ consultants to undertake work in relation to schools which are not in receipt of grant funding.

Is é £50, 000, gan CBL san áireamh, an costas iomlán measta ar an obair atá i gceist.

The overall estimated cost for the work involved is expected to be in the region of £50,000, excluding VAT.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of meetings she has held with (i) delegations representing one or more of the local councils; (ii) the Northern Ireland Local Government Association; and (iii) the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, since May 2007.

(AQW 3722/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ó Bhealtaine 2007, bhí dhá chruinniú agam le toscairí a bhí mar ionadaithe ar cheann amháin nó níos mó de na comhairlí áitiúla. Tá cruinniú le bheith agam le Cumann Rialtais Áitiúil TÉ. Ní raibh cruinniú agam le Cumann na bPríomhfheidhmeannach de chuid an Rialtais Áitiúil. Bhuail mé le Comhairle Dúiche an Iúir agus na Múrna.

Since May 2007, I have had two meetings with delegations representing one or more of the local councils. I have a meeting scheduled with the NI Local Government Association (NILGA). I have not met with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE). I have also met with Newry & Mourne District Council.

Academic Selection

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education to confirm the current legislative position in relation to academic selection.

(AQW 3854/08)

Ms C Ruane: The current system of academic selection within grammar schools has its legislative framework under the 1997 Education Order and its supporting regulations. By virtue of the Education Order 2006, this legislative framework will lapse with effect from Transfer 2010. Article 28 (1) of the 2006 Education Order gives to the Department a power to specify, through regulations, the admissions criteria that schools will be permitted to use.

Faoi Article 28 (2) den Education Order 2006 tá cosc ar an Roinn critéir acadúla iontrála a chuimsiú in aon chritéir cheadaithe iontrála sa todhchaí. Níl Article 28 (2) tosaithe.

Article 28 (2) of the Education Order 2006 precludes the Department from including academic admissions criteria in any future permitted admissions criteria. Article 28(2) is not commenced.

Alternative Education Projects

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of Alternative Education Projects in West Belfast, that are currently in receipt of funding from her department.

(AQW 3955/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not fund any Alternative Education Projects in West Belfast. All Departmental funding for alternative education is allocated directly to the Education and Library Boards and it is a matter for each Board to decide how these funds can be best used to meet the needs of young people in its area.

The Belfast Education and Library Board makes provision for young people, who no longer attend mainstream school, in Loughshore Educational Resource Centre, Conway Education Centre, The Bridge and Newstart Education Centre.

I láthair na huaire tá an Roinn ag obair leis na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne le cinntiú go mbeidh cur chuige níos comhornaithe ann maidir le hOideachas an Luchta Siúil. Ba cheart go gcuirfeadh sé seo feabhas ar rannpháirtíocht pháístí an Luchta Siúil ag gach leibhéal dár gcóras oideachais.

The Department is currently working alongside the Education and Library Boards to ensure a more co-ordinated approach to Traveller education. This should improve participation of Traveller children at all levels of our education system.

An Munia Tober's Alternative Education Project

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to detail the plans her department has to fund An Munia Tober's Alternative Education Project in West Belfast.

(AQW 3956/08)

Training Sessions

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education to detail the professional in-service training sessions her department provided to teachers, and head teachers, on (i) tackling bullying of children with special needs; and (ii) the academic attainment and attendance of children with special educational needs.

(AQW 4003/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not provide any training for teachers or head teachers in these areas. In-service teacher training is provided by each of the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and I understand that anti-bullying training focuses on the needs of all children and young people and is not specific to those with special educational needs. The aim of the training is to encourage and facilitate a whole-school approach to the development an anti-bullying culture.

Training is followed up with school-based advice from ELB staff and on-going telephone guidance and support in relation to specific anti-bullying issues and on the content of a school’s anti-bullying policy. Advice on preventative strategies including Positive Behaviour Management, Circle Time, training of ancillary staff and awareness raising sessions for parents is also available to schools.

This year the Inter-Board Anti-bullying Group, which has close links with the local Anti-Bullying Forum, facilitated the development of an anti-bullying teacher training programme to ensure consistency of approach across the North.

Déanann na scoileanna féin gnóthachtáil agus tinreamh páistí agus daoine óga a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta acu a mheas ar bhonn aonraic cionn is an réimse leathan riachtanas a bhíonn acu.

Attainment and attendance of children and young people with special education needs is considered individually by their schools due to their diverse profile of needs.

Educational Performance

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the priority (i) a receiving school; and (ii) an over-subscribed receiving school, is to give to previous educational performance by primary school children, under her proposals for post-primary education.

(AQW 4084/08)

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

Nuair a bhíonn ró-éileamh ann cuireann na scoileanna critéir iontrála i bhfeidhm maidir le teaghlach, pobal agus crritéir thíreolaíochta, agus beidh na mionsonruithe seo le plé.

Where oversubscribed, schools would apply admissions criteria including family, community and geographical criteria, the detail of which will be subject to consultation.

Portadown College

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which she will announce (i) the results of the economic appraisals; and (ii) a start date, in relation to the new build at Portadown College.

(AQW 4113/08)

Ms C Ruane: Chuir Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt breithmheas eacnamaíochta (BE) athbhreithnithe faoi bhráid na Roinne i mí Dheireadh Fómhair agus tá sé seo ag an Roinn faoi láthair le faomhadh.

A revised Economic Appraisal (EA) was submitted to the Department by the Southern Education and Library Board in October and is currently with the Department for approval. It also needs the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel. Subject to full approval being forthcoming and the project progressing through the planning stages it is expected that the new build could commence in spring 2009.

Bunscoil an Traonaigh

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the total investment made in the purchase of lands to site Bunscoil an Traonaigh, on its existing site at Enniskillen Road, Lisnaskea.

(AQW 4125/08)

Ms C Ruane: My department has not made any capital investment for purchase of land at this site which is being rented from a local owner. The school was recognised for recurrent funding by my department in 2004.

To date no approval has been granted by my department for the purchase of land for Bunscoil an Traonaigh sited on the Enniskillen Road, Lisnakea.

My department was requested by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) to assess the suitability of the new site for a school which is in receipt of grant funding since 2004. The new site was approved by my department’s technical advisors.

D’fhiafraigh CnaG de roinnt comhlachtaí poiblí agus den earnáil phríobháideach lena fhionnadh an raibh aon talamh ar fáil sa cheantar arbh fhéidir scoil nua a shuíomh air.

CnaG pursued enquiries with a number of public bodies and the private sector to ascertain if any land was available in the area in which to site a new school. These included the Ministry of Defence, the Housing Executive, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Western Education and Library Board. No other satisfactory sites were identified by CnaG.

Bunscoil an Traonaigh

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the involvement of; and (ii) the assistance given by, her department in the purchase of the lands to site Bunscoil an Traonaigh, on its existing site at Enniskillen Road, Lisnaskea.

(AQW 4126/08)

To date no approval has been granted by my department for the purchase of land for Bunscoil an Traonaigh sited on the Enniskillen Road, Lisnakea.

D’fhiafraigh CnaG de roinnt comhlachtaí poiblí agus den earnáil phríobháideach lena fhionnadh an raibh aon talamh ar fáil sa cheantar arbh fhéidir scoil nua a shuíomh air.

Bunscoil an Traonaigh

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the processes employed by her department in determining (i) the location of; and (ii) the amount of land required to site, Bunscoil an Traonaigh, on its existing site at Enniskillen Road, Lisnaskea.

(AQW 4127/08)

To date no approval has been granted by my department for the purchase of land for Bunscoil an Traonaigh sited on the Enniskillen Road, Lisnakea.

D’fhiafraigh CnaG de roinnt comhlachtaí poiblí agus den earnáil phríobháideach lena fhionnadh an raibh aon talamh ar fáil sa cheantar arbh fhéidir scoil nua a shuíomh air.

Bunscoil an Traonaigh

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the alternative sites that were considered prior to the purchase of the present site for Bunscoil an Traonaigh.

(AQW 4128/08)

To date no approval has been granted by my department for the purchase of land for Bunscoil an Traonaigh sited on the Enniskillen Road, Lisnakea.

D’fhiafraigh CnaG de roinnt comhlachtaí poiblí agus den earnáil phríobháideach lena fhionnadh an raibh aon talamh ar fáil sa cheantar arbh fhéidir scoil nua a shuíomh air.

La Salle Boys' School

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of providing a new school building for La Salle Boys' School, Andersontown, Belfast.

(AQW 4133/08)

Ms C Ruane: Go dtí seo is é £17.466m an costas iomlán leis an foirgneamh nua scoile a sholáthar do Scoil Ghasúr La Salle, Béal Feirste. Cuimsíonn seo an costas tógála, táillí sainchomhairleoirí gairmiúla agus leithdháileadh i gcomhair troscáin agus trealaimh don scoil nua.

The total cost to date for the provision of the new school building for La Salle Boys’ School, Belfast is £17.466m. This includes the construction cost, professional consultants’ fees and an allocation for the provision of furniture and equipment for the new school.

Saintfield High School

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of providing Saintfield High School with its Information Technology suite.

(AQW 4134/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ba é £180,000 an costas ar Shraith Seomraí nua Teicneolaíocht Eolais a sholáthar taobh istigh den chóiríocht leathnaithe, athchóirithe as an nua ag Ardscoil Thamhnach na Naomh. Cuimsíonn seo soláthar Seomra Staidéar Gnó; seomra TEC; agus spás d’acmhainní agus spás stórais a bhaineann leo.

The cost of providing the new Information Technology Suite within the newly extended and refurbished accommodation at Saintfield High School was £180,000. This includes the provision of a Business Studies Room; an ICT room; and associated resource and storage spaces.

Educational Psychologist

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the annual salary of the last educational psychologist employed through her department.

(AQW 4135/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not employ educational psychologists.

The Education and Library Boards (ELBs) employ educational psychologists and are responsible for their salaries.

I cannot divulge individual salaries as these are personal information and covered by the Data Protection Act.

Chuir príomhfheidhmeannaigh na BOL in iúl dom, áfach, gurb é £30,546 - £40,011 an scála tuarastail atá ann i láthair na huaire do shíceolaí oideachais.

The Chief Executives of the ELBs have, however, informed me that the current salary band for an educational psychologist is £30,546 - £40,011.

Peripatetic Music Tutors

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the current hourly rate of pay for peripatetic music tutors.

(AQW 4200/08)

Ms C Ruane: Fostaíonn gach ceann den chúig Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne oidí ceoil taistil. Tuigim go mbíonn an ráta tuarastail in aghaidh na huaire éagsúil ag brath ar an údarás fostaíochta féin.

Peripatetic music tutors are employed by each of the five Education and Library Boards. I understand that the hourly rate of pay can vary depending on the individual employing authority.

I have asked the five Education and Library Boards for full details and I will write to the member when I have this information.

Peripatetic Langauge Tutors

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the proposed hourly rate of pay for peripatetic (i) Spanish; and (ii) Irish, tutors.

(AQW 4201/08)

Ms C Ruane: £18 an ráta molta in aghaidh na huaire atá ann. Tá an ráta seo bunaithe seo ar chomhairle ó na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne a fhostaíonn na hoidí.

The proposed hourly rate is £18. This rate is based on advice from the Education and Library Boards, who are employing the tutors.

Sustainable Schools

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail the impact that the delay in providing a policy on sustainable schools will have on the next phase of capital investment.

(AQW 4221/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi láthair tá thart ar 100 mórthionscadal caipitil atá i mbun pleanála nó inar thosaigh an obair ar shuíomh agus níl dáta ar bith socraithe le haghaidh fógra faoi chlár caipitil eile. Ní chuireann foilsiú pholasaí scoileanna inbhuaine isteach dá bhrí sin ar uainiú na chéad chéime eile den infheistíocht chaipitil.

There are currently approximately 100 major capital projects in planning or where work has commenced on site and no date has been set for a further capital programme announcement. The publication of the sustainable schools policy does not therefore impact on the timing of the next phase of capital investment.

Fundamental Review of Special Education

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to detail the action her department is taking to develop the findings and recommendations of the Fundamental Review of Special Education.

(AQW 4248/08)

Ms C Ruane: Following referral to the Education Committee and Executive the draft policy proposals and recommendations from the Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion will be issued for public consultation. Based on current timescales, public consultation should commence in July 2008.

Tá £25 milliún ó Cháináisnéis 2007 urraithe agam do chur i bhfeidhm na moltaí deiridh. Cuirfear iad seo i bhfeidhm sa bhliain 2010/11 agus cuirfear tús le hobair thábhachtach ullmhúcháin ag tosú sa bhliain 2009/10.

I have secured £25 million from the Budget 2007 for implementation of the final proposals. Implementation will begin in the 2010/11 year, with important preparatory work commencing in 2009/10.

Traveller Educational Projects

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of Traveller educational projects funded by her department.

(AQW 4254/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department provides earmarked funding for the education of Traveller children directly to the education and library boards. A total of £364k has been allocated to the boards for the 2008/09 financial year, equating to £443 per Traveller child. It is the board’s responsibility to decide how best to use these funds to meet the needs of Traveller children in their local area.

Ní choinníonn an Roinn mionsonraithe maidir le tionscnaimh aonaracha a dhéanann na boird oideachais agus leabharlainne agus faoi láthair tá sé ag obair leis na boird chun cur chuige níos comhordánaithe a chothú maidir le hoideachas don Lucht Siúil.

The Department does not hold details of individual projects undertaken by the education and library boards and is currently working with the boards to foster a more co-ordinated approach to Traveller education. One of the results of such an approach would be the regional roll-out of successful educational projects which currently operate at individual board level.

Grammar Schools

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds who gained places in grammar schools geographically closest to their homes.

(AQW 4303/08)

Ms C Ruane: Information about the proximity of pupils admitted to grammar schools to their home address relative to their proximity to alternative school types is not readily available. The most relevant information available in relation to this question is that 6% of children attending grammar schools in 2006/07 had an entitlement to free school meals.

Leis an figiúr seo a chur i gcomhthéacs, bhí 27% de líon na ndaltaí i scoileanna neamhghradamaí i dteideal béilí scoile a fháil in aisce i 2006/07 agus bhí 18% den daonra iomlán iar-bhunscoile i dteideal béilí scoile a fháil in aisce.

To set this figure in context, children entitled to free school meals comprised 27% of the pupil population in non-grammar schools in 2006/07 and the overall level of free school meal entitlement within the post-primary population was 18%.

Educational Technology

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to outline her plans to ensure that staff and managers, who deliver services to blind and partially sighted school pupils, have every opportunity to keep abreast of the latest advances in educational technology for this sector, including a full understanding of the Daisy specification.

(AQW 4333/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé tuigthe agam go ndéanann na cúig Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne athbhreithniú ar riachtanais oiliúna na foirne sa tsainréimse seo ar bhonn rialta.

I understand that the five education and library boards review the training needs of staff in this specialist area on a regular basis. When training needs are identified appropriate mechanisms are put in place to ensure that this training is delivered.

This includes training in the use of specific equipment and appropriate technology that is relevant to pupils who are blind as well as those with visual impairment.

Comprehensive Technology Assessments

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans to ensure that all blind and partially sighted pupils in primary and secondary education receive regular and comprehensive technology assessments; and to provide an assurance that funding will be available to supply any equipment recommended by such assessments, along with the necessary installation and training.

(AQW 4334/08)

Ms C Ruane: I understand that the five education & library boards (ELBs), under the aegis of the Regional Strategy Group for Special Educational Needs, have established a working group which is dedicated to the specialist area of visual impairment. The aim of this group is to provide a consistent approach across the five boards in relation to service delivery in this specialist area.

Currently, the boards employ specialist teachers in the area of visual impairment either directly or by agreement with Jordanstown Schools. This enables support to be made available to children and young people in the primary and post-primary sectors. Staff in these services have specialist qualifications in visual impairment which facilitates the assessment of children and young people with visual impairments.

Furthermore, recommendations which arise in relation to these assessments which require specific equipment and technology are generally progressed by equipments panels. Consequently, this equipment or technology is ordinarily funded through the ELBs special education budget.

Tá na Boird ag obair lena chinntiú go bhfaigheann baill foirne sa tsainréimse seo an oiliúint riachtanach mar chuid dá bhforbairt leanúnach ghairmiúil lena chinntiú go bhfaigheann páistí agus daoine óga chomh maith le scoileanna tacaíocht chuí i dtaca le húsáid sainteicneolaíocht amhairc.

The Boards are working to ensure that staff in this specialist area receive the necessary training as part of their continuous professional development to ensure that children and young people as well as schools are adequately supported in relation to the use of specialist visual technology.

Accessible Textbook Service

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education to detail the plans she has to set up a properly resourced and accessible textbook service for blind and partially sighted school children.

(AQW 4338/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am advised that the five Education and Library Boards (ELBs) currently access material and textbooks for blind and partially sighted pupils from a wide range of specialist sources, including:-

National Blind Children’s Society;

National Library for the Blind;

Royal National Institute for the Blind.

In addition, each ELB provides textbooks to young people on the basis of locally accessed materials, as well as providing photographic services or adaptive technology services in response to the needs of specific children and young people who are blind or visually impaired.

Material can also be accessed from selected publishers which can meet the needs of children and young people who are blind or who have visual impairments. The ELBs understand the imperative for publishers to take cognisance of Disability Discrimination Legislation relating to accessible textbooks for blind and partially sighted pupils and as a consequence a wider range of material is available than previously.

However, the expediency with which material can be accessed by children and young people is an area where further enhancements to service delivery could be made. In response to the RNIB campaign, "Where’s My Book?", DE established a scoping project, which was led by the Education and Library Boards and on which RNIB was represented. The aims of the project were to consider and scope the scale of the NI difficulties in making available materials in the correct format. In conclusion, the scoping study research has found the main conclusion of the RNIB’s research "Where’s my Book", to be justified and recommends that consideration be given to the establishment of a regional centre which can respond quickly to school requests.

The ELB Regional Strategy Group for Special Educational Needs (RSG) has, therefore, established a working group which is dedicated to the specialist area of visual impairment. The aim of the group is to promote a consistent approach across the five ELBs in relation to service delivery in this specialist area. Further to consideration of this matter by the Visual Impairment Group and consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the voluntary Sector, Statutory Sector, parents as well as children and young people the RSG has acknowledged that a centralised service for textbooks for children and young people who are blind or visually impaired has some merit.

Ag an phointe seo, tá na meicníochtaí trína dtiocfaí ar an tseirbhís nua lárnaithe seo á bhforbairt a thuilleadh faoi láthair.

At this stage, the mechanisms by which this new centralised service would be accessed are currently being developed further.

Accessible Textbook Service

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for a textbook service for blind and partially sighted school children to be in place for the start of the school year in September 2008.

(AQW 4339/08)

National Blind Children’s Society;

National Library for the Blind;

Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Ag an phointe seo, tá na meicníochtaí trína dtiocfaí ar an tseirbhís nua lárnaithe seo á bhforbairt a thuilleadh faoi láthair.

At this stage, the mechanisms by which this new centralised service would be accessed are currently being developed further.

Translation and Interpretation Services

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the financial provision she has for 2008/09 to provide translation and interpretation services for people from ethnic minorities, in relation to the completion of application forms.

(AQW 4345/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Inclusion and Diversity Service operated by the education and library boards provides translation and interpretation services to aid communication between parents, whose first language is not English, and schools.

Sa bhliain 2008-09 beidh maoiniú de os cionn £1 milliún ar fáil don tSeirbhís Chuimsithe agus Ilchineálachta agus as seo cuirfidh siad seirbhísí aistriúcháin agus ateangaireachta ar fáil.

In 2008-09 the Inclusion and Diversity Service will be funded with just over £1 million, from which they will provide translation and interpretation services. At this point it is not possible to state how much may be spent on translation and interpretation services as it is not possible to predict demand.

Lisanelly Army Barracks

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the proposed development of an education village at the Lisanelly Army Barracks in Omagh.

(AQW 4365/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has received expressions of interest from six schools about the possible development of part of the Lisanelly site as an educational campus and I recently met with representatives from some of those schools and their management and heard their views in support of the proposed campus.

Tugann Lisanelly fíordheis soláthar oideachais a phleanáil go straitéiseach ar bhonn trasearnála le leas pháistí ar an Ómaigh sa todhchaí.

Lisanelly provides a real opportunity to plan strategically education provision on a cross-sector basis for the benefit of future children in Omagh

Spanish Lessons

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Education to provide details on private companies that (i) offer; and (ii) deliver, Spanish lessons in primary schools.

(AQW 4371/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní choinníonn an Roinn seo sonraí maidir le cuideachtaí príobháideacha a thugann ceachtanna Spáinnise i mbunscoileanna.

My Department does not hold details of private companies who offer or deliver Spanish lessons in primary schools.

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to outline the reasons for her department's decision to stop 'added years' payments under the Teachers' Pension Scheme.

(AQW 4388/08)

Ms C Ruane: Déanaim tagairt don fhreagra a thug mé don Fheisire ó Bhéal Feirste Theas ar 12 Feabhra 2008.

I would refer the Member to the reply I gave the Member for Belfast South on 12 February 2008.

(Official Report published on 15 February 2008, AQW 3331/08)

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not she will (i) defer the decision to end 'added years' payments under the Teachers' Pension Scheme; and (ii) begin consultation with the teachers' unions on this matter.

(AQW 4391/08)

Ms C Ruane: No decision has been taken to end the payment of added years: the decision to credit a teacher with additional service remains discretionary. However, in future those who decide to award added years will be accountable for the decision and for the associated costs, as provided for in the Teachers’ (Compensation for Redundancy and Premature Retirement) Regulations (NI) 1991 (as amended).

Is é an Coiste Comhairleach Aoisliúntais do Mhúinteoirí anseo an fóram atá bunaithe do chomhairliúchán ar ábhair a bhaineann leis an Scéim Pinsean Mhúinteoirí.

The Teachers’ Superannuation Consultative Committee here is the established forum for consultation on matters relating to the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme. Members of the Committee were first made aware in February 2006 that action was required to control the escalating costs of the Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme (PRCS). PRCS was included on the agenda and discussed at subsequent meetings of the Committee held in June 2006, December 2006, June 2007 and November 2007. A PRCS Review Group has now been established for consultation with relevant parties, including teachers’ unions, on the arrangements for PRCS for future years. It met on 26 February and a further meeting is scheduled for April.

Accessible Textbook Service

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps her department is taking to address the problem of access to reading materials for partially sighted people, given that 96% of books are only available in standard print.

(AQW 4412/08)

Ms C Ruane: Special Education provision is matched to the assessed individual needs of each child, and this assessment will take account of professional advice, both from the education and medical professions, and will consider such matters as the child’s age and academic ability. For some the medium through which to make the special education provision may be enlarged print, for others Braille, while for others an IT solution may best meet their needs.

I am advised that the five Education and Library Boards (ELBs) currently access material and textbooks for blind and partially sighted pupils from a wide range of specialist sources, including:-

National Blind Children’s Society;

National Library for the Blind;

Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Ag an phointe seo, tá na meicníochtaí trína dtiocfaí ar an tseirbhís nua lárnaithe seo á bhforbairt a thuilleadh faoi láthair.

At this stage, the mechanisms by which this new centralised service would be accessed are currently being developed further.

Special Schools

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education to provide a list of special schools that cater for the needs of children who are (i) visually impaired; or (ii) blind.

(AQW 4413/08)

Ms C Ruane: Scoileanna speisialta a riarann faoi láthair do riachtanais pháistí atá (i) lagamhairc; nó (ii) dall:-

Special schools that currently cater for the needs of children who are either (i) visually impaired; or (ii) blind:-

Belfast Education and Library Board

Cedar Lodge

Fleming Fulton

Glenveagh

Harberton

Mitchell House

Oakwood

Park Educational Resource Centre

St.Gerard’s Educational Resource Centre

North Eastern Education and Library Board

Jordanstown

Castle Tower

Kilronan

Riverside

Sandelford

Thornfield

South Eastern Education and Library Board

Beechlawn

Brookfield

Clifton

Killard

Knockevin

Longstone

Parkview

Tor Bank

Southern Education and Library Board

Rathore

Ceara

Donard

Lisanally

Sperrinview

Western Education and Library Board

Foyleview

Arvalee

Elmbrook

Belmont

Knockavoe

Erne

Rossmarr

Early Childhood Studies

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not her department will give early years specialist status to graduates of the foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies, given that it is equivalent to NVQ Level 4.

(AQW 4415/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education is currently in the process of considering the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies as being a recognised qualification for Early Years Specialist status. I hope to have a decision on this within the next few months.

Chomh maith leis an riachtanas le cáilíocht oiriúnach atá faofa ag an Roinn, ba cheart réamhthaithí de 2 bhliain ar a laghad a bheith ag Speisialtóir Luathbhlianta ag obair i ról ceannaireachta i suíomh réamhscoile cláraithe, chomh maith leis na scileanna eagraíochtúla is gá.

In addition to the requirement for a suitable qualification approved by the Department, an Early Years Specialist should also have prior experience of at least 2 years working in a leadership role in a registered pre-school setting, and also the necessary organisational skills.

Pupils with Autism

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils with Autism in (i) special schools - severe learning difficulty; (ii) mainstream primary and post primary schools; and (iii) other forms of provision.

(AQW 4422/08)

Ms C Ruane: Líon na nDaltaí le hUathachas 2007/08

Number of Pupils with Austism¹ 2007/08

School type	Number of pupils with Autism
Primary schools^2,3	865
Post primary schools³	230
SLD Special schools⁴	568

Other⁵ – MLD Special schools	242
Pre-schools	22
Nursery schools	45

Source: NI school census 2007/08

¹ It is a possibility that some of the pupils at SEN stages 1 and 2 with this condition may not have been recorded

² Primary includes nursery and reception classes and pupils in years 1 – 7

³ Includes pupils in mainstream classes and special units

⁴Includes pupils who attend schools which cater for both MLD and SLD.

⁵Excludes Alternative Education Providers, Independent schools and hospital schools

Contact Youth

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline the training given to the counsellors in Contact Youth for the provision of the schools' counselling service.

(AQW 4440/08)

Ms C Ruane: The tender for the provision of the new Independent Counselling Service for Schools was managed by the Central Procurement Directorate’s Supplies and Services Division, in accordance with the standard public service procurement procedures.

The criteria used to evaluate the tenders was as follows:

Approach to Service Provision: including marketing / launch proposals,

case scheduling and response times, emergency requests arrangements,

case closure criteria and organisational administrative systems.

Experience of Working with client group
Staff Qualifications including staff management and quality assurance regime including child protection
Cost

Counsellors employed by Contact Youth must be qualified to at least Diploma level in counselling and have a minimum of 150 hours of clinically supervised practice. Contact Youth provided 9 days induction training including child protection training and specific training on working with young people. An additional day on Child Protection training was provided by the Child Protection Support Service for Schools.

Cuireann Teagmháil leis an Ógra uair go leith maoirseachta aonair agus dhá uair a chloig maoirseachta grúpa sa mhí ar fáil dá gcomhairleoirí.

Contact Youth provide their counsellors with one and a half hours of individual supervision and two hours of group supervision per month. This is facilitated by external clinical supervisors appointed by Contact Youth and exceeds the current recommended requirement of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Guidelines.

Contact Youth

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline the nature of the supervision given to the counsellors in Contact Youth in the provision of the schools' counselling service.

(AQW 4441/08)

The criteria used to evaluate the tenders was as follows:

Approach to Service Provision: including marketing / launch proposals,

case scheduling and response times, emergency requests arrangements,

case closure criteria and organisational administrative systems.

Experience of Working with client group
Staff Qualifications including staff management and quality assurance regime including child protection
Cost

Cuireann Teagmháil leis an Ógra uair go leith maoirseachta aonair agus dhá uair a chloig maoirseachta grúpa sa mhí ar fáil dá gcomhairleoirí.

Contact Youth

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline the criteria applied to assess the suitability of Contact Youth for the provision of schools' counselling.

(AQW 4442/08)

Ms C Ruane:

The tender for the provision of the new Independent Counselling Service for Schools was managed by the Central Procurement Directorate’s Supplies and Services Division, in accordance with the standard public service procurement procedures.

The criteria used to evaluate the tenders was as follows:

Approach to Service Provision: including marketing / launch proposals,

case scheduling and response times, emergency requests arrangements,

case closure criteria and organisational administrative systems.

Experience of Working with client group
Staff Qualifications including staff management and quality assurance regime including child protection
Cost

Cuireann Teagmháil leis an Ógra uair go leith maoirseachta aonair agus dhá uair a chloig maoirseachta grúpa sa mhí ar fáil dá gcomhairleoirí.

Language Strategy

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3582/08, to confirm that Polish and Portuguese will be considered as part of this language strategy.

(AQW 4491/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am awaiting recommendations from the joint University of Ulster and the Queen’s University of Belfast Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies, to inform an overall languages strategy for the North.

Mar chuid de sin, tá iarrtha ar an Ionad smaoineamh ar bhealaí chun iontógáil raon níos leithne teangacha Eorpacha agus domhanda a chur chun cinn chomh maith le teangacha núíosach sa Tuaisceart, Polainnis agus Portaingéalach san áireamh.

As part of this, the Centre has been asked to consider ways of promoting the uptake of a wider range of European and global languages and also the languages of newcomers to the North, which would include Polish and Portuguese.

Community Relations

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3994/08, to detail the funding her department will give directly to other organisations to promote community relations work in schools, in the 2008-09 financial year.

(AQW 4509/08)

Ms C Ruane: The promotion of community relations in schools is delivered by the Schools Community Relations Programme and £1.272m will be allocated across the five Education and Library Boards for 2008/09. The Department funds 26 voluntary organisations through the Community Relations Core Funding Scheme of which 14 are funded to promote community relations in schools. The total allocation for these groups for 2008/09 is £673,390.

Thacaigh an Roinn le tionscnaimh eile i scoileanna ar feadh 2007/08 agus tá cinntí á ndéanamh fós maidir le maoiniú leanúnach.

The Department supported other initiatives in schools throughout 2007/08 and decisions are still being taken in relation to continued funding.

Irish-Medium Sector

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers employed in the Irish-medium sector.

(AQW 4516/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 123 múinteoir Bunscoile agus 35 múinteoir Meánscoile fostaithe san earnáil oideachas trí Ghaeilge.

There are 123 Primary school and 35 Secondary school teachers employed in the Irish-medium Sector.

Ethnic Minority Achievement Service

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 2990/08, (i) if, in accordance with the Department's stated policy, the Ethnic Minority Achievement Service has guidelines in place for supporting children and young people who have English as an additional language; (ii) to confirm that the guidelines have been issued to all schools in Northern Ireland; and (iii) to outline the steps she has taken to ensure the guidelines have been implemented in all schools where children whose first language is not English have been enrolled.

(AQW 4520/08)

Ms C Ruane: A policy on English as an additional language has been publicly consulted on and it is planned to have the draft finalised and launched in all schools in early 2008. To prepare the way for the policy to be applied consistently, the five Education and Library Boards set up a single regional Inclusion and Diversity Service (previously named Ethnic Minority Achievement Service), in April 2007.

This new service brought together services across the five Education and Library Boards in relation to the education of all children and young people whose first language is not English. The aim is to strengthen and improve support to all EAL pupils, their parents and teaching staff, primarily working through schools by using a number of new services and approaches. It is adopting a regional approach to determine which schools need support and the type of support and to direct work more appropriately.

Since being established, it has set up a number of new services such as interpreting, translating and a multi-lingual website to provide support to teachers and newcomer parents, which can be accessed at www.education-support.org.uk. All these new services are available to all schools in the north of Ireland that require support with the teaching of English to their pupils who have EAL.

In addition to this, I launched a North/South Diversity toolkit for primary school teachers in December 2007. An extensive training programme for all teachers within primary schools has been undertaken in relation to the toolkit. There are plans for toolkits to be developed for post-primary and pre-school education provision.

Schools and teaching staff further benefit from additional support and guidance from January 2008, as the Inclusion and Diversity Service have recruited and placed diversity coordinators, who have previously worked in the area of EAL and have expertise in it, to work with clusters of schools. This initiative facilitates capacity building by working with all schools on whole school and classroom issues, which includes language support

Cuireann an Roinn cistí ar fáil go díreach do scoileanna mar atá £943 an páiste EAL do 2007/08, ag éirí go £983 an páiste i 2008/09. Braitheann sé ar an scoil socrú conas is fearr an t-airgead seo a úsáid agus i ngníomh tá scoileanna ag baint úsáide as ar bhealaí éagsúla ar mhaithe le páistí EAL agus daoine óga ina scoileanna.

The Department also provides funds direct to schools, namely £943 per EAL child for 2007/08, rising to £983 per child in 2008/09. It is up to the schools to decide how best to use this money and in practice schools are using it in a variety of ways for the benefit of the EAL children and young people in their schools.

Press Officers

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of press officers employed by her department.

(AQW 4531/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi láthair tá 4 Preasoifigeach fostaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais.

There are currently 4 Press Officers employed by Department of Education.

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Written Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of written questions he has answered in each month since May 2007.

(AQW 4269/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): I have answered the following number of written questions each month since May 2007:

Month	No of Questions Answered
May 2007	8
June 2007	31
July 2007	28
August 2007	0
September 2007	21
October 2007	42
November 2007	32
December 2007	15
January 2008	15
February 2008	52
Total (at 27/2/08)	246

People with Disabilities

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the efforts that have been made to widen access to (i) higher education; and (ii) further education, for people with disabilities.

(AQW 4270/08)

Sir Reg Empey: (i) Widening participation in higher education by students from those groups which are currently under-represented is one of my Department’s key strategic goals and targets, in particular, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with learning difficulties and disabilities.

My Department pays a widening access premium to the universities and university colleges for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. This premium is based on the number of full-time undergraduate students in receipt of a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). In 2006/07, the total premium paid was £374,000. In 2007/08, the total premium being paid is £371,000.

The DSA, funds the Register of Support Providers which supports administration of a register of freelance professional and non-professional support workers who are recruited and trained to assist students with disabilities. The Register, which is administered by the University of Ulster, is available to all disabled students in the universities, university colleges and Further Education colleges with higher education provision. Disabled students can avail of a range of support provider roles including coaching for those with dyslexia, note-taker, proof-reader, typist, campus assistant, library assistant and sign language interpreter.

Funding is also provided, by my Department, to Queen’s University, Belfast for its Let’s Work project. This project is aimed at students and graduates with a disability. A specialist careers adviser offers individual careers guidance and information sessions, supports access to work placements and part-time work, and provides workshops on job-skills and career options after graduation.

(ii) My Department has in place a range of initiatives and incentives designed to assist those students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities who attend Further Education Colleges. These include:

The introduction of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 which requires Colleges to make their premises and curriculum available to students with disabilities.

The Additional Support Fund (£1.5 million in 2007/08) which provides assistance with the costs of technical and personal support for learners with disabilities.

Extra funding (£1.5 million in 2007/08) to assist Colleges with the extra costs associated with discrete courses for students with disabilities for whom mainstream courses are unsuitable.

Capital Funding - Since April 2000, DEL has allocated over £16m of capital funding to Colleges to improve access for people with disabilities.

Support Fund – (£2.4 million in 2007/08). The Fund enables Colleges to provide financial help to students whose participation in Further Education is inhibited by financial considerations. Priority is given to students entering from care and to those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Financial support for staff development activities.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of the nature and extent of special needs provision throughout the Further Education network, to determine how best provision might be improved further, within the terms of Further Education’s remit.

People with Disabilities

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of people with (i) sight difficulties; and (ii) hearing difficulties at (a) universities; and (b) further education colleges; and to outline the assistance that is available to them.

(AQW 4271/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Available statistics show that, in the academic year 2006/7, there were 305 students enrolled at Queen’s University and the University of Ulster who were classified as blind or partially sighted. In the same year, there were 260 students who were classified as deaf, or having a hearing impairment.

In the academic year 2006/7, there were 488 students enrolled at Further Education Colleges who were classified as blind or partially sighted. In the same year, there were 839 students who were classified as deaf, or having a hearing impairment.

At each institution, those students who declare a disability are offered individually tailored support. This ranges from personal assistance at lectures and examinations to the purchase of specialised equipment and reasonable modifications to the respective institution’s estate.

Language Tutors

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of students who require (i) British; (ii) Irish; and (iii) other, sign language tutors.

(AQW 4272/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

Available statistics show that, in the current academic year (2007/8), there are 448 students undertaking a course in Sign Language at Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland; (i) 441 students use a British Sign Language Tutor and (ii) 7 students use an Irish Sign Language Tutor.

Language Tutors

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of (i) British; (ii) Irish; and (iii) other, sign language tutors.

(AQW 4359/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Available statistics show that, at present, there are (i) eighteen exclusively British Sign Language (BSL) tutors, (ii) six exclusively Irish Sign Language (ISL) tutors and (iii) no sign language tutors of other languages.

A further six tutors are bilingual in both British and Irish Sign Language.

Appleby Trust

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to assist the Appleby Trust to secure long-term funding to continue to assist and support work placements in the Armagh area for people with learning difficulties; and what consideration he has given to liaising with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in order to increase the level of available funding to the Appleby Trust.

(AQW 4500/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning does not fund the Appleby Trust, nor has it been approached by the Trust for funding.

I understand that the Appleby Trust has now secured funding from an anonymous benefactor which will be matched by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust for a year.

Modern Apprenticeships

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the cost of the 'Review of Modern Apprenticeships in the North West - Understanding demographics/trends to date and forecasting future scenarios'.

(AQW 4505/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department engaged PriceWaterhouseCoopers to carry out the study at a total cost of £23,713.

Independent Organisations

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to his answer to AQW 4500/08, to detail his department's policy in relation to the financial assistance given to independent organisations who help people with learning disabilities gain work placements.

(AQW 4686/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning does not provide financial assistance to individual organisations on an ad-hoc basis to provide services to people with learning disabilities. A range of programmes and services are funded by the Department to assist people with disabilities, including learning disabilities, find and keep employment. Contracts to deliver these programmes and services are awarded as a result of publicly advertised tendering exercises under the control of the Department of Finance and Personnel.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Tourism Funding

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the tourism funding that his department has provided in each of the last three years, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 3692/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): Tourism funding made available by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Invest NI is provided in the table below. While the investment is shown on a Parliamentary Constituency basis, the economic and tourism benefits that this brings have a much wider effect. For example, investment in the five Signature Projects will bring benefits across the whole of Northern Ireland. The table also includes funding committed to tourism projects which were implemented over several Constituencies.

In addition to direct financial assistance, NITB provides support in the form of marketing, print publications, media and public relations activities, and coverage of tourism products in Parliamentary Constituencies on its consumer website www.discovernorthernireland.com. Invest NI also offers support for capability development to tourist accommodation businesses for areas such as training, management development and the development of ICT based management information systems.

Table - Financial Assistance Offered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Invest NI

PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	TOTAL
Across 2 or more constituencies	£4,119,880	£592,628	£1,030,975	£5,743,483
Belfast East	£31,000	-	£825,000	£856,000
Belfast North	£457,144	£142,204	-	£599,348
Belfast South	£638,819	£23,825	£29,573	£692,217
Belfast West	£15,000	-	-	£15,000
East Antrim	-	£219,000	£130,000	£349,000
East Londonderry	£264,889	£917,271	£256,289	£1,438,449
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£661,681	£445,710	£3,705,577	£4,812,968
Foyle	£237,859	£2,712,269	£617,930	£3,568,058
Lagan Valley	£223,408	£225,000	-	£448,408
Mid Ulster	£64,529	£167,647	-	£232,176
Newry & Armagh	£371,199	-	-	£371,199
North Antrim	£71,761	£347,302	£1,905,368	£2,324,431
North Down	£134,845	£82,099	£1,160	£218,104
South Antrim	£13,428	£109,260	£28,364	£151,052
South Down	£302,452	£2,544,500	-	£2,846,952
Strangford	£98,762	£22,396	-	£121,158
Upper Bann	-	£58,529	£475,000	£533,529
West Tyrone	£40,200	£9,000	£15,000	£64,200
TOTAL	£7,746,856	£8,618,640	£9,020,236	£25,385,732

Attracting Tourists

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the studies that have been carried out by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in relation to the needs of tourists from the United States; (ii) the initiatives he has planned in order to develop the Ulster-Scots/Scotch-Irish culture as a means of attracting tourists; and (iii) the amount of money invested in developing Ulster-Scots/Scotch-Irish culture as a means of attracting tourists, in each year for the last 5 years.

(AQW 3847/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) carried out a Visitor Attitudes Survey at the end of 2007, which questioned a sample of visitors (including those from the USA) on a variety of aspects of their stay. Responses are being analysed and will be used to inform the NITB Corporate Plan.

Tourism Ireland (TIL) is responsible for promoting Northern Ireland in the US market. In partnership with an Industry Steering Group (which included a number of Northern Ireland partners), TIL carried out a major review of the North American market in 2006. The Review encompassed an in-depth examination of prevailing market conditions, the competition, the market’s potential together with a critical assessment of TIL’s strategy, marketing programmes and operating resources for the market.

Where Ulster Scots cultural activities can contribute to the development of cultural tourism opportunities, NITB uses www.discovernorthernireland.com as a tool to provide consumers with relevant information. NITB promotes Northern Ireland’s cultural diversity by including Ulster Scots cultural activities, where appropriate, in its cultural tourism marketing material.

NITB funds development of the tourism product through its Tourism Development Scheme (TDS). To date no applications have been made by promoters of Ulster-Scots/Scotch-Irish projects. Under the Peace II Scheme in 2004 an offer of £30,000 was made to the On Eagles Wings Scotch-Irish event for international marketing.

NITB includes Ulster-Scots features in broader campaigns where appropriate. For example, the Andrew Jackson Centre and the Ulster Scots history of the Antrim Coast and Glens are included in promotional material relating to the Causeway Coastal Route. and Ulster-Scots music festivals will feature in NITB’s forthcoming campaign focussing on music and festivals. A specific publication, ‘Northern Ireland: the American Connection’, was produced for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, at a cost of £13,000.

Investment Conference

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the private sector firms involved in the Investment Conference scheduled for May 2008.

(AQO 2269/08)

Mr N Dodds: The invitation process is underway and the Office of the First and deputy First Ministers has issued a "Save the Date" letter to over 250 targeted US CEOs. This letter did not include a response requirement, however, already interest from Executives in attending the conference is strong.

Formal invitations were issued with an RSVP request, w/c 18 February, and the number of acceptances is expected to rise.

It should be noted that we will not be disclosing names of attendees in advance of the conference, as companies have asked us to keep this information commercial in confidence.

Requests to participate/speak have also gone to existing investors and when permission is received, their names will be disclosed.

Road Signage

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide a timescale within which his department will erect appropriate signage at the border between the A1 and M1, to indicate entry into and exit from Northern Ireland.

(AQW 4312/08)

Mr N Dodds: This question was originally asked of Department for Regional Development but was transferred to DETI.

Policy relating to tourism signage at the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is led by District Councils. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board wrote to each of the border Councils in October 2007 asking them to consider "Welcome to Northern Ireland" signage as part of their annual tourist signing audit. I understand that Newry Council are actively working with Roads Service of the Department of Regional Development to secure "Welcome to Newry & Mourne" signs at the border crossing with Co. Louth