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 14 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
Corrigenda
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Maze Site
Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which it will finalise plans for the development of the Maze site; and to provide a progress update on outcomes achieved to date.
(AQW 2829/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The competitive dialogue bidding process for the appointment of a private sector development consortium to regenerate the site in accordance with the vision set out in the unanimous report of the Maze Consultation Panel in 2005 and the Maze/Long Kesh Masterplan published in 2006, has not yet been concluded. Officials in DFP are currently examining both the value for money business case and the potential affordability.
Demolition works are currently underway across much of the site and should be completed within the next few months. Remediation works to remove lead contamination and fuel oil spillage are about to start. Preliminary design work has been done preparatory to any decision that may be made to develop the site in accordance with the outcome of the bidding process.
Policing and Justice Powers
Mr D McClarty asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Office, on the proposed transfer of Policing and Justice powers.
(AQW 3005/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The devolution of policing and justice is currently a matter for consideration by the Assembly, which is required to report to the Secretary of State by 27 March 2008. Officials from OFMDFM and other relevant Departments are considering with NIO the full range of implications of the devolution of policing and justice to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Pension Provision
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the representations it has made in relation to the pension provision for former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Part Time Reserve, arising out of the debate in the Assembly on 26 June 2007.
(AQW 3170/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We refer the Member to our previous response to Mr David McNarry – Written answers to questions, Friday 18 January, Page WA231, AQW 2358/08.
Representation has been made to the NIO. We continue to await a response.
Sustainable Development
Mr D McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not the responsibility for sustainable development will be given to an individual Minister.
(AQW 3491/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Responsibility for cross-government strategic oversight of sustainable development was transferred from the DOE to OFMDFM following the publication of the Sustainable Development Strategy in May 2006. This was intended to move sustainable development closer to the ‘heart of government’.
OFMDFM has, since then, led work across Departments on implementation of the Strategy. There are currently no plans to change these arrangements.
Poverty Action Plan
Ms M Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to produce an action plan to deliver on the commitment 'to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need'; and to outline how it intends to develop and consult on this matter.
(AQW 3594/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following consultation with the OFMDFM Committee, the Executive will shortly consider proposals on the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need and the underlying principles outlined in the current strategy ‘Lifetime Opportunities’. In adopting its strategy, the Executive will also consider those actions needed to deliver agreed targets and goals and how best to measure progress. These considerations will include an assessment of proposed associated objectives, goals and targets as well as those actions.
Child Poverty
Mrs C McGill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the current targets for the eradication of child poverty.
(AQO 2236/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Northern Ireland Executive is fully committed to tackling child poverty here.
This commitment is clearly outlined in our Programme for Government document (PSA 7) which includes commitments to:
- reduce by 50% the number of children living in poverty; and
- work towards the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012.
We fully recognise the challenging nature of these commitments, and meeting these will be difficult and will require co-ordinated action across all Departments.
There is an onus on this administration, therefore, to build on the benefits that have already accrued from UK-wide policies such as tax credits, etc. This can be achieved by way of all Government Departments targeting resources at areas where most impact can be achieved.
The Executive Committee will shortly consider proposals in respect of its statutory obligation to adopt a strategy which sets out how it proposes to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need.
That consideration will include the assessment of existing targets and the need to develop new short/medium term targets which could contribute to our major child poverty commitments.
Victims' and Survivors' Commission
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide a timescale within which legislation for the Victims' and Survivors' Commission will be introduced.
(AQW 4330/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Drafting of legislation to provide for the Victims and Survivors Commission is at an advanced stage and we hope to introduce a Bill in the very near future.
Planning Appeals Commission
Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment it has made of the reasons for the increase in the number of appeals lodged with the Planning Appeals Commission, in relation to the Ards Borough Council area, from April 2006.
(AQW 4449/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non-Departmental Public Body. Given its independent tribunal status it is appropriate for its Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you, and we understand she has written to you in the following terms:
"The increase in the number of appeals lodged with the Planning Appeals Commission in relation to the Ards Borough Council area, is a result of the high volume of planning applications submitted to Planning Service in early 2006."
OFMDFM is aware of the general build-up of appeals in the Planning Appeals Commission and is fully committed to providing it with the resources required to address the backlog. The additional funding allocations for PAC in the Budget 2008-2011 will provide the Chief Commissioner with the funding certainty to enable her to recruit additional commissioners. This additional funding has the potential to fund a significant number of additional commissioners, although the actual number to be appointed will be for the Chief Commissioner to determine, taking account of the Commission’s capacity to manage a greatly increased complement and also subject to the availability of suitable people from within a limited and specialised market. Arrangements are already under way to deliver a competition for commissioners.
Press Officers
Mr P Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of press officers that are employed by his department.
(AQW 4533/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: There are currently nine Press Officers employed within the department, who provide support to the First Minister, deputy First Minister, Junior Ministers and departmental officials on core press office activity. A number of the press officers also provide media planning support to the other 10 departments. The Director and Deputy Director of the Executive Information Service also provide input as part of their cross departmental responsibility.
Maze Site
Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 3072/08, to confirm that any future development of the Maze site will require Executive approval.
(AQW 4562/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As indicated in response to AQW 3072/08, the development of the Maze / Long Kesh site will not proceed without Executive agreement.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
European Fisheries Fund
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the amount of funding that has been allocated by the European Fisheries Fund; (ii) the timescale in which the funding will be made available; (iii) the recipients of the funding; (iv) the proportion of the funding that will be given to the fishing sector and processing sector; and to confirm whether fishing vessels under 10 metres will be included in the scheme.
(AQW 4378/08)
- The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The amount allocated for the NI Fishing industry is €18.1m euro which will be match funded by my Department.
- The EFF operational programme is being prepared by Defra on behalf of the 4 fisheries administrations. It is anticipated that this will be approved by the European Commission in July. The EFF will be open to applications shortly after the operational programme is approved and the scheme will run until 2013.
- Funding will be available for all sectors – sea and inland fisheries, aquaculture businesses, producer organisations, processing and marketing businesses - as well as for fisheries community areas. Some of the initiatives will require EU and national grant to be supplemented by private sector investment.
- My Departments proposals for financial support for the fishing industry will be contained in its European Fisheries Fund Investment Plan which will detail the proposed spending priorities across the different sectors. Funding will be available to fishing vessels under 10 metres. The document will issue for public consultation on at the end of April. This coincides with the launch of similar documents in England, Scotland and Wales.
Forest Service
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her priorities for the Forest Service; and what her assessment is of whether or not increased recreational activity should be encouraged in forests.
(AQW 4408/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My priorities for forestry in Northern Ireland are set out in the Forestry Strategy, published in March 2006. These are:
A programme of afforestation, with the long term goal of doubling the area of forest, from 6% to 12%; and
Sustainable management of our existing woods and forests, taking account of economic, environmental and social use requirements.
The forestry strategy also recognises the need to facilitate recreation in forests. The North’s forests offer great opportunity for social use, attracting over two million public visits annually. They are, therefore, a valuable recreation resource. I want to realise the potential of our forests, as far as possible, whilst protecting the natural forest environment. My officials in Forest Service will be producing a recreation strategy during the next business year, to set out a clear policy on recreation and a framework for recreation provision.
Sea Fishing Training
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the financial assistance for sea fishing training, that has been allocated for (i) 2007-2008; (ii) 2008-2009; and (iii) 2009-2010.
(AQW 4430/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department provided the Sea Fish Industry Training Association (NI) Ltd with the following funds for sea fishing training projects in 2007/08.
- £3.5k for the completion of an Industry Skills Audit for the Fishing Industry
- £17k for Enhanced Safety Training - provision of training courses in (non-statutory) skills in Engine Room Watch-keeping, Fire-fighting and Bridge Watch-Keeping
- £10k for new IT equipment for the provision of training courses at NI ports (mobile facilities)
- £33k for bursaries for fishermen to secure accredited qualifications e.g. skipper, deckhand and engineering qualifications (to cover the cost of classes, examinations, travel and subsistence)
The take up of training opportunities was variable and in some cases disappointing. The following projects have therefore been carried forward into 2008/09 with the financial provision as indicated.
- £7k for enhanced safety training
- £33k for training bursaries
As yet there have been no further financial allocations for 2008/09 and 2009/10, however a full range of training opportunities for all sectors of the fishing industry will be provided under the European Fisheries Fund which will be open to applications later in the year.
With regard to my plans for "replacing sea fishing training when it ends" I refer to my answer to your question AQW 2562/08 which explained that there is a change of approach to funding such training by the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish). From this you will be aware that funding is not going to end. Furthermore my Department will continue to invest in training for the industry to enhance operational skills and contribute to the further development of a safety culture in the industry.
Agricultural and Land Skills
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on the progress made in relation to the development of agricultural and land based skills in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 4466/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is responsible for the delivery of education and training programmes to develop the skills and competences of those entering or already working in the agri-food industry. For those entering the agricultural and landbased industries CAFRE provides a suite of Further and Higher education programmes ranging from NVQ level 2 (Craft level) to honours degree. In each of the last three years enrolments onto these programmes are as follows: -
- 2004/05 – 1319 students;
- 2005/06 – 1336 students;
- 2006/07 – 1332 students.
Final enrolment numbers for the 07/08 academic year are not yet available.
CAFRE also provides a comprehensive suite of industry training programmes for those already working in the industry. These programmes cover a number of areas and include practical skills training, technical knowledge development and business management skills development. In each of the last three years the number of participants on these programmes were: -
- 2004/05 – 16,800
- 2005/06 – 8,315
- 2006/07 – 13,160
The Further and Higher education programmes and many of the industry training programmes provide participants with the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification at level 2 or above. During the period 2004/05 – 2006/07 6,700 participants gained qualifications.
Sea Fishing Training
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the plans she has to replace sea fishing training when it ends.
(AQW 4476/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department provided the Sea Fish Industry Training Association (NI) Ltd with the following funds for sea fishing training projects in 2007/08.
- £3.5k for the completion of an Industry Skills Audit for the Fishing Industry
- £17k for Enhanced Safety Training - provision of training courses in (non-statutory) skills in Engine Room Watch-keeping, Fire-fighting and Bridge Watch-Keeping
- £10k for new IT equipment for the provision of training courses at NI ports (mobile facilities)
- £33k for bursaries for fishermen to secure accredited qualifications e.g. skipper, deckhand and engineering qualifications (to cover the cost of classes, examinations, travel and subsistence)
The take up of training opportunities was variable and in some cases disappointing. The following projects have therefore been carried forward into 2008/09 with the financial provision as indicated.
- £7k for enhanced safety training
- £33k for training bursaries
As yet there have been no further financial allocations for 2008/09 and 2009/10, however a full range of training opportunities for all sectors of the fishing industry will be provided under the European Fisheries Fund which will be open to applications later in the year.
With regard to my plans for "replacing sea fishing training when it ends" I refer to my answer to your question AQW 2562/08 which explained that there is a change of approach to funding such training by the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish). From this you will be aware that funding is not going to end. Furthermore my Department will continue to invest in training for the industry to enhance operational skills and contribute to the further development of a safety culture in the industry.
Fishing Regulations
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail, in relation to contraventions of fishing regulations (i) her proposals for on-the-spot penalties; (ii) the date on which any such penalties will be introduced; and (iii) the proposed consultation process that will take place.
(AQW 4477/08)
Ms M Gildernew: (i) DARD along with the Fisheries Administrations in England, Scotland and Wales are currently consulting on a system of Financial Administrative Penalties (FAP) for fisheries offences. Under the proposed system a fisherman may be offered a FAP as an alternative to a criminal prosecution. The fisherman may decline the offer and have his case heard by the courts as at present.
The system has several potential benefits to fishermen including savings in time, cost and anxiety compared to court proceedings, and the avoidance of a criminal record.
(ii) Subject to the outcome of the consultation process it is hoped to introduce an administrative system for dealing with offences under common fisheries policy legislation in early 2009.
(iii) The proposals have been developed with the involvement of fishing industry representatives from each of the regions over the last eighteen months and a formal consultation on these on these proposals was launched on 2nd January 2008. The consultation closes on 25 March 2008.
Press Officers
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of press officers that are employed by her department.
(AQW 4534/08)
Ms M Gildernew: There are currently five Press Officers employed within the department, who provide support to the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development and departmental officials on core press office activity.
Omagh Livestock Mart
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) any investment, including I.T. equipment, made in Omagh livestock mart over the last six months; and (ii) the date and cost of each investment.
(AQW 4551/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Department has not made any investments in Omagh livestock mart in the last 6 months. The Department replaced 3 PCs and monitors in February 2008 at a cost of £1,344 for use by its own staff in Sheep Movement Recording. This equipment will be withdrawn later this year as DARD staff leave the market.
Wild Animals in Circuses
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
(AQW 4574/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department’s role in circuses is currently very limited. Part III of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972 protects all animals from unnecessary cruelty or suffering. There are, however, no specific provisions on the welfare of animals in circuses.
The Department did consult on proposals for new animal welfare legislation in 2006, including on the need for regulation of circuses. I have asked my officials to finalise a paper summarising the responses to this consultation, after which I will decide what new legislation is required.
As many of the circuses that operate here are based in the South, it is important that I take note of the position in that jurisdiction in considering this issue. I have therefore asked that my officials liaise closely with their counterparts in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who are currently drafting new animal welfare legislation.
Animal Welfare Bill
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any plans to introduce an Animal Welfare Bill.
(AQW 4578/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Department consulted on proposals for new animal welfare legislation in late 2006. As the 2006 consultation was carried out under a different administration I will want to take time to consider responses and if appropriate to engage with those who responded.
I have asked my officials to finalise a report which will summarise the outcome of the responses to the consultation, after which I will decide what new legislation is required. The specific provisions of any new legislation will depend on detailed consideration of these consultation responses.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) in the South is currently considering updating its animal welfare legislation. I believe that it is important that we take similar approaches to dealing with animal welfare abuses on the island of Ireland. I have therefore asked that my officials liaise closely with their counterparts in DAFF. I understand that DAFF intend to publish their legislative proposals after Easter and I will wish to consider these in the first instance.
Single Farm Payment Appeals
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of (i) Single Farm Payment Appeals that have been heard to date; and (ii) successful Single Farm Payment Appeals, since the inception of the Single Farm Payment Scheme.
(AQW 4623/08)
- Ms M Gildernew: To date the External Panel has heard 293 requests for a review of the Department’s decision on Single Farm Payment related issues.
- The Panel agreed with the Department’s decision in 221 cases. The Panel did not agree with the Department’s decision in 68 cases and in 4 cases it did not make a recommendation.
The Minister accepted 206 Panel recommendations and rejected 25. Of the 25 recommendations rejected, the Minister changed the Department’s decision in part, for 8 cases. The remaining 62 cases are either recently heard (not yet processed) or are held pending the outcome of legal proceedings which may impact on the final decision.
Loughry College
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQO 2360/08, to detail the reasons why the communications course has not been included in this year's prospectus for Loughry College.
(AQW 4881/08)
Ms M Gildernew: On an annual basis CAFRE produces two prospectuses; one covering FE programmes and one covering HE programmes. These prospectuses include courses delivered at the three CAFRE Campuses of Enniskillen, Loughry and Greenmount.
The Communications courses are included in the current CAFRE HE prospectus which has just been released. You are aware of the current debate about the future of the Communications courses. No final decision has been made.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Sports Clubs
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding granted to sports clubs by Sport NI in each of the last 5 years, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 3606/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on 19 February 2008 and I apologise to the Member for the delay.
The table below details the total amount of exchequer and lottery funding granted to sports clubs by Sport Northern Ireland in each of the last 5 financial years, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
Exchequer and Lottery Funding to Sports Clubs by Constituency
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast East | - |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Belfast North | - |
217,997 |
- |
- |
800,000 |
| Belfast South | - |
161,770 |
161,770 |
- |
- |
| Belfast West | - |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| East Antrim | - |
17,633 |
- |
- |
949,500 |
| East Londonderry | 235,000 |
100,000 |
- |
- |
85,000 |
| Fermanagh & S Tyrone | 300,331 |
- |
- |
- |
220,000 |
| Foyle | 140,000 |
- |
225,000 |
- |
238,274 |
| Lagan Valley | 6,680 |
470,000 |
- |
139,531 |
- |
| Mid Ulster | 270,140 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Newry & Armagh | 310,041 |
64,850 |
- |
- |
200,000 |
| North Antrim | 165,603 |
- |
- |
161,636 |
- |
| North Down | 81,225 |
- |
- |
- |
460,000 |
| South Antrim | 287,276 |
- |
- |
- |
240,000 |
| Strangford | 70,000 |
75,000 |
- |
- |
- |
| Upper Bann | - |
- |
- |
- |
800,000 |
| West Tyrone | 169,593 |
170,643 |
- |
- |
1,695,694 |
| South Down | 320,762 |
180,000 |
108,183 |
- |
- |
Bamford Report
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the action he has taken to address the issues relevant to his department contained in the Bamford Report.
(AQW 4346/08)
Mr E Poots: DCAL recognises the significant role the Arts, Culture and Sport play in supporting people of all ages with mental health and learning disabilities subject to budgetary considerations. DCAL continues to maintain and develop policies and programmes consistent with the Bamford Review and Investment for Health Strategies. This commitment is demonstrated in DCAL funding of Creative Learning Centres, Disability Sports NI through Sport NI and Museums and Libraries initiatives.
Chinese Olympics in 2008
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to send ministerial or civil servant delegations to all, or part of, the Chinese Olympics in 2008.
(AQW 4432/08)
Mr E Poots: The Olympic Games taking place in Beijing later this year provide a unique opportunity to promote Northern Ireland at a major international event, and are especially important in advance of the London 2012 Games, when we are seeking to maximise the benefits for the province.
No arrangements are yet in place, but consideration is being given to attending the games and how best Northern Ireland can be represented on this important world stage.
Indigenous Minority Languages
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the progress made by the British-Irish Council in relation to indigenous minority languages.
(AQW 4493/08)
Mr E Poots: Officials from my Department have continued to attend meetings of the subgroup on minority and lesser spoken languages. Since the last Ministerial meeting of the language sub-group in October 2006, prior to Northern Ireland’s return to devolution, progress has been made in discussing language provision in Adult Education, culminating in a two-day practitioners conference on the matter held in Cardiff in January 2008. Several members of the Adult Education Sector here in Northern Ireland attended and reported positively on the benefits of the seminar. A conference report has yet to be agreed by the group.
The group have also made progress in relation to sharing guidelines drawn up by the Welsh Language Board in relation to bilingual software.
Work remains ongoing on subgroups to discuss Information and Communication Technology, Planning and Linguistic Considerations and Data research and language use survey considerations. Officials are currently examining areas for further cooperation for discussion at their next meeting in March 2008.
Lough Neagh Fisherman's Association
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the funding his department will allocate to the Lough Neagh Fisherman's Association for eels and elvers, in the 2008-09 financial year.
(AQW 4510/08)
Mr E Poots: My Department is in discussion with the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the European Fisheries Fund 2007 - 2013, which can be used to grant aid the purchase of elvers for conservation purposes. It is hoped that this fund may be used to provide funding for the stocking of elvers to Lough Neagh.
My Department has also allocated £60,000 for 2008/ 2009 for an Agri-Food and Bio Sciences scientist to continue work at Lough Neagh. His research aims to support a viable and sustainable fishery for Lough Neagh Fisherman's Association members in the context of the EU conservation regulations.
Press Officers
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of press officers that are employed by his department.
(AQW 4532/08)
Mr E Poots: My Department currently employs 3 Press Officers.
Maze Site
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether the proposed conflict transformation centre at the Maze site will have functions other than that of a museum; and to detail who will administer these functions according to the terms of the proposed business plan.
(AQW 4547/08)
Mr E Poots: In the UK the commonly accepted definition of a museum is that adopted by the Museums Association in 1998 which says that, "Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens which they hold in trust for society."
The International Centre for Conflict Transformation (ICCT) is not the responsibility of my Department.
Conflict Transformation Centre
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how his department officially defines a museum; and to detail how the proposed conflict transformation centre meets this definition.
(AQW 4549/08)
Mr E Poots: In the UK the commonly accepted definition of a museum is that adopted by the Museums Association in 1998 which says that, "Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens which they hold in trust for society."
The International Centre for Conflict Transformation (ICCT) is not the responsibility of my Department.
Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration he has given to funding of the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra.
(AQW 4575/08)
Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure does not fund organisations directly. Any application for funding should be made to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland or the Ulster-Scots Agency.
Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of the contribution of the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra.
(AQW 4576/08)
Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure does not fund the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra directly and, therefore, it is not appropriate for me to assess the contribution of the organisation.
The Orchestra receives funding from the Ulster-Scots Agency, which is of the view that it provides a worthwhile service to the community through its active promotion of Ulster-Scots music, dance and cultural traditions. In particular, the Ulster-Scots Agency has advised that the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra has been of particular benefit to the schools it has been working with.
Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail, by financial year, the amount of funding awarded to the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra.
(AQW 4577/08)
Mr E Poots: The Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra has received funding from both the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Ulster-Scots Agency. Details of the amounts awarded since 2003 are shown in the table below:
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
| Financial Year | Amount awarded (£) | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 2003/04 | 51,000 | 3 year Lottery access award |
Ulster-Scots Agency
| Year | Amount awarded (£) | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 531 | Financial Assistance Scheme |
| 2004 | 3,500 | Financial Assistance Scheme |
| 1,000 | Sponsorship funding | |
| 2005 | 177.90 | Financial Assistance Scheme |
| 1,951 | Financial Assistance Scheme | |
| 2006 | 4,228 | Financial Assistance Scheme |
| 2007 | 3,500 | Financial Assistance Scheme |
| 2,500 | Financial Assistance Scheme |
Stadium Improvements
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the criteria that soccer clubs have to meet in order to obtain funding for stadium improvements.
(AQW 4670/08)
Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI operates a number of capital funding programmes available for stadium improvements to which soccer clubs may apply. In order to obtain funding, clubs must demonstrate to SNI that their projects can satisfy the following criteria:
- benefits sport and the inhabitants of Northern Ireland;
- financial need;
- viability;
- additionality; and
- security of tenure
In addition, applications must be for capital projects, from properly constituted organisations with no outstanding issues relating to non-compliance with the conditions associated with any previous SNI award.
Mr Sid Millar
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the consideration he has given to recognising the contribution made to rugby by Mr Sid Millar.
(AQW 4810/08)
Mr E Poots: I intend to host a reception at Hillsborough Castle to recognise Dr Syd Millar’s considerable contribution to rugby.
Road Bowls
Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the funding that is available to promote and support the sport of road bowls in Co Armagh.
(AQW 4891/08)
Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI has not received any applications for funding from the sport of road bowls and has not provided funding to promote and support the sport in Co Armagh.
EDUCATION
Payment of Teachers
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail the consultation that took place, particularly with the teachers' unions, before the decision to end the payment of teachers' added years was taken.
(AQW 3489/08)
The Minister of Education (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).
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. At the June 2007 meeting, members were encouraged to suggest alternatives to hard charging teachers’ employers for the cost of early retirement: none has yet been received.
Tá grúpa oibre á bhunú anois i gcomhair comhairliúcháin le páirtithe ábhartha faoi na socruithe do SCSRA do bhlianta sa todhchaí.
A working group is now being established for consultation with relevant parties on the arrangements for PRCS for future years.
Superannuation Liaison Committee
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the meetings that took place; and (ii) the findings, of the Superannuation Liaison Committee, set up by her department.
(AQW 3490/08)
Ms C Ruane: 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. At the June 2007 meeting, members were encouraged to suggest alternatives to hard charging: none has yet been received.
Tá grúpa oibre á bhunú anois i gcomhair comhairliúcháin le páirtithe ábhartha faoi na socruithe do SCSRA do bhlianta sa todhchaí.
A working group is now being established for consultation with relevant parties on the arrangements for PRCS for future years.
Premature Retirement Scheme
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why her department did not set up a working group to consider the implications of 'hard charging' schools for teachers' added years in the Premature Retirement scheme.
(AQW 3503/08)
Ms C Ruane: Consideration was initially given to the proposal that employers would be hard charged for the full cost of premature retirement from 1 April 2008 (i.e. both the cost of early payment of pension and any enhancement in the form of added years), and my Department gave an undertaking to the Teachers’ Council here at a meeting held on 21 August 2006 that a working group would be set up to consult on the introduction of full hard-charging from April 2008. In the event it was not possible in the time available to introduce the legislative changes that would be required to implement full hard charging from April 2008, or to consult with stakeholders. A working group is now being established for consultation with relevant parties on the arrangements for the Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme (PRCS) for future years.
Interim measures were nevertheless necessary to control the escalating cost of teachers’ premature retirement; and no legislative change was required to hard charge employing authorities for the cost of enhancement (added years), as this is already provided for in the Teachers’ (Compensation for Redundancy and Premature Retirement) Regulations (NI) 1991 (as amended).
Consultation took place through the Teachers’ Superannuation Consultative Committee here, which 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 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.
Ag cruinniú Mhí Mheithimh 2007, gríosaíodh comhaltaí le roghanna eile a mholadh diomaite de na húdaráis chúiteacha a bheith freagrach as an chostas iarbhír: ní bhfuarthas aon mholadh go dtí seo.
At the June 2007 meeting, members were encouraged to suggest alternatives to hard charging: none has yet been received.
Scottish Executive Meeting
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to provide a detailed account of her meeting with her counterpart in the Scottish Executive in Edinburgh, on the 12 December 2008
(AQW 3607/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tugadh miontuairisc ar mo chruinniú le Fiona Hyslop CPA, an Rúnaí Comh-Aireachta don Oideachas agus don Fhoghlaim ar feadh an tSaoil, don Choiste Oideachais ar 8 Feabhra 2008.
A detailed account of my meeting with Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, was provided to the Education Committee on 8 February 2008. A copy is also now being placed in the Assembly Library.
Post Primary Education
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons for the absence of any reference to proposals for post-primary education within the Programme for Government and 2008-2011 Budget.
(AQW 3668/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá mo mholtaí i gcomhair Aistrithe mar chuid de phacáiste fadréimseach leasaithe don oideachas iar-bhunscoile – a bhfuil príomhghnéithe de sa Chlár Rialtais agus sa Straitéis Infheistíochta : infheistíocht mhór chaipitil i scoileanna agus pleanáil bunaithe sa cheantar le heastát scoileanna oiriúnach don fheidhm, inbhuanaithe a sholáthar; straitéis le scoileanna a fheabhsú; agus leasú curaclaim.
My proposals for Transfer are part of a wide-ranging package of reform for post-primary education – key elements of which are in the Programme for Government and the Investment Strategy: extensive capital investment in schools and area-based planning to deliver a fit for purpose and sustainable schools estate; a strategy for school improvement; and curriculum reform.
Building Projects
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to report on what consideration is being given to opportunities for area planning and sectoral collaboration within the current 100 plus schools already announced for major building projects within the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.
(AQW 3670/08)
Ms C Ruane: I would encourage school authorities to consider opportunities for area planning and collaboration as their building projects are taken through the planning stages so that we make best use of the new facilities in addressing anticipated needs on an area basis.
Mhínigh mé i mo ráiteas den 4 Márta faoi phleanáil bunaithe - ar limistéir gur chóir do ghrúpaí lárnacha agus áitiúla na deiseanna maidir le comhroinnt agus comhoibriú idir na scoileanna a chur san áireamh.
In my statement on 4 March on area-based planning I explained that the work of the central and local area groups should take account of opportunities for sharing and collaboration between schools.
Curricular Requirements
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to address the recent comments made by the Chief Inspector of Schools in relation to the concerns expressed by school principals and staff on the new curricular requirements.
(AQW 3855/08)
Ms C Ruane: I welcome the Chief Inspector’s very helpful report, which shows the progress made during the last school year, and identifies actions to facilitate further progress. Furthermore, I met with the Chief Inspector on 18 February to discuss the issues raised in the report.
The Partnership Management Board (PMB), set up to manage the curriculum implementation, has already made several changes to its support programme in response to feedback from principals and teachers. This has included a refocusing on training for principals and establishment of a principals’ forum to improve direct communication with headteachers. Schools also received a specific budget for revised curriculum training, providing heads with additional resources to lead implementation within their schools. PMB has now been asked to make further changes to its implementation programme for 2008-09, to take account of those findings by the Chief Inspector which are not already covered in existing action plans.
In my budget announcement on 12 February, I indicated that, over the next three financial years, an extra £32million will be available for primary schools to support the new Foundation Stage curriculum in Years 1 and 2, and an additional £22million to support the implementation of the revised curriculum and associated assessment arrangements.
Chomh maith leis sin tá an Roinn ag ullmhú straitéis nua cumarsáide le cinntiú go mbíonn a chumarsáid i measc na n-eagraíochtaí oideachaiis agus scoileanna chomh maith le tuismitheoiri soiléir agus éifeachtach.
The Department is also developing a new communications strategy to make sure that communication across the education bodies and with schools and parents is clear and effective.
Post Primary Transfer
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what her assessment is of whether or not educational experience and performance at primary school has a bearing on the advice given to the receiving school.
(AQW 3980/08)
Ms C Ruane: Measaim gur páirt luachmhar sa chinneadh aistrithe le leas an pháiste aonair pictúir foriomlán de dhul chun cinn oideachasúil agus cumas foghlama an pháiste a forbraíodh thar sheacht mbliana d’oideachas bunscoile.
I consider that a rounded picture of a child’s educational progress and aptitude for learning developed over seven years of primary education can play a valuable part in informing the transfer decision in the best interests of the individual child.
It is important that this information is used to maximise the choices available to children and young people.
Interface Funding
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding arrangements for schools in interface areas once the interface funding finishes this year.
(AQW 4216/08)
Ms C Ruane: I do not plan to make any differentiation in the arrangements for funding schools in the Interface Support Programme when that programme ends on 31 March 2008.
The Interface School Support Programme was always intended to be a short term measure of support for a small number of the schools worst affected by community conflict in particular areas of Belfast in recent years.
The schools in the current programme have been advised well in advance to plan their expenditure for the incoming financial years on the basis that the programme would be coming to an end.
From 1 April 2008, it will again be entirely a matter for the Belfast Education and Library Board to consider and, as appropriate, address within the Local Management of Schools common funding arrangements the relative expenditure needs of these and other controlled and maintained schools in its area.
Leanfaidh an Roinn de bheith ag cothú agus ag cur chun cinn deiseanna níos fearr fostaíochta dár muintir óg ar fad de réir tosaíochtaí na cáinaisnéise.
The Department for its part will continue to foster and promote better educational opportunities for all our young people in accordance with its budget priorities.
Munia Tober Blackstaff Complex
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the future funding that will be made available for the education project at Munia Tober Blackstaff Complex, West Belfast, given that funding for the project will end this year.
(AQW 4261/08)
Ms C Ruane: 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.
Cuireann Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne Bhéal Feirste oideachas reachtúil comhroghnach ar fáil a dhéanann cuimsiú sóisialta ar gach dalta agus a bhfuil Comhaontuithe ar Leibhéal Sóisialta i bhfeidhm acu le trí sholáthraí atá lonnaithe sa phobal. Is eol dom nach bhfuil aon phlean ag an Bhord le maoiniú a chur ar fail do Thionscnamh Oideachais Ailtéarnach An Munia Tober.
The Belfast Education and Library Board provides statutory alternative education which is socially inclusive of all pupils and also has Service Level Agreements in place with three community-based providers. I understand that the Board has no plans to provide funding to An Munia Tober’s Alternative Education Project.
Educational Technology
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to outline the reasons why the Southern and Western Education and Library Boards turned down the opportunity of taking part in a pilot project with the Royal National Institute of Blind People Northern Ireland, which would have resulted in educational technology, of an average value of £2,000 per pupil, being made available to around ten blind or partially sighted children in their area.
(AQW 4335/08)
Ms C Ruane: I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) and Western Education and Library Board (WELB) that in recent months officers from SELB and WELB with responsibility for service delivery in relation to Sensory Impairment were in dialogue with the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). On the basis of these discussions the RNIB forwarded a general project proposal for consideration but when the content of this proposal was read in detail by Board officers it transpired that it did not concur with the discussions and potential agreements which had reportedly taken place at previous meetings with RNIB.
As a result the Head of Children & Young People’s Services across SELB and WELB wrote to RNIB regarding this matter in January 2008 and expressed concern about the content of the proposal and the timeline. A meeting to discuss the matter in detail was provisionally arranged for 8 February 2008 but unfortunately the RNIB representative contacted the Board and indicated that this meeting would be cancelled.
Maidir leis an gceist seo, is é barúil Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Dheiscirt agus Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Iarthair nach bhfuil an cheist a cuireadh i gcomhréir leis na himeachtaí a tharla le míonna anuas.
In this regard, it is the opinion of the Chief Executives of SELB and WELB that the question which has been posed is not in accord with the events of recent months.
Textbook Provision
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education to detail the engagement she has had with expert stakeholders, in the formulation of a textbook service for blind and partially sighted school children.
(AQW 4344/08)
Ms C Ruane: I met with the Director of the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) in August 2007 to discuss a range of issues concerning the recommendations contained in the RNIB "Where’s my Book" Report.
In response to the campaign, which highlighted a textbook deficit for visually impaired pupils based on research carried out in England, Wales and the North of Ireland, the Department of Education (DE) established a scoping project to gauge the extent of the problem here in the North. The steering group for the project was chaired by the Special Education Officer of the North Eastern Education and Library Board, as a representative of the Education and Library Boards Regional Strategy Group for Special Educational Needs (RSG), and membership of the steering group comprised of principal educational psychologist, who is also a member of RSG, the Principal of Jordanstown Schools, a member of the Education and Training Inspectorate with responsibility for special education and technology and a representative from RNIB.
The Steering Group commissioned an ex-member of the Education and Training Inspectorate, who has expertise and background in visual impairments, to lead the work of the scoping study and he was supported by a specialist teacher seconded from Jordanstown Schools for children with auditory or visual impairments. The Report was presented to the DE in April 2007. An RNIB representative was present at the final Steering Group meeting in April and signed off the report.
The Department of Education, through the RSG, wishes to progress matters to the benefit of all visually impaired pupils and RSG is actively pursuing the views of all stakeholders. This includes consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the voluntary sector, such as RNIB, the statutory sector, parents as well as children and young people.
Mar chuid den chomhairliúchán seo tugadh cuireadh do Stiúrthóir RNIB TÉ freastal ar chruinniú an GSR ar 18ú Feabhra leis an bealach chun cinn a phlé, ach ní raibh sé in ann freastal. Leis an cheist seo a thabhairt chun cinn tá an GSR ar lorg tuairimí RNIB go foirmeálta i scríbhinn.
As part of this consultation the Director of RNIB NI, was invited to attend the RSG meeting on 18th February, but was unable to attend. In order to progress this matter RSG are formally seeking the views of RNIB in writing. When these views are received a further meeting of an RSG sub-group, specifically formed to take this matter forward, will be scheduled.
Classroom Assistants
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education (i) to confirm the number of classroom assistants in the South Down constituency who have left their jobs to take up alternative employment; and (ii) to outline the arrangements she has put in place to assist special needs children whose care has been affected.
(AQW 4372/08)
Ms C Ruane: During the period 1 September 2007 to 29 February 2008, seven classroom assistants resigned from schools in the South Down constituency area, six of whom worked with children with special needs. This information has been provided by the South Eastern and Southern Education and Library Boards and relates only to permanent classroom assistants employed by the two Boards.
Tá ar na boird a chinntiú go bhfuil soláthar á dhéanamh le haghaidh riachtanais speisialta oideachais a aithnítear a bheith ag leanaí.
Boards are required to ensure that provision is in place to meet the identified special educational needs of a child. Permanent classroom assistants are normally required to give at least one month’s notice and any vacancies are advertised without delay. However, given the timescale of the recruitment process, a school may need to engage a temporary classroom assistant or redeploy from existing resources to meet an identified need until a permanent replacement can be recruited. In very exceptional circumstances a child may be required to remain at home on tuition pending a suitable replacement being trained.
GCSE Results
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail for each of the last 3 years (i) the number of pupils that have taken GCSE examinations; and (ii) the percentage of these pupils who achieved grades A* to C; and to outline how these results compare with other regions of the United Kingdom.
(AQW 4467/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table.
| Region | 2002/03 | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) Number of pupils entered for GCSE and percentage achieving 1 or more grades at A*- C | North of Ireland | 25,792 (80%) | 25,635 (80%) | 25,736 (81%) | ||
| England | 636,771(79%) | 648,942(80%) | 656,432(83%) | |||
| Wales | 38,495 (76%) | 38,859 (77%) | 39,576 (77%) | |||
| (2) Number of pupils entered for GCSE maths and English and the percentage achieving grade A*-C in these subjects | North of Ireland | 26,651 (52%) | 26,626 (51%) | 25,792 (52%) | 25,635 (53%) | 25,736 (53%) |
| England | 622,122 (43%) | 643,560 (44%) | 636,771(46%) | 648,942(47%) | 656,432(47%) | |
| Wales | 37,993(41%) | 39,212(42%) | 38,495(43%) | 38,859(45%) | 39,576(46%) | |
| (3) Number of pupils achieving A*-C in GCSE maths and English by gender | North of Ireland (male) | 6,142 (45%) | 6,067 (45%) | 6,122 (46%) | 6,163 (47%) | 6,338 (48%) |
| North of Ireland (female) | 7,593 (58%) | 7,458 (57%) | 7,409 (59%) | 7,397 (59%) | 7,411 (59%) | |
| England (male) | 124,600(39%) | 130,900(40%) | 135,400(42%) | 141,100(43%) | 143,900(44%) | |
| England (female) | 142,700(47%) | 151,200(48%) | 156,700(50%) | 162,400(51%) | 166,800(52%) | |
| Wales (male) | 19,215 (37%) | 19,978 (38%) | 19,628 (39%) | 19,784 (40%) | 20,230(42%) | |
| Wales (female) | 18,778 (45%) | 19,234 (46%) | 18,867 (48%) | 19,075 (50%) | 19,346(50%) | |
| Percentage point change in achievement | ||||||
| (4) Percentage increase in the number of GCSE A*-C grades achieved by pupils between 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 | North of Ireland | 76% - 79% (3) | ||||
| England | 70% -76% (6) | |||||
| Wales | 64% - 74% (10) | |||||
Notes:
(4) The earliest available data for the North of Ireland relates to the 1995/96 academic year.
GCSE Results
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 5 years (i) the number of pupils who have taken examinations in GCSE English and GCSE Maths; and (ii) the percentage of pupils who achieved grade A* to C in these subjects; and to outline how these results compare with other regions of the United Kingdom.
(AQW 4468/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table.
| Region | 2002/03 | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) Number of pupils entered for GCSE and percentage achieving 1 or more grades at A*- C | North of Ireland | 25,792 (80%) | 25,635 (80%) | 25,736 (81%) | ||
| England | 636,771(79%) | 648,942(80%) | 656,432(83%) | |||
| Wales | 38,495 (76%) | 38,859 (77%) | 39,576 (77%) | |||
| (2) Number of pupils entered for GCSE maths and English and the percentage achieving grade A*-C in these subjects | North of Ireland | 26,651 (52%) | 26,626 (51%) | 25,792 (52%) | 25,635 (53%) | 25,736 (53%) |
| England | 622,122 (43%) | 643,560 (44%) | 636,771(46%) | 648,942(47%) | 656,432(47%) | |
| Wales | 37,993(41%) | 39,212(42%) | 38,495(43%) | 38,859(45%) | 39,576(46%) | |
| (3) Number of pupils achieving A*-C in GCSE maths and English by gender | North of Ireland (male) | 6,142 (45%) | 6,067 (45%) | 6,122 (46%) | 6,163 (47%) | 6,338 (48%) |
| North of Ireland (female) | 7,593 (58%) | 7,458 (57%) | 7,409 (59%) | 7,397 (59%) | 7,411 (59%) | |
| England (male) | 124,600(39%) | 130,900(40%) | 135,400(42%) | 141,100(43%) | 143,900(44%) | |
| England (female) | 142,700(47%) | 151,200(48%) | 156,700(50%) | 162,400(51%) | 166,800(52%) | |
| Wales (male) | 19,215 (37%) | 19,978 (38%) | 19,628 (39%) | 19,784 (40%) | 20,230(42%) | |
| Wales (female) | 18,778 (45%) | 19,234 (46%) | 18,867 (48%) | 19,075 (50%) | 19,346(50%) | |
| Percentage point change in achievement | ||||||
| (4) Percentage increase in the number of GCSE A*-C grades achieved by pupils between 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 | North of Ireland | 76% - 79% (3) | ||||
| England | 70% -76% (6) | |||||
| Wales | 64% - 74% (10) | |||||
Notes:
(4) The earliest available data for the North of Ireland relates to the 1995/96 academic year.
GCSE Results
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils achieving grades A* to C in English and Maths, broken down by gender for each of the last 5 years; and to outline how these compare with results in England and Wales.
(AQW 4469/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table.
| Region | 2002/03 | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) Number of pupils entered for GCSE and percentage achieving 1 or more grades at A*- C | North of Ireland | 25,792 (80%) | 25,635 (80%) | 25,736 (81%) | ||
| England | 636,771(79%) | 648,942(80%) | 656,432(83%) | |||
| Wales | 38,495 (76%) | 38,859 (77%) | 39,576 (77%) | |||
| (2) Number of pupils entered for GCSE maths and English and the percentage achieving grade A*-C in these subjects | North of Ireland | 26,651 (52%) | 26,626 (51%) | 25,792 (52%) | 25,635 (53%) | 25,736 (53%) |
| England | 622,122 (43%) | 643,560 (44%) | 636,771(46%) | 648,942(47%) | 656,432(47%) | |
| Wales | 37,993(41%) | 39,212(42%) | 38,495(43%) | 38,859(45%) | 39,576(46%) | |
| (3) Number of pupils achieving A*-C in GCSE maths and English by gender | North of Ireland (male) | 6,142 (45%) | 6,067 (45%) | 6,122 (46%) | 6,163 (47%) | 6,338 (48%) |
| North of Ireland (female) | 7,593 (58%) | 7,458 (57%) | 7,409 (59%) | 7,397 (59%) | 7,411 (59%) | |
| England (male) | 124,600(39%) | 130,900(40%) | 135,400(42%) | 141,100(43%) | 143,900(44%) | |
| England (female) | 142,700(47%) | 151,200(48%) | 156,700(50%) | 162,400(51%) | 166,800(52%) | |
| Wales (male) | 19,215 (37%) | 19,978 (38%) | 19,628 (39%) | 19,784 (40%) | 20,230(42%) | |
| Wales (female) | 18,778 (45%) | 19,234 (46%) | 18,867 (48%) | 19,075 (50%) | 19,346(50%) | |
| Percentage point change in achievement | ||||||
| (4) Percentage increase in the number of GCSE A*-C grades achieved by pupils between 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 | North of Ireland | 76% - 79% (3) | ||||
| England | 70% -76% (6) | |||||
| Wales | 64% - 74% (10) | |||||
Notes:
(4) The earliest available data for the North of Ireland relates to the 1995/96 academic year.
GCSE Results
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage increase in the number of GCSE A* to C grades achieved by pupils between 1993-1994 and 2003-2004; and to outline how these compare with other regions in the United Kingdom.
(AQW 4470/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table.
| Region | 2002/03 | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) Number of pupils entered for GCSE and percentage achieving 1 or more grades at A*- C | North of Ireland | 25,792 (80%) | 25,635 (80%) | 25,736 (81%) | ||
| England | 636,771(79%) | 648,942(80%) | 656,432(83%) | |||
| Wales | 38,495 (76%) | 38,859 (77%) | 39,576 (77%) | |||
| (2) Number of pupils entered for GCSE maths and English and the percentage achieving grade A*-C in these subjects | North of Ireland | 26,651 (52%) | 26,626 (51%) | 25,792 (52%) | 25,635 (53%) | 25,736 (53%) |
| England | 622,122 (43%) | 643,560 (44%) | 636,771(46%) | 648,942(47%) | 656,432(47%) | |
| Wales | 37,993(41%) | 39,212(42%) | 38,495(43%) | 38,859(45%) | 39,576(46%) | |
| (3) Number of pupils achieving A*-C in GCSE maths and English by gender | North of Ireland (male) | 6,142 (45%) | 6,067 (45%) | 6,122 (46%) | 6,163 (47%) | 6,338 (48%) |
| North of Ireland (female) | 7,593 (58%) | 7,458 (57%) | 7,409 (59%) | 7,397 (59%) | 7,411 (59%) | |
| England (male) | 124,600(39%) | 130,900(40%) | 135,400(42%) | 141,100(43%) | 143,900(44%) | |
| England (female) | 142,700(47%) | 151,200(48%) | 156,700(50%) | 162,400(51%) | 166,800(52%) | |
| Wales (male) | 19,215 (37%) | 19,978 (38%) | 19,628 (39%) | 19,784 (40%) | 20,230(42%) | |
| Wales (female) | 18,778 (45%) | 19,234 (46%) | 18,867 (48%) | 19,075 (50%) | 19,346(50%) | |
| Percentage point change in achievement | ||||||
| (4) Percentage increase in the number of GCSE A*-C grades achieved by pupils between 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 | North of Ireland | 76% - 79% (3) | ||||
| England | 70% -76% (6) | |||||
| Wales | 64% - 74% (10) | |||||
Notes:
(4) The earliest available data for the North of Ireland relates to the 1995/96 academic year.
St Comgall's College, Larne
Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's plans for the future of St Comgall's College, Larne.
(AQW 4475/08)
Ms C Ruane: On 28 February the North Eastern Education and Library Board published a Development Proposal submitted by The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, who act on behalf of the Trustess of St MacNissi’s College, St Aloysius High, Cushendall and St Comgall’s High Larne, to the effect that the schools will amalgamate on the site of St MacNissi’s College with effect from 1 September 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Chuir an foilsiú tús le tréimhse reachtúil comhairliúcháin 2 mhí inar féidir aighneachtaí a chur faoi bhráid na Roinne Oideachais.
The publication initiated a statutory 2-month consultation period during which representations including objections can be made to the Department of Education. At the end of this period I will decide whether to approve the Development Proposal or not taking into account all pertinent issues raised during the period.
Funding Differential
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's plans to reduce the differential in funding between the primary and post-primary sectors.
(AQW 4508/08)
Ms C Ruane: As outlined in my announcement of 12 February 2008 on Education funding, provision has been made to increase the proportion of funding made available to primary schools under the delegated Local Management of Schools funding formula, alongside additional funding outside of the formula in support of primary schools.
Under the delegated funding formula I have increased the primary Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) which is the main funding factor in the formula. This means that, on average, additional primary per pupil increases in 2008/09 are higher than those for post primary schools. I have also signalled my intentions to increase further the primary AWPU weighting over the next two years of this budget period.
Over the next three years, I have been able to secure additional funding of almost £12 million to help primary school teaching principals and a further £32 million to support primary schools with the delivery of the Foundation Stage of the revised curriculum. Additional provision is also planned, over the next three years, for Literacy and Numeracy measures, implementation of the Special Education Needs and Inclusion Review, an Emotional Health and Wellbeing programme in primary and special education, and additional Early Years provision, etc.
Tá mé tiomanta do dhéanamh cinnte de go mbeidh an deis ag ár leanaí agus ár ndaoine óga go léir an acmhainn atá iontu a chomhlíonadh trí sheirbhísí oideachais den scoth a bheith ar fáil, agus thug mé fios go bhfuil sé ar intinn agam a chinntiú go mbeidh cothromaíocht níos fearr ann maidir leis an maoiniú a chuirtear ar fáil do scoileanna bunoideachais agus iarbhunoideachais, agus é sin a dhéanamh laistigh de na hacmhainní atá ar fáil.
I am committed to ensuring that all our children and young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through quality education services, and have signalled my intention, within available resources, to improving the balance of funding between primary and post-primary schools.
Independent Schools Counselling Services
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to outline the steps the steps she is taking to ensure that every school is serviced by Independent Schools Counselling services.
(AQW 4544/08)
Ms C Ruane: Counselling support through the Independent Counselling for Schools Service is currently available in post primary schools only. The support needs of pupils in the primary sector and special needs sectors will be covered in the next phase of development. Plans are in hand to engage with key stakeholders across education, health and social services and the voluntary and statutory sectors who have an expertise in meeting the needs of these children and young people.
Déanfar moltaí maidir le tacaíocht chuí a ullmhú mar chuid de soláthar aon bheart nó seirbhís nua sa tréimhse 2009-2011 agus d'fheadfadh rochtain ar chomhairliú feiliúnach a bheith i gceist.
Proposals for appropriate support, which may include access to suitable counselling, will be prepared for roll out of any action or new services in 2009-2011.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in (i) special schools - severe learning difficulty; (ii) mainstream primary and post-primary schools; and (iii) other forms of educational provision, broken down by Education and Library Board.
(AQW 4555/08)
Ms C Ruane: Is mar seo a leanas atá an fhaisnéis a hiarradh.
The information requested is as follows.
Official Visits
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail, by date and duration, all visits she has made to each of the 18 constituencies since taking up her post.
(AQW 4598/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached tables.
VISITS MADE TO EACH CONSTITUENCY SINCE TAKING UP POST – 6 MARCH 2008
| CONSTITUENCY | DATE OF VISIT | DURATION OF VISIT |
|---|---|---|
| NORTH BELFAST | 09/05/07 15/06/07 07/08/07 14/08/07 19/09/07 04/10/07 10/10/07 08/11/07 13/11/07 20/02/08 27/02/08 |
1 hr 45mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 45mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 15mins 1hr |
| SOUTH BELFAST | 17/05/07 18/05/07 05/06/07 15/06/07 21/06/07 27/06/07 27/06/07 02/07/07 01/08/07 08/08/07 10/09/07 13/09/07 17/09/07 19/09/07 06/11/07 10/11/07 12/11/07 20/11/07 23/01/08 30/01/08 30/01/08 12/02/08 20/02/08 05/03/08 |
45mins 1hr 1hr 45mins 30mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 45mins 2hrs 45mins 1hr 30mins 1hr 15mins 2hrs 1hr 15mins 1hr 20mins 45mins 1hr 1hr 45mins 1hr 1hr 1hr |
| EAST BELFAST | 31/05/07 10/10/07 21/11/07 21/11/07 21/11/07 30/11/07 21/01/08 06/02/08 12/02/08 27/02/08 |
1hr 45mins 1hr 30mins 2hrs 15mins 1hr 1hr 30mins 1hr 2hrs 1hr |
| CONSTITUENCY | DATE OF VISIT | DURATION OF VISIT |
| WEST BELFAST | 11/05/07 12/06/07 13/06/07 19/06/07 26/06/07 29/06/07 29/06/07 08/08/07 21/09/07 21/09/07 26/09/07 04/10/07 12/11/07 21/11/07 28/11/07 30/01/08 20/02/08 |
1hr 1hr 45mins 1hr 1hr 50mins 1hr 2hrs 1hr 2hrs 1hr 1hr 1hr 30 mins 1hr 35mins 1hr 1hr |
| SOUTH DOWN | 11/05/07 16/05/07 23/05/07 12/06/07 14/06/07 22/06/07 18/07/07 21/09/07 22/09/07 28/09/07 12/10/07 12/10/07 16/10/07 24/10/07 26/10/07 07/12/07 18/12/07 09/01/08 11/01/08 08/02/08 22/02/08 29/02/08 |
1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 2hrs 1hr 45mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 30mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr |
| SOUTH ANTRIM | 09/05/07 09/05/07 30/05/07 21/11/07 05/12/07 05/12/07 |
1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 15 mins 45mins |
| CONSTITUENCY | DATE OF VISIT | DURATION OF VISIT |
|---|---|---|
| MID ULSTER | 09/05/07 26/06/07 12/12/07 |
1hr 2hrs 1hr |
| NORTH ANTRIM | 17/10/07 17/10/07 17/10/07 17/10/07 17/10/07 24/10/07 24/10/07 |
30mins 45mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr |
| WEST TYRONE | 15/11/07 19/12/07 |
1hr 6hrs 30 mins |
| NEWRY & ARMAGH | 16/05/07 21/05/07 24/05/07 09/06/07 20/06/07 22/06/07 22/06/07 24/07/07 09/08/07 12/09/07 12/09/07 12/09/07 12/09/07 07/11/07 20/11/07 06/12/07 13/12/07 17/12/07 18/01/08 |
1hr 1hr 1hr 15mins 2hrs 45mins 1hr 45mins 1hr 1hr 45mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 2hrs 30mins 1hr 1hr 2hrs 2hrs 4hrs 30mins |
| FOYLE | 06/06/07 30/06/07 19/09/07 27/09/07 02/10/07 03/10/07 31/10/07 05/12/07 |
1hr 1hr 2hrs 1hr 2hrs 30mins 45mins 1hr |
| EAST DERRY | 06/06/07 28/06/07 28/06/07 28/06/07 24/10/07 05/12/07 |
1hr 45mins 45mins 45mins 1hr 1hr |
| CONSTITUENCY | DATE OF VISIT | DURATION OF VISIT |
|---|---|---|
| UPPER BANN | 13/06/07 20/06/07 20/06/07 27/06/07 27/06/07 14/08/07 18/09/07 |
1hr 15mins 1hr 30mins 30mins 1hr 1hr 1hr 2hrs |
| EAST ANTRIM | 15/06/07 28/02/08 |
1hr 1hr |
| LAGAN VALLEY | 15/06/07 28/06/07 |
45mins 45mins |
| FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE | 28/06/07 04/10/07 19/12/07 |
30mins 1hr 30mins 1hr 30 mins |
| NORTH DOWN | 06/03/08 06/03/08 |
1hr 1hr |
| STRANGFORD |
Irish Medium Sector
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children currently being educated in the Irish medium sector at (i) primary; and (ii) post primary, level.
(AQW 4697/08)
Ms C Ruane: Is mar seo a leanas atá an fhaisnéis a hiarradh.
The information requested is as follows.
Number of children in grant aided Irish medium schools and units 2007/08
| Irish medium schools | Irish medium units | Irish medium schools and units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary1 schools and units | 2,039 | 614 | 2,653 |
| Post primary schools and units | 506 | 126 | 632 |
Source: NI school census.
Note:
1. Includes children in Year 1 – Year 7.
Pupil Numbers
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children that are currently being educated in the Integrated sector at (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary, level.
(AQW 4698/08)
Ms C Ruane: Is mar seo a leanas atá an fhaisnéis a hiarradh.
The information requested is as follows.
Number of children in grant aided Integrated1 schools 2007/08
| Primary2 schools | 7,177 |
| Post Primary schools | 11,247 |
Source: NI school census.
Note:
- Includes Controlled Integrated and Grant Maintained Integrated schools.
- Includes children in Year 1 – Year 7.
A-Level Subjects
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number; and (ii) the percentage change, of students who have completed A-levels in (a) Maths; (b) Physics; and (c) Technology and Design, in each of the last 10 years.
(AQW 4738/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table:
| Subject1 | 96/97 | 97/98 | 98/99 | 99/00 | 00/01 | 01/02 | 02/03 | 03/04 | 04/05 | 05/06 | 06/07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | 2,638 | 2,603 (-1%) |
2,475 (-5%) |
2,476 (0%) |
2,437 (-2%) |
2,104 (-14%) |
2,078 (-1%) |
2,254 (8%) |
2,196 (-3%) |
2,279 (+4%) | 2,462 (+8%) |
| Physics | 1,524 | 1,480 (-3%) |
1,317 (-11%) |
1,453 (+10%) |
1,486 (+2%) |
1,362 (-8%) |
1,387 (+2%) |
1,349 (-3%) |
1,321 (-2%) |
1,209 (-8%) |
1,257 (+4%) |
| Design and Technology (D&T) | 265 | 269 (+2%) |
279 (+4%) |
378 (+35%) |
485 (+28%) |
142 (-71) |
175 (+23%) |
227 (+30%) |
275 (+21%) |
401 (46%) |
379 (-5%) |
| D&T: Systems | 4 | 6 (+50%) |
203 (+3,283%) |
292 (+44%) |
285 (-2%) |
251 (-12%) |
33 (-87%) |
29 (-12%) |
|||
| D&T: Communication | 13 | 19 (+46%) |
15 (-21%) |
(-100%) | |||||||
| D&T: Technology | 29 | 45 (+55%) |
57 (+27%) |
(-100%) | |||||||
| D&T: Resistance materials | 3 | 15 (+400%) |
(-100%) | ||||||||
| D&T: Design | 3 | (-100%) | |||||||||
| D&T: Product Design | 159 | 177 (+11%) |
242 (+37%) |
224 (-7%) |
281 (+25%) |
313 (+11%) |
Notes
Percentage changes in all cases relate to changes from the previous academic year. Figures reflect the entries in specific subject areas, they do not provide an indication of course availability.
1 The subject classification for Design and Technology has changed over time – percentage changes in these specific subject areas should be viewed in this context.
Music Courses
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) students that are sitting; and (ii) teachers that are delivering, A-level music courses in the Western Education and Library Board area, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 4745/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table.
| District council area | (i) Students enrolled in A level music | (ii) Teachers delivering A level music |
|---|---|---|
| Omagh | 24 |
6 |
| Derry | 59 |
9 |
| Strabane | 6 |
3 |
| Fermanagh | 32 |
6 |
| Limavady | * |
1 |
Notes * Denotes fewer than five pupils
Sexual Offences
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail the lists used by her department to identify Education Board employees, including teachers, who are under restriction in relation to their contact with school pupils, and to confirm whether any current employees have convictions for sexual offences.
(AQO 2391/08)
Ms C Ruane: Chi Baineann cosaint páistí le gach duine. Caithfidh gach duine i suíomh oideachais céadtosaíocht a thabhairt do na páistí agus na daoine óga faoina gcúram a choinneáil sábháilte.
ld protection is everyone’s business. Keeping safe the children and young people in their care must be the top priority for everyone in an educational setting. Child Protection is a serious issue and has been debated here in the Assembly and has been discussed recently at both the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council.
The Department has the power to prohibit a person from teaching or working with children. These powers are contained in Articles 70 and 88A of the
Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. The Education (Prohibition from Teaching or Working with Children) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 set out the procedure to be followed. The Department is required to maintain these names on the Unsuitable Persons list. It is an offence for an individual on either the DHSSPS or DE lists of persons prohibited from working with children or who are the subject of a disqualification order issued by the courts, to knowingly apply for, offer to do, accept or do any work, paid or unpaid, in a regulated position which gives them access to children. It is an offence for an individual to knowingly employ in a regulated position, offer work in a regulated position to, or procure work in a regulated position for, such a person, or fail to remove such a person from such work. Anyone convicted of these offences is liable to punishment by imprisonment or fines or both.
If, in the course of employment, a person who works in a school or for a board in a capacity where they have contact with children, becomes the subject of a police or social services investigation involving child abuse, it is most likely that this individual will be suspended from employment on a precautionary basis. The action to apply a precautionary suspension will be taken on advice from the relevant investigating agency. This action will obviously restrict contact with pupils. The Department is notified by the employing authority of any teachers who are under precautionary suspension. Information about non teaching personnel is not made available to the Department routinely.
If the allegations have been substantiated and following the internal disciplinary process, the employing authority must refer the individual to the Department for consideration for listing.
The Department is not in a position to confirm whether any current employees have convictions for sexual offences. Persons with relevant sexual offences i.e. offences against a child, are listed as unsuitable and would not be employed. Where a person with a conviction for a sexual offence applies for a position in the education sector and is suitable in all other respects, it is a matter for the employing authority to conduct a risk assessment before a decision to employ is made.
Child protection arrangements are kept under continuous review and every effort is made to ensure they are robust. I take any failures to comply with current regulations very seriously (as do my officials) and would ask the Member if he has any specific concerns I would ask him to raise them with me directly.
Pupils Transferring
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the basis on which pupils transferring at age 14 under her proposals, can be refused by the receiving school.
(AQO 2429/08)
Ms C Ruane: I will be bringing forward detailed proposals on this in due course but I can provide some general points.
Mar léirigh mé go soiléir i mo mholtaí, ní gá go mbeadh gluaiseacht fhisiceach daltaí idir scoileanna in aois a 14 bliana i gceist le roghnú eolach ag 14 bliana.
As I have made clear in my proposals, informed election at 14 need not involve the physical movement of pupils between schools at 14. Alignment to a young person’s chosen pathway will take place in the context of the arrangement of post-primary provision within an area, as determined by an area based planning process. In my statement to the Assembly on 4 March I announced the timescale and process for the introduction of full area-based planning.
Second, where informed election at 14 does result in the physical movement of pupils between schools this will take place within a flexible and responsive context where pathways are guaranteed and where oversubscription is less prevalent than under the current system.
Third, election will be informed and based on high quality careers education information advice and guidance, allied to teacher and parental advice.
Fourth, in the event that a school finds itself oversubscribed with applicants at 14, it will select applicants using non-academic admissions criteria, as is the case currently in the majority of schools.
Free School Meals
Mr M Brady asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number; and (ii) the percentage, of school children in each Education and Library Board area who are not accessing their entitlement to free school meals; and to outline the action her department is taking to ensure that all children entitled to free school meals receive them.
(AQO 2513/08)
Ms C Ruane: Figures on the entitlement and uptake of free school meals have been taken from the 2007 School Census and 2007 School Meals Census, conducted in October. The figures are as follows:-
| Pupils Entitled to Free School Meals | Pupils not taking up Entitlement to Free School Meals | % Not taking up Entitlement to Free School Meals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELB | 13,662 | 2,901 | 21% |
| NEELB | 8,913 | 2,009 | 23% |
| SEELB | 8,762 | 2,767 | 32% |
| SELB | 11,492 | 1,727 | 15% |
| WELB | 13,251 | 2,420 | 18% |
| TOTAL | 56,080 | 11,824 | 21% |
Tá na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne freagrach as béilí scoile in aisce a bhronnadh.
The Education and Library Boards are responsible for the award of free school meals. The Department is continuing, through the Boards, to take steps to improve uptake and to encourage those who meet the eligibility criteria to establish their entitlement.
Among the steps taken to encourage eligible pupils to take up their entitlement to free school meals are: (a) promotional activities (such as drawing attention to availability in schools’ Admission Arrangements booklets, and reminding school Principals of the need to encourage uptake); and (b) making it easier to take up entitlement by reducing the bureaucracy associated with making an application.
In addition the Department and the Boards have had preliminary discussions with the Social Security Agency regarding the provision of electronic access to the Department of Work and Pensions’ Customer Information System which holds data on people in receipt of the relevant qualifying benefits. This would facilitate the more efficient processing of free school meals applications and allow Boards to target those who do not come forward to apply for entitlement.
Post Primary Education
Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Education to outline her plans for post primary education.
(AQO 2472/08)
Ms C Ruane: Leag mé amach cur síos ardleibhéil ar mo phleananna d’oideachas iar-bhunscoile ar 4 Nollaig 2007.
I set out a high-level description of my plans for post-primary education on 4 December 2007. I am currently engaging in discussions with educational stakeholders on the detail of the system of transfer that will operate from 2010. I will bring forward proposals resulting from these discussions in the near future. I have also made a statement to the Assembly on 4 March on my proposals for area-based planning. Area-based planning is central to my plans and in my statement I set out the timescale and process for its introduction.
Proposals for Transfer
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why her proposals for transfer are neither addressed, nor provided for, in the Programme for Government or the Budget; and what action she is taking to remedy this situation.
(AQO 2449/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá mo mholtaí i gcomhair Aistrithe mar chuid de phacáiste fadréimseach leasaithe don oideachas iar-bhunscoile – a bhfuil príomhghnéithe de sa Chlár Rialtais agus sa Straitéis Infheistíochta : infheistíocht mhór chaipitil i scoileanna agus pleanáil bunaithe sa cheantar le heastát scoileanna oiriúnach don fheidhm, inbhuanaithe a sholáthar; straitéis le scoileanna a fheabhsú; agus leasú curaclaim.
My proposals for Transfer are part of a wide-ranging package of reform for post-primary education – key elements of which are in the Programme for Government and the Investment Strategy: extensive capital investment in schools and area-based planning to deliver a fit for purpose and sustainable schools estate; a strategy for school improvement; and curriculum reform.
Secondary Education Facilities
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the proposals to close (i) St Aloysius' High School in Cushendall; and (ii) St Comgall's High School in Larne; and to confirm whether or not new secondary education facilities will be made available at the St MacNissis College site at Garron Tower.
(AQO 2514/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools is currently considering the provision at St Aloysius High School, Cushendall, St Comgall’s High School, Larne and St MacNissi’s College, Garron Tower. A potential amalgamation is the subject of an Economic Appraisal which is currently underway. Any proposed changes to the schools in the area will need to be subject of development proposal which initiates a two month consultation on the proposal and gives interested parties an opportunity to comment.
Tá sé tuigthe agam gur fhoilsigh CSCC, ag gníomhú ar son na n-Iontaobhaithe, Moladh Forbartha ar 28 Feabhra do chónascadh beartaithe na dtrí scoileanna.
I understand that CCMS acting on behalf of the Trustees published a Development Proposal on 28 February for the proposed amalgamation of the three schools.
Composition of School Boards
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the organisations consulted by her department during the preliminary screening of the policy, 'Composition of School Boards of Governors'.
(AQO 2468/08)
Ms C Ruane: The organisations consulted by my Department during the preliminary screening of the policy, 'Composition of School Boards of Governors' are:
Association of Head Teachers in Secondary Schools
Association of Colleges
Association of School and College Leaders
Association of Teachers and Lecturers
C2K (Classroom 2000 ICT system)
Catholic School Trustees
Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta
Council for Catholic Maintained Schools
Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assesssment
DCAL
DEL
DHSSPS.
DOE
Governing Bodies Association (voluntary grammar schools)
Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaiochta
Integrated Education Fund
National Association of Head Teachers
National Association of Secondary/Union of Women Teachers
National Bursars Association
Community Relations Council
Equality Commission
Youth Council
Youth Forum
ICTU
Commissioner for Children and Young People
Council for Integrated Education
Human Rights Commission
General Teachers Council
OFMDFM
Regional Training Unit of the 5 Education and Library Boards
Secondary Heads Association
Staff Commission of the 5 Education and Library Boards
Transferors’ Representatives Council
Ulster Teachers Union
The 5 Education and Library Boards
Common Entrance Exam
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Education to outline the nature of the communication sent by her department to primary schools in relation to a common entrance exam.
(AQO 2511/08)
Ms C Ruane: Chuir príomhoide bunscoile in iúl domh go raibh iar-bhunscoileanna áirithe i dteagmháil lena mbunscoileanna friothálacha faoi Chomhscrúdú Iontrála.
It has been brought to my attention by a primary school principal that certain post-primary schools have been communicating with their feeder primary schools on the subject of a Common Entrance Exam. I have responded to that principal explaining that the prospect of an independent Common Entrance Exam is one fraught with administrative and litigious risks. I have also emphasised that the delivery of the revised curriculum to all children in a way that meets their needs remains the priority for primary schools. This is needed within a wider package of post-primary reform in which my March 4th statement on area-based planning was a key element.
Composition of School Boards
Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Education to detail the plans she has in place to ensure that equality is achieved on school Governing Boards, in light of the Review of Public Administration process.
(AQO 2464/08)
Ms C Ruane: My policy proposals in relation to the Composition of School Boards of Governors have been subject to consultation with stakeholder interests and an equality screening process. I plan to undertake a second equality screening process on the subordinate legislation that will contain the detail of the new arrangements. Also, I plan to initiate a new monitoring system under the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) for the purpose of assessing uptake of the Section 75 requirements in relation to the membership of the school Boards of Governors on a cross sectoral basis and for the purpose of keeping recruitment practices under review.
Beidh bailiú sonraí ag an ÚOS ag brath ar chomhoibriú deonach ghobharnóirí scoile.
The collection of data by the ESA will be dependent on the voluntary co-operation of school governors.
Alternative Education Projects
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to detail the plans her department has to fund alternative education projects in West Belfast that are currently funded by Peace II.
(AQO 2510/08)
Ms C Ruane: Ba chóir dom a rá nach maoiníonn mo Roinn tionscadail mhalartacha oideachais go díreach in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste nó in áiteanna eile sa Tuaisceart.
I should explain that my Department does not directly fund alternative education projects in West Belfast or in other parts of the North. It provides funding to the Education and Library Boards for alternative education provision and it is for them to decide how this can be used to best meet the needs of the young people in their area. The Belfast Education and Library Board is responsible for ensuring that children and young people, who live in West Belfast, are provided with suitable education. It operates and funds a statutory Alternative Education Programme at Loughshore Educational Resource Centre as well as funding places within community based provision at Newstart, The Bridge and Conway Education Centre. I understand that the Belfast Board has no plans to extend provision at this time.
My Department has been undertaking a review of alternative education provision and work is in hand to develop a model of provision which will apply across all Education and Library Board areas. I expect policy proposals to be with me shortly. The agreed proposals will be the subject of public consultation later this year. I hope you will appreciate that, until this process has been completed, I am not in a position to give a definitive answer as to how alternative education provision will be funded in the future.
Composition of School Boards
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why the policy on 'Composition of School Boards of Governors', need not be subject to an equality impact assessment, in light of the preliminary screening process.
(AQO 2467/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá rún agam cumhacht a ghlacadh chugam féin sa Bhille Oideachas ARP athruithe a dhéanamh i socruithe rialachas scoile trí fho-reachtaíocht nua.
I propose to take a power in the RPA Education Bill to make changes to the school governance arrangements through new subordinate legislation. I will carry out a second equality screening process on the subordinate legislation and I will reconsider the need for an equality impact assessment in light of the responses to both screening processes. In any event, I plan to ensure that, where there is under-representation of minority groups such as ethnic minorities or people with a disability, action is taken to encourage more applicants from these sections of the community to come forward to serve as school governors.
Post Primary Transfer
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to outline the steps she is taking to ensure that her proposals in relation to post primary transfer are in line with legislation that safeguards academic selection.
(AQO 2501/08)
Ms C Ruane: Beidh na gníomhartha a dhéanfaidh mé mar gheall ar aistriú iar-bhunscoile de réir an tseasaimh reachtaigh ar roghnú acadúil.
The steps I will take in relation to post-primary transfer will be in line with the legislative position on academic selection. This position is that Article 28 (2) of the 2006 Education Order abolishes the use of academic admissions criteria. Article 28 (2) is not commenced and to be commenced will require a Commencement Order laid before and approved by resolution of the Assembly.
This position does not safeguard academic selection. What it does is make the introduction of new admissions criteria regulations contingent on a resolution of the future of academic selection. Without this resolution and without these regulations there will simply be an absence of law and an unregulated system. A lapse into un-regulation would not, I believe, safeguard academic selection as independent and unregulated academic selection is a prospect fraught with administrative and litigious perils.
This is why I have always been clear on the need for consensus as I believe that is what the position requires of us. It is my intention to being forward proposals reflecting this legislative position and also, reflecting the wider need for reform in post-primary education. My March 4 statement on area-based planning was a key element of this wider process.
School Closures
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether there will be school closures in the Coleraine Borough Council area.
(AQO 2396/08)
Ms C Ruane: Ní feasach mé aon mholtaí do dhruidim scoileanna i gceantar Chomhairle Baile Chúil Raithin.
I am not aware of any proposals for school closures in the Coleraine Borough Council area. I am aware that the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) are currently considering a possible amalgamation in the Kilrea area. This is at a very early stage and no proposals have as yet been submitted to the Department.
EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING
Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the decision his department has made in relation to the future of (i) the Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore; and (ii) the centre at Blackhall Street, Kircubbin.
(AQW 4513/08)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore and the centre at Blackhall Street, Kircubbin are two of a large number of leased or rented locations that the South Eastern Regional College uses to deliver part time further education courses. Decisions on this type of accommodation are entirely a matter for the Governing Body of the college and would not normally involve the Department.
Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will consider introducing certified and uncertified streams for courses provided for at Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore.
(AQW 4514/08)
Sir Reg Empey: It is the responsibility of each of the individual Further Education colleges, not the Department for Employment and Learning, to decide on the courses it wishes to offer. The Department does not intervene in this process. Therefore, the provision to be offered at the Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore is an issue for the South Eastern Regional College.
Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if his department will consider (i) advertising in the local press; and (ii) issuing leaflets, to promote the classes at the Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore.
(AQW 4515/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Further Education colleges, and not the Department for Employment and Learning, are responsible for advertising and promoting the courses they offer. The issue of advertising and promoting classes at the Ballyboley Centre at Carrowdore is, therefore, a matter for the South Eastern Regional College.
Construction Industry Training Board
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the role and function of the Construction Industry Training Board.
(AQW 4522/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Construction Industry Training Board was formally established under the Industrial Training Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and subsequently amended by the 1984 Industrial Training Order to "encourage the adequate training of persons employed in or intending to be employed in the construction industry in Northern Ireland." The legislation enables the raising of a statutory levy for this purpose. The activities which it undertakes in any particular year are set out in its annual report, the most recent of which, for 2005/06, is available on the CITBNI website.
Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to explain why the prospectus for Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore, was delayed in September 2007.
(AQW 4566/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Further Education colleges are responsible for the production of their promotional material, including the production of prospectuses. The issue of the delayed prospectus for Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore, is therefore, a matter for the South Eastern Regional College. However, my Department has confirmed with the college that the delay was caused by its need to ensure a consistent approach to course delivery across the colleges that were merging in August 2007. The college has advised that it would normally expect to have its part time prospectus available during the first week in May. On this occasion, the enrolment information was available on the college’s internet site on 24 May 2007, and was available in hard copy from 15 June 2007.
Open College Network
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he has given any consideration to any other types of funding through Open College Network (OCN) for Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore.
(AQW 4567/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Open College Network is a qualification awarding body and does not fund the providers, such as Further Education Colleges, who may use the courses they make available. In addition, the Department does not fund awarding bodies. Therefore, the question of funding the Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore through the Open College Network does not arise.
Training for Success Contract
Mr A Attwood asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the concerns his department has identified with the tendering process for the Training for Success contracts; and (ii) the number of training organisations that have received warnings in relation to the implementation of Training for Success contracts.
(AQW 4626/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Contracts for the delivery of the Training for Success programme were awarded following an open competitive tendering process in accordance with the 12 principles of the Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy as laid down by the Executive in May 2002 and the Department of Finance and Personnel’s, Central Procurement Directorate, procedures, which are quality assured and meet the ISO 9002 standards. The Department is content with the advice and guidance received from the Central Procurement Directorate during the tendering and awarding of contracts for Training for Success, and as such has not identified any area of concern.
No other Training Organisations have received warnings from the Central Procurement Directorate in respect of Training for Success apart from Carter and Carter.
Training for Success
Mr A Attwood asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm (i) if any contracts awarded under the tendering process for Training for Success are giving rise to concern; and (ii) if the withdrawal of the Training for Success contract with Carter and Carter highlights flaws in the conduct of the tendering process generally.
(AQW 4707/08)
Sir Reg Empey: (i) In line with the Department’s standard monitoring of contracts under Training for Success, to date a number of compliance visits by my Officials to Training Organisations have been carried out, with the remainder due to be completed by the 31st March 2008. To date, none of the visits, with the exception of Carter & Carter, identified any issues which would give my Department cause for concern in respect of the contracts awarded.
(ii) My Department does not consider the tendering process contributed to Carter & Carter’s inability to deliver on its contractual obligations nor has it identified flaws of a general nature in the tendering process.
Training for Success Contract
Mr A Attwood asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the reasons for the termination of the Training for Success contract with Carter and Carter; and (ii) the amount of public monies that were paid to Carter and Carter over the period of the contract; and to confirm if proceedings will be taken against Carter and Carter to recover public funds.
(AQW 4708/08)
Sir Reg Empey: (i)Following an independent inspection carried out by the Education and Training Inspectorate in January 2008 which revealed a number of inadequacies in the delivery of the training, the Department sought assurances from the Company that it could honour its contractual obligations. The Department was advised that the assurances required from the Company to continue with the provision could not be given and the contract ended on 1 March.
(ii)To date, no funding has been paid to Carter & Carter in respect of their Training for Success contract. However, Carter & Carter have still to submit claims up until the date of the ending of the contract of 1 March 2008. In line with standard practice, these claims shall be withheld until the Department’s Financial Audit & Support Team (FAST) has completed a closure audit inspection visit. The FAST inspection shall determine the extent to which Carter & Carter have met its contractual obligations as regards compliance with Departmental Guidelines. Where necessary, the Department shall effect recovery of funding through deduction from the claims withheld.
Students Enrolled
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the number; and (ii) the percentage change, of students enrolled in degree level courses in (a) Maths; (b) Physics; and (c) Engineering, in each of the last 10 years.
(AQW 4737/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The number and percentage change of students enrolled on first degree courses in (a) Maths; (b) Physics; and (c) Engineering at Northern Ireland institutions in each of the last 10 years are given in the table below.
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Further Education Statistical record (FESR).
Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. Figures relating to 1997/98 – 1999/00 are based on a snapshot of enrolments at 1st December in the relevant academic year. Figures relating to 2000/01 onwards are based on a full-year count.
Apprenticeships
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the current apprenticeships available in the East Antrim constituency, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 4766/08)
Sir Reg Empey: In the East Antrim constituency, there are 3 contract management areas for the delivery of Training for Success. These contract management areas equate approximately to the local district council areas of Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey.
The following Training for Success Apprenticeship Training Frameworks are currently available under these contract management areas in the East Antrim constituency:
All 3 District Council Areas – Level 2 Apprenticeships
Accounting
Advice and Guidance
Aeronautical Engineering
Agricultural Industry
Amenity Horticulture
Animal Care
Beauty Therapy
Business & Administration
Call Handling
Catering & Hospitality
Childcare Learning & Development
Construction Industry Occupations
Construction Industry – Wood and Decorative Occupations
Construction Industry – Plant Maintenance
Craft Baking
Distribution & Warehousing
Electricity Distribution
Engineering Industry
Engineering Technical Support
Food & Drink Manufacturing Operations
Furniture Production
Glass Industry
Hairdressing
Health & Social Services
Horse Industry
IT Users
IT Services and Development
Land Based Engineering
Meat Industry
Mechanical Engineering Services – Plumbing and HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration)
Motor Vehicle Body Repair
Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Performing Engineering Operations
Polymer Processing and Sign-making
Printing
Retail
Security Systems
Sport & Recreation
Team Leading
Telecommunications Industry
Travel Services
Newtownabbey & Larne – Level 2 Apprenticeships
Motor Vehicle Industry
Painting & Decorating
All 3 District Council Areas – Level 3 Apprenticeships
Animal Care
Business & Administration
Construction Crafts
Craft Baking
Distribution & Warehousing
Electricity Distribution Transmission Engineering
Electrotechnical Services
Engineering
Engineering – Mechanical Manufacturing
Equine Industry
Food & Drink Manufacturing Operations
Furniture Production
Hairdressing
Health & Social Care
HVACR
IT Services & Development
Livestock Production and Mixed Farming
Management
Meat Processing
Mechanical Engineering Services – Plumbing
Pre-Press and Desktop Publishing
Print Administration
Print Production
Rail Engineering
Retail
Security Systems Technician
Sign Making
Transmission Engineering
Newtownabbey Only – Level 3 Apprenticeships
Childcare, Learning & Development
Barbering
Aeronautical Engineering
Engineering Technical Support
Carrickfergus Only – Level 3 Apprenticeships
Travel Services
Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus – Level 3 Apprenticeships
Hospitality & Catering
Active Leisure Operations
Playwork
Amenity Horticulture
Contact Centre Operation
Training for Success
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm if his department (i) is currently reviewing the contract and study time of participants in the Training for Success and Job Ready schemes; and (ii) will renegotiate scheme durations with providers to streamline contract time to suit Further Education College academic years.
(AQW 4807/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department has been meeting with all Suppliers delivering training under Training for Success to discuss possible adjustments to the provision. These revisions include a re-structuring of the contact and study time of participants and are being designed primarily to meet the needs of the young people. The revisions being proposed are not being made to suit Further Education academic years, but have thus far been developed as a general consensus from all Suppliers involved in the discussions. When this work is completed, the Department will be in a position to consult with the Committee for Employment and Learning on the proposed revisions by the end of April 2008.
Expenditure on Newspapers
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the amount his department has spent on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last three years.
(AQW 4852/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The attached table sets out the expenditure incurred by the Department for Employment and Learning in each of the last three financial years: 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 broken down between newspaper and publications, the latter includes magazines and periodicals. A forecast for the current financial year 2007/08 has also been provided.
| 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newspapers | £10,419 | £10,351 | £9,424 | £9,339 |
| Publications | £43,221 | £47,263 | £51,872 | £51,301 |
| Total | £53,640 | £57,614 | £61,296 | £60,640 |
*Provisional
Audit Compliance
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what consideration has been given to reducing the burden of audit compliance on universities.
(AQO 2421/08)
Sir Reg Empey: In the main, the audit and accountability arrangements which apply to the Northern Ireland universities are similar to those which apply to institutions in England.
In response to a report in 2005 by the Higher Education Regulation Review Group, all four funding bodies across the UK have been developing an increasingly "light touch" approach. In December 2005, my Department hosted officials from the two universities and the Teacher Education institutions, as well as the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Northern Ireland Audit Office, to ascertain the areas which the institutions felt represented a disproportionate accountability burden. This work is continuing and my Department remains committed to working with the institutions to achieve a balance which provides a level of accountability appropriate to the significant investment of public funds which our universities receive but which is not unnecessarily burdensome.
Audit Compliance
Mr D McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the consideration that has been given to reducing the burden of audit compliance on Further Education colleges.
(AQO 2416/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The audit requirements of the sector comply with all appropriate guidance and best practice issued by the Department of Finance and Personnel, HM Treasury and the Northern Ireland Audit Office. The audit requirements of the Further Education Sector are reviewed regularly to ensure that they continue to comply with best practice, ensuring the most appropriate levels of accountability, regularity and probity.
Community and Voluntary Sectors
Ms J McCann asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the steps he is taking to ensure that education and training services that are delivered by the community and voluntary sectors will continue to receive funding.
(AQO 2493/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department does not core fund voluntary and community sector education and training organisations. However, under the Department’s Training for Success programme, a number of community training organisations have been awarded contracts for aspects of that programme’s delivery.
The Department’s existing contractual arrangements with two voluntary organisations, the Workers’ Educational Association and the Ulster People’s College for the delivery of a small number of Further Education courses, will end in August 2008.
However, the Department is developing proposals for learner support arrangements between Further Education Colleges and third party organisations, including voluntary and community groups, to commence, on a pilot basis, in September 2008.
North-South Developments
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the scoping study on the potential for co-operation and merger between the University of Ulster and the Letterkenny Institute; and whether or not he considers that opportunities exist for similar north-south developments.
(AQO 2452/08)
Sir Reg Empey: I welcome the aims of this scoping study since it will be concerned with identifying course provision that is targeted towards the needs of society and the economy in the North-West, and the development of high value-added, high wage jobs.
As autonomous institutions, the universities can, and do, explore opportunities for north-south co-operation in higher education and I am very supportive of this.
Construction Industry
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail his strategy to assist the construction industry.
(AQO 2498/08)
Sir Reg Empey: I am supportive of the ConstructionSkills Sector Skills Council, which has produced a Sector Skills Agreement covering the Northern Ireland construction sector. This Sector Skills Agreement is the main tool for setting and taking forward a strategy on skills for the sector.
Innovation Fund
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm (i) the total amount allocated to the proposed Innovation Fund; (ii) the amounts allocated to his department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment respectively; and (iii) the amount contributed to the Fund by the Government of the Republic of Ireland.
(AQO 2461/08)
Sir Reg Empey: As detailed in the Final Budget 2008-11 document:
- The total amount allocated to the proposed Innovation Fund is £90m over the Budget 2008/11 period;
- Of this, the amounts allocated to the Department for Employment and Learning and Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment are £40.1m and £14.2m respectively;
- The amount contributed to the fund by the Government of the Republic of Ireland is €60m.
Appleby Trust
Mr C Boylan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline his plans to support funding for programmes for people with learning disabilities, in particular the Appleby Trust in Armagh City.
(AQO 2491/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning has in place a range of programmes and services for people with learning disabilities. For example, the Disablement Advisory Service funds a range of employment programmes to assist people with disabilities find and keep appropriate employment. The contracts to deliver these programmes are awarded as a result of publicly advertised tendering exercises under the control of the Central Procurement Directorate of the Department of Finance and Personnel.
In addition, the Department supports the enrolment of students with disabilities by providing £1.5 million from its Additional Support Fund to help Colleges provide extra support such as braillers, signers and assistive technology. In addition, £1.5 million has been set aside to cover the cost of discrete provision in Colleges and outcentres for students for whom mainstream courses are not suitable. Where mainstream courses are not appropriate, Colleges collaborate with adult day centres to provide training and development opportunities on discrete courses in various locations for young people such as those with severe learning difficulties.
The Department for Employment and Learning does not provide core funding to individual organisations. The Department 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.
Immigrant Communities
Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what special measures have been introduced to help with the specific training and employment needs of the growing Polish, Portuguese, Latvian, Lithuanian and Chinese communities.
(AQO 2402/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The provision by my Department is open to all and is in no way restricted to people from particular communities. As part of its current planning of the 2008 Training for Success promotional campaign, the Department is considering the inclusion of multilingual brochures and information sheets. Additionally the Department provides English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses as part of its mainstream Further Education provision. ESOL provision is given the highest weighting within the Further Education Funding Formula with no cap on provision. Colleges have their own fee policies, and may or may not charge fees to students.
The Department's range of employment programmes are designed largely to support those clients who are in receipt of state benefits. However, the Employment Service also provides advice and guidance to non-benefit clients, including migrant jobseekers, and those who are eligible can access job vacancies through the internet on JobcentreonlineNI.com. Information and advice is available in different languages online or by request.
Training for Success Contract
Mr A Attwood asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of whether or not Carter and Carter is fulfilling the terms of its Training for Success Contract; and to outline the contingencies that are in place in the event of the contract being terminated.
(AQO 2451/08)
Sir Reg Empey: An inspection of the training provision provided by Carter & Carter was commissioned by my Department from the Education and Training Inspectorate in January 2008. This revealed a number of deficiencies resulting in the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate advising the Company that a breach of contract had occurred. The Company was asked to remedy the inadequacies by 1 March.
The Company informed Central Procurement Directorate on 28 February that it cannot give the assurances and guarantees required to continue with the provision and as such the contract with the Company will end on 1 March.
My officials are currently arranging for the trainees to be accommodated by other Training Organisations to enable their training to continue.
Ballyboley Centre, Carrowdore
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the consultation that took place prior to the decision to increase the fees for courses at the Ballyboley Centre at Carrowdore.
(AQO 2483/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Further Education colleges are responsible for setting their own fees policies, and for conducting public consultation exercises where relevant and appropriate. Therefore, the level of fees set for courses at the Ballyboley Centre at Carrowdore is a matter for the South Eastern Regional College.
Research and Development Spending
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the proportion of all research and development spending in Northern Ireland that is in universities.
(AQO 2418/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The higher education component of the total Research and Development (R&D) spend in Northern Ireland is 47%.
This percentage is based on the most recent (2006) figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics/Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment which show that higher education expenditure on research and development (R&D) was £150.1 million out of a total Northern Ireland General Investment of £319.2 million.
Industrial Tribunals
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of cases currently before Industrial Tribunals.
(AQO 2415/08)
Sir Reg Empey: At 28 February 2008, there were 7296 "live" cases with the Tribunals. This is comprised of 7095 cases with the Industrial Tribunals and 201 with the Fair Employment Tribunal. Of the 7095 Industrial Tribunal cases there are 3831 multiple claims with the Industrial Tribunals and a further 1485 claims relating to various (mainly multiple) pension complaints. Multiple claims are where more than 5 employees bring a common complaint against a common respondent.
Access Courses
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of students who undertook access courses in each of the last three years.
(AQO 2436/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The table below details Student numbers on Access to Higher Education courses in the Northern Ireland Further Education sector from 2004/05 to 2006/07.
| Academic Year | Student Numbers |
|---|---|
2004/05 |
832 |
2005/06 |
795 |
2006/07 |
616 |
Source: Further Education Statistical Record
ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Industrial Land in West Belfast
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of industrial land in West Belfast, held by Invest NI, that is immediately available for the provision of advanced factories.
(AQW 4259/08)
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): As at 31 October 2007, Invest NI held circa 185 acres of land at 7 locations in the West Belfast parliamentary constituency of which circa 32 acres are available as serviced sites for lease to client companies. The details of the landholding at each location can be found on the attached table.
Invest NI land is held exclusively for its client companies with an immediate demonstrable business need and an approved business case. The sites are suitable for a range of uses including factories.
Invest NI maintains a 10-year outlook on property needs throughout Northern Ireland and reviews these plans on an annual basis. The most recent review did not identify any surplus land in West Belfast. Current indications are that the agency may look towards acquiring additional land for Economic / Industrial development in WBGS in 6-8 years.
Invest NI client demand for land is at a record level, primarily reflecting increased business confidence but also, no doubt, influenced by the rising cost of land. Land that has previously remained vacant for many years is now much more attractive and subject to client interest. Should this level of demand continue, and it shows no sign of abating, the land bank will be fully let within the next 5 to 7 years.
Annex A
Invest NI Land Holding in the West Belfast Parliamentary Constituency (as at 31 October 2007)
| Industrial Estate | Town/City | Parliamentary Constituency | Land Holding | Available Land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springvale | Belfast | Belfast West | 47 | 2 |
| Forthriver | Belfast | Belfast West | 23 | 13 |
| Glen Road | Belfast | Belfast West | 16 | 1 |
| Whiterock | Belfast | Belfast West | 12 | 3 |
| Ballygomartin | Belfast | Belfast West | 10 | 0.00 |
| Kennedy Way | Belfast | Belfast West | 2 | 0.00 |
| Springbank | Belfast | Belfast West | 75 | 13 |
| Total | 185 | 32 |
For consistency of reporting and analysis, site availability data is fixed on specific dates and is updated approx every 6 months.
Maze Site
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the plans his department has to market tourism centred on the proposed conflict transformation centre at the Maze site; and to outline (i) the nature of the promotion; (ii) the aspects of the site it will focus on; and (iii) the markets that will be targeted.
(AQW 4548/08)
Mr N Dodds: No discussions have taken place to date between DETI or NITB and OFMDFM regarding any potential tourism promotion of the proposed ICCT
As the project is still to be approved, it would be premature to speculate further on any marketing strategy
Invest NI Grant
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the percentage of Invest NI grant aided businesses that are located (i) in Co Fermanagh; and (ii) in Co Tyrone.
(AQW 4581/08)
Mr N Dodds: Invest NI does not present information on the basis of Northern Ireland counties. However, information is available for those District Council Areas (DCA) contained within the boundaries of Fermanagh and Tyrone. The boundary of Fermanagh DCA is almost contiguous with that of Co. Fermanagh, and the DCAs of Cookstown, Dungannon, Omagh and Strabane are closely aligned to that of Co. Tyrone.
The number of businesses in these areas, which have been offered assistance by Invest NI during the five year period since its inception in April 2002, is presented in the table below. This is also expressed as a percentage of the total number of businesses in Northern Ireland which were offered assistance during the same time period.
| District Council Areas | Number of businesses offered assistance | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Fermanagh | 1,116 | 5.5 |
| Cookstown, Dungannon, Omagh and Strabane | 2,552 | 12.6 |
It should be noted that these areas are not self-contained labour markets. A project assisted in a particular location has the potential to create benefits across a much wider area. Northern Ireland is a relatively small place and evidence indicates that many investments draw their workforce from areas beyond constituency and council area boundaries. In addition, Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas. While Invest NI has been able to influence the location decisions of some inward-investment projects, most new inward investment, which is primarily service based, locate in the two main cities where skilled labour supply is more accessible. In the case of established businesses, reinvestment patterns will often be determined by the existing location of the business.
Trading Standards
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the enforcement role of trading standards, particularly in respect of false and misleading advertising aimed at young people.
(AQO 2444/08)
Mr N Dodds: My Department, through its Trading Standards Service, has responsibility for enforcing a wide range of consumer protection legislation. The Service has regularly taken enforcement action where there has been admissible evidence of false or misleading advertising in breach of one or other of these consumer protection laws. In the last three years there have been 10 successful prosecutions. The advertising concerned is usually directed at consumers generally rather than being targeted at young people.
Broadband Provision
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the strategies he will employ to reduce the cost of, and improve the service of, broadband provision via satellite.
(AQO 2499/08)
Mr N Dodds: The contract that my Department has with BT for 100% broadband access caps the price of broadband to households at £27 per month and £70 for installation. The quality of the satellite product fully meets the specification in the contract and this has been independently verified on a number of occasions in the last 3 years. That said, my officials are currently investigating a range of alternate technical solutions which may in future be deployed where broadband cannot be delivered over telephone wires
Draft Regional Innovation Strategy
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his plans to consult smaller businesses and local enterprises in relation to the Draft Regional Innovation Strategy.
(AQO 2492/08)
Mr N Dodds: I have interpreted this question as referring to the current draft of the Regional Innovation Strategy Action Plan.
During the preparation of this Plan, there has been consultation with a wide range of stakeholders both in the public and private sectors. This included engagement with a number of small businesses who participated in an information gathering workshop; and meetings with the Federation of Small Businesses.
As a result, the Action Plan includes a range of measures to specifically address the needs of small businesses and local enterprises. These include raising awareness of the importance of innovation; support to undertake research and, very importantly, support to build the capacity of small business to be innovative and thereby, be more successful.
In addition to consultations with public and private stakeholders, the ETI Committee, the EDF Innovation Sub Group, and the N. Ireland Science Industry Panel have also had the opportunity to input to the process. I intend to bring the final draft to the Executive for agreement ahead of publication by the end of April.
Collaborative Networks Team
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail any plans he has to encourage the use of 'clustering' in certain sectors, with a view to sharing knowledge, and increasing growth and export potential.
(AQO 2424/08)
Mr N Dodds: Invest NI has been active in this area for a number of years and in August 2006 established a dedicated Collaborative Networks Team. It is currently supporting networking in a number of sectors including BioBusiness, Composite Textiles, Plastics and Polymers, Biomass, Energy Technology, Digital Media, Bakeries, Health Care Informatics and Homeland Security.
Invest NI works closely with other economic development bodies across the British Isles to promote the concepts of clustering and collaborative networking and to develop ‘best practice’ tools and techniques in this area.
Recent activities include the launch of the NI Digital Content Strategy and the issue of a public call for industry-led Collaborative Networks proposals. A budget of £2.5m has been allocated to support eligible projects.
In addition, the work of MATRIX, the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel, also has potential to feed into this area. I understand that MATRIX has already begun to explore some issues of cooperation between businesses within, and across, high technology sectors as well as with academia and Government
Energy from Waste
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of proposals and measures to increase the generation of energy from waste.
(AQO 2437/08)
Mr N Dodds: Energy generated from waste has the potential to contribute to Northern Ireland’s target of 12% of electricity to be consumed from indigenous renewable sources by 2012, of which 15% is to be from non-wind sources. The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) continues to offer support for wind and non-wind renewable sources. The Environment and Renewable Energy Fund included an allocation of £18m of assistance for 3 or 4 Energy from Waste flagship projects. The shortlisted projects are now in the final stages of appraisal.
The Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy published by the Department of Environment recognises that energy from waste will be a necessary component of the preferred infrastructure to meet targets and divert waste from landfill. The £200 million Strategic Waste Infrastructure Fund, approved as part of the 2008-11 budget, will assist local government in developing the required infrastructure that will include energy from waste facilities.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) outlined its assessment of the potential for energy production from farm waste in its Renewable Energy Action Plan. DARD recognises that renewable energy technologies may create opportunities for livestock farmers as assessed and reported by the Expert Group on Alternative Use of Manures (EGAUM) in March 2006. Currently work is underway to establish a Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence at in Hillsborough which will further identify the potential for energy production from waste
Potential of Orangefest
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the contribution Tourism Ireland is making to ensure the development of the tourist potential of Orangefest and other aspects of the Orange and Protestant tradition.
(AQO 2469/08)
Mr N Dodds: Tourism Ireland continues to be engaged in discussions with the Orange Order, Orangefest and others interests in Northern Ireland with regard to the 12th of July and the portrayal of other aspects of Northern Ireland culture and heritage.
Tourism Ireland has participated in meetings with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland in advising on tourism matters and has attended Loyal Order parades over the last three years. Tourism Ireland has also contributed to the Orange Standard on the subject of tourism and the 12th of July and has recently presented on its role and activities to representatives of 10 District Lodges regarding flagship parades in 2008
Heating Oil
Mr R Newton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the effect of the rising costs of heating oil on small businesses.
(AQO 2406/08)
Mr N Dodds: Global oil prices have risen significantly over recent years, with the last year seeing an increase of some 60%. Inevitably this has pushed up the cost of oil products such as heating oil with consequences for many consumers in Northern Ireland, including the small business sector. Although my Department has limited policy levers to significantly influence energy prices, which are ultimately driven by global trends, its overall strategic energy objective is to ensure a competitive, sustainable and reliable energy market at minimum cost.
DETI’s support for the continued expansion of the natural gas network is aimed at providing a more efficient and lower carbon fuel choice, particularly for business consumers. The promotion of renewable energy sources, coupled with energy efficiency measures supported by Invest NI and the Carbon Trust, encourages business customers to reduce their energy usage and overall fossil fuel dependency.
In addition, the creation of the Single Electricity Market should encourage greater competition as well as delivering operational efficiencies in the longer term, both of which will benefit all consumers.
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline (i) his assessment of the effectiveness of the marketing of Northern Ireland for tourism purposes in Great Britain; and (ii) the proposals he has to increase the marketing budget.
(AQO 2434/08)
Mr N Dodds: Since its inception in 2001, Tourism Ireland has been responsible for marketing Northern Ireland in Great Britain, and, in that time, nearly 9.5 million visitors spending some £1.5 billion have visited Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Great Britain is our most important market, and every effort must be made, through carefully targeted campaigns, to maximise its potential. I was pleased to have been able to launch a new GB campaign earlier this month, on behalf of Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, aimed specifically at increasing the number of visitors from Scotland and the North of England. More can, however, be done, and I will continue to monitor progress very carefully.
Tourism Ireland’s budget for 2008/09 and beyond includes provision for increased effort in the GB market, and I look forward to hearing their proposals for the best use of these resources
Direct Funding
Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the number of jobs created in Armagh City and district in the last five years as a result of direct funding from his department; and (ii) the number of jobs his department aims to create in the future as a result of direct funding.
(AQO 2489/08)
Mr N Dodds: Between 1st April 2002 and 31st March 2007, Invest NI offered £2.3 million of assistance towards inward investment projects in the Armagh District Council area which plan to create 413 new jobs.
In addition to this, Invest NI offered £10.3m of assistance towards projects undertaken by its locally-owned clients, leveraging gross investment of £47.3 million. Although the agency does not record the number of jobs promoted by this assistance, supporting its clients to grow and become more successful in export markets will inevitably lead to increased and improved employment opportunities in the area.
DETI itself, through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II), has part-assisted the creation of 67 jobs to date in the Armagh City and District Council area, with the aim of creating a total of 173 jobs by 2015 through the development of 53,300sq ft of workspace in the locality.
With regard to the next three years, my Department has not attributed inward investment job targets to specific geographical regions of Northern Ireland. Invest NI’s role is to promote the whole of NI as a viable and attractive location for foreign companies to invest in.
In total over the next three financial years (2008/09-2010/11), Invest NI plans to promote 6,500 new jobs in Northern Ireland. The emphasis will be on promoting higher value-added jobs with a target of 5,500 of the total jobs attracting salaries above the NI Private Sector Median.
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the actions being taken to develop the tourism potential of country sports.
(AQO 2411/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) works with partners to promote access to the countryside and to support product development.
The NITB and Tourism Ireland consumer websites (www.discovernorthernireland.com and www.discoverireland.com) provide an extensive range of information on countryside based activities including angling, archery, equestrian pursuits, hill walking, sailing and rambling. The websites provide links and contact details for countryside activity and facility providers.
NITB also produces a brochure entitled Adventure Northern Ireland in partnership with the Countryside Access and Activities Network.
Life Sciences Sector
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made of (i) the contribution of the Life Sciences sector to the economy; and (ii) the prospects for this contribution to grow; and to detail the links that have been created with foreign companies in relation to research and development.
(AQO 2435/08)
Mr N Dodds: Life Sciences is recognised as a priority sector in contributing to the development of a sustainable knowledge-based economy in Northern Ireland. The sector consists of approximately 50 companies, employing 4,100 and generating £350 million turnover per annum.
In the region of £40m of assistance has been offered by Invest NI in the last 3 and half years and there is a strong pipeline of projects currently under consideration. For example, support to the Almac Group has enabled this global integrated pharmaceutical services company to increase employment to 1,300 at its Craigavon headquarters; an increase of 300 jobs since 2005. These jobs are high value with average salaries almost double the Northern Ireland private sector average.
Northern Ireland has a strong and growing international reputation in Life Sciences research. For example, Invest NI recently supported the establishment in Larne of a centre of excellence for research into novel oral dosage forms, by the US owned Warner Chilcott company. Assistance has also been provided for a number of university proof of concept collaborations, including research undertaken by Queens and the Scripp’s and Burnham Research Institutes in California in the area of drug discovery.
With its current client base, two leading universities and highly skilled workforce, the Life Sciences sector in Northern Ireland is well placed to benefit from significant further strategic investment and growth.
Innovation Fund
Mr A Attwood asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how much money has been allocated to his department under the budget for the Innovation Fund; and what is his assessment of the adequacy of the Innovation fund.
(AQO 2508/08)
Mr N Dodds: Of the £90m funding allocated to innovation, £14.15m in total has been earmarked for DETI across the 3 year Budget period. This includes £7.45m for projects which will be delivered by the Department and £6.7m for projects which will be taken forward by Invest NI.
The funding has been allocated across 7 Departments to assist in improving research capacity, foster greater international collaboration, promote new and emerging technologies and stimulate research activity over the period of the comprehensive spending review
This additional funding is extremely welcome and fully complements the £220m from Priority 1 of the EU’s 2007-2013 Competitiveness & Employment programme which focuses on Innovation & Research. It is a substantial and tangible recognition by the Executive of the important role that innovation can play in enhancing economic growth in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Energy Holdings
Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made in relation to the £3.5 million subsidy from Northern Ireland Energy Holdings.
(AQO 2507/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR) has provided DETI with an assessment of the performance of Northern Ireland Energy Holdings (NIEH) operations of the energy interconnectors.
For the past three years, the Moyle interconnector has had a deficit on operating costs but has not called on Northern Ireland Electricity customers to pay for this. Instead NIEH has used its reserves to fund the shortfall, which amounted to £3.5m in 2007/08; £9.4m in 2006/07 and £12.4m in 2005/06. Had NIEH not done so, customers would have had to pay for this through higher electricity charges.
Foreign Direct Investment Jobs
Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the number of new foreign direct investment jobs that were brought to the Upper Bann constituency, in the last three years; and (ii) the targetes over the next three years.
(AQO 2400/08)
Mr N Dodds: Job creation in itself is not the prime focus of my Department’s activity. The primary objective is to increase the level of productivity throughout Northern Ireland by strengthening business competitiveness, which in turn will lead to greater wealth creation and better employment opportunities for the whole community.
Between 1st April 2002 and 31st March 2007, Invest NI offered £17 million of assistance towards inward investment projects in the Upper Bann Parliamentary Constituency Area which plan to create 188 new jobs while safeguarding 2,108 existing jobs.
In addition, Invest NI offered £40 million of assistance towards projects undertaken by locally-owned clients, leveraging gross investment of £165 million. Although the agency does not record the number of jobs promoted by locally-owned clients, supporting its clients to grow and become more successful in export markets will inevitably lead to increased and improved employment opportunities in the area.
With regard to the next three years, my Department has not attributed inward investment job targets to specific geographical regions of Northern Ireland.
Invest NI’s role is to promote the whole of Northern Ireland as a viable and attractive location for foreign companies to invest in. The Programme for Government indicates that it plans to promote 6,500 new inward investment jobs. The emphasis will be on promoting higher value-added jobs with a target of 5,500 of the total posts attracting salaries above the NI Private Sector Median
Corporate Plan 2008-2011
Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail why the draft Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Corporate Plan 2008-2011 has moved away from encouraging inward investment into areas of social need, towards a strategy that focuses more on job creation and higher wages.
(AQO 2433/08)
Mr N Dodds: Both the draft DETI Corporate Plan 2008-11 and the draft Invest NI Corporate Plan 2008-11, which are closely aligned with the recently published Programme for Government include the target that 70% of new foreign direct investment projects secured will be located within 10 miles of an area of economic disadvantage.
This target sits alongside the other targets in relation to the salary levels of the 6,500 new jobs to be created by inward investment projects during 2008-2011. These targets have been set in the context of the Executive’s goal to aim to halve the private sector productivity gap with the UK excluding the Greater South East by 2015
ENVIRONMENT
Derry/Londonderry Area Plan
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the land that is still available under the Derry/Londonderry Area Plan for economic and industrial use.
(AQW 4376/08)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): In February 2008, there were 154.66 hectares (381.99 acres) of industrial zoned land available for development within the City Council area in Londonderry. In addition, the Derry Area Plan 2011 identified a further 407.91 hectares (1007.53 acres) of Existing Industrial Land to be retained for employment purposes.
There are also two former Military of Defence sites located within the City Council area where some provision for mixed use economic development would be acceptable within the overall redevelopment in the future. The two sites are Ebrington (10.52ha) and Fort George (5.66ha).
Properties within Townlands
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment what action she is taking to amend the current legislation in relation to the numbering of individual properties within townlands.
(AQW 4380/08)
Mrs A Foster: Whilst I share concerns regarding the retention of townlands and townland names, I am not persuaded that the numbering of individual properties within townlands provides a feasible or practicable way forward and therefore I do not propose to amend the current legislation.
I am aware that some councils, in recognition of the importance of townland names for local communities, have decided that all new signs bearing road names would also include the townland name printed underneath the name of the road, thereby encouraging the continued use of townland names. I believe that the adoption of such an approach by other councils would be preferable to the numbering of individual properties within townlands.
Illegal Dumping
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the number of cases of suspected illegal dumping, originating from the Republic of Ireland, that have occurred in the past 12 months; and (ii) the action she is taking to address this issue.
(AQW 4381/08)
Mrs A Foster:
- Since February 2007, there have been 12 prosecutions involving cases of illegal dumping where waste from the Republic of Ireland has been found. A further 3 cases are pending.
- My officials are working closely with their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland, and I have recently written to the Irish Environment Minister, John Gormley, in order to progress repatriation of waste that has already been deposited. The Environmental Crime Team within the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has developed close and effective working relationships with other enforcement agencies. It is forming a dedicated intelligence unit in order to target not just any complicit land owners but
those driving this serious crime. EHS will be training further staff, in partnership with PSNI and Assets Recovery Agency, as Financial Intelligence Officers.
Waste Management
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to provide her assessment of the use of incineration as a form of waste management.
(AQW 4424/08)
Mrs A Foster: There is a wide range of proven and new technologies available to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, which includes thermal treatment. Thermal treatment in this context includes incineration and advanced thermal technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification which enable the recovery of energy from waste. The Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy published by my Department recognises that energy from waste will be a necessary component of the preferred infrastructure to ensure we meet our national and European obligations to divert waste from landfill. This can also contribute to our non-fossil fuel obligations and renewable energy policies, as well as providing diversity and security of energy supply.
North Down and Ards Area Plan
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm the estimated timescale for the declaration of the North Down and Ards Area Plan.
(AQW 4431/08)
Mrs A Foster: You have previously asked me about delays in connection with the Ards Down Plan and it is assumed that you are referring to this Plan.
If that is the case then there is no change to my previous response on this subject.
My Department is currently waiting for the report of the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) into the Public Inquiry into the draft Ards and Down Area Plan. The PAC has confirmed that, while work on the report is well advanced, it will now be available no later than 31 March 2008. It had previously indicated that it would be available by the end of 2007.
The delay in the PAC report will inevitably cause delay in the adoption process and it is impossible at this stage to provide a definitive date. Much will depend on the nature of the PAC report and the resultant work required by the Department as it considers its findings. It is still intended to publish the adopted Plan as early as possible following receipt of the report and resources have been set aside for that purpose.
Grouse Moors
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the financial assistance available to groups that wish to retain and upgrade grouse moors.
(AQW 4433/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department has not currently been asked to provide any financial assistance to retain and upgrade grouse moors. Any requests for such assistance would be considered by my officials in the context of existing Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) funding and the criteria set down in the Environment and Heritage Service’s Natural Heritage Grants Programme.
The DARD Minister Michelle Gildernew, has advised me that farmers and landowners who participate in DARD’s agri-environment schemes can receive payments for the positive management of heather moorland and degraded heath. These payments support management which restores heather moorland and will benefit red grouse where they occur.
Officials in DARD’s Countryside Management Branch would be happy to provide you with details of the scheme options and payments that are available.
Planning Applications
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the funding that is available for each wind farm; and (ii) the number of planning applications that are in the planning process for wind farms (a) on land; and (b) at sea.
(AQW 4439/08)
Mrs A Foster: (i) There is no direct financial assistance given to individual wind-farms from DETI. The only support mechanism is via the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO). NIRO imposes a legal obligation on electricity suppliers to source a specified proportion of the electricity consumed in Northern Ireland from renewable sources such as wind. The amount of support any individual wind-farm will receive will depend on its output.
(ii)(a) Planning Service is currently processing 48 applications for windfarms on land.
(ii)(b) None. Off-shore wind development does not fall within the jurisdiction of Planning Service.
Rose Energy
Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her plans to hold a public enquiry/ consultation into the planning application for an incinerator in the banks of Lough Neagh proposed by Rose Energy.
(AQW 4636/08)
Mrs A Foster: Rose Energy has not yet submitted a planning application. I have no plans at present to hold a public enquiry / consultation into the planning application. Planning Service will process any future planning application in accordance with the provisions set out in legislation.
FINANCE AND PERSONNEL
Meeting Requests
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of meeting requests he has received since May 2007.
(AQW 4098/08)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): Since May 2007 I have received 179 meeting requests in my capacity as Minister for Finance and Personnel. This figure doesn’t include press interviews, meetings of the Executive and Executive Sub-committees, speaking events, dinners, receptions or my series of bilateral meetings with Ministerial colleagues prior to Executive agreement of the budget.
Civil Servants
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of civil servants who are currently seeking transfer to a post in Derry/Londonderry.
(AQW 4641/08)
Mr P Robinson: The number of civil servants who are currently seeking transfer to a post in Londonderry is 823.
Rates Payments
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of (i) the expected arrears of rates payments by the end of this financial year; and (ii) the effect of this on government finances; and to detail (a) the steps he is taking to address this situation; (b) when he expects the arrears figure to come back to a manageable level; and (c) the action his department is taking to prevent the amount of debt written-off from increasing due to the delay in collecting rates.
(AQW 4642/08)
Mr P Robinson: The forecast level of rate arrears at 31 March 2008 is expected to be around £130m. This includes some £41m outstanding from 31 March 2007.
The level of rates revenue built into budget plans is based on historic collection levels. Any differences that might arise between what is expected and what has been collected in a given year have been relatively small, and thus have been accommodated within Departmental underspends and reduced requirements, rather than impacting on the level of planned public service provision. Where rates are collected later than originally anticipated, they contribute to the Executive’s spending power at that point. As a result, there has been no impact on expenditure plans.
All rate arrears due will be included on rate bills for 2008/2009 and, in the absence of an agreement from the ratepayer to pay, Land and Property Services will start legal proceedings in June 2008 to recover outstanding rating debt. Following the award of a decree in the Magistrates Court, Land and Property Services will work with the Enforcement of Judgements Office to pursue the payment of the debt using all available enforcement methods.
The level of rate arrears is expected to reduce considerably over the next 12 months.
Rating debt is written off only after all available collection methods have been exhausted.
HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Health and Social Care Trust Employees
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of Health and Social Care Trust employees currently employed in the Strabane District Council area.
(AQW 4364/08)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): Strabane District Council area is located within the Western Health & Social Care Trust. There are a total of 9,154 staff (8,108 whole-time equivalent), excluding bank staff and home helps, employed by this Trust who will provide services throughout the entire Trust area including to the population of Strabane District Council. Of these, 419 staff (201 whole-time equivalent) are employed in facilities located specifically within the council boundary.
Notes:
WTE = whole time equivalent of staff. The whole time equivalent of staff is calculated by aggregating the total number of hours that staff in a grade are contracted to work, and dividing by the standard hours for that grade. In this way, part-time staff are converted into an equivalent number of ‘whole-time’ staff.
Addiction Services
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his plans to address drug and alcohol addiction services both at statutory level and at community level; and to confirm the action she is taking to provide funding to community based projects in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area, in the incoming financial year.
(AQW 4392/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: A wide range of alcohol and drug addiction services are provided across Northern Ireland by both statutory and community/voluntary organisation, including services operated by the Western Health and Social Care Trust and by organisations such as Northlands. These services are commissioned by the relevant Health and Social Services Board based on a local analysis of need. It is anticipated that this commissioned process will continue, ensuring that local addiction services are provided in a range of settings at a local level.
In respect of community based projects in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area, the Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team (WDACT) received £822,434 in financial year 2007/08 to deliver on the outcomes contained in its local action plan. This action plan was developed in order to meet local need, and in support of the outcomes contained in the regional New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs. WDACT issued tenders for the services required in that area, and all local organisations were able to bid to provide these services. Though this process, funding has been provided to a range of local community organisations including the DIVERT project, the E Go Project, and the Hurt project. In addition, WDACT operates a short term small grant funding scheme each year, and again local community/voluntary organisations have the opportunity to bid for this funding. It is anticipated that WDACT will receive a similar amount of funding in 2008/2009.
Drug Misuse
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the action taken by his department to identify the extent of drug misuse in the South Down constituency; and (ii) the plans his department has to address the issue.
(AQW 4407/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: (i)The Department commissions a number of prevalence surveys that provide information on the level of drug use across Northern Ireland, among both young people and adults. The Department also maintains a number of monitoring systems that provide information on the number of drug users presenting to treatment services. This information is used to help to target resources at both a regional and local level. Such data is available at Health and Social Service Board level.
The Southern Drug and Alcohol Co-Ordination Team (SDACT), which is funded by the Department, assesses local need when developing initiatives and targeting resources within the Southern Health and Social Services Board (SHSSB) area, including South Down.
(ii) The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (NSD), which was launched in 2006, seeks to reduce the harm related to alcohol and misuse in Northern Ireland. A total of £6.8 million was allocated to the implementation of the NSD in 07/08. The NSD is outcome based, with actions taken to achieve its aims and objectives at both a regional and local level. Regionally, the Department takes forward a range of actions including research, and regional public information campaigns.
Locally, the four Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Teams (DACTs) are implementing their individual Action Plans, which they developed in response to local need and in support of the overarching outcomes in the NSD. The four DACTs were allocated a total of £4.8 million in 07/08 to implement their Local Actions Plans, including the provision of mentoring and counselling services for young people in each Health and Social Services Board Area.
To deliver on these Local Action Plans, the DACTs issued tenders for the services they required in their respective areas, and all local organisations were able to bid to provide these services. Within SDACT a number of programmes, projects and initiatives have been developed and put in place that cover the South Down area. A similar level of funding will be available in to SDACT for financial year 2008/09.
Pregnancy Termination
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the criteria used to record the reason for a pregnancy termination as 'foetal disability'.
(AQW 4417/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: It is unlawful to perform any operation in Northern Ireland for the termination of a pregnancy for reasons of foetal disability. It is only lawful to terminate a pregnancy in the case of actual or possible foetal disability if the continuance of the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother, or would adversely affect her physical or mental health.
Whilst information is collected on the number of abortions carried out in Northern Ireland information relating to the reason for abortion is not collected.
Pregnancy Termination
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how the statistics for termination of pregnancy for reasons of foetal disability are recorded across the Health and Social Care Trusts.
(AQW 4419/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: It is unlawful to perform any operation in Northern Ireland for the termination of a pregnancy for reasons of foetal disability. It is only lawful to terminate a pregnancy in the case of actual or possible foetal disability if the continuance of the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother, or would adversely affect her physical or mental health.
Whilst information is collected on the number of abortions carried out in Northern Ireland information relating to the reason for abortion is not collected.
Mourneside Health Centre
Mrs C McGill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide a timescale for the installation of automatic sliding doors at the Mourneside Health Centre in Strabane in order to alleviate access difficulties for people with physical disabilities, the elderly and the infirm.
(AQW 4421/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: This is a privately owned and occupied Health Care Facility and as such the owners are responsible for ensuring full compliance with all statutory standards, including DDA compliance.
However, I understand that tenders have been received for the installation of the automatic sliding doors at the facility and work should be completed after the Easter Holiday period.
Refused Operations
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients who have been refused operations at Lagan Valley Hospital due to (i) age; (ii) obesity; (iii) smoking; and (iv) level of alcohol consumption.
(AQW 4437/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested on the number of patients who have been refused an operation and the reason for refusal at Lagan Valley Hospital is not available.
Lagan Valley Hospital
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last 5 years (i) the number of births in Lagan Valley Hospital; (ii) the percentage this represented of all births; (iii) the number of caesarean sections in Lagan Valley Hospital; and (iv) the percentage of births this represented in Lagan Valley Hospital; and to outline how these figures compare with other maternity units.
(AQW 4438/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of births and percentage of births in Northern Ireland that occurred at Lagan Valley Hospital is provided in the table below.
| Year | Number of Births at Lagan Valley Hospital | Percentage of N.I. births occurring at Lagan Valley |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-03 | 1,139 |
5.2% |
| 2003-04 | 1,226 |
5.9% |
| 2004-05 | 1,157 |
5.5% |
| 2005-06 | 1,177 |
5.2% |
| 2006-07 | 1,174 |
4.6% |
Source: Child Health System.
The number of caesarean section births at Lagan Valley Hospital and the percentage of births that were delivered by caesarean section are given in the table below for each of the last five years for which information is available.
| Year | Number of Caesarean Section Births | Percentage of Births delivered by Caesarean Section |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-03 | 261 |
22.9% |
| 2003-04 | 290 |
22.6% |
| 2004-05 | 224 |
19.4% |
| 2005-06 | 195 |
16.6% |
| 2006-07 | 176 |
15.0% |
Source: Child Health System.
Of all births in Lagan Valley Hospital for 2006-07, 15.0% were delivered by caesarean section. This is the lowest rate of caesarean sections in Northern Ireland for 2006-07.
Babies Born Prematurely
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of babies born prematurely, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 4446/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of babies born prematurely, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust is shown in the table below for the last 5 years for which figures are available.
| Number of Babies born Prematurely1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trust2 of Birth | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
| Western Trust | 219 | 281 | 265 | 263 | 293 |
| Northern Trust | 260 | 256 | 276 | 312 | 312 |
| Southern Trust | 296 | 311 | 347 | 392 | 426 |
| Belfast Trust | 563 | 529 | 531 | 501 | 507 |
| South Eastern Trust | 232 | 229 | 204 | 247 | 264 |
| Total | 1,570 | 1,606 | 1,623 | 1,715 | 1,802 |
Source: Child Health System
Notes: 1 A premature birth has been defined as a birth of less that 37 weeks gestation.
2 Figures have been presented in terms of New Trusts introduced with effect from April 2007. The figures are collected in terms of Legacy Trust and the information presented here is an amalgamation of Legacy Trust figures.
Fire-Fighters Pensions
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2675/08, to detail the number of fire-fighters who received pensions pay-outs based on misinterpretation of commutations regulations before the error was discovered; and to detail the total cost incurred.
(AQW 4452/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I can confirm that 15 firefighters received pension payouts based on the misinterpretation prior to the error being discovered when the 16th firefighter’s payout was calculated.
As previously stated in responses to AQW 2675/08 and AQW 3081/08 it is not possible to determine if any actual loss is to be incurred in the long term. This is because commutation calculations are based on tables of life expectancy provided by the Government Actuarial Department (GAD). Costs will therefore depend on the actual lifespan of each of the individuals affected.
Respite Care Needs
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the help available through his department to people with learning disabilities and their carers, generally, and in particular, to people aged 50 or over who have a learning disability and whose carer is elderly or has passed away; and to further detail the facilities that are in place to address the growing respite care needs of elderly people with disabilities.
(AQW 4455/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: A wide range of help is available to people of all ages with learning disabilities and their carers through provision of specialised care. This care can take place in learning disability hospitals, care in the community, transitions services, day care and supported employment.
Respite care is an important component of health and social care services provided in response to assessed care needs. Such care takes many different forms and may be provided to meet the user’s own needs or the needs of carers/families. As a result of the budget outcome, over the next three years I will be providing an additional 200 new or enhanced respite packages for people with learning difficulties and their carers/families.
Respite care is allocated on a compatibility basis rather than by specific age bands. However, where possible, age alignment takes place when respite is being planned.
Depending on the individual circumstances a range of social security benefits is also available to people with learning disabilities and their carers
Masters Degrees in Social Work
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not he is planning to fund students studying for Masters degrees in Social Work at universities in Great Britain.
(AQW 4474/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: This Department administers a student incentive scheme to support students domiciled in Northern Ireland to study for the Honours Degree in Social Work here. There are no plans to provide funding for students from Northern Ireland who chose to study for a Masters Degree in Social Work at universities in Great Britain.
Ophthalmic Services
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total cost of ophthalmic services in each of the last two years.
(AQW 4535/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I refer Mr Simpson to AQW 281/08 in which he asked me to detail the total spend for Ophthalmic Services for each of the last three years. The total spend on General Ophthalmic Services for each of the last two years was:
2005/06 £15,867,844.74
2006/07 £16,279,840.66
The figure for the total spend for 2007/08 is not yet available.
Super Bug Fatalities
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what percentages of cases of (i) Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infection; and (ii) Clostridium difficile, resulted in fatalities in each of the last three years.
(AQW 4536/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Without a specialised linkage study it is not possible, using existing data sources, to state what percentage of MRSA and Clostridium difficile cases have resulted in fatalities. The Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre does not have names for all the MRSA and Clostridium difficile cases reported and therefore cannot make a link to those with MRSA and Clostridium difficile on their death certificate.
NHS Demographics
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the percentages of (i) General Practitioners; (ii) dentists; (iii) optometrists; and (iv) pharmacists, that were (a) male; and (b) female, and aged (i) under 40 years of age; (ii) between 40 and 55 years of age; and (iii) over 55 years of age, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 4537/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is provided in the tables below.
(i) Percentage of GPs by Age and Gender 2005 - 2007
2005
| Age | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Ages | Under 40 | 40 to 55 | Over 55 | |
| Female | 36.1% | 12.4% | 21.0% | 2.8% |
| Male | 63.9% | 11.1% | 39.3% | 13.5% |
| Total | 100.0% | 23.5% | 60.3% | 16.2% |
2006
| Age | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Ages | Under 40 | 40 to 55 | Over 55 | |
| Female | 36.7% | 12.2% | 22.1% | 2.4% |
| Male | 63.3% | 11.5% | 38.0% | 13.8% |
| Total | 100.0% | 23.7% | 60.1% | 16.1% |
2007
| Age | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Ages | Under 40 | 40 to 55 | Over 55 | |
| Female | 37.9% | 12.5% | 22.6% | 2.8% |
| Male | 62.1% | 11.8% | 36.7% | 13.6% |
| Total | 100.0% | 24.3% | 59.4% | 16.3% |
Source: Central Services Agency
Notes: Percentages may not sum due to rounding.
Figures refer to Unrestricted Principals.
(ii) Percentage of Dentists by Age and Gender 2005 - 2007
2005
| Age | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Ages | Under 40 | 40 to 55 | Over 55 | |
| Female | 43.5% | 31.6% | 11.4% | 0.4% |
| Male | 56.5% | 25.3% | 25.1% | 6.1% |
| Total | 100.0% | 56.9% | 36.6% | 6.5% |
2006
| Age | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Ages | Under 40 | 40 to 55 | Over 55 | |
| Female | 44.3% | 31.5% | 12.4% | 0.4% |
| Male | 55.7% | 24.8% | 25.2% | 5.6% |
| Total | 100.0% | 56.3% | 37.6% | 6.0% |
2007
| Age | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Ages | Under 40 | 40 to 55 | Over 55 | |
| Female | 45.8% | 32.8% | 12.5% | 0.5% |
| Male | 54.2% | 24.0% | 25.9% | 4.3% |
| Total | 100.0% | 56.9% | 38.4% | 4.8% |
Source: Central Services Agency
Notes: Percentages may not sum due to rounding.
Figures refer to Principal Dentists working in General Dental Services; the figures exclude assistants and Vocational Dental Practitioners. The figures also exclude those working in the Community Dental Service and hospital dentists.
(iii) Percentage of Optometrists by Gender 2005 - 2007
| All Ages* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | |
| Female | 53.9% | 57.2% | 57.1% |
| Male | 46.1% | 42.8% | 42.9% |
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% |
* Age is not available for Optometrists
Source: Central Services Agency
Notes: Percentages may not sum due to rounding.
Figures exclude ophthalmic medical practitioners and dispensing opticians.
Health Staff Numbers
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) General Practitioners; (ii) dentists; (iii) optometrists; and (iv) pharmacists, (a) in total; and (b) per 100,000 residents, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 4538/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is provided in the tables below.
(i) Number of GPs per 100,000 Residents 2005 – 2007
| Year | Total number of GPs | GPs per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,090 | 63 |
| 2006 | 1,104 | 63 |
| 2007 | 1,127 | 65 |
Source: Central Services Agency
Notes: Figures refer to Unrestricted Principals only.
(ii) Number of Dentists per 100,000 Residents 2005 – 2007
| Year | Total number of dentists | Dentists per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 752 | 44 |
| 2006 | 765 | 44 |
| 2007 | 795 | 46 |
Source: Central Services Agency
Notes: Figures refer to Principal Dentists working in General Dental Services; the figures exclude assistants and Vocational Dental Practitioners. The figures also exclude those working in the Community Dental Service and hospital dentists.
(iii) Number of Optometrists per 100,000 Residents 2005 – 2007
| Year | Total number of optometrists | Optometrists per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 516 | 30 |
| 2006 | 549 | 32 |
| 2007 | 567 | 33 |
Source: Central Services Agency
Notes: Figures exclude ophthalmic medical practitioners and dispensing opticians.
(iv) Number of Pharmacists per 100,000 Residents 2005 – 2007
Year |
Total number of pharmacists |
Pharmacists per 100,000 residents |
|---|---|---|
2005 |
1962 |
114 |
2006 |
1906 |
109 |
2007 |
1983 |
114 |
Source: Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland
Notes: Figures refer to all pharmacists on the register of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland; including community pharmacists but also locums and those working in hospital, academia and administrative roles and a small number not practising, e.g. retired.
Health Staff Numbers
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) General Practitioner practices; (ii) dental practices; (iii) ophthalmic practices; and (iv) pharmacies, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 4539/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is provided in the tables below.
(i) Number of GP Practices
| Year | Number Of Practices |
|---|---|
2003 |
# |
2004 |
365 |
2005 |
365 |
2006 |
363 |
2007 |
362 |
# December 2003 data is not available
Source: Central Services Agency
(ii) Number of Dental Practices
| Year | Number Of Practices |
|---|---|
2003 |
# |
2004 |
369 |
2005 |
376 |
2006 |
362 |
2007 |
358 |
# December 2003 data is not available
Source: Central Services Agency
(iii) Number of Ophthalmic Practices
| Year | Number Of Practices |
|---|---|
2003 |
230 |
2004 |
233 |
2005 |
244 |
2006 |
248 |
2007 |
249 |
Source: Central Services Agency
(iv) Number of Pharmacies
| Year | Number Of Pharmacies |
|---|---|
2003 |
510 |
2004 |
511 |
2005 |
513 |
2006 |
515 |
2007 |
518 |
Source: Central Services Agency
Mental Health Support
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will consider publishing a directory of mental health support services for children and young people.
(AQW 4540/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has no plans to publish a directory of mental health services for children and young people. It would be the responsibility of the HSS Boards, working with the HSC Trusts and all the other bodies and groups providing services in this area, to create and maintain a services directory.
Mental Health Support
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount and proportion of the Budget which has been assigned to mental health services; and what proportion is expected to be spent on children and young people.
(AQW 4541/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Funding for mental health services represents around 7% of the total HSC spend. Following the Budget announcement, I can confirm that there will be an additional £11m allocated to mental health services in 2008/09, £12m in 2009/10, and £23m in 2010/11. This will be on top of an estimated spend of £187million in 2007/08 on mental health services. It will be for the individual Boards to determine how much funding is allocated to child and adolescent mental health services.
Mental Health Support
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will undertake a consultation process to explore our collective role as a community towards support for children and young people's mental health.
(AQW 4543/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: As part of the Bamford Review a number of recommendations were produced in its report "A Vision of a Comprehensive Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service" which outlined the way forward for Mental Health services for children and young people. Bamford consulted extensively with relevant stakeholders including service users, carers, professionals and voluntary and community groups. My Department is currently in the process of developing its response to this report and, once this has been finalised, it will be subject to a 3 month public consultation. I have no other plans for consultation.
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) acute beds; and (ii) non-acute beds, currently at Tyrone and Fermanagh hospital.
(AQW 4552/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of acute and non-acute beds in Tyrone and Fermanagh hospital, as at 3rd March 2008, is outlined in the table below.
| Hospital | Number of Acute Beds | Number of Non- Acute Beds | Total Number of Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrone and Fermanagh | 0 | 81 | 81 |
Source: Western Health and Social Care Trust
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to clarify whether or not the number of acute admission beds for under-65's are to be reduced at the Tyrone and Fermanagh hospital.
(AQW 4553/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Western Health and Social Care Trust advises that a planned development of community mental health services, in line with the Bamford Review, will provide a much more appropriate response in time of crisis and will reduce the need for acute beds. Over the next three years a planned reduction of 28 beds is envisaged.
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to clarify whether or not the number of beds at the Tyrone and Fermanagh hospital are to be reduced.
(AQW 4554/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Western Health and Social Care Trust advises that a planned development of community mental health services, in line with the Bamford Review, will provide a much more appropriate response in time of crisis and will reduce the need for acute beds. Over the next three years a planned reduction of 28 beds is envisaged.
Tooth Extractions
Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of general anaesthetics carried out for tooth extractions, broken down by age group (including children aged under 16); (ii) the total number of teeth extracted; and (iii) the cost of providing this service, over the last 12 months.
(AQW 4559/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of general anaesthetics undertaken for dental extractions is only collected centrally for children aged 13, and under
For the year January to December 2007:
- 5956 children aged 13, and under, received general anaesthesia for a dental extraction
- 4080 permanent teeth were extracted
- 25199 deciduous (baby) teeth were extracted
- This gives a total of 29279 teeth extracted from children aged 13, and under
Information on the costs of general anaesthetics provided for dental extractions is not collected centrally, nor is it readily available, and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
Clostridium Difficile
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of Clostridium difficile cases that (i) have been diagnosed; (ii) have resulted in death; (iii) are still being treated; and (iv) have been cured, in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust area.
(AQW 4569/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The figures are collated and validated by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre.
Figures for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust area are as follows.
(i) Mandatory surveillance for Clostridium difficile began in 2005, with 2006 being the first complete calendar year that all laboratories used the same methods. Mandatory surveillance is currently restricted to persons aged 65 years and over. The number of cases diagnosed is as follows:
| YEAR | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 1 Jan – 15 Feb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of cases |
235 |
252 |
219 |
26* |
* This figure is interim and has not been validated by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre
(ii) The number of people whose death certificate mentioned Clostridium difficile and who lived in the Trust area is as follows:
| YEAR | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 1 Jan – 29 Feb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of deaths |
10 |
18 |
7 |
4 |
(iii) At 6 March 2008, 6 patients were being treated for Clostridium difficile.
It is not possible to provide figures for part (iv) of this question as information is not collected in this form.
Carers Provision
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area on waiting lists, following assessment, for home-helps and carers provision.
(AQW 4572/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of patients on waiting lists, following assessment, for carers provision is not collected centrally. Information is, however, collected on the number of adults who were assessed as requiring or who were on a waiting list for home help or other domiciliary care in the community, where their assessed needs have not been delivered.
On 31st December 2007, 464 people in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust were waiting for home help or other domiciliary services. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the length of time waiting and the main reasons why home help or other domiciliary services could not be provided.
Length of Time Waiting1 |
Waiting for Home Help or other Domiciliary Services due to a Lack of Domiciliary Care providers |
Waiting for Home Help or other Domiciliary Services due to a lack of funding |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | 10 |
49 |
| 1 month < 3 months | 40 |
99 |
| 3 months < 6 months | 11 |
93 |
| 6 months < 12 months | 21 |
96 |
| 12 months or more | 13 |
32 |
| TOTAL | 95 |
369 |
Source: DHSSPS Information return Adult Unmet Needs.
1 The length of time waiting refers to the length of time between the need for this type of service being identified for the client by the Trust and the end of the quarter.
Carers Provision
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of people employed as home-helps and carers, and (ii) the number required to meet the assessed needs of patients.
(AQW 4573/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Health and Social Care Trusts currently directly employ 5,991 home helps although many of these will be working on a part-time basis. Information is not centrally available about the number of home help and carers employed by independent sector organisations, with whom Trusts contract to provide care at home.
Staff complements are established on the basis of prioritised need and available resources. Due to the level of demand for these services, Trusts maintain rolling programmes of recruitment. Consequently, the number of vacancies at any point in time varies. Trusts estimate that, currently, there are 124 vacancies for home helps and carers within Trusts. Figures for the independent sector are not available.
Organ Transplant List
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people (i) who are currently on the organ transplant list; and (ii) who donated organs in 2007.
(AQW 4580/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: In February 2008 there were 319 Northern Ireland residents on the waiting list for solid organ transplants. During 2007 there were organ donations from 33 cadaveric donors and 9 live donors in Northern Ireland.
Dog Bites
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people treated in (i) Accident and Emergency units; (ii) Minor Injuries units; and (iii) GP surgeries, for injuries sustained as a result of dog bites, in each of the past five years.
(AQW 4593/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of people treated in (i) Accident and Emergency units;(ii) Minor Injuries units; and (iii) GP surgeries, for injuries sustained as a result of dog bites, in each of the past five years is not available.
The number of people admitted as inpatients to hospitals in Northern Ireland, in each of the last five years with a diagnosis related to a dog bite, is available and is shown in the table below.
| Year | 2006/07 | 2005/06 | 2004/05 | 2003/04 | 2002/03 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals | 49 |
63 |
66 |
71 |
65 |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) the availability of a lead agency responsible for ensuring that families have access to an assessment diagnostic and treatment service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); and (ii) the availability of specific funding to provide accessible services to this group.
(AQW 4599/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There is currently no single agency leading on the availability of assessment and treatment services for ADHD as these services are provided by each individual Health and Social Care Board and Trust based on the needs of the populations they serve. There is no ring-fenced funding stream for ADHD services.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the services accessible to (i) children of primary school age; (ii) adolescents; and (iii) adults living in North and West Belfast who require assessment, diagnosis and treatment for the condition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
(AQW 4600/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There is no information available on services available specific to North and West Belfast. However, within the Belfast Trust which is responsible for this area, the condition of ADHD in school age children/adolescents is assessed, diagnosed, and treated by CAMHS services at Tiers 2, 3 and 4. This includes Community Paediatrics/Young Persons Centre services and the Child and Family Clinic. The condition requires multi-disciplinary assessment and multi-agency liaison.
Within the Belfast Trust’s CAMHS service Tier 3 (which is a specialist multi-disciplinary service assessing and treating severe complex conditions), ADHD is now usually assessed and diagnosed alongside other co-morbid conditions (two or more conditions occurring simultaneously in the same person).
There are currently no dedicated services for assessment and treatment of ADHD in adolescents apart from co-morbid cases.
There are currently no dedicated services for the assessment and treatment of ADHD beyond 18 years of age.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the transition arrangements for young people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who are receiving medication when they reach 18 years of age.
(AQW 4601/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Different arrangements apply in different Board areas and include referral to an Adult Psychiatrist or retention on paediatric services for a limited period
The Bamford Review has recommended clearer referral pathways and guidelines for the assessment and treatment of ADHD.
Incontinence Appliances
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to introduce proposals similar to those in Great Britain, in relation to the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances; and what is his assessment of the impact these proposals will have on (i) patients who obtain these services in their own homes; and (ii) the companies that provide home deliveries for these patients.
(AQW 4604/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are no plans to amend the processes currently in place.
Stoma and incontinence appliances can be dispensed by pharmacy contractors, dispensing doctors and dispensing appliance contractors and the current arrangements have been in place in Northern Ireland for a number of years.
A consultation process has been ongoing in England since 2003 in relation to future arrangements for the provision of stoma and incontinence products there. My Department will continue to monitor developments in England before considering its position in relation to the provision of incontinence and stoma care appliances. Patients in Northern Ireland can still choose to source their products and services locally or from suppliers elsewhere in the UK.
Incontinence Appliances
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the current provision of stoma and incontinence products.
(AQW 4606/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Stoma and incontinence appliances can be dispensed by pharmacy contractors, dispensing doctors and dispensing appliance contractors and the current arrangements have been in place in Northern Ireland for a number of years.
A consultation process has been ongoing in England since 2003 in relation to future arrangements for the provision of stoma and incontinence products there. My Department will continue to monitor developments in England before considering its position in relation to the provision of incontinence and stoma care appliances. Patients in Northern Ireland can still choose to source their products and services locally or from suppliers elsewhere in the UK.
Incontinence Appliances
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of proposals made by the Department of Health to amend arrangements for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances.
(AQW 4609/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health in London consulted in 2007 on proposals to review the arrangements for payment for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances and related services to Primary Care. The proposed changes will apply to England only and do not extend to Northern Ireland.
My Department will monitor developments in England before considering its position in relation to the provision of incontinence and stoma care appliances. Patients in Northern Ireland can still choose to source their products and services locally or from suppliers elsewhere in the UK.
National No Smoking Day
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the action his department is taking (i) to promote and contribute to National No Smoking Day on 12 March 2008; and (ii) to warn young people of the dangers of smoking.
(AQW 4621/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Health Promotion Agency promotes this UK-wide annual event in Northern Ireland on behalf of my Department. It does so in collaboration with other interested organisations such as the Ulster Cancer Foundation, which chairs the Northern Ireland Committee. The Agency part funds the local briefing day aimed at health professionals, the voluntary sector and others. The primary aim is to encourage smokers to quit by raising public awareness about the health risks through various local initiatives, as well as through press releases, poster displays and leaflet drops.
Young people are one of three key targets groups in my Department’s Five Year Tobacco Action Plan which will be reviewed later in the year. We continue to work with the Health Promotion Agency and others to discourage the young from smoking through a range of initiatives, including public information campaigns and the Agency’s website: www.up-to-you.net which aims to educate young people about the dangers. In addition, partnership working through the health promoting schools network continues to address smoking as well as other lifestyle issues. The Ulster Cancer Foundation’s Smokebusters initiative, aimed at 9-11 year olds as they approach the end of primary education, also informs children about the health risks associated with smoking.
Public Meetings
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) public meetings that took place in (a) Fermanagh and South Tyrone; and (b) West Tyrone, constituencies; and (ii) the number of people that attended these meetings, in the last 6 months, in relation to a proposed Midwifery Led Unit in Omagh.
(AQW 4622/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Western Health and Social Services Board commissioned the community networks in Strabane, Omagh and Fermanagh to advertise, organise and facilitate user workshop events to inform the feasibility study on a proposed Community Midwifery Unit in Omagh.
Three public events took place as detailed below:
| Date | Constituency | Numbers Attending |
|---|---|---|
| 5 November 2007 | West Tyrone(Newtownstewart) | 14 |
| 5 November 2007 | West Tyrone(Omagh) | In excess of 40 |
| 6 November 2007 | Fermanagh and South Tyrone(Irvinestown) | Approximately 8 |
Staff Overpay
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3968/08, to detail the reasons for a greater number of staff being subject to a claw back of money overpaid to them, rather than facing a reduction in their current level of pay.
(AQW 4640/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Pay protection and claw back of excess payments are two very separate issues and are dealt with under very different arrangements. Pay protection is provided for within the under Agenda for Change arrangements and is available to an individual when the appropriate Agenda for Change rate of pay is less than the salary in payment to that individual at 1 April 2005. The claw back of an excess payment from public funding is dealt with under the Government Accounting Northern Ireland guidance. This requires Health and Social Care employers to seek to recoup any excess payment from the public purse. There is no correlation in the number of staff being subjected to either of these arrangements.
Service Frameworks
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the service frameworks developed by his department.
(AQW 4645/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Department is currently developing the first round of service frameworks: cardiovascular health and wellbeing;
respiratory health and wellbeing;
cancer prevention, treatment and care;
mental health and wellbeing; and
learning disability.
It is anticipated that the first of these service frameworks - cardiovascular health and wellbeing framework will be launched in autumn 2008.
The next stage of the work programme is to identify further priority areas for service framework development, for commencement in 2008. The Boards, in collaboration with Trusts and local interest groups, have submitted a list of regional priorities for future service framework development. These proposals are currently under evaluation and a decision regarding the next round of service frameworks will be taken by the end of March 2008.
On-Call Laboratory Service
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm if he is planning to stop the on-call laboratory service at Tyrone County Hospital.
(AQW 4661/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are no plans to stop the on-call service provided by the laboratory at Tyrone County Hospital.
Minor Injury Unit
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients treated at the minor injury unit at Ards Hospital, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 4666/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of attendances at the Minor Injury Unit at Ards Hospital, for each of the last five financial years, is shown in the table below.
| Year | First Attendances1 | Follow Up Attendances2 | Total Attendances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | 7,203 |
1,259 |
8,462 |
| 2003-2004 | 7,764 |
1,556 |
9,320 |
| 2004-2005 | 7,983 |
1,361 |
9,344 |
| 2005-2006 | 8,581 |
1,443 |
10,024 |
| 2006-2007 | 8,971 |
1,231 |
10,202 |
Source: Departmental Return KH09 (Part 2)
1 – A first attendance is the first of a series or the only attendance at a department for accident and emergency services or at a Minor Injury Unit in the hospital.
2 – A follow –up attendance is any subsequent attendance for the same condition at the same accident and emergency department or Minor Injury Unit in the hospital.
Accident and Emergency Unit
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients treated at the accident and emergency unit at the Ulster Hospital, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 4667/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of attendances at the Accident and Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital, for each of the last five financial years, is shown in the table below.
| Year | First Attendances1 | Follow Up Attendances2 | Total Attendances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | 54,118 |
5,129 |
59,247 |
| 2003-2004 | 54,659 |
4,172 |
58,831 |
| 2004-2005 | 54,820 |
4,188 |
59,008 |
| 2005-2006 | 59,145 |
3,654 |
62,799 |
| 2006-2007 | 63,195 |
3,545 |
66,740 |
Source: Departmental Return KH09 (Part 2)
1 – A first attendance is the first of a series or the only attendance at a department for accident and emergency services or at a Minor Injury Unit in the hospital.
2 – A follow –up attendance is any subsequent attendance for the same condition at the same accident and emergency department or Minor Injury Unit in the hospital.
Minor Injury Unit
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients treated at the minor injury unit at Bangor Hospital, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 4668/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of attendances at the Minor Injury Unit at Bangor Hospital, for each of the last five financial years, is shown in the table below.
| Year | First Attendances1 | Follow Up Attendances2 | Total Attendances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | 8,193 |
1,563 |
9,756 |
| 2003-2004 | 8,951 |
1,734 |
10,685 |
| 2004-2005 | 9,958 |
2,341 |
12,299 |
| 2005-2006 | 10,590 |
2,397 |
12,987 |
| 2006-2007 | 11,099 |
1,869 |
12,968 |
Source: Departmental Return KH09 (Part 2)
1 – A first attendance is the first of a series or the only attendance at a department for accident and emergency services or at a Minor Injury Unit in the hospital.
2 – A follow –up attendance is any subsequent attendance for the same condition at the same accident and emergency department or Minor Injury Unit in the hospital.
Accident and Emergency Unit
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the capacity of the accident and emergency unit at the Ulster Hospital.
(AQW 4669/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust have advised that the capacity of the Ulster Hospital accident and emergency department is as follows.
The department is structured into 5 different clinical areas, namely:
- RATU (Rapid Assessment & Treatment Unit) – which has 8 trolley spaces and 3 non trolley spaces, (one eye examination area, one children’s consultation room and one ENP (emergency nurse practitioner) room, which is additional to the service provided in the minors area;
- Resuscitation Area – 10 trolley spaces plus one isolation room which can hold a bed;
- Majors Area – the majors area has 8 individual trolley spaces and one secure room;
- Minors Area – there is a separate minors area with 4 trolley spaces and 2 non trolley. This area provides an Emergency Nurse Practitioner Service dedicated to the rapid assessment and treatment of those patients presenting with minor injuries/illness;
- In addition to the above, there is a 10 bedded observation ward with a further 4 recliner chair spaces.
The Majors Area is largely unutilised at present, as patients are streamed to the RATU, Resuscitation or Minors area, but is used as an overflow facility.
Press Officers
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of press officers employed by his department.
(AQW 4676/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are currently seven Press Officers employed within the department, who provide support to the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety and departmental officials on core press office activity.
Self-Harm Service
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to provide future funding to the North and West Belfast self-harm service.
(AQW 4692/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The North and West Belfast Self-Harm Service is one of a number of local projects funded through DSD’s Renewing Communities Initiative. The support to these groups was time-limited and expires on 31 March 2008.
My Department can only fund projects which operate on a regional basis within Northern Ireland. Support for local projects such as the Self-Harm Service is a matter for the Health and Social Services Boards and the Health and Social Care Trusts.
Number of Births
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an estimate of the number of births that can be accommodated annually at (i) the Mater Maternity Unit; (ii) the Royal Maternity Unit; (iii) the Ulster Maternity Unit; and (iv) the Craigavon Maternity Unit, for each of the next 3 years.
(AQW 4724/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: An estimate of the number of births which can be accommodated annually at the Mater Maternity Unit, Royal Maternity Unit and Ulster Maternity Unit for the next three years is unavailable.
The estimate of the number of births that can be accommodated annually at Craigavon Maternity Unit is given in the table below.
| Financial Year | Estimated number of Deliveries |
|---|---|
| 2008/2009 | 3,800 |
| 2009/2010 | 4,000 |
| 2010/2011 | 4,200 |
Note: The figures for 2009/10 and 2010/11 are premised on the Southern HSC Trust’s proposals to develop additional capacity at Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital in order to accommodate any increase in the number of births including the prospect of closure of Lagan Valley Maternity Unit.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has advised that should additional staff be made available and antenatal care is delivered locally, there is capacity for approximately 400 additional births above current numbers. Child Health figures indicate that there were 1,174 births in the Mater Maternity Unit in 2007.
The Belfast HSC Trust also advise that should capital investment be provided to convert existing accommodation into delivery suite rooms, an additional 800 women above the current number would be delivered in the Royal Maternity Unit.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that the Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit is heading to an outturn in the region of 3,300 deliveries as at 31/03/2008 and this is anticipated to increase to 3,500 in the coming financial year. However should additional resources, in terms of midwifery, clerical staff and support staff be provided, then it is possible to increase the capacity to 4,000.
Delayed Discharges
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of delayed discharges from Whiteabbey Hospital since May 2007.
(AQW 4767/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of delayed discharges from Whiteabbey Hospital since May 2007 is given in the table below. The figures shown in the table below show the number of care managed patients or patients awaiting a care management assessment remaining in hospital after the date they are deemed medically fit for discharge as at the last day of each month from May 2007 until January 2008 (the last month for which information is available).
| Month | Number of Delayed Discharges at end of each Month* |
|---|---|
| May 2007 | 17 |
| June 2007 | 21 |
| July 2007 | 15 |
| August 2007 | 19 |
| September 2007 | 17 |
| October 2007 | 17 |
| November 2007 | 13 |
| December 2007 | 8 |
| January 2008 | 17 |
Source: Departmental Return, DD1.
Notes:
* - Information is currently provisional and subject to change.
Newspaper Expenditure
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his department's expenditure on (i) newspapers; (ii) magazines; and (iii) periodicals, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 4794/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Expenditure on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last 3 years is shown in the table below. As spending on newspapers and magazines is accounted for within the same account code, it is not possible to show separate information for each.
| Year | Newspapers and Magazines | Periodicals |
|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | £6,012 |
£18,020 |
| 2006/07 | £5,852 |
£17,037 |
| 2007/08 (to date) | £6,950 |
£14,906 |
Assembly Questions
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of written and oral Assembly questions that have been tabled to his department in the 6 months following the restoration of devolution; and (ii) the cost incurred in researching and answering these questions.
(AQW 4800/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: (i) Between 8 May and 8 November 2007, 430 written and 60 oral Assembly Questions were tabled to the Department for Health Social Services and Public Safety.
(ii) The preparation of answers to Assembly Questions forms an intrinsic part of the responsibilities of civil servants and consequently details of costs incurred in researching and answering questions are not separately calculated.
Rape Crisis Centre
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2258/08, to confirm (i) if his department has received the documentation in relation to accounting requirements from the Rape Crisis Centre in Belfast; and (ii) if his department will fund the Rape Crisis Centre in Belfast.
(AQW 4985/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS)
- has not received documentation from the Rape Crisis Centre in Belfast in relation to accounting requirements. As the department does not fund the Rape Crisis Centre there is no need for any such documentation to be submitted to the department.
- The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is not in a position to fund the Rape Crisis Centre in Belfast. Services for victims of sexual violence and abuse are being taken forward through the implementation of the Sexual Violence and Abuse Regional Strategy which will be issued shortly. As part of the Regional Strategy, a new Sexual Assault Referral Centre will be set up in Northern Ireland to provide holistic services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Northern Ireland Water
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) all the current contracts that have been entered into by Northern Ireland Water that involve the use of consultants; and (ii) the estimated value of these contracts.
(AQW 4203/08)
The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that, since 1 April 2007, they have entered into 401 contracts involving the use of consultants, of which 384 relate to projects included in the Capital Works Programme and 17 to other projects. The total value of the consultancy element of these projects is estimated at £15.53 million, made up of £12.38 million within the Capital Works Programme and £3.15 million for other projects. These costs are exclusive of VAT.
A list of the projects involving consultants is provided below. It should be noted that a number of consultancy contracts may be associated with the same project. The value of individual consultancy contracts is deemed to be commercially sensitive information which NIW is unable to release.
CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME PROJECTS |
|---|
Kilmegan Road, Dundrum, Watermain |
Springfield Avenue, Storm Sewer Extension |
130a Upper Knockbreda Road, Belfast, Storm Sewer Extension |
Abbey Park, Kilkeel, Sewer Replacement |
Aghalee/Aghagallon Screens, Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) |
Airfield Road, Foul Sewer Extension |
Aldergrove, Sewerage Scheme |
Altnahinch, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Annaghmore WwTW |
Annahilt WwTW |
Antrim Road, Aldergrove, Trunk Sewer Replacement |
Ards North, Carrowdore, Ballywalter, Ballyhaskin, WwTWs |
Art Road, Artigarvin, Storm Sewer Extension |
Ashflied Rd, Clogher, Watermain Extension |
Ashley Gardens, Armagh, Foul Sewer Replacement |
Assessment of Flow Monitoring in WwTWs |
Backglen Road, Omagh, Booster Station |
Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Replacement Watermain |
Ballyblagh, Lurgan, Pumping Main Replacement |
Ballybogey WwTW |
Ballycastle, Sea Outfall |
Ballycastle WwTW |
Ballycoleman, Strabane, Flood Alleviation Scheme |
Ballycorr Road, Ballyclare, Storm Outfall |
Ballyeaston Road, Ballyclare, Storm Sewer |
Ballygawley/Cabragh Service Reservoir Link Main Watermain |
Ballyhalbert WwTW, Interim Solution |
Ballyholme (Bangor) Drainage Area Plan Phase 1 |
Ballykelly Main Street, Replacement Sewer |
Ballylagan Road, Islandmore, Storm Sewer |
Ballylough, Sewerage Scheme |
Ballyloughan Road, Hamiltonsbawn, Watermain Extension |
Ballymagorry WwTW |
Ballynahinch, Watermain |
Ballynahone, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Ballynure Road, Ballyclare, Foul and Storm Sewers |
Ballywalter Area, Watermains |
Ballywalter WwTW, Interim Solution |
Ballywhiskin WwTW, Interim Solution |
Balteagh, Limavady, Watermain Extension |
Banbridge Road, Waringstown, Foul Sewer Extension |
Bancran Road, Draperstown, Watermain Extension |
Bangor, Outer Zone Watermain Improvements |
Bank Square, Maghera, Watermain |
Barnside Road, Garvagh, Watermain Extension |
Bartley Park, Kilkeel, Sewer Replacements |
Belfast City Centre, Public Realm Phase 1, Area 1 |
Belfast Lough, North Shore WwTW |
Belfast Sewers Project |
Belfast WwTW, Sludge Tanks Refurbishment |
Bendooragh Road, Ballymoney, Foul Sewer |
Beragh, Foul and Storm Sewer |
Birches Road to Cloncarrish Road, Sewer Extension |
Black Cave and Upper Roddens, Larne, Sewage Improvements |
Bracken Court, Coalisland, Storm Sewer Extension |
Bramblewood, Crumlin, Sewer Repairs |
Bravallan Road, Ballymoney, Storm Sewer |
Breda, North Zone Watermain Improvements |
Brishey Springs, Dungiven, Decommissioning |
Brooke Hall, Cairnshill, Foul Sewer Extension |
Brookmount Road to Hunters Cresent, Sewer Replacement |
Burfitts Hill, Irvinestown, Watermain Replacement |
Burnquarter Road (West), Ballymoney, Watermain Extension |
Burren River Sewage Pumping Station (SPS) Upgrades and Networks Improvements |
Burren Way, Cregagh, Sewer Upgrade and Flood Alleviation |
Bushmills and Portballintrae WwTW |
Caherty Road, Broughshane, Foul Sewers, Storm Sewers and Watermain |
Campbell Terrace, Plumbridge, Storm Sewer Extension |
Carbet Road, Portadown, Storm Sewer |
Cargan, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Carland Bridge (Cookstown Road), Road Realignment |
Carmoney to Strabane, Strategic Link Watermain |
Carnalea Road, Seskinore, Storm Sewer Extension |
Carrigans Road, Newtownstewart, Watermain |
Carrowdore WwTW |
Carryduff, Trunk Sewer Upgrade |
Castlecatt Road, Dervock, Foul Sewer |
Castlecaulfield WwTW |
Castlereagh, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Castlerock Road, Coleraine, Storm Sewer |
Castleroe Road, Coleraine, Foul Sewer Extension |
Castor Bay to Lisburn, Trunk Main |
Castor Bay, Armagh, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Castor Bay/Moira, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Causway/Aid, Sewer |
Cavanacaw Road, Storm Sewer |
Chapeltown, Ardglass, Sewerage Scheme |
Charlotte Street/Newry Road, Warrenpoint, Sewer Improvement |
Cherrymount Park, Bangor, Sewer Rehabilitation |
Church Road, Rasharkin, Storm Sewer Extension |
Clare Village, Sewerage Scheme |
Clay Lake WTW, Remedial Work |
Clay Lake Water Treatment Works (WTW), Lime Silo |
Clay Lake, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Cloghan Park, Belfast, Flood Alleviation |
Cloncarrish Road, Birches, Storm Sewer Extension |
Cloughwater Road, Ballymena, Watermain Extension |
Cloughy WwTW, Interim Solution |
Coast Road, Ballygally, Storm Sewer |
Coast Road, Larne, Sewerage Scheme |
Coastguard Road, Larne, Sewerage Scheme |
Comber Area, Replacement Watermains |
Cookstown Road, Moneymore, Foul Sewer Extension |
Cookstown, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Coolagh Road, Greysteel, Replacement Watermain |
Craigs Road, Rasharkin, Foul Sewer Extension |
Craigstown Road, Randalstown, Watermain Extension |
Creaghmore Road, Drumquin, Foul Sewer Extension |
Crevagh Park SPS Abandonment |
Crevanagh Road, Omagh, Foul Sewer Pumping Main Extension |
Crossgar Road, Ballynahinch, Storm Sewer |
Crosshill Service Reservoir Water Booster Station, Larne |
Crossmaglen WwTW |
Crumlin Road, Lower Ballinderry, Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions |
Culvacullion Road, Watermain Extension |
Deerpark Lane, Watermain Extension |
Darragh Cross WwTW |
Demesne Road, Holywood, Foul and Storm Sewer |
Derg, Omagh, Area Transfer Pumps |
Derganagh Road, Knockloughrim, Watermain Extension |
Derry Road, Storm Sewer |
Derry Road, Strabane, Storm Sewer |
Derrylin WwTW |
Donagheday Road, Strabane, Storm Sewer |
Draperstown WwTW |
Dromara WwTW |
Dromore Street, Rathfriland, Storm Sewer Extension |
Drumaness WwTW |
Drumbeg WwTW |
Drumharvey and Drumduff, Watermain Extension |
Drumlegagh WwTW |
Drumlegagh, Storm Sewer Extension |
Drummanmore Road, Armagh, Storm Sewer |
Drumullan Road, Coagh, Watermain Extension |
Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Watermain Extension |
Dungannon Road, Moy, Storm Sewer Extension |
Dungannon to Ballygawley (A4) Dualling Watermain Diversions |
Dunmore Lane, Cookstown, Watermain Extension |
Dunmurry WwTW and New Holland WwTW Odour Control |
Dunmurry WwTW, Modifications |
Dunnamore Road, Dunnamore, Storm Sewer Extension |
East Belfast Drainage Area Plan |
Edenderry WwTW |
Enniskillen New Hospital, Water Main Extension |
Enniskillen WwTW |
Fincairn Road, Drumahoe, Storm Sewer Extension |
Fintona Road, Clogher, Foul Pumping Main Extension |
Finvoy Road, Ballymoney, Sewerage Scheme |
Flood remediation measures phase 2 |
Fofanny/Banbridge, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Garveys Road, Dorsey, Foul Sewer Extension |
Frocess Road, Ballymoney, Foul Sewer |
Garrison WwTW |
Georgian Villas, Omagh, Replacement Watermain |
Gilford Road, Portadown, Sewerage Upgrades |
Gilford WwTW |
Gillgooley Road, Omagh, Sewerage Scheme |
Glenavy Road, Crumlin, Replacement Watermain |
Glencuil to Cabragh, Strategic Link Watermain |
Glendarragh SPS, Replacement Pumping Main |
Glenhordial WTW, Expansion of existing Sludge Plant |
Glenmornan WwTW, Upgrade |
Gortin Road, Omagh, Storm Sewer |
Gortinure Road, Gortinwood, Storm and Foul Sewer Extension |
Gortnahey Road, Gortnahey, Dungiven Foul Sewer Extension |
Greyabbey/Kircubbin WwTW |
Hawthorn Hill, Foul Sewer Extension |
Hugenot Drive, Lisburn, SPS Upgrade |
Huntingdale Way, Ballyclare, SPS Rationalisation |
Hydepark To Purdysburn Trunk Main, Connection At Newtownbreda Road. |
Inisclan, Pumping Main Extension |
Johnston Lodge, Hamiltonsbawn, Foul Sewer Extension |
Kilbride Road/Bryantang Road, Doagh, Watermain Extension |
Kilkeel Harbour SPS and Sewerage Improvements |
Killyfaddy Road, Magherafelt, Sewerage Scheme |
Killyhevlin to Lough Bradan, Link Watermain |
Killyhevlin WTW Improvements to sludge settlement system |
Killyman, Foul Sewer Extension |
Killyman WwTW |
Killymore Road, Gortin, Pumping Station |
Kinoughtra, Teemore, Storm Sewer Extension |
Knock Road, Ballymoney, Foul & Storm Sewer Extension |
Knockahollet Sewerage Scheme, Technical Options |
Knockloughrim, Storm Sewer |
Kylemore Park, Belfast, Flood Alleviation |
Larne WwTW |
Lawrencetown WwTW, Upgrade |
Ligoniel, Sewerage Scheme |
Limekiln Lane, Aghalee, Watermain Extension |
Limekiln Road, Newry, Foul Sewer Extension |
Lisbarnet WwTW |
Lisbeg Road, Watermain Extension |
Lisburn Area Watermains |
Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements |
Lisheegan Road, Rasharkin, watermain |
Lisleitrum Road, Cullyhanna, Watermain Extension |
Lisnagole Road, Lisnaskea, Foul Sewer Extension |
Lisnally foul sewer |
Lisnisky Lane/Portadown Road, Portadown, Sewer |
Lissan Road, Cookstown, Replacement Storm Sewer |
Listymore Road, Castlederg, Replacement Watermain |
Londonderry Sewer Improvement Stage 2 |
Longisland Drive, Kircubbin, SPS Rising Main |
Lough Fea, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Loughbeg Road, Toomebridge, Watermain Extension |
Loughguile, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Loughmacrory, Storm Sewer Extension. |
Lower Ballinderry WwTW |
Lower Chichester Street, Belfast, Watermains Replacement, Belfast Public Realm |
Lurgan and Portadown Public Realm Improvements |
Maghaberry, Flood Alleviation Projects |
Magheraknock Road, Ballynahinch, Sewer Replacement |
Main Street, Broughshane, Watermain Replacement |
Main Street, Tobermore, Foul and Storm Sewer |
Martins Yard and Gilford Mill SPS Rationalisation |
Milburn, Storm Sewer |
Milltown Road, Antrim, foul sewer |
Milltown WwTW |
Monaghan Street, Sewerage System Investigation |
Moneyreagh WwTW |
Moss Road, Millisle, Sewer and Watermain Replacement |
Mountfield WwTW |
Mounthamilton SPS, Cloughmills, Replacement |
Movilla Road, Newtownards, Foul Sewer Extension |
Moygaggon Road, Donaghcloney, Civil Contract sewer |
Mullaghboy WwTW |
Mullaghmore, Storm Sewer |
Mullanahoe Road, Ardboe, Foul Sewer |
Mussenden Road, Articlave, Storm Sewer Extension |
Newbridge Road, Ballymoney, Replacement Watermain |
Newlodge Road, Antrim, Foul Sewer Extension |
Newry Road, Mayobridge, Storm Foul Sewer Extension |
Newtown Street and Patrick Street, Strabane Sewers |
Newtownards/Comber Drainage Area Plan |
Newtownbreda WwTW |
Newtownbreda, Dunmurry, New Holland WwTWs, Nutrient Removal |
Northern Key Transport Corridor, Ballymena, Watermain Scheme |
Oak Park, Draperstown, Replacement Watermain |
Old Eglish Road, Dungannon, Watermain Extension |
Orchard Hill Road, Dromore, Watermain |
Ormeau Road, Storm Separation |
Orritor Road, Cookstown, Sewer Replacement Phase 2 |
Park WwTW |
Pipe Road, Randalstown, Watermain Extension |
Portavogie WwTW, Interim Solution |
Portballintrae, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Portrush, Sewer Improvements Stage 4 |
Pound Road, Magherafelt, Storm Sewer |
Poundburn WwTW |
Prince William Road, Lisburn, Foul Sewer Extension |
Purdysburn East, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Raffrey, Watermain |
Railway Terrace, Armoy, Storm Sewer and Watermain |
Railway View/Woodtown Road, Ballymena, Sewerage Scheme |
Rasharkin, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Rathmore Road, Watermain Diversion |
Ravarnet WwTW |
Rear of 25 Main Street, Storm Sewer Extension |
Re-direction of Effluents from Belfast Sludge Incinerator within Belfast WwTW |
Removal of Stradreagh Spring Source |
Repair of GAC Filters at Carmoney WTW |
Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1 |
Rezoning of Lenamore Springs Supply Area |
Salinity Removal from Sewerage System discharging to North Down WwTW |
Scroggy Road, Glenavy, Foul Sewer |
Seagahan WTW |
Seagahan, Zone Watermain Improvements |
Service Reservoir Enhanced Security |
Shantonagh Road, Fivemiletown, Watermain |
Shore Road, Millisle, Sewer and Watermain Replacement |
Sion Mills, Foul Sewer Extension |
Six Roads Ends, Bangor, Replacement Watermains |
Skerriff Road, Cullyhanna, Foul Sewer Extension |
Sludge Logging System |
Small WwTW Priority Upgrades |
South Down, Zone Watermain Improvements |
South Lisburn, Maze Area Infrastructure Appraisal (Sewerage) |
South Zone Watermain Improvements |
St Meryl Park/Kennedy Way Sewer Upgrade |
St Patricks Avenue, Coleraine, Sewer Repair |
St Patricks Terrace, Lisnaskea, Flood Alleviation Scheme |
Station Road, Dervock, Foul Sewer |
Stewartstown WwTW, Improvements |
Strabane Road, Castlederg, Storm Sewer |
Strategic Link, Castor Bay to Belfast (Trunk Watermain) |
Strathroy, Omagh, Storm Sewer |
The Brambles, Magherafelt, SPS Replacement |
The Glens, Limavady, Watermain Replacement |
The Square, Hillsborough, Storm Sewer Extension |
The Woods, Old Glenarm Road, Larne, Storm Sewer Outfall |
Thornleigh Park, Lisburn, Foul and Storm Sewer Upgrade |
Tirwinney,Watermain Extension |
Toberkeagh Road, Bushmills, Watermain Extension |
Trotters Walk to Madden Road, Tandragee, Sewer Upgrade |
Tullaghans Road, Rasharkin, Replacement Watermain |
Warrenpoint WwTW |
Water Resource Strategy |
Whitehead, Ballystruder and Ballycarry Rationalisation |
Woodburn Conduit |
| OTHER PROJECTS |
|---|
|
Road Signs
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his department's policy for replacing road signs affected by (i) vandalism; and (ii) deterioration.
(AQW 4409/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service carries out regular inspections of all public roads and footways, to ensure that essential maintenance needs are identified and that the work is completed as necessary. During these inspections all defects are noted, including defective or vandalised signs and signs requiring cleaning to improve their visibility. The frequency of these inspections depends on the type of road and the volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Town centres and major traffic routes are inspected monthly, while all other roads and footways are inspected at either two or four monthly intervals.
Traffic Calming Measures
Mrs C McGill asked the Minister for Regional Development what consideration the Roads Service has given to the installation of traffic calming measures at Fountain Street on the Strabane-Plumbridge road in order to improve pedestrian and motorist safety.
(AQW 4420/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that a scheme to provide traffic calming measures at the Fountain Street area of Strabane is included in its 2008/09 Traffic Calming Programme. It is anticipated that a preliminary consultation meeting with elected representatives and residents of the area will take place in April 2008.
Sewage Pumping Station
Mrs C McGill asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the scheme to upgrade the Ballycolman Estate sewage pumping station in Strabane.
(AQW 4423/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that work to upgrade the Ballycolman Sewage Pumping Station in Strabane is scheduled to commence during March 2008 at an estimated cost of £1.2 million. This work will be completed by January 2009 and should substantially reduce the risk of flooding in the area. In the interim, NIW will continue to monitor closely the performance of the Pumping Station and take any necessary action to prevent or reduce flooding problems.
Parking Tickets
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of appeals against parking tickets, issued under the NCP scheme, that are currently awaiting determination; and the length of time those appeals have been pending.
(AQW 4447/08)
Mr C Murphy: There are three stages to the appeals process against a Parking Penalty Charge notice (PCN). At 28 February 2008, the numbers of appeals against PCNs awaiting determination by my Department’s Roads Service are as follows:-
- Informal Challenge to Roads Service.
- Formal Representation to Roads Service.
- Formal Appeal to an independent adjudicator.
344 informal challenges (oldest has been with Roads Service for 7 working days).
325 formal representations (oldest has been with Roads Service for 22 working days). Formal representations can be received following the issue of a Notice to Owner. Formal representations may previously have been the subject of an informal challenge.
17 formal appeals to an adjudicator (oldest has been with Roads Service for 8 working days). Appeals can be received following a Notice of Rejection of Representation. All Appeals will previously have been the subject of a formal representation.
Parking Tickets
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the reasons for the delay in processing appeals against parking tickets issued under the NCP scheme; and (ii) the action he is taking to address the backlog of appeals.
(AQW 4448/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has, at present, no significant backlog for this type of correspondence. I would add that, in the current financial year, 97% of informal challenges have been responded to within 15 working days. This is above the overall Roads Service target for dealing with this type of correspondence.
Bus Routes
Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to provide funding for the 4 daily bus routes that service Dromore, when the current funding runs out at the end of March 2008.
(AQW 4456/08)
Mr C Murphy: The Department will not be providing further funding for the four daily bus routes that service Dromore when current funding under the Department’s bus challenge scheme ends on 31 March 2008. However, I am aware that the Ulsterbus district manager is currently consulting with local community representatives on the issues involved and seeking to identify alternative sources of financial support.
Hillsborough Road, Dromore
Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the action his department is taking to provide an alternative bus route to service Dromore town centre, due to the closure of the Hillsborough Road.
(AQW 4457/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that Hillsborough Road, Dromore is now open to two-way traffic. Accordingly, the bus service has now returned to normal.
Hillsborough Road, Dromore
Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale within which the repairs to the Hillsborough Road, Dromore, will be completed; and to detail the action his department is taking to expedite the repairs.
(AQW 4458/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the closure of Hillsborough Road Dromore was brought about by the actions of a builder, excavating too close to the edge of the road, potentially destabilising the carriageway and compromising the safety of road users and workers on the site.
Roads Service is engaged with both the builder and developer in seeking a resolution to this matter. The builder has employed a geotechnical engineer to design remedial works, which have been accepted by Roads Service. He has now placed a large volume of rock fill against the excavated face, supporting it and enabling one lane of traffic to use the road in safety.
I am advised by my officials that the builder has also submitted plans to install sheet piles along the edge of the road and, when completed, this should enable the second lane to be opened as well. Checking of the design must be thorough to ensure the safety of road users and when my officials are satisfied that the design is adequate permission to begin the installation work will be granted. The actual installation of the sheet piles should take no longer than a week. However, it is not possible to provide an accurate timescale for this work to be completed, at this time.
In the interim, I can confirm that traffic lights have been installed at the site, enabling traffic to use Hillsborough Road in both directions.
My officials are applying as much pressure as possible to ensure that this work is carried out with minimum delay.
Traffic Calming Measures
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his department's plans to provide a pedestrian crossing or traffic calming measures at Riverside Health and Social Care Centre, Strabane.
(AQW 4463/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that traffic calming measures were provided at Upper Main Street, Strabane in 2002. At that time a flat top road hump was introduced adjacent to the Health Centre.
A recent pedestrian/vehicle volume survey has indicated that the site now merits the introduction of a zebra crossing. I can confirm that Roads Service will introduce a zebra crossing, on the existing flat top road hump, as part of its 2008/09 programme.
Cycle Lane on the Stewartstown Road
Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale within which the Roads Service will install a cycle lane on the Stewartstown Road, Dunmurry.
(AQW 4473/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s programme for the provision of cycling facilities is largely based on the proposals contained within the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP), although other routes where a current or latent need appears to exist, can also be considered.
Stewartstown Road was not identified in BMTP as a cycle route and as such, a full examination of its suitability for provision of facilities has not been undertaken. However, you may be interested to know that, as part of a Safer Routes to School Initiative, Roads Service, working in conjunction with Oakwood Integrated Primary School, has widened a section of the footway on the adjacent McKinstry’s Road to provide a cycle track. Roads Service also proposes to extend this facility along the Stewartstown Road from its junction with McKinstry’s Road to Lagmore Dale during 2008/09.
It is likely that in the future Roads Service will initiate action to identify the need for further cycling facilities throughout the North. However, it is not possible to give a timescale for this work at present.
Road Infrastructure
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the strategic importance his department attaches to (i) the A26; (ii) the A1; and (iii) the M1, in developing Northern Ireland's road infrastructure.
(AQW 4483/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service applies the guidance set out in the Regional Development Strategy (RDS), and its daughter document, the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS), when assessing the strategic importance of roads within the Strategic Road Network.
The Strategic Road Network comprises five Key Transport Corridors, four Link Corridors, and the remaining Trunk Road Network. The RDS and the RTS give priority to the Key Transport Corridors, next the Link Corridors and then the Trunk Roads.
The A26 (Moira to Coleraine), the A1 (Lisburn to Newry) and the M1, are all routes within the Key Transport Corridors and hence have primary importance within the Strategic Road Network. The Strategic Road Improvement Programme includes schemes to improve these routes, some of which are currently under construction.
Road Signs
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his department's cleansing policy for road signs.
(AQW 4495/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service carries out regular inspections of all public roads and footways, to ensure that essential maintenance needs are identified and that the work is completed as necessary. During these inspections all defects are noted, including defective or vandalised signs and signs requiring cleaning to improve their visibility. The frequency of these inspections depends on the type of road and the volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Town centres and major traffic routes are inspected monthly, while all other roads and footways are inspected at either two or four monthly intervals.
Comber By-Pass
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the proposed third phase of the Comber by-pass.
(AQW 4521/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the current draft Ards and Down Area Plan includes a proposal to provide a link road from the Ballygowan Road to the Comber bypass. This proposed link road is known locally as Phase 3 of the Comber bypass.
The scheme was the subject of a number of objections at the Area Plan Public Inquiry, which finished in January 2007. Roads Service is awaiting the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) Inspector’s report, which is expected before the end of March 2008. Roads Service will consider this report and may then adopt the plan, in whole or in part.
However, the proposed road scheme is not considered a high priority and is not part of the Forward Planning Schedule of schemes considered for construction within the next ten years.
Water Provision
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline, by road, the areas whose water provision is serviced by asbestos cement piping in (i) Magherafelt; and (ii) Cookstown districts.
(AQW 4523/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it does not keep records of the areas in Magherafelt and Cookstown where water is supplied by asbestos cement pipes, and is therefore unable to provide the breakdown sought. However, there are 311 roads in the Magherafelt and Cookstown districts which contain a variety of types of pipework including asbestos cement pipes, and these are listed below. It is important to note that in some cases the asbestos cement pipes are used to supply reservoirs rather than distribute water to customers.
All asbestos cement pipes within the water supply network are approved fully for use within the UK water industry.
AGHAVEAGH ROAD BEECHLAND DRIVE COLERAINE ROAD
ANNAGHMORE ROAD BEECHLAND ROAD COOKSTOWN ROAD
ARDBOE ROAD BELLSHILL ROAD COOLREAGHS ROAD
AUGHAGRANNA ROAD BLACKROCK ROAD COOLSHINNEY ROAD
AUGHRIM ROAD BRACKAGHLISLEA ROAD CORBY ROAD
BALADOOGH LANE BRIDGE STREET CORKILL ROAD
BALLINDERRY BRIDGE RD BRIDGER STREET CORRYCROAR ROAD
BALLYBRIEST ROAD BROAGH ROAD CORVANAGHAN ROAD
BALLYDAWLEY ROAD BROOKEND ROAD CRAIGS ROAD
BALLYGILLEN ROAD BROOKMOUNT ROAD CRAWFORDSBURN DR
BALLYGONNY ROAD EAST BROUGH ROAD CREAGH ROAD
BALLYGRUBY ROAD BROUGHDERG ROAD CREEVAGH ROAD
BALLYHEIFER ROAD BROWN DRIVE CREW ROAD
BALLYMACILCURR ROAD CAHORE ROAD CROCKNAMOHILROAD
BALLYMACOMBS ROAD CAMLOUGH ROAD CULBANE ROAD
BALLYMAGUIGAN ROAD CURRAN ROAD CAMPLETOWN TERRACE
BALLYMAGUIRE ROAD CARN VIEW DAVAGH ROAD
BALLYMOGHAN ROAD CARNAMAN ROAD DAVISON VILLAS
BALLYMOYLE ROAD CARNCOSE ROAD DEERPARK ROAD
BALLYMULLIGAN ROAD CARNENNY LANE DESERTMARTIN ROAD
BALLYNACROSS ROAD CARRALOAN ROAD DIRNAN ROAD
BALLYNAFEAGH ROAD CARRICKNAKIELT ROAD DRAPERSFIELD ROAD
BALLYNAGARVE ROAD CASTLE STREET DRAPERSTOWN ROAD
BALLYNAGILLY ROAD CASTLEDAWSON ROAD DREENAN ROAD
BALLYNAKILLY ROAD CASTLEFARM ROAD DROMORE ROAD
BALLYNASOLUS ROAD CAVANAKEERAN ROAD DRUM ROAD
BALLYNEASE ROAD CAVANONEILL ROAD DRUMAD ROAD
BALLYNEILL ROAD CHICHESTER AVENUE DRUMARD HILL
BALLYRONAN ROAD CHURCH STREET DRUMARD ROAD
BALLYSCULLION ROAD CIRCULAR ROAD DRUMBOLG ROAD
BARDAHESSIAGH LANE CLADY ROAD DRUMCONREADY RD
BARDAHESSIAGH ROAD CLAGGAN ROAD DRUMEARN ROAD
BATTERY ROAD CLOGHOG ROAD DRUMGRASS ROAD
BEAGHMORE ROAD CLOONEY ROAD DRUMLAMPH ROAD
BEATRICE VILLAS CLOVERHILL ROAD DRUMLANE ROAD
DRUMNAMALTA ROAD HILLHEAD ROAD LIMEHILL ROAD
DRUMROT ROAD HOSPITAL ROAD LINDSAY VILLE
DUNGANNON ROAD HUNTERS PARK LISMOYLE ROAD
DUNNAMORE ROAD INISCARN ROAD LISNAGROT ROAD
DUNRONAN ROAD INNISHRUSH ROAD LISNAHALL ROAD
DUNTIBRYAN ROAD KEENAGHAN ROAD LISNAMUCK ROAD
EDEN ROAD KEERIN ROAD LISNANANE LANE
FAIR HILL KILCRONAGHAN ROAD LISSAN ROAD
FAIRHILL ROAD KILLEENAN ROAD LITTLEBRIDGE ROAD
FALLAGHLOON ROAD KILLYBERRY ROAD LONGFIELD LANE
FALLAHOGY ROAD KILLYBOGGIN ROAD LONGFIELD ROAD
FEEGARRON ROAD KILLYCANAVAN ROAD LOUGH FEA ROAD
FLO ROAD KILLYCOLPY ROAD LOUGHDOO ROAD
FORD ROAD KILLYCURRAGH ROAD LOUGHNAMARVE ROAD
FORGETOWN ROAD KILLYFADDY ROAD LOUP ROAD
GARDEN STREET KILLYGARVAN ROAD LOWER KILDRESS ROAD
GARRISON ROAD KILLYMOON ROAD LUCY STREET
GARVAGH ROAD KILLYMUCK ROAD LURGANAGOOSE ROAD
GAUSSEN VILLAS KILLYNEEDAN ROAD LURGY ROAD
GLEN ROAD KILLYWOOLAGHAN RD MACKNAGH ROAD
GLENARNY ROAD KILREA ROAD MAGHADONE LANE
GLENMAQUILL ROAD KILTYCLAY ROAD MAGHERAFELT ROAD
GLENONE ROAD KILTYCLOGHER ROAD MAGHERAGLASS ROAD
GORSE ROAD KING STREET MAIN STREET
GORTAHURK ROAD KINNAGILLIAN ROAD MALCOLM VILLAS
GORTNASKEA ROAD KINRUSH ROAD MARKET STREET
GORTNASKEY ROAD KIRK AVENUE MAYOGALL ROAD
GORTREAGH ROAD KNOCKADOO ROAD MCKINNEY PARK
GORTSCRAHEEN ROAD KNOCKALEERY ROAD MEENANEA ROAD
GRACEFIELD ROAD KNOCKNAGIN ROAD MEGARGY ROAD
GRANGE ROAD KNOCKNAKIELT ROAD MILL LANE
GROVE TERRACE LAMMY ROAD MOBOY ROAD
GULLADUFF HILL LAWFORD STREET MONEYGARAGH ROAD
GULLADUFF ROAD LEGMURN ROAD MONEYGRAN ROAD
HAMMOND STREET LEGNACASH ROAD MONEYHAW ROAD
HERVEY HILL ROAD LESTER PARK MONEYMORE ROAD
HIGH STREET LETTERAN ROAD MONEYNEANY ROAD
MONEYSALLIN ROAD RINGSEND CLOSE TRICKVALLEN ROAD
MONEYSHARVAN ROAD RIVER VIEW TULLYARD ROAD
MOORSIDE VILLAS QUARRY ROAD TANDERAGEE ROAD
MOSS ROAD QUEENS AVENUE TEMPLEREAGH ROAD
MOUNTJOY ROAD RAINEY STREET TIRGAN ROAD
MOYAGONEY ROAD RECTORY ROAD TIRGARVIL ROAD
MOYDAMLAGHT ROAD RIVERVIEW PARK TIRKANE ROAD
MOYKEERAN CRESCENT ROCK ROAD TIRNASKEA ROAD
MOYKEERAN DRIVE ROCKDALE ROAD TOBERMORE ROAD
MOYOLA COURT ROCKTOWN ROAD TOBIN PARK
MOYOLA ROAD ROSHURE ROAD TULLYBOY ROAD
MOYOLA VIEW RUSKEY ROAD TULLYCALL ROAD
MULDERG ROAD SALTERSTOWN ROAD TULLYLAGAN ROAD
MULLAGH LANE SANDHOLES ROAD TULLYNAGEE ROAD
MULLAGHBOY CRESCENT SANDY BRAES TULLYNURE ROAD
MULLAGHBOY ROAD SCOTCHTOWN LANE TULLYODONNELL ROAD
MULNAVOO ROAD SERSONS ROAD TULLYREAVY ROAD
MURNELLS ROAD SESSIAGH SCOTT ROAD TULNACROSS ROAD
NEW LINE ROAD SHIVEY ROAD TURNAFACE ROAD
NEW ROAD SHORE ROAD UNION ROAD
NORTH STREET SIXTOWNS ROAD UPPER KILDRESS ROAD
NORTHLAND DRIVE SLATE QUARRY ROAD URBAL LANE
NORTHLAND GARDENS SLEMISH VIEW WATERFOOT ROAD
NORTHLAND ROAD SLUGGAN ROAD WELLBROOK ROAD
O'HARA ROAD SPERRIN DRIVE WEST STREET
OLD TYANEE ROAD SPERRIN VIEW WILLIAM STREET
OLDTOWN ROAD SPRINGFIELD PARK WINDSOR TERRACE
ORRITOR ROAD SPRINGHILL ROAD WOOD ROAD
OUGHTERARD ROAD STATION ROAD WOODVALE CRESCENT
PARK VIEW STREWS ROAD
PARKER AVENUE TAMLAGHT ROAD
POMEROY ROAD TAMNASKEENY ROAD
POUND ROAD TAMNEY CRESCENT
Foyle Bridge
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the status of the electronic road signage on the Foyle Bridge; and to detail his plans to make temporary speed limits during high wind alerts enforceable by statute.
(AQW 4546/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the Variable Message Signs, on both sides of the Foyle Bridge, display an advisory speed limit during periods of high winds. There are currently no plans to make these temporary speed limits mandatory and enforceable. It is the responsibility of drivers, using the bridge, to take heed of the warnings displayed and drive accordingly.
Water Pipes
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps he is taking to repair the Ballybean Road, Moneyreagh, including its banks, following the installation of new water pipes.
(AQW 4608/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the laying of new watermains along the Ballybean Road, Moneyreagh was recently carried out using mostly trenchless techniques. The contractor reinstated and topsoiled the verges before leaving. A recent inspection found that significant damage has been caused to some of the verges due to traffic passing on this narrow country road. Northern Ireland Water has arranged for its contractor to return to the site to undertake any necessary remedial work, and this will take place when the weather is appropriate for grass seeding.
Press Officers
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of press officers employed by his department.
(AQW 4680/08)
Mr C Murphy: Within the Department for Regional Development, core information services are currently provided by four Press Officers, all of whom are seconded from OFMdFM’s Executive Information Service.
A1 Beech Hill to Cloghoge Road Scheme
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of the alleged monetary disagreement between Lagan Ferrovial and Brian Herron Contracts, in relation to the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghoge road scheme; and to confirm that work on the new road will not be delayed by the alleged dispute.
(AQW 4681/08)
Mr C Murphy: Any alleged monetary disagreement between Lagan Ferrovial and Brian Herron Contracts in relation to the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway scheme is not a matter for my Department.
My Department’s Design, Build, Finance and Operate Contractor (DBFO Co) for the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway scheme, which is being constructed as part of Package 2 of Road Service’s Public Private Partnership Programme, is Amey Lagan Roads Limited, a consortium formed by Amey Ventures Limited and Lagan Projects Limited. The DBFO Co’s construction contractor is Lagan Ferrovial who engaged Brian Herron Contracts, as an earthworks sub-contractor, to undertake part of the works. Therefore, if there is a monetary disagreement between Lagan Ferrovial and Brian Herron Contracts it is a matter for these parties to resolve and my Department has no involvement whatsoever.
I am advised that it is not anticipated that such an alleged monetary disagreement between Lagan Ferrovial and Brian Herron Contracts would have any potential to delay work on the new A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Millburn Scheme
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to the answer to AQW 3801/08, what assurance she can give that the urgent safety issues raised will determine the start date for the Millburn scheme.
(AQW 4382/08)
The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The safety issues referred to in my previous answer relate to the low numbers of electrical power points within the affected dwellings. The works proposed through the Multi-Element Improvement scheme include the upgrading of the electrics within all included dwellings to current standards.
The scheme is currently programmed to start in October 2008, but like all programmed schemes it will be subject to the availability of finance.
Housing Executive
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number and location of vacant properties owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in (i) the Strabane District Council area; and (ii) the Omagh District Council area.
(AQW 4428/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The number of vacant dwellings for the administrative areas covered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Strabane and Omagh District Offices is as follows:
| Housing Executive District | Difficult to Let | Undergoing Major Repairs Improvements/decant properties |
Pending Sale or Demolition | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strabane | 4 |
30 |
10 |
45 |
| Omagh | 16 |
21 |
29 |
66 |
| Total | 20 |
51 |
39 |
111 |
The locations of the vacant properties are as follows:
Strabane District
Four flats in Lisnafin Park which are included within an ongoing strategy to reduce vacant dwellings.
Undergoing Major Repairs/Improvements
Twenty two dwellings throughout the district office area are subject to major improvements and all have been allocated. The ongoing work will be completed prior to occupation by the new tenants.
Eight further dwellings are being used as decant properties to facilitate major improvement schemes. The properties are located at Townsend Street, Ardnalee Park, Bridge Street (3 properties), Magirr Park, Church View and Meetinghouse Street
Dwellings at Millbrook Gardens, Patrician Villas, Lisnafin Park (3 properties), Springhill Park (4 properties) and Church Square are pending sale or demolition.
Omagh District Office
There are difficult to let properties within the Ashfield estate, Fintona and Strathroy, Omagh. There are also a number of difficult to let 1 bedroom flats in Strathroy. The Housing Executive is currently working on a strategy which will look at the conversion of these units to 2 bedroom dwellings.
Properties at Gortview/Killybrack, Strathroy and Mullaghmore, are undergoing major repairs/improvements. Some vacant flats are being held pending the commencement of an improvement scheme at Mullaghmore.
Twenty two (of 23) properties at Mullaghmore are currently under consideration. A block of 6 flats at Meadowbank, Fintona will be placed on the open market.
Social Security Modernisation Programme
Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQO 1622/08, to detail the project slippages and delays that occurred in relation to (i) the Social Security Modernisation Programme; and (ii) the completion of the Jobs and Benefits Accommodation Project.
(AQW 4471/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Social Security Modernisation Programme currently consists of 20 projects, including the Jobs & Benefits Project, which are at various stages of implementation. The majority of projects are progressing according to plan. In addition 4 projects have closed in 07/08, following successful implementation. The following projects have experienced slippage and/or an underspend during the current financial year.
| Project | Details of slippage | 07/08 Financial Impact £ |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Business Review | 8 months | Nil |
| On-Time Solutions | 5 months | Nil |
| Jobs & Benefits Project | PSA Target to complete rollout by March 2008. Revised target is to complete rollout by March 2011 | £6m underspend |
| Business Control Systems | Original date June 2007. Revised date to be confirmed. | Nil |
| Fraud Referral & Intervention Management System | Original date Dec 2007. Revised date to be confirmed. | Nil |
| Cheque Reconciliation Replacement Project | Nil | £28,000 underspend |
| Compensation Recovery Unit Project | Nil – Project closed 31/10/07 | £121,382 underspend |
| Debt Modernisation Project | Nil | £66,000 underspend |
| Central Payment System | Delayed 12 months from October 2008 to October 2009. | Nil |
Belfast Regeneration Office
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of money her department has given, through the Belfast Regeneration Office, to area partnerships facilitating neighbourhood renewal partnerships, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 4480/08)
Ms M Ritchie: In 2005/2006 £742,625 was given to area partnerships through the Belfast Regeneration Office; this increased to £904,268 in 2006/07 with £988,597 paid to date this financial year.
Housing Executive's Non-Mobility Stock
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of (i) major; and (ii) minor, adaptations to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's non-mobility stock that have been made in each district, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 4484/08)
Ms M Ritchie: As this information runs to several pages I have placed it in the Assembly Library
Social Housing Projects
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the plans she has to develop social housing projects in (i) Banbridge; (ii) Craigavon; (iii) Lurgan; and (iv) Portadown, in each of the next 3 years; and to outline the projected costs involved.
(AQW 4485/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The need for social housing in Banbridge, Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown is addressed through the five year social housing development programme. The new five year programme is currently being finalised and I have asked the Housing Executive to send a copy to you as soon as it is available.
Care System
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the needs assessment her department has undertaken for young people, over the age of 18, leaving the care system.
(AQW 4496/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive works closely with the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety, the 4 Boards and five Trusts to address the future housing need of young people over the age of 18 leaving care. Health and Social Services are responsible for developing a pathway plan for young people in care, and leaving care. This pathway plan is the process by which the Trusts identify the housing needs of young people leaving care.
There are a number of existing inter-agency structures, notably children service planning which provide a framework for identifying and commissioning services for this client group. This has resulted in the provision of processes and services across all Health Board areas throughout Northern Ireland.
Care System
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the planning and commissioning process to respond to the needs of young people over the age of 18 leaving the care system, and the services that have been put in place as a result.
(AQW 4497/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive works closely with the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety, the 4 Boards and five Trusts to address the future housing need of young people over the age of 18 leaving care. Health and Social Services are responsible for developing a pathway plan for young people in care, and leaving care. This pathway plan is the process by which the Trusts identify the housing needs of young people leaving care.
There are a number of existing inter-agency structures, notably children service planning which provide a framework for identifying and commissioning services for this client group. This has resulted in the provision of processes and services across all Health Board areas throughout Northern Ireland.
Accommodation Budget
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the annual savings her department has made on the accommodation budget under ‘supporting people’, as a result of the increase in the number of young people over the age of 18 remaining with their foster carer.
(AQW 4498/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive has no information regarding possible savings. It is difficult at this early stage to quantify any such reduced demand bearing in mind one cannot be sure how many of those who will now remain with their foster carer would have otherwise accessed Housing Executive services. The Housing Executive will of course continue to monitor.
Development Funds
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the level of funding allocated from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund to (i) the Belfast Regeneration Office; and (ii) the North West Development Office, in the 2006-07 and 2007-08, financial years.
(AQW 4501/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The figures requested are as follows:
Table 1. Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund allocation to BRO and NWDO in 2006/07 and 2007/08
| 2006/07 £m |
2007/08 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| (i) Belfast Regeneration Office | 9.742 | 11.259 |
| (ii) North West Development Office | 4.447 | 4.393 |
Share Fishermen
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the changes she will make to legislation in relation to the unique circumstances that share fishermen have in accessing the benefit system.
(AQW 4506/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Share fishermen already have a unique position in the benefit system in that they pay a special higher rate of Class 2 National Insurance contributions which gives them access to contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance has special rules which are specifically designed to provide share fishermen with the necessary financial support for those periods when they are unable to fish because of factors such as bad weather or because their boat is undergoing repairs.
At this point I have no plans to change the existing legislation relating to share fishermen.
Affordable Housing in Rural Settlements
Mr M Brady asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the discussions she has had, and presentations she has made to (i) the Ministerial sub-group; and (ii) the Minister of the Environment, in relation to the relaxation of PPS14 for new build social and affordable housing in rural settlements.
(AQW 4512/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I have not had detailed discussions nor made presentations in relation to the relaxation of PPS14. I have attended 3 meetings of the Ministerial sub-group, chaired by the Minister of the Environment, on 12 November 2007, 10 December 2007 and 14 January 2008 to discuss social housing requirements within PPS14.
Housing Accommodation
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the total number of people who currently require housing accommodation.
(AQW 4524/08)
Ms M Ritchie: At 31 December 2007 there were 38,332 applicants on the waiting list for social housing, of which 20,692 had 30 or more points.
Homes Built
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of homes that will be built in the Newry and Armagh constituency in the next financial year.
(AQW 4525/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This information will be available when the updating of the five year social housing development programme is complete. I have asked the Housing Executive to send a copy to you as soon as it is available.
The tables below contain waiting list information for the Housing Executive’s Armagh District Office and Newry District office.
Table 1
Armagh District Office waiting list (at 31 December 2007)
Applicants |
Applicants with 30 or more points |
Allocations (year to 31 December 2007) |
|---|---|---|
| 860 | 382 | 172 |
Table 2
Newry District Office waiting list (at 31 December 2007)
Applicants |
Applicants with 30 or more points |
Allocations (year to 31 December 2007) |
|---|---|---|
| 512 | 309 | 58 |
Former British Military Bases
Mr M Brady asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the considerations she has given to providing social and affordable housing at former British Military Bases in the Newry and Armagh constituency.
(AQW 4530/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has expressed an interest in three former Ministry of Defence bases within the Newry & Armagh parliamentary constituency. All three sites were trawled through the Surplus Public Sector Lands process.
Forkhill
The Forkhill base is an eight acre site which, in a draft Concept Masterplan, is proposed for mixed use development to provide an opportunity for investment in local business, community and housing. The housing component will take up two of the eight acres and is expected to be a mixed tenure proposal. Fold Housing Association has been nominated to develop the scheme. The social housing need is for approximately 8 units.
Drumadd, Armagh
This site was originally trawled in June 2006 and as there was no social housing need at that time, the Housing Executive did not register an expression of interest. The disposal process is now well advanced with another party. However the Housing Executive is investigating affordability potential – the current social housing need is for approximately 16 units.
Keady
The Housing Executive has confirmed a social housing need for approximately 10 units and has expressed an interest in this former Ministry of Defence/Police Service for Northern Ireland site.
Racist Attacks
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the policies her department has in place to assist the needs of families whose homes are subject to racist attacks.
(AQW 4582/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive funded by the Northern Ireland Office and the Police Service for Northern Ireland, implements the Hate Incident Practical Action Scheme. The purpose of the Scheme is to provide personal and home protection measures to victims of incidents perceived to be of a racial or other hate related nature. The scheme is intended to ensure that residents of properties that have been the subject of a racist attack or other hate incidents, at or close to their home, are afforded support both during and after normal working hours.
Living Initiative Areas
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans to implement the Town Centre Living Initiative Areas in smaller towns and villages.
(AQW 4584/08)
Ms M Ritchie: On 1 January 2008, five new Town Centre Living Initiative Areas (TCLIAs) became operational in Ballynahinch, Ballycastle, Omagh, Antrim and Armagh. At the same time a number of smaller TCLIA pilot schemes in Tandragee, Bushmills, Newtownstewart and Portaferry were approved.
House Infestations
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of (i) mouse; (ii) rat; and (iii) insect infestations, which were reported to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in each of the past five years, by Northern Ireland Housing Executive district.
(AQW 4589/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This information is not readily available in the format requested. However, the follwing table details the number of infestations reported to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and the associated costs, in the period 1 January to 31 December 2007.
Northern Ireland Housing Executive District Office |
||
|---|---|---|
Cost |
Number* |
|
Belfast West |
£18,855 |
419 |
Belfast East |
£11,461 |
218 |
Belfast South |
£12,977 |
248 |
Belfast North |
£20,486 |
328 |
Belfast Shankill |
£19,668 |
358 |
Bangor |
£3,130 |
67 |
Newtownards |
£7,478 |
123 |
Castlereagh |
£8,754 |
146 |
Lisburn Antrim St. |
£6,314 |
103 |
Lisburn Dairy Farm |
£6,082 |
104 |
Downpatrick |
£3,993 |
84 |
Banbridge |
£3,955 |
66 |
Newry |
£9,048 |
173 |
Lurgan/Brownlow |
£6,268 |
111 |
Portadown |
£3,741 |
65 |
Dungannon |
£1,890 |
32 |
Fermanagh |
£6,329 |
97 |
Ballymena |
£4,127 |
66 |
Antrim |
£5,786 |
93 |
Newtownabbey 1 |
£4,140 |
92 |
Newtownabbey 2 |
£2,745 |
61 |
Carrick |
£4,410 |
98 |
Larne |
£2,643 |
48 |
Ballycastle |
£2,854 |
49 |
Ballymoney |
£3,509 |
60 |
Coleraine |
£7,615 |
129 |
Waterloo Place |
£6,175 |
93 |
Waterside |
£3,554 |
60 |
Collon Terrace |
£6,121 |
97 |
Limavady |
£1,800 |
40 |
Magherafelt |
£2,509 |
45 |
Strabane |
£5,627 |
100 |
Omagh |
£3,397 |
59 |
Cookstown |
£2,122 |
46 |
£219,563 |
3,978 |
* This figure includes multiple visits to individual properties to address reports of infestations. This is based on current NIHE stock levels of around 90,000 properties.
House Infestations
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the cost of combating (i) mouse; (ii) rat; and (iii) insect infestations at Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties in each of the past five years, by Northern Ireland Housing Executive district.
(AQW 4590/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This information is not readily available in the format requested. However, the follwing table details the number of infestations reported to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and the associated costs, in the period 1 January to 31 December 2007.
Northern Ireland Housing Executive District Office |
||
|---|---|---|
Cost |
Number* |
|
Belfast West |
£18,855 |
419 |
Belfast East |
£11,461 |
218 |
Belfast South |
£12,977 |
248 |
Belfast North |
£20,486 |
328 |
Belfast Shankill |
£19,668 |
358 |
Bangor |
£3,130 |
67 |
Newtownards |
£7,478 |
123 |
Castlereagh |
£8,754 |
146 |
Lisburn Antrim St. |
£6,314 |
103 |
Lisburn Dairy Farm |
£6,082 |
104 |
Downpatrick |
£3,993 |
84 |
Banbridge |
£3,955 |
66 |
Newry |
£9,048 |
173 |
Lurgan/Brownlow |
£6,268 |
111 |
Portadown |
£3,741 |
65 |
Dungannon |
£1,890 |
32 |
Fermanagh |
£6,329 |
97 |
Ballymena |
£4,127 |
66 |
Antrim |
£5,786 |
93 |
Newtownabbey 1 |
£4,140 |
92 |
Newtownabbey 2 |
£2,745 |
61 |
Carrick |
£4,410 |
98 |
Larne |
£2,643 |
48 |
Ballycastle |
£2,854 |
49 |
Ballymoney |
£3,509 |
60 |
Coleraine |
£7,615 |
129 |
Waterloo Place |
£6,175 |
93 |
Waterside |
£3,554 |
60 |
Collon Terrace |
£6,121 |
97 |
Limavady |
£1,800 |
40 |
Magherafelt |
£2,509 |
45 |
Strabane |
£5,627 |
100 |
Omagh |
£3,397 |
59 |
Cookstown |
£2,122 |
46 |
£219,563 |
3,978 |
* This figure includes multiple visits to individual properties to address reports of infestations. This is based on current NIHE stock levels of around 90,000 properties.
Provision of Social Housing
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a timescale within which work will start on the provision of social housing at Upper Crescent, Comber.
(AQW 4654/08)
Ms M Ritchie: BIH Housing Association has signed the contract for the social housing at Upper Crescent Comber and the Contractor has taken possession of the site. Hoarding has been erected and site huts are in place. The contract commencement date was 29 February 2008 with a contract period of 88 weeks. There will be three phases of completion with the first houses due in May 2009.
Press Officers
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of press officers employed by her department.
(AQW 4679/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Five press officers are employed by the Department for Social Development.
Redevelopment of the Village area, South Belfast
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the streets that are being considered for vesting in the Village area, as part of the regeneration project.
(AQW 4687/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The streets being considered are in the area bounded by Donegall Road, Glenmachan Street, Tates Avenue, Donegall Avenue and the railway line. Also included is the Monarch Street/ Monarch Parade/ Lower Rockview Street area to the north side of Donegall Road.
Redevelopment of the Village area, South Belfast
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the aspects of need that will be targeted by the initial commitment of £7 million to the Village area, South Belfast.
(AQW 4689/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The £7 million announced recently will be used to improve housing conditions. The details will be discussed and agreed at a Village planning meeting on 10 March 2008. This will involve representatives from the area, the Housing Executive and my Department.
Redevelopment of the Village area, South Belfast
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the protection that will be afforded to homeowners in the Village area, who fear they will be forced into smaller accommodation and increased financial burden as a result of vesting.
(AQW 4694/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Homeowners affected by any vesting are entitled to the Market Value of their property plus Home Loss and Disturbance payments. They can also appoint an agent to act on their behalf and appropriate fees are payable by the Housing Executive.
Following any vesting order each household affected will have its future housing requirements determined and every effort will be made to meet these requirements within the social sector in a reasonable timescale. Alternatively, following receipt of compensation people may choose to make their own arrangements.
Opportunities to provide affordable private sector housing within the proposed Village renewal area for those wishing to remain in the area will be fully explored.
Empty Homes Strategy
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development, in relation to her department's Empty Homes Strategy, if she plans to adopt the recommendation of the Semple report to release social sector voids for purchase by low income first time buyers, with appropriate arrangements to ensure affordability in perpetuity; and to detail the reasons for not adopting this recommendation.
(AQW 4721/08)
Ms M Ritchie: An Implementation plan outlining how the Government will take forward each of the 80 recommendations from the Semple review has been developed. This Plan sets out the work required, timescale and department responsible for the delivery of each recommendation. Where a recommendation is not considered appropriate to take forward, details explaining why have been included.
I have submitted this Implementation Plan to my Executive Colleagues and once it receives their formal approval, I will publish it, alongside the report from my Independent Panel of Experts who also undertook their own analysis of the Semple review
Development Funds
Mr F McCann asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the level of funding allocated, in the 2006-07 and 2007-2008 financial years, to (a) the Belfast Regeneration Office; and (b) the North West Development Office, from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund; and (ii) the reasons for using the criteria selected to allocate funding to each area.
(AQW 4732/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The figures requested are as follows:
Table 1. Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund allocation to BRO and NWDO in 2006/07 and 2007/08
| 2006/07£m | 2007/08£m | |
|---|---|---|
| 9.742 | 11.259 | |
| 4.447 | 4.393 |
With regard to part (ii), indicative budgets within the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund are agreed at the beginning of each financial year and allocated on a per capita basis. Within the year some adjustment in allocations takes place to ensure the greatest possible use of the funds available.
Official Visits
Mr M Brady asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of official visits she has made to each parliamentary constituency since taking up office.
(AQW 4734/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My diary records show a total number of 128 visits made since taking office and I have set out in the table below the number of visits I have made in each parliamentary constituency in Northern Ireland from 08 May 2007 to 10 March 2008.
| Constituency | No of Visits |
|---|---|
| Belfast East | 7 |
| Belfast North | 12 |
| Belfast South | 15 |
| Belfast West | 10 |
| East Antrim | 6 |
| Fermanagh/South Tyrone | 10 |
| Foyle | 11 |
| Lagan Valley | 4 |
| Londonderry East | 1 |
| Mid Ulster | 2 |
| Newry & Armagh | 11 |
| North Antrim | 4 |
| North Down | 2 |
| South Down | 10 |
| South Antrim | 3 |
| Strangford | 3 |
| Upper Bann | 6 |
| West Tyrone | 11 |
| Total | 128 |
Jobseekers Allowance
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans to withdraw Jobseekers Allowance from claimants who do not secure employment within the first 12 months of receipt of this benefit.
(AQW 4741/08)
Ms M Ritchie: There are no plans to withdraw Jobseeker’s Allowance from claimants who do not secure employment within the first 12 months of receipt of the benefit.
The current process is effective in encouraging jobseekers to comply with the benefit rules about looking for work. As we enhance the JSA regime, I will keep the issue of sanctions under constant review.
Housing Executive Accommodation
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm that foreign nationals arriving in Northern Ireland do not receive preferential treatment over those already resident, in relation to the allocation of accommodation from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
(AQW 4742/08)
Ms M Ritchie: All applicants are assessed to determine whether they have an entitlement to homelessness assistance / housing accommodation. If applicants who are foreign nationals are determined to be eligible for assistance, their housing need is assessed under the Common Selection Scheme and their application is ranked on the Waiting List, as with all other applicants.
Disabled Facilities Grants
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the amount of money allocated through Disabled Facilities Grants in (i) the North Down constituency; and (ii) Northern Ireland.
(AQW 4756/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This information is not held by constituency area. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Dundonald Grants office covers the North Down, Ards and Castlereagh Council areas. The Following Table provides information for Northern Ireland and the area covered by the Dundonald Grants Office:
2004/2005
| Completed DFGs | Expenditure | |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 959 | £9,683k |
| Dundonald | 92 | £923k |
2005/2006
| Completed DFGs | Expenditure | |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 1,047 | £10,760k |
| Dundonald | 114 | £1,343k |
2006/2007
| Completed DFGs | Expenditure | |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 1,352 | £12,544k |
| Dundonald | 140 | £1,737k |
CORRIGENDA
Written Answer Booklet of 1 February 2008
(Volume 27, No WA1)
In page WA24, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 3022/08) with:
| Organisation | Work Area | Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Action Renewables | Action Renewables provides general advice and information on Renewable Energy. It is primarily funded by DETI. | All Sectors |
| Carbon Trust | The Carbon Trust is a UK wide organisation that provides Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advice primarily to the Industrial and Commercial sector. | Small and medium sized enterprises and large businesses, including the farming industry. |
| Department for Social Development | DSD promotes the use of renewable energy and improved energy efficiency in owner occupied and privately rented housing through the Warm Homes Scheme. | Community and voluntary Household |
| Northern Ireland Housing Executive | The Northern Ireland Housing Executive promotes the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency through various Heating Replacement Schemes. | Household |
| Department of Finance and Personnel | DFP’s Public Sector Energy Campaign (PSEC) promotes energy efficiency across both Local and Central Government. DFP also administers the Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) which provides financial assistance to local and central government capital projects. | Local Government Central Government |
| Energy Savings Trust | The Energy Savings Trust is a UK wide organisation that promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and low carbon transport to householders and the small commercial sector. | Household Small and medium enterprises Farming |
| Northern Ireland Energy Agency | NIEA promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and low carbon transport to householders and not-for-profit organisations. | Household Community and voluntary. |
Written Answer Booklet of 29 Febraury 2008
(Volume 28, No WA1)
In page WA65, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 3931/08) with:
Works to improve accessibility, lighting and signage is almost complete on railway halts along this line. During 2008 Northern Ireland Railways will prepare to pilot a new passenger information system within the Greater Belfast Area and, following successful trials, this will roll out to halts /stations on the Bangor line during 2009-2011.
There are no current plans to provide additional rail halts at Holywood Exchange following the completion of the new Ikea Store. Planning permissions for the Ikea site were granted on condition of the provision of enhanced public transport facilities based on bus services linking Holywood Exchange to the centre of Belfast. Translink operate special Saturday day-trip services to Ikea from five major towns Derry, Omagh, Coleraine, Armagh and Newry, and further journey stops are made for passengers boarding along these routes.
Translink will continue to seek to expand Park and Ride facilities along the Belfast to Bangor railway line as opportunities arise and funding becomes available.
The passenger numbers using the line were:
2003/04 – 1,544,386
2004/05 – 1,517,300
2005/06 – 1,860,700
Due to a ticketing system problem accurate passenger journey information for 2003/04 is not available. The figure given is the mid-point between the 2002/03 and 2004/05 passenger journey estimates.