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 04 April 2008
Written Answers to Questions
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Northern Ireland Memorial Fund
Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) how much funding it has made available to the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund over each of the last five years; (ii) how much is being committed to this fund in the current year; and (iii) how much is planned to be made available for 2008 and 2009.
(AQW 3353/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Since the Fund was established formally in May 1999 it has received a total of £9.1m from Government. The OFMDFM contribution over the last 5 years is outlined in the attached table.
| Financial Year | Amount allocated (£K) |
|---|---|
| 2002-03 | 260 |
| 2003-04 | 0 |
| 2004-05 | 0 |
| 2005-06 | 0 |
| 2006-07 | 0 |
| 2007-08 | 800 |
Officials are in discussions with the Fund regarding financial support in 2008-2009.
Good Relations Indicators
Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the consideration being given to the incorporation of the actions and targets contained in 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006', into the forthcoming programme of cohesion and integration.
(AQW 3406/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to building a shared and better future. As previously stated we will bring forward proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future.
In setting strategic targets, key objectives and actions for the programme of cohesion and integration we will give consideration to progress already achieved including the actions and targets contained in 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006'.
The Good Relations Indicators provide a robust monitoring tool to measure change and monitor effectiveness of good relations policies. As previously indicated the Good Relations Indicators Baseline Report published in January 2007, will provide the core measures to reflect the work currently being undertaken at central and local level to improve societal relations. The indicators will inform progress against targets and outcomes. This will be a part of the detailed proposals for the programme of cohesion and integration which will be brought forward by OFMDFM to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, the Executive and the Assembly in due course.
Capital Realisation Task Force's Report
Mr S Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which the Capital Realisation Task Force's Report will be available for consideration.
(AQO 1841/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Ministers are currently considering the report of the Capital Realisations Taskforce, and it is expected that the report will be published in due course.
Victims' Groups
Mr T Buchanan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail all the victims' groups that it consulted with prior to the appointment of the 4 Victims' Commissioners.
(AQW 3486/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: No consultation took place with Victims’ Groups prior to the appointment of the four Commissioners designate. The four Commissioners will have the same general roles and responsibilities as envisaged in the Victims and Survivors (NI) Order 2006 for a single Commissioner.
Extensive consultation has already taken place on the role and remit of a Commissioner.
Poverty, Deprivation and Social Exclusion
Ms M Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the meetings it has had with groups working with, or on behalf of, people experiencing (i) poverty; (ii) social exclusion; and (iii) deprivation, in relation to the publication of the Executive's strategy to 'tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need'.
(AQW 3592/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) undertook two extensive periods of public consultation during the development of ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ Governments Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy, which was launched by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP, on 13 November 2006.
During the two periods of public consultation, OFMDFM contracted the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network (NIAPN) to facilitate a series of workshops across Northern Ireland at which the strategy proposals were outlined and debated, by those who were experiencing poverty and social exclusion.
In total over 300 people attended the series of workshops and further details on these are available via the NIAPN website at www.niapn.org.
‘Lifetime Opportunities’ was subsequently considered and discussed by the shadow Programme for Government (PFG) Committee.
The Executive, in line with its statutory obligation under Section 16 of the St. Andrews Agreement, will shortly consider the adoption of an overall strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need. In doing so, it will take account of the findings of both the public consultation exercises, the views of the OFMDFM Committee and the response of the shadow PFG Committee to Lifetime Opportunities.
European Union Goods and Services Directive
Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2878/08, if in forwarding the (i) public consultation responses; and (ii) the Committee's consultation response, in relation to the European Union Goods and Services Directive, to the Government Equalities office, it recommended that favourable consideration be given to extending the exceptions to include (a) events organised by churches or religious organisations that take place away from the church precinct; (b) commercial or charitable shops, cafes or other businesses organised by churches or religious organisations; and (c) individuals working in the health professions who have religious or moral conscientious objections to this Directive.
(AQW 3942/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The UK Government made the decision to implement this directive on a UK basis. In forwarding the consultation responses to the Government Equalities Office, no recommendation on any issue was made to that office.
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the Ministerial sub-committee on Children and Young People can ensure that the monies awarded are being ring-fenced within the Department of Regional Development, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Department of Employment and Learning and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
(AQW 4039/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Budget 2008-11 provided an additional £26 million to the Departments of Education, Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Culture, Arts and Leisure. This additional funding was in recognition that the funding previously given to Departments under the Children’s Fund was to be mainstreamed within departmental baselines. How Ministers choose to allocate this funding is a matter for the individual Minister.
The Department of Education also received £13 million for children and youth services.
A further £30 million was allocated to DHSSPS for the Bamford Review in direct response to the concerns raised regarding the provision of mental health services.
Neither the Department for Regional Development nor the Department for Employment and Learning received additional funding in the Budget for children and young people.
All Ministers are committed to the Programme for Government and delivering on the associated PSA targets. The Ministerial sub-committee will provide a forum to co-operate in meeting these targets to ensure maximum impact for children and young people.
All Ministers will be reporting on progress in achieving their PSA targets, including those for which this funding has been allocated.
Planning Appeal Backlogs
Miss M McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action it is taking to address the backlog of appeals with the Planning Appeals Commission.
(AQW 4450/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission exercises its functions independently of OFMDFM but the Department is responsible for providing the resources needed for the Commission to discharge its responsibilities. OFMDFM is aware of the build-up of appeals in the Planning Appeals Commission and has committed within the Public Service Agreement to deliver increased resources to enable it to address the backlog of appeal cases. As a result, additional funding has been made available both within the current year and through the Budget 2008-11. The amount of receipts which may be retained by the Commission has been increased from £150,000 to £241,000 within the current financial year and the Commission’s budget allocation has been increased by £510k, £520k and £538k respectively in each of the next three financial years. In addition, the amount of receipts which the Commission may retain has increased from £241,000 to £376,000 per annum in each of these years. This will provide an overall increase of up to £1.973m in the Commission’s spending power over the next three years.
The additional funding allocations 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.
The First Minister and deputy First Minister made 5 appointments to the Commission in January 2008, and arrangements are currently under way to deliver new competitions to recruit additional full-time and Panel Commissioners.
Maze/Long Kesh Regeneration
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQO 2083/08, to confirm whether the delay in making a decision on the Maze/Long Kesh regeneration will result in a loss of opportunities to host events in the Olympic games and the Fire and Rescue Service games.
(AQW 4526/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The prospect of achieving the development of the site in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games is challenging. In respect of the World Police and Fire Games which will be hosted here in 2013 the timeline is less critical.
A full perspective on timescale can only be determined once the engagement with a development partner has started.
Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment
Mr L Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what plans it has to continue the work which was undertaken by the Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment.
(AQW 4612/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment fulfilled a valuable role during the previous period of direct rule. However, the restoration of devolution has ensured full democratic and accountable control over public services through the Assembly and the Executive. These arrangements enabled us to consult widely and highly successfully on the Programme for Government, Investment Strategy and Budget on a holistic basis with the broadest range of interests. We believe the most appropriate approach to engaging on infrastructure investment issues is through such consultation and we fully intend to continue and develop that approach in the future.
Attorney General for Northern Ireland
Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm if it will be able to appoint an Attorney General for Northern Ireland before the end of May 2008, if there is agreement for the devolution of Policing and Justice powers by that date.
(AQW 4647/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: It would not be appropriate to comment on the process for appointing an Attorney General for Northern Ireland, under s.22(2) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002, until the NI Assembly had indicated that it was likely to request devolution of the relevant matters.
Eames/Bradley Consultative Group
Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that (i) it will co-operate fully and in all matters with the Eames/Bradley Consultative Group on the Past and (ii) it will encourage all groups and individuals to co-operate also.
(AQW 4703/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Both of us have met with the Consultative Group in January 2008. The Consultative Group is to present a report to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by summer 2008. We therefore have no direct responsibility for, or role in, this group. We await the outcome of this group.
Annual Costs to the Taxpayer
Mr T Burns asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the annual cost to the taxpayer of (i) the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; (ii) The Equality Commission; and (iii) The Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People.
(AQW 4761/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As responsibility for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is a matter for the Secretary of State, you may wish to seek a reply from the NIO regarding costs to the taxpayer. Outturn figures for the remaining two bodies for 2006/07, the latest year available, are as follows:
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland – £6.999M
The Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People – £1.847M
Assembly Questions
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of written and oral Assembly questions that have been tabled to the department in the 6 months following the restoration of devolution; and (ii) the cost incurred in researching and answering these questions.
(AQW 4799/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: (i) Between 8 May and 8 November 2007, 123 written and 60 oral Assembly Questions were tabled to our Department.
(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.
Sub-Committee on Children and Young People
Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any plans or arrangements that have been made by the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People to engage with leading non-governmental organisations on a regular basis.
(AQW 4854/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: At its first meeting on 13 March 2008, the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People agreed its key cross-cutting priorities and the agenda at future meetings will reflect those issues.
It is intended to have a standing item on the agenda whereby a relevant speaker will be invited to make a short presentation to inform discussion. It is anticipated that those speakers will include representatives from leading non-governmental organisations.
Voluntary and community sector organisations will also be represented on the Strategy Planning and Review Group which will be chaired by the Junior Ministers. The outputs from this group will be presented to the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People.
Quangos
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) the number of people that serve on (a) 1 quango; (b) 2 quangos; (c) 3 quangos; and (d) 4 or more quangos; and (ii) the remuneration given to those people.
(AQW 4947/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The most recently published information on the number of people serving on the Boards of public bodies and the remuneration they receive is contained in Volumes 1 and 2 respectively of the Public Appointments Annual Report for 2006/07. In relation to multiple appointments the report shows that at 31 March 2007:
1592 people held 1 public appointment
159 people held 2 public appointments
30 people held 3 public appointments
6 people held 4 public appointments
The maximum number of public appointments held by any individual is four. A copy of the latest report is available from the Assembly Library and on the Internet at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/public-appointments .
Public Appointments
Mr P Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of people that have been appointed under public appointments by the department since the restoration of devolution; and (ii) the number that were (a) female; and (b) elected councillors.
(AQW 4960/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The number of people appointed to public appointments by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister since the restoration of devolution and the number that are female or elected Councillors is as follows:
| Number of People Appointed | Number that are Female | Number that are elected Councillors |
| 11 | 5 | 0 |
Community Relations
Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the role played by the department in promoting better community relations.
(AQO 2559/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government confirms our commitment to continue to challenge racism, sectarianism and intolerance which mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society.
We remain fully committed to addressing the divisions within our society and to achieve measurable reductions in sectarianism, racism and intolerance. That is why we are making additional resources available over the incoming Comprehensive Spending Review period to target these very issues.
Within the budget we will increase this investment to ensure continued improvement in relationships and to address the challenges facing new and host communities by almost £7.5m over the next 3 years.
Total investment between 2008/09 and 2010/11 will therefore be approximately £29m, (taking account of efficiencies over the period) to meet the PSA target of building a shared and better future for all. This will be additional to the Government’s contribution of EU PEACE III funding.
In addition, the cross-departmental Good Relations Panel headed-up by Sir Nigel Hamilton has overall responsibility for driving forward the good relations and good race relation policies across government. It is viewed both internally and externally as an important instrumental link in translating policy into actions.
Funding is also committed to all 26 District Councils to operate community relations based programmes such as small grants schemes for locally-based community groups engaged in cross-community activities. Other projects currently running include bonfires initiatives, integration of minority ethnic people into host communities, youth-based activities targeting issues around sectarianism and racism.
Funding is also provided by our Department to the Department of Education for the provision of a range of Summer Intervention Programmes. These programmes are targeted at supporting work at interface areas and challenging those behaviours associated with interface violence. We also contribute to the Arts Council’s programme which is helping re-image communities through community-based arts projects.
Our Department’s sponsorship and funding of the Community Relations Council enables it to deliver on a range of local and regional activities and programmes including research to tackle good relations issues.
Equality Impact Assessment
Mr D McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the criteria used to determine the locations of the Equality Impact Assessment consultation venues.
(AQO 2602/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Equality Impact Assessment process should determine which groups and individuals should be consulted, and where such consultation should take place. In organising consultation meetings, a key criterion will be that appropriate measures are taken to ensure full participation. Given the varying needs of different groups, an array of practical issues should be considered in deciding venues including: accessibility; geographical spread; facilities for people with disabilities; crèche facilities; public transport arrangements; whether people will feel comfortable attending at a particular location; and whether there is a welcoming and harmonious environment.
Strategic Investment Board
Mr S Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of the operations of the Strategic Investment Board.
(AQO 2540/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Since we took office in May 2007 the Strategic Investment Board has worked closely with us on the Investment Strategy 2008-2018, which was developed in conjunction with the Programme for Government and the Budget. These documents were approved by the Executive and endorsed by the Assembly in January.
The Strategic Investment Board has also been working closely with departments on their individual capital investment programmes and projects. We have noted the significant progress that has been made through the key milestones achieved in recent months in areas such as roads, water services, education and health.
SIB has recently provided support for more than 50 projects with value of some £4.5 billion. These include Belfast Metropolitan College; Strategic Road development under Roads Package 2; Hospitals, community health facilities and medical equipment; Belfast Schools, and developing innovative approaches to delivering new social housing and new schools to name some of the key areas.
Our assessment of the operations of the Strategic Investment Board is therefore that it is successfully achieving its objectives and is making a significant and positive impact on the planning and delivery of the Executive’s infrastructure investment programmes.
Combating Violence
Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what plans it has to establish a plan of action for combating violence against women; and to provide a time frame for these plans.
(AQO 2617/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Violence of any kind against women is completely unacceptable. The Programme for Government specifically commits us to ensure there are effective programmes and strategies aimed at achieving the eradication of all forms of violence against women. We will work collaboratively across Departments to this end.
Violence against women is a national and international area of concern, and tackling violence will be a theme of the cross-departmental gender equality action plans which we will publish later this year.
Domestic violence alone accounts for approximately one-fifth of all recorded violent crime. Our Junior Ministers are members of the newly-formed cross departmental Ministerial Group, which our colleague the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has brought together to provide leadership and oversight across government’s work in tackling both domestic and sexual violence. The Junior Ministers will give a high priority to this work.
Gender Pay Gap
Mr A McFarland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action taken to eliminate the gender pay gap.
(AQO 2568/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government commits to implement the Gender Equality Strategy, which includes a key action on the gender pay gap. This will involve a co-ordinated range of actions, across Departments, which will contribute to eliminating the gender pay gap, including education, training and employment programmes, and initiatives to improve work life balance. Discrimination on grounds of gender in the area of pay is illegal, and we are examining the case for improving existing legislation affecting pay. We will work closely with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in taking this work forward.
Racial Equality Strategy
Ms A Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give an update on the progress of the current action plan for the Racial Equality Strategy.
(AQO 2615/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are now at an advanced stage of development of the detailed proposals for a ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a Shared and Better Future,’ which we signalled in the Programme for Government. This programme will tackle issues affecting both the established minority ethnic communities as well as new arrivals. It will build on some of the excellent work, particularly by district councils and community organisations, to address the challenges which local communities are facing. Action to tackle both racism and sectarianism will be at the core of these proposals.
While work to fulfil the commitments in the first action plan to implement the Racial Equality Strategy continues with government departments, our resources are now focused on developing and implementing the proposals of the new administration.
These proposals will include arrangements for the development of an action plan covering both central and local government and will pick up outstanding actions in the original implementation action plan. We intend to bring the proposals forward shortly.
We have already made a call for applications under the funding scheme for Minority Ethnic Communities Fund which, in the longer term, this funding will form a key strand of our proposals for a Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration.
The successful applications which we have received from organisations that have been awarded funding will build on examples of best practice previously funded by OFMDFM.
Devolved Legislatures
Mr G Campbell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any progress it has made in further improving relationships with other devolved legislatures in the United Kingdom.
(AQO 2527/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The restoration of devolution and the elections of new governments in Scotland and Wales have provided a unique opportunity to strengthen the long-standing relationships and co-operation at all levels between the respective administrations. In June 2007, during the visit of the First Minister of Scotland to Belfast, we signed a joint agreement with him to strengthen co-operation, particularly in the areas of higher education, tourism and renewable energy.
On 14 February 2008, we held a trilateral meeting with the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales at which we discussed the need to reinvigorate the mechanisms for co-operation between the devolved administrations and Westminster established by the Memorandum of Understanding.
The Junior Ministers already participate in the Joint Ministerial Committee (Europe) and we anticipate a plenary meeting later this year. We also agreed to further discussions between the relevant Ministers on the experience of the Scottish "Fresh Talent" initiative and on broadcasting. It was also agreed that such trilaterals would take place regularly in the context of the summit meetings of the British-Irish Council.
On 19 and 20 February, we and our Junior Ministers paid a reciprocal visit to the Scottish Government, during which we held a bilateral meeting with the First Minister of Scotland. A range of issues of mutual interest were discussed and we agreed a declaration committing our respective administrations to early consideration of the feasibility study into the re-establishment of the Campbeltown/Ballycastle Ferry and to further joint exploratory work on renewable energy. The Junior Ministers also had a separate bilateral with Minister Linda Fabiani.
Other Ministers of the Executive have also had meetings with their Scottish counterparts on matters relevant to their Departments and we have encouraged all Ministers to maintain such contacts and to identify new areas for co-operation.
Alcohol Consumption
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to comment on remarks made by the Deputy First Minister, during his official visit to Dublin, in relation to the portrayal of alcohol consumption on television.
(AQO 2560/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: At the press conference following the British-Irish Council meeting in Dublin on 14 February 2008, the deputy First Minister expressed concern at an apparent concentration of scenes of drunkenness and those set in public houses in a number of soap operas broadcast before the 9pm watershed. During his 26 February statement to the Assembly on the Council meeting, the First Minister took the view that we should set our faces against encouraging young people to indulge in the consumption of alcohol.
Racial Equality Strategy
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide a progress report on the racial equality strategy, including analysis of targets met or unmet and plans for improvements.
(AQO 2622/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is fully committed to building a shared and better future for all people here. Work on developing the Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future is at an advanced stage. At the core of these proposals will be action to tackle racism, sectarianism and intolerance. We intend to bring forward these proposals for discussion with the Committee and the Assembly shortly.
It is right and proper that we should focus on these new proposals, rather than use our resources in monitoring the implementation of strategies which were devised for different circumstances. The new proposals, however, will be fully informed by the experience gained on the original implementation action plan.
The new programme is backed by significant new resources in the Budget and will focus on local people dealing with local issues through their own local solutions. Key objectives, actions and targets to tackle both racism and sectarianism will be developed in the context of these proposals at both central and local government levels to ensure that measurable reductions can be achieved.
As part of our ongoing work to combat racism, we have just completed the application process for a new one-year funding scheme for Minority Ethnic Communities. This scheme will align with the aims of the new Programme and build on the excellent work already carried out under the previous 3-year fund which is due to expire today.
Violence Against Women
Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of 'Making the Grade? 2007 - An independent analysis of Northern Ireland Government initiatives on violence against women'.
(AQO 2564/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Violence against women is completely unacceptable and government has an important role to play in its elimination. Our officials are considering the findings of the ‘Making the Grade? 2007’ report in the context of the Gender Equality Strategy and the associated cross departmental action plans, particularly those actions relating to violence against women. Tackling violence against women requires co-ordinated action by many government departments including OFMDFM, the Departments of Employment and Learning and Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Northern Ireland Office. We all recognise that it is vitally important to co-ordinate our work. For example, Michael McGimpsey, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, has convened an Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence, to provide Ministerial leadership and oversight and to increase the co-operation between Departments.
Bill of Rights
Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment has been made of the costs associated with a Bill of Rights.
(AQO 2545/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Responsibility for costs associated with a Bill of Rights is a matter for the NIO. The Bill of Rights Forum will make recommendations on a Bill of Rights to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and it in turn will make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister will not be in a position to comment on any aspect of a Bill of Rights until the Secretary of State has made formal proposals.
Gender Pay Gap
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the steps it is taking to (i) ensure that equal levels of pay apply to both men and women; and (ii) make this type of gender inequality illegal.
(AQO 2584/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Existing legislation makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate between men and women in terms of their pay and conditions where they are doing the same or similar work, work rated as equivalent, or work of equal value; and provides for complaint and remedy by way of Industrial Tribunal. In line with Programme for Government commitments, we are examining the case for improving the effectiveness of the legislation.
European Union Gender Directive
Mr D Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given the failure to agree on the transposition of the European Union Gender Directive on Goods and Services resulted in this decision being handed back to Westminster, to confirm if this methodology will be used to resolve other decisions; and to outline the implications it will have for the Irish Language Act.
(AQO 2620/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Member States of the European Union have an obligation to transpose all EU directives within a specified time period. UK Ministers decided to legislate on a UK-wide basis to implement the Goods and Services Directive to ensure that the UK, as the Member State, complied with the Directive in full, and to ensure that compliance took place as soon as possible in order to minimise the risk of infraction proceedings. UK Ministers exercised the powers conferred on them by Section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 to legislate in this way. As the legislation concerned was subordinate legislation the agreement of the Northern Ireland Assembly was not required. However, in the case of primary legislation, the United Kingdom Government, under the Memorandum of Understanding, has agreed that it will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the Assembly.
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure has signalled his intention to bring before the Executive a paper setting out a strategy for Indigenous Languages to meet the obligations set out in the Northern Ireland (St Andrew’s Agreement) Act 2006.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Gaelic Language Links
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his assessment of the work being carried out by Imeall Trá Teo to forge cultural and Gaelic language links between North Antrim and the Scottish islands of Uisk and Islay; and to detail his plans to seek further support for this work at the British-Irish Council.
(AQW 4885/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): My Department is not involved with the funding for Imeall Trá Teoranta. I understand that Imeall Trá Teoranta is an initiative which has been funded through the EU INTERREG IIIA programme. This EU programme has been administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to undertake a ‘Rural Resource’ project linking communities in Antrim and Donegal through Marine Leisure & Cultural activities. Through the Cultural aspect of the project, ITT will develop a Language & Cultural Activity Centre in Cushendall. It is proposed that this will raise awareness and use of Gaelic and Ulster-Scots as a tourism resource to underpin economic regeneration in these areas. The facility will be based upon a similarly successful centre in Islay. ITTs facility should be completed during Summer 2008.
My Department has not been approached to seek support for this work.
Sporting Clubs
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the development proposals brought to his department by sporting clubs in 2005-06; 2006-07; and 2007-08; and (ii) the financial support his department granted to each sporting club.
(AQW 4886/08)
Mr E Poots: Responsibility for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding lies with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI). The tables below show the development proposals received by SNI from sporting clubs in 2005/06; 2006/07 and 2007/08 together with the exchequer funding provided to each club:-
Stadia Safety Programme (Exchequer funding)
| Date | Club | Amount | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | Cliftonville FC | £800,000 | Construction of new stand |
| 2006/07 | Ballymena FC | £161,636 | Provision of control room, new signage, automatic doors and barrier between home and away fans |
| 2006/07 | Portadown FC | £800,000 | Construction of new stand |
Proposals received under the Building Sport Programme (Lottery funding)
| Date | Club | Project |
|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | Derrygonnelly Harps GFC | Changing rooms and meeting rooms |
| 2005/06 | Kilcoo GAC | 3G pitch and extension to existing pitch |
| 2005/06 | Sean Dolans GAC | New pitch |
| 2005/06 | Coleraine Yacht Club | New equipment |
| 2005/06 | Dromara GFC | Second pitch and changing/showers |
| 2005/06 | St Canice’s GFC | Pitch, fencing and floodlights |
| 2005/06 | Glebe United FC | Upgrade grounds |
| 2005/06 | Bready Cricket Club | Cricket Centre of Excellence |
| 2005/06 | Moyola Park AFC | New pitch and changing |
| 2005/06 | McQuillan GAC | Floodlighting and fitness suite |
| 2005/06 | Errigal Ciaran GAC | New changing and meeting rooms |
| 2005/06 | Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC | Construction of second pitch |
| 2005/06 | Dromore St Dympna GFC | New pitches |
| 2005/06 | Ulster Gliding Club | New glider |
| 2005/06 | St Teresa’s GFC | Changing pavilion |
| 2005/06 | Kildress GAC | Pitch and floodlighting |
| 2005/06 | St Colmcille’s GAC | Purchase of land and development of pitch |
| 2005/06 | Kevin Lynch Hurling Club | Club house |
| 2005/06 | St Mary’s GAC | Floodlit pitches, changing rooms and car park |
| 2005/06 | Kickhams Creggan GAC | New pitch |
| 2005/06 | Latharna Og GAC Brustin Braes | Changing rooms |
| 2005/06 | The Cliff | 3G pitch |
| 2005/06 | Poleglass ABC | Community Health facility |
| 2005/06 | Teemore Shamrocks | Floodlights |
| 2005/06 | Aghadrumsee St Macartans GFC | Floodlit pitch and changing rooms |
| 2005/06 | St Martins GAC | New changing facilities |
| 2005/06 | John Mitchels GAC | 3G pitch |
| 2005/06 | Carnview Farms Clay Pidgeon Shooting Club | Double Olympic trap facility |
| 2005/06 | Ballyvea Gun Club | Additional traps |
| 2006/07 | Lisburn Racquets Club | Sports Hall lighting and netball post holes. |
| 2006/07 | Tempo Maguires GFC | New changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Stewartstown Harps GAC | New pitch |
| 2006/07 | Mossley Hockey Club | New clubhouse and changing room upgrade |
| 2006/07 | Warrenpoint Town FC | All weather pitch, floodlights and fencing |
| 2006/07 | Colaiste Feirste | 2 handball courts |
| 2006/07 | Belvoir Park Golf Club | New clubhouse. |
| 2006/07 | Wolfe Tones GAC | New changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Ballykinlar GAC | Floodlit MUGA with community hall |
| 2006/07 | Russell Gaelic Union | Floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | St Mary’s GAC | 2nd pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | St Mary’s GAC Slaughtmanus | New pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | Pearse Og GFC | Changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Kildress GAC | New pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | NICS Sports Association | 2 Hockey pitches |
| 2006/07 | All Saints GAC | 3G pitch and floodlighting |
| 2006/07 | Dromore St Dympna GFC | New floodlit pitches |
| 2006/07 | Comber Bowling Club | New extension to facilities |
| 2006/07 | Limavady Cricket & RFC | Facility improvements |
| 2006/07 | County Antrim Yacht Club | Clubhouse extension |
| 2006/07 | Ballynahinch RFC | Multi-sport pitch |
| 2006/07 | St Eugenes GAC | New changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Lavey GAC | Synthetic pitch and changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Poleglass ABC | New indoor boxing ring |
| 2006/07 | Tir No nOg GAC | Construction of new facilities |
| 2006/07 | O’Brien’s GAC | New changing facilities |
| 2006/07 | Bracken Projectile Club | Purchase of site and development of range |
| 2006/07 | Eastside ABC | New premises and changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Ballygalget GAC | Sports hall and changing rooms |
| 2006/07 | Owen Roe GAC | Pavilion and changing |
| 2006/07 | St Josephs GAC | New changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Belleeks GFC | Second playing field |
| 2006/07 | Ballerin GAC | New pitch and floodlights |
| 2006/07 | Belnaleck Art McMurroughs GFC | Additional playing surface and changing |
| 2006/07 | Ballymacash Rangers FC | New changing facilities |
| 2006/07 | Liatroim Fontenoys Camogie Club | Develop playing field/training area |
| 2006/07 | Portadown Boat Club | New boat house and sporting complex |
| 2006/07 | Gleann ABC | New changing facility |
| 2006/07 | Owen Roe O’Neills GAC | New training and changing areas |
| 2006/07 | Loughside FC | New pitches and changing pavilion |
| 2006/07 | Killen Rangers FC | Upgrade to current pitch |
| 2006/07 | Aghyaran St Davogs | 3G pitch and conditioning suite |
| 2006/07 | Brookeborough Heber McMahon GAC | New changing facilities |
| 2006/07 | St Columbas Camogie Club | Astro turf pitch |
| 2006/07 | Royal Ulster Yacht Club | Training facility |
| 2006/07 | St Colms GAC | Floodlighting for new pitch |
| 2006/07 | Dergview FC | Clubhouse, changing, upgrade pitch and carpark |
It should be noted that the Building Sport Programme closed in January 2007 therefore there were no proposals received in 2007/08
Twelfth of July
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his department's plans to promote the Twelfth of July celebrations as a day of cultural and historical significance.
(AQW 4892/08)
Mr E Poots: From 1 April 2008 the Community Festivals Fund is being devolved to Local Government and it will be a matter for them to assess the merits of applications from event organisers.
My Department is currently working with a number of organisations that have an interest in promoting Protestant/Unionist culture and heritage.
Library Spending
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much of the £2 million his department received in the final allocation will be spent on libraries and what per capita funding Belfast currently receives.
(AQW 5060/08)
Mr E Poots: The Libraries budget received £500k of the additional £2m allocated to the Department in the final allocation for the 2008/09 financial year.
In 2007/08 the Belfast Education and Library Board received a total of £5.734m recurrent expenditure which is £21.38 per capita.
EDUCATION
C2K Infrastructure
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which the C2K infrastructure will be available at Gaelscoil An Chaistil.
(AQW 3349/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Bunscoil an Chaistil has been provided with standalone (non-networked) ICT equipment reflecting the temporary status of its current accommodation. In addition the Department of Education has asked the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) and Classroom 2000 (C2k) to investigate how the school can be equipped and connected to the C2k network at its current location. The Department will provide additional funding to allow this work to be taken forward. The NEELB will now liaise with C2k to establish the most appropriate technical solution for this school. The Department will monitor progress and make every effort to ensure that this process is completed as soon as possible.
Pending Policy Reviews
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of development plans for (i) new schools; and (ii) school amalgamations, submitted to her, that are being held pending policy reviews, broken down by educational sector.
(AQW 3371/08)
Ms C Ruane: Níltear ag glacadh le haon mholtaí faoi scoileanna úra nó cónascacháin i láthair na huaire ar an ábhar go bhfuiltear ag fanacht le hathbhreithnuithe beartas.
No proposals for new schools or amalgamations are currently being held pending policy reviews.
Integrated Schools
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to promote integrated education; and what consideration has she given to setting targets for increasing the number of places in integrated schools.
(AQW 3779/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education. I take that duty very seriously.
I also acknowledge that parental choice is a central tenet to the selection of schools for children. As such I would not consider it appropriate to prescribe targets for the development of integrated education, or any other sector.
Aithním, ar ndóigh, chomh ríthábhachtach agus chomh luachmhar leis an mhéid a chuireann an earnáil imeasctha, in éineacht le gach earnáil oideachais, le todhchaí ár bpáistí agus le cruthú na ndálaí atá riachtanach do shíocháin agus sheasmhacht fhadtéarmach anseo.
I recognise, of course the vital and valuable contribution that the integrated sector, together with all sectors of education, makes to the future of our children and in creating the conditions necessary for long-term peace and stability here.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of both pre-school age and school age children, who were 'statemented' with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (i) confirmed as the diagnosis; or (ii) identified as a contributory element of an overall diagnosis, broken down by Education and Library Board, in each of the three years 2004/2005, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007.
(AQW 4001/08)
Ms C Ruane: Chuir Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne in iúl domh nach mbeidh an t-eolas seo ar fáil taobh istigh den amscála. Scríofaidh mé arís a luaithe a bheas an t-eolas ar fáil.
I am advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that this information is not available within the timescale. I will write again as soon as the information is available.
Education and Skills Authority
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to outline what functions and staff have been identified for transfer from the department to the proposed Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 4019/08)
Ms C Ruane: An Internal Review has been undertaken by the Department of Education to identify the functions and potential staff that may transfer to the Education and Skills Authority.
Tá torthaí an athbhreithnithe seo á mbreithniú faoi láthair agus, mar sin de, níl aon eolas breise ar fáil ag an am seo.
The outcomes of this review are currently being considered and as such no further information is available at this time.
Post Primary Provision
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the basis on which previous educational experience and performance will be assessed in relation to post-primary transfer.
(AQW 4020/08)
Ms C Ruane: The detail of future post-primary transfer arrangements at age 11 is currently under discussion with stakeholders and the outcome of these discussions will be available in due course. In order to facilitate the informed election of educational pathways at age 14, which I have stated should start in 2013, advice to young people will be informed by comprehensive information from three years of post primary schooling demonstrating their educational strengths and weaknesses.
Ní dhéanfar measúnú ar an eolas seo ach ins an mhéid agus is riachtanach d’úsáid i leith comhairle.
This information will be assessed only insofar as is required in order to inform advice.
Bunscoil an Traonaigh
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of individual sites purchased by her department to site Bunscoil an Traonaigh on its existing site at Enniskillen Road, Lisnaskea.
(AQW 4130/08)
Ms C Ruane: My department has not made any capital investment for purchase of land at this site which is being rented from a local owner. The school was recognised for recurrent funding by my department in 2004.
To date no approval has been granted by my department for the purchase of land for Bunscoil an Traonaigh sited on the Enniskillen Road, Lisnakea.
My department was requested by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) to assess the suitability of the new site for a school which is in receipt of grant funding since 2004. The new site was approved by my department’s technical advisors.
D’fhiafraigh CnaG de roinnt comhlachtaí poiblí agus den earnáil phríobháideach lena fhionnadh an raibh aon talamh ar fáil sa cheantar arbh fhéidir scoil nua a shuíomh air.
CnaG pursued enquiries with a number of public bodies and the private sector to ascertain if any land was available in the area in which to site a new school. These included the Ministry of Defence, the Housing Executive, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Western Education and Library Board. No other satisfactory sites were identified by CnaG.
Schools' Infrastructure Programme
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of new schools that have failed to meet their completion date, as a result of delays in the delivery of the schools' infrastructure programme.
(AQW 4147/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are six public private partnership projects involving 17 schools at procurement stage, and seven conventionally funded projects which are experiencing delays.
Ta 69 tionscadal eile atá maoinithe go gnásúil ag céimeanna éagsúla dul chun cinn tríd na céimeanna pleanála. Beidh a ndul chun cinn siúd ag an údarás ábhartha oideachais ag brath ar sholáthar agus cheadú aighneachtaí dearaidh agus costais ag céimeanna ábhartha.
There are a further 69 conventionally funded projects at various stages of progress through the planning stages and whose progress by the relevant education authority and the Department will depend on the provision and approval of design and cost submissions at relevant stages.
Cullycapple Primary School
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Education to confirm that the external redecoration work to Cullycapple Primary School will be carried out in the 2008-09 financial year.
(AQW 4173/08)
Ms C Ruane: Chomhairligh Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirthuaiscirt gur liostáladh Bunscoil Chúil an Chapaill mar thosaíocht d’athmhaisiúchán lasmuigh sa bhliain airgeadais 2008/09, ach go dtí go gcuirfear an buiséad cothabhála don bhliain 2008/09 ar fáil ní féidir a chinntiú cé acu a chuirfear sin san áireamh sa chlár cothabhála atá beartaithe ag an Bhord nó nach gcuirfear.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that Cullycapple Primary School has been listed as a priority for external re-decoration in the 2008/09 financial year but until the maintenance budget for 2008/09 has been allocated it is not possible to confirm whether or not it will be included in the Board’s planned maintenance programme. This scheme, along with all other competing priorities, will be considered in the light of available finance.
Youth Service Budget
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the youth service budget for 2009/10; and to confirm whether or not there will be a reduction in the budget.
(AQW 4178/08)
Ms C Ruane: The funding for the Youth Service in 2009/10 comprises of a resource budget of £26.9 million (1) and a capital budget of £5 million. These amounts reflect the outcome for education of the 2007 Budget process for the period 2008-11.
Tá na buiséid socraithe don tréimhse thrí bliana. Is féidir liom a dhearbhú nach ndéanfar laghdú ar bith ar an leithdháileadh do gach bliain.
The budgets have been set for the three year period. I can confirm that there will be no reduction in the allocation for each year.
(1) Excludes funding for Community Relations
Schools' Estate
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans and timetables in relation to the preparation of the next phase of capital investment for the schools' estate, in order to ensure that the department will be in a position to effectively utilise future spending allocations from the 2011-2012 financial years onwards.
(AQW 4223/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Executive’s Investment Strategy published in January indicated a capital allocation over the next ten years for schools and youth services of £3.5bn. The allocations for the next three years were confirmed in the Budget document. The Investment Strategy noted that the Executive expects education communities to work together so that decisions on future phases of the schools estate are grounded firmly on cross-sectoral, area-based plans. It will be important that area-based planning is introduced in the coming months and my statement to the Assembly of 4 March set out proposals for taking this work forward this year in relation to the post-primary sector.
Déanfar tionscadail caipitiúil a mheas feasta i gcomhthéacs pleananna bunaithe ar limistéir chun go mbainfimid an leas is fearr ó na hacmhainní a chuirfear ar fáil faoin Straitéis Infheistithe chun freastal éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar riachtanais oideachasúla. Níl aon dáta socraithe fós le haghaidh an chéad fhógra eile faoi chlár caipitil.
Future capital projects will be considered in the context of area-based plans so that we utilise the allocations available from the Investment Strategy to meet educational needs effectively. No date has been set yet for the next capital programme announcement.
Temporary Classroom Accommodation
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) Irish language Naiscoil; and (ii) Irish language Bunscoil, that are in temporary classroom accommodation.
(AQW 4260/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are 27 naiscoileanna in temporary accommodation. A total of 13 bunscoileanna are in wholly temporary accommodation although a further 5 are in a mixture of temporary and permanent accommodation. There are 11 Irish medium units attached to maintained schools and 4 of these are in temporary accommodation.
The state of accommodation of many of the Irish medium schools is unacceptable and my officials have been liaising with Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta on the accommodation issues whilst we await the outcome of the Irish Medium Policy Review.
Bhí cruinniú agam freisin ar an 5ú lá de Márta le hionadaithe ó Chomhairle na Gaelscolaíochta agus pléadh an cheist seo.
I also had a meeting on 5 March with representatives of Comhairle na Gaelscoliochta where this issue was discussed.
Bamford Report
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the measures put in place to address issues relevant to her department contained in the Bamford Report.
(AQW 4336/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tháirg Athbhreithniú Bamford ar Shláinte Mheabhrach agus Mhíchumas Foghlama réimse moltaí a bhaineann le hoideachas i sraith naoi dtuarascáil. Bhí feidhmeannaigh ón Roinn Oideachais (RO)/ón Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna (COO) mar chomhaltaí de Ghrúpa Stiúrtha an Athbhreithnithe, den Ghrúpa Saolta Cothroma agus den Ghrúpa le Cuimsiú Sóisialta a Chur chun Cinn.
The Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability produced a range of education-related recommendations across a series of nine reports. Department of Education (DE)/Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) officials were members of the Review’s Steering Group, the Equal Lives Group and the Promoting Social Inclusion Group.
Over the course of the Review, DE has been aware of emerging themes around child-centred services and improved collaborative working and has already been working to address some of these issues. The following is an overview of some of the measures and initiatives being taken forward by DE to address many of the issues that are relevant to the education-related Bamford recommendations around children with mental health or learning difficulties. Full details of all the measures will be included in the Government’s response to the Bamford Review which is being co-ordinated by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
1. Increased Funding and Resource Planning for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
In 2005/06 around £170m was expended in the North of Ireland for provision for SEN children and an additional £53m was allocated to meet the needs of pupils with SEN over the years 2005/06 to 2007/08.
From 2006 the School Census has included a new category of SEN to record Mental Health Issues (MHI). It is hoped that this new category will improve resource planning for pupils with MHI and other learning difficulties.
2. Special educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order 2005 (SENDO)
DE introduced SENDO in 2005 in order to strengthen the rights of SEN pupils to be educated in mainstream schools and to make it unlawful for schools to treat disabled pupils less favourably than other pupils. SENDO also introduced the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service (DARS) and an Advice and Information Service.
3. DE Guidance
In order to help schools and ELBs to support SEN pupils, to increase the awareness of specific areas of need and to provide information for parents, DE has made available a range of guidance materials to all schools, ELBs and relevant voluntary sector groups. This includes guidance on Promoting Collaborative Working between health and education professionals and materials on autism, dyslexia, sensory impairment and acquired brain injury.
4. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
To ensure that the children and young people under the care of CAMHS receive the most appropriate support from both health and education services, DE and SEELB are planning, in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, a new purpose-built Regional Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Centre, including a Learning Resource Centre which will deliver a new flexible education model, on the Forster Green site to bring together the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit and the Child and Family Centre.
5. SEN Review
The DE SEN and Inclusion review has highlighted the vital importance of an effective working partnership with the health sector. To this end, DE is working closely with health colleagues to strengthen and develop links, from a strategic level through to delivery, to gain a shared commitment and ensure that planning, assessment and delivery of therapies is timely and realistic.
6. Anti-bullying
DE funds a regional anti-bullying helpline operated by ChildLine and is working with the local Anti-bullying Forum to promote good practice in tackling bullying in schools. The Forum published new guidance on cyber bullying in November 2007 and a website providing advice and good practice information was launched in March 2008.
7. Promoting Pupils’ Emotional Health and Wellbeing
From September 2007 independent counselling support is available in all post-primary schools, which wish it, for a half day per week.
In addition, work has begun on a pupils emotional health and well being programme in post primary schools. It will focus on positive prevention by building coping skills in children and young people and complements the personal development strand of the curriculum. With funding acquired in Budget 2007 appropriate interventions will be extended to primary and special schools
8. Revised Curriculum
The revised curriculum, which is being phased in from September 2007, includes the new areas of Personal Development & Mutual Understanding at primary level and Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level. These address issues such as promoting good mental and emotional health and the risks posed by drugs and alcohol. Schools are receiving training and guidance materials to support their teaching in these areas.
9. Health and Well-being
DE is working towards a Healthy Schools Policy and has appointed a Healthy Schools Co-ordinator to take this work forward
Mobile Classrooms
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's policy in relation to the replacement of mobile classrooms in schools.
(AQW 4564/08)
Ms C Ruane: Is féidir le seomraí ranga soghluaiste bheith cost-éifeachtúil chun freastal ar riachtanais ghearrthréimhseacha scoile mar gheall ar líon rolla bheith ag athrú, mar shampla. Deisítear nó athraítear seomraí ranga soghluaisteacha ag brath ar eolas ó shuirbhéanna cóírithe.
Mobile classrooms can prove to be a cost effective way of meeting the short term accommodation needs at a school for example because of changing enrolments. Mobile classrooms are either repaired or replaced based on information from condition surveys.
Braidside Integrated Primary School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the provision of a new school building for Braidside Integrated Primary and Nursery school, Ballymena.
(AQW 4565/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá staidéar féidearthachta ag comhairleoirí gairmiúla mo Roinne i láthair na huaire le faomhadh. Is é an chéad chéim eile a bheidh ann ná breithmheas eacnamaíochta a scrúdaíonn go mion na roghanna a aontaíodh. Tá breithmheas eacnamaíochta le haontú sula ndéantar tionscnaimh a mheas do chistiú caipitil.
A Feasibility Study is currently with my Department’s professional advisers for approval. The next stage will be an economic appraisal which examines the agreed options in the feasibility study in depth. An agreed economic appraisal is a prior stage for projects to be considered for capital funding.
Language Needs
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of current schoolchildren who do not have English as their first language; and (ii) the steps she is taking to address the educational needs of these children.
(AQW 4594/08)
Ms C Ruane: In October 2007, a total of 7,994 children were recorded as having a first language other than English. Of those children, a total of 5,665 were identified as having English as an Additional Language (EAL), in other words, significant difficulty with the English language and requiring additional assistance.
In April 2007 the Inclusion and Diversity Service was set up as a regional service to strengthen and improve support to children and young people with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and their parents.
This new service brought together services across the five Education and Library Boards in relation to the education of all children and young people whose first language is not English. The aim is to strengthen and improve support to all EAL pupils, their parents and teaching staff, primarily working through schools. It is adopting a regional approach to determine which schools need support and the type of support and to direct work more appropriately.
A number of new services such as interpreting, translating and a multi-lingual website to provide support to teachers and newcomer parents have been set up through the service and are available across the north of Ireland.
Schools and teaching staff further benefit from additional support and guidance from January 2008, as the Inclusion and Diversity Service have recruited and placed diversity coordinators, who have previously worked in the area of EAL and have expertise in it, to work with clusters of schools. This initiative facilitates capacity building by working with all schools on whole school and classroom issues, which includes language support
In 2008/09 the Inclusion and Diversity service will be funded with just over £1million by the Department.
In addition to this, I launched a North/South Diversity toolkit for primary school teachers in December 2007. An extensive training programme for all teachers within primary schools has been undertaken in relation to the toolkit.
Additional funds are provided directly to schools through the Common Funding Formula. In 2007/08 an additional £943 was provided for each child with EAL in the school’s annual budget and this is rising to £983 per child for 2008/09, giving a total of £5.5million going directly into schools.
Is faoi na scoileanna atá sé cinneadh a dhéanamh maidir leis an dóigh is fearr le húsáid a bhaint as an airgead seo ar bhealaí éagsúla ar leas na bpáistí BTB (EAL) agus ar leas na ndaoine óga ina gcuid scoileanna.
It is up to the schools to decide how best to use this money and in practice schools are using it in a variety of ways for the benefit of the EAL children and young people in their schools.
Blackwater Integrated College
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which a decision will be made in relation to the establishment of Blackwater Integrated College as a new grant maintained integrated college.
(AQW 4648/08)
Ms C Ruane: Bhreithnigh mé go cúramach an moladh le Coláiste Imeasctha Blackwater a bhunú mar scoil nua a chuimseoidh daltaí ó Ardscoil Rialaithe Imeasctha Acadamh an Dúin, agus shocraigh mé an moladh a cheadú.
I considered carefully the proposal to establish Blackwater Integrated College as a new school which will incorporate pupils from Down Academy Controlled Integrated High School, and I have decided to approve the proposal.
Tor Bank Special Needs School
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to extend the SPEAC Project, based at Tor Bank Special Needs School, as the project is nearing the end of its 3 year funding programme.
(AQW 4651/08)
Ms C Ruane: Maoiníonn Tionscnamh an BOLID (SEELB) Tionscnamh SPEAC, i gcomhpháirtíocht le SPEAC.
The SPEAC Project is funded by the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB), in partnership with SPEAC.
I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the SEELB that the Board is currently awaiting the final Inspection Report, from the Education and Training Inspectorate, which will provide an evaluation of the SPEAC Project. Following receipt of this evaluation, and other available information, the SEELB will then be in a position decide on the future of the SPEAC Project.
Movilla High School
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the (i) maintenance; (ii) repainting; and (iii) repair work, that is being undertaken at Movilla High School, Newtownards, in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
(AQW 4664/08)
Ms C Ruane: The information available does not distinguish between maintenance, repainting and repairs. The total cost of maintenance, including repainting and repairs, in 2007/08 was £26,395 (£22,297 from the South Eastern Education and Library Board’s budget and £4,098 from Movilla High School’s delegated budget).
Measann BOLOD go gcaithfear tuairim is £20,000 sa bhliain 2008/09 ar ghléasra úr coire; cuirfear sa halla spóirt é in ionad na píboibre damáistithe. Ní féidir ag an phointe seo a rá cá mhéad caiteachas breise a bheidh de dhíth faoi choinne cothabháil bhreise de réir mar a bheidh gá léi le linn na bliana seo chugainn.
The SEELB estimate that approximately £20,000 will be spent in 2008/09 on the provision of new boiler plant in the sports hall to replace existing damaged pipework. It is not possible at this stage to say how much additional expenditure will be required for further maintenance as it arises next year.
Assembly Questions
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of (i) the benefits to MLAs in receiving answers to written Assembly questions in Irish; and (ii) the impact on public expenditure in providing this service.
(AQW 4674/08)
Ms C Ruane: I answer my questions in English and in Irish and I believe people should celebrate the diversity of language. Irish is the native language of Ireland and is protected and promoted in accordance with the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages. I take my statutory duties very seriously as I do my right to use the Irish language.
Go dtí seo tá £956.73 caite ag an Roinn ar aistriúchán Gaeilge ar fhreagraí ar Cheisteanna scríofa Tionóil.
To date the Department has spent £956.73 on translation into Irish for inclusion in answers to written Assembly Questions.
Language Needs
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education to detail, for 2007, the amount of money spent by her department in promoting and teaching, (i) Irish; (ii) Ulster-Scots; (iii) French; (iv) Spanish; and (v) German, in (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools, broken down by Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 4675/08)
Ms C Ruane: My Department allocates budgets to schools on the basis of the Local Management of Schools Common Funding Formula. Within the requirements of the curriculum arrangements, it is a matter for schools to determine which languages they provide. School budgets are not allocated by specific subject area.
I believe it is important that we give our young people an early start to language learning in light of the benefits this can have and in our increasingly diverse society. I am therefore putting a programme in place to support those primary schools which wish to introduce Spanish or Irish, and in the 2007/08 financial year my Department has allocated £125,000 to the South Eastern Education and Library Board, on behalf of all the Boards, to support the programme. Tutors are currently being recruited and will begin working in schools from the next term.
Tá dualgas reachtúil ar an Roinn Oideachais chun forbairt na Gaelscolaíochta ‘a chur chun cinn agus a éascú’.
The Department of Education has a statutory duty to 'encourage and facilitate' the development of Irish medium education. Under the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 the Department of Education funds the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta to promote Irish-medium education, and is making grant of £590,000 available to it in 2007/08.
Pre-School Provision
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans to increase the pre-school provision in the Armagh City area, given that the facilities at Grove Street and Railway Street are full.
(AQW 4685/08)
Ms C Ruane: In the current school year (2007/08) the level of pre-school provision within a 2 mile radius of Grove Nursery School and Armagh Nursery School (also known as Railway Street Nursery School) is 116% with a total of 263 places to cater for a P1 cohort of 227 children.
Is cinnte gur leor é seo le freastal ar an éileamh sa réimse seo agus léiríonn sé seo nach bhfuil aon ghá ann an soláthar a mhéadú go fóill beag.
This is more than sufficient to meet the demand in the area which indicates that there is no need to increase provision at this time.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the criteria that will be applied for access to therapy at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.
(AQW 4710/08)
Ms C Ruane: The criteria for referral and admissions to the Centre are currently being developed by the Centre’s Senior Management Team. As the Centre is a north/south educational initiative these criteria will be agreed jointly with education providers in the North and the South.
Mar thoradh ar iarratas an Ionaid ar an chritéar riachtanach déanfar cinneadh ar na socruithe atá de dhíth do gach páiste agus beidh soláthar teiripe san áireamh anseo.
The Centre’s application of the agreed criteria will then lead to a determination of the arrangements that are required for each child, including access to therapy provision.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the staff/client ratio at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.
(AQW 4711/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Centre when fully operational will employ between 60 and 70 members of staff. The diversity of staff will include teachers, educational psychologists, therapists, trainers, researchers, residential care and admin staff.
The Learning Support Service will have four group bases catering for a total of 20 children at any one time. Within each group base there will be one experienced teacher and at least one support assistant as well as the necessary support being provided by a range of therapists.
Déanfaidh an tSeirbhís measúnú air,ar a laghad, ceathrar páiste lena gcuid tuismitheoirí gach seachtain agus beidh thart ar 3 nó 4 duine gairmiúil i gceist sa phroiséas seo a ndéanfaidh síceolaí oideachais a stiúradh.
The Educational Assessment Service will assess approximately 4 children with their parents every week and this process will involve approximately 3 to 4 professionals led by an educational psychologist.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the regime of therapies that will be available at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.
(AQW 4712/08)
Ms C Ruane: As a child centred organisation the Middletown Centre for Autism will endeavour to meet the individual needs of the children and young people referred to the Centre. This will involve looking closely at the various therapies used with the child in the past and assessing how they have been used and with what results.
Beidh sé mar aidhm ag an Ionad freastal ar riachtanais aonaracha bunaithe ar an cur chuige a shocraítear bheith cuí agus fóirsteanach don duine aonair. Déanfar réimse teiripe in ionad réim faoi leith a mheas.
It will be the Centre’s aim to meet individual needs based on the approach that is deemed appropriate and suitable for the individual. A range of therapies rather than a regime will therefore be considered.
East/West Co-Operation
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the work she has undertaken to promote greater East/West co-operation within education.
(AQW 4735/08)
Ms C Ruane: I recognise that there is real value in sharing and learning from others. That is why, for example, I met with my Scottish counterpart on 12 December to discuss and share our thinking on matters such as teacher education, tackling educational underachievement and Irish/Gaelic-medium education. Other areas where we are already co-operating very productively with our Scottish counterparts include the area of qualifications where GCSEs, A levels and other significant qualifications offered in schools are developed and regulated in the context of a joint framework.
I attended British Irish Council meetings on 16 July 2007 and 14 February 2008 along with counterparts from England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey. The most recent meeting in Dublin focussed on issues of drug misuse, with a focus on children and families; early years policy; child protection; and child poverty – all issues for which our education system has a role to play.
With funding from my Department, the British Council supports and encourages schools to participate in the East-West Schools Programme. This Programme aims to build educational links on a tripartite basis, involving schools from across Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. I have arranged to meet with the Director of the British Council in May to discuss how we can further develop and promote their work.
Earlier this month, the Education and Training Inspectorate and the Department of Education hosted an Autism Stocktake Event in Belfast, which included officials and inspectors from Wales, Scotland, the south of Ireland, as well as specialist Education and Library Board personnel and the Middletown Centre for Autism. The event provided a forum to consider autism provision across the education sector and exchange examples of good practice in a strategic context.
Ar deireadh, tá feidhmeannaigh ó mo Roinnse ag obair faoi láthair lena macasamhail féin eile sa Roinn Leanaí, Scoileanna agus Teaghlach agus le Gníomhaireacht Phinsin Phoiblí na hAlban le hullmhú beartais do na scéimeanna pinsin múinteoirí faoi seach anseo agus i Sasain, sa Bhreatain Bheag agus in Albain a chomhordú.
Finally, officials from my Department are currently working with counterparts in the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Scottish Public Pensions Agency to co-ordinate the development of policy for the respective teachers' pension schemes here and in England, Wales and Scotland.
Vice-Head Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of male vice-head teachers in post-primary schools; and (ii) the percentage of all vice-head teachers that this represents, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board; and (b) sector.
(AQW 4736/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached tables:
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2007 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 3 | 11% | 10 | 83% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 61% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 40% | 6 | 40% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 16 | 25% | 33 | 60% | |
| Western | Controlled | 4 | 14% | 7 | 50% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 17 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 22 | 32% | 13 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 26 | 26% | 39 | 61% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 21 | 31% | 20 | 74% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 9 | 24% | 7 | 64% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 33% | |
| Total | 30 | 28% | 43 | 65% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 21 | 38% | 14 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 12 | 75% | |
| Maintained | 7 | 26% | 5 | 45% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 2 | 67% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 50% | 2 | 40% | |
| Total | 33 | 37% | 35 | 58% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 12 | 24% | 20 | 63% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 20 | 26% | 12 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 24% | 46 | 61% | |
| Total | Controlled | 61 | 27% | 71 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 69 | 66% | |
| Maintained | 70 | 29% | 43 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 75% | 4 | 80% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 3 | 18% | 8 | 42% | |
| Total | 137 | 28% | 196 | 61% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2006 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice- principals | % of all vice- principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 6 | 17% | 10 | 77% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 54% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 40% | 7 | 41% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 19 | 27% | 36 | 57% | |
| Western | Controlled | 6 | 19% | 8 | 57% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 24 | 32% | 13 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 33% | |
| Total | 31 | 28% | 35 | 57% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 20 | 30% | 20 | 71% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 7 | 21% | 8 | 62% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 40% | |
| Total | 27 | 26% | 43 | 64% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 23 | 39% | 15 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 76% | |
| Maintained | 8 | 24% | 6 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 50% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 50% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 37 | 37% | 39 | 61% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 10 | 20% | 20 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 65% | |
| Maintained | 21 | 27% | 15 | 65% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 25% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 24% | 48 | 65% | |
| Total | Controlled | 65 | 27% | 73 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 67 | 64% | |
| Maintained | 72 | 29% | 49 | 54% | |
| Other Maintained | 2 | 29% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 4 | 24% | 7 | 47% | |
| Total | 146 | 28% | 201 | 61% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2005 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 8 | 22% | 11 | 69% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 18 | 58% | |
| Maintained | 14 | 41% | 8 | 44% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 22 | 29% | 41 | 58% | |
| Western | Controlled | 7 | 21% | 8 | 50% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 24 | 33% | 17 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 30% | 38 | 55% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 22 | 34% | 23 | 70% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 67% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 31% | 13 | 81% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 36 | 33% | 52 | 70% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 26 | 39% | 15 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 82% | |
| Maintained | 9 | 24% | 7 | 64% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 50% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 33% | 1 | 33% | |
| Total | 40 | 87% | 40 | 65% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 11 | 21% | 18 | 62% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 67% | |
| Maintained | 19 | 23% | 15 | 56% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 25% | 1 | 100% | |
| Total | 31 | 22% | 48 | 62% | |
| Total | Controlled | 74 | 29% | 75 | 62% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 73 | 66% | |
| Maintained | 78 | 29% | 60 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 2 | 29% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 5 | 83% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 14% | 6 | 40% | |
| Total | 161 | 33% | 219 | 62% | |
Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2004 |
|||||
Primary |
Post-primary |
||||
Board |
Management type |
Number of male vice-principals |
% of all vice-principals |
Number of male vice-principals |
% of all vice- principals |
Belfast |
Controlled |
8 |
21% |
11 |
69% |
Voluntary |
0 |
0% |
17 |
52% |
|
Maintained |
14 |
42% |
10 |
53% |
|
Other Maintained |
0 |
0% |
2 |
100% |
|
Controlled Integrated |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Grant Maintained Integrated |
0 |
0% |
2 |
50% |
|
Total |
22 |
29% |
42 |
57% |
|
Western |
Controlled |
7 |
19% |
10 |
63% |
Voluntary |
0 |
0% |
14 |
56% |
|
Maintained |
26 |
34% |
18 |
60% |
|
Other Maintained |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Controlled Integrated |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Grant Maintained Integrated |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Total |
33 |
28% |
42 |
58% |
|
North Eastern |
Controlled |
25 |
36% |
24 |
67% |
Voluntary |
0 |
0% |
15 |
65% |
|
Maintained |
12 |
32% |
13 |
81% |
|
Other Maintained |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Controlled Integrated |
2 |
67% |
0 |
0% |
|
Grant Maintained Integrated |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Total |
39 |
35% |
52 |
67% |
|
South Eastern |
Controlled |
30 |
40% |
16 |
59% |
Voluntary |
0 |
0% |
15 |
79% |
|
Maintained |
11 |
30% |
8 |
62% |
|
Other Maintained |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Controlled Integrated |
3 |
100% |
3 |
75% |
|
Grant Maintained Integrated |
1 |
33% |
1 |
50% |
|
Total |
45 |
38% |
43 |
66% |
|
Southern |
Controlled |
13 |
23% |
17 |
53% |
Voluntary |
0 |
0% |
12 |
67% |
|
Maintained |
18 |
22% |
14 |
50% |
|
Other Maintained |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Controlled Integrated |
0 |
0% |
1 |
100% |
|
Grant Maintained Integrated |
1 |
50% |
1 |
100% |
|
Total |
32 |
23% |
45 |
56% |
|
Total |
Controlled |
83 |
30% |
78 |
61% |
Voluntary |
0 |
0% |
73 |
62% |
|
Maintained |
81 |
30% |
63 |
59% |
|
Other Maintained |
0 |
0% |
2 |
100% |
|
Controlled Integrated |
5 |
83% |
4 |
80% |
|
Grant Maintained Integrated |
2 |
17% |
4 |
33% |
|
Total |
171 |
30% |
224 |
61% |
|
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2003 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals | Number of male vice- principals | % of all vice-principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 8 | 20% | 10 | 63% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 17 | 50% | |
| Maintained | 14 | 42% | 10 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 23 | 29% | 41 | 55% | |
| Western | Controlled | 8 | 22% | 14 | 67% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 61% | |
| Maintained | 28 | 35% | 18 | 60% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 36 | 30% | 46 | 60% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 25 | 37% | 23 | 74% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 65% | |
| Maintained | 15 | 36% | 13 | 76% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 50% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 1 | 33% | |
| Total | 43 | 37% | 52 | 70% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 31 | 43% | 15 | 58% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 88% | |
| Maintained | 11 | 28% | 8 | 73% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 100% | 3 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 33% | 3 | 75% | |
| Total | 45 | 38% | 44 | 72% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 15 | 27% | 17 | 52% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 11 | 69% | |
| Maintained | 17 | 20% | 16 | 57% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 3 | 50% | 1 | 100% | |
| Total | 35 | 24% | 46 | 58% | |
| Total | Controlled | 87 | 32% | 79 | 62% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 72 | 64% | |
| Maintained | 85 | 31% | 65 | 61% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 4 | 57% | 4 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 6 | 38% | 7 | 50% | |
| Total | 182 | 32% | 229 | 63% | |
Irish Translation
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money her department has spent on translating answers to written Assembly questions into Irish, in the first 2 months of 2008.
(AQW 4744/08)
Ms C Ruane: Sa chéad dá mhí den bhliain 2008 chaith mo Roinn £346.33 ar aistriúcháín go Gaeilge le cur isteach i bhfreagraí ar cheisteanna scríofa Tionóil.
In the first two months of 2008 my Department has spent £346.33 on translations into Irish for inclusion in answers to written Assembly Questions.
Budget Overspend
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the total debt, in terms of overspend, that was owed by (i) the Belfast Education and Library Board; and (ii) the South Eastern Education and Library Board, to her department; and to further detail (a) the amount of this money that has been paid back in each case; and (b) the plans her department has to secure payments from these bodies.
(AQW 4762/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá freagraí ar na ceisteanna thuas leagtha amach sna táblaí seo a leanas:
The answers to the above questions are set out in the following tables:
Belfast Education and Library Board
| Year | Target Repayment*£m | Actual Amount Repaid£m | Value of Deficit£m |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8.5 | ||
| 2005-06 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 6.2** |
| 2006-07 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.2 |
| 2007-08 | 3.2 | 0 |
* The £8.5m deficit at year end 2005 was made up of a centre deficit of £5.7m and a schools deficit of £2.8m both of which, were required to be repaid to the Department.
**This figure has been adjusted to reflect an error in respect of end-year flexibility relating to deferred income in the 2005-06 accounts.
South Eastern Education and Library Board
| Year | Target Repayment£m | Actual Amount Repaid £m |
Value of Deficit£m | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schools | Centre | Schools | Centre | Schools | Centre | Total | |
| 2005 | 24.2 | 11.9 | 12.3 | ||||
| 2005-06 | 0.0 | 4.5 | Repayment to centre not achieved but £4.1m of schools deficit repaid | 20.1 | 7.8 | 12.3 | |
| 2006-07 | 0.0 | 4.5 | Yes | 15.6 | 7.8 | 7.8 | |
| 2007-08 | 1.1 | 2.1 | On target | 12.4 | 7.8 | 4.6 | |
| 2008-09 | 1.0 | 2.0 | Projected | 8.4 | 6.8 | 1.6 | |
Vice-Head Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 5 years, (i) the number of male vice-head teachers in primary schools; and (ii) the percentage of all vice-head teachers that this represents, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board; and (b) sector.
(AQW 4768/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached tables:
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2007 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 3 | 11% | 10 | 83% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 61% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 40% | 6 | 40% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 16 | 25% | 33 | 60% | |
| Western | Controlled | 4 | 14% | 7 | 50% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 17 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 22 | 32% | 13 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 26 | 26% | 39 | 61% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 21 | 31% | 20 | 74% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 9 | 24% | 7 | 64% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 33% | |
| Total | 30 | 28% | 43 | 65% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 21 | 38% | 14 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 12 | 75% | |
| Maintained | 7 | 26% | 5 | 45% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 2 | 67% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 50% | 2 | 40% | |
| Total | 33 | 37% | 35 | 58% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 12 | 24% | 20 | 63% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 20 | 26% | 12 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 24% | 46 | 61% | |
| Total | Controlled | 61 | 27% | 71 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 69 | 66% | |
| Maintained | 70 | 29% | 43 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 75% | 4 | 80% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 3 | 18% | 8 | 42% | |
| Total | 137 | 28% | 196 | 61% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2006 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice- principals | % of all vice- principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 6 | 17% | 10 | 77% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 54% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 40% | 7 | 41% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 19 | 27% | 36 | 57% | |
| Western | Controlled | 6 | 19% | 8 | 57% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 68% | |
| Maintained | 24 | 32% | 13 | 52% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 33% | |
| Total | 31 | 28% | 35 | 57% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 20 | 30% | 20 | 71% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 7 | 21% | 8 | 62% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 40% | |
| Total | 27 | 26% | 43 | 64% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 23 | 39% | 15 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 76% | |
| Maintained | 8 | 24% | 6 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 50% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 50% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 37 | 37% | 39 | 61% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 10 | 20% | 20 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 65% | |
| Maintained | 21 | 27% | 15 | 65% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 25% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 24% | 48 | 65% | |
| Total | Controlled | 65 | 27% | 73 | 65% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 67 | 64% | |
| Maintained | 72 | 29% | 49 | 54% | |
| Other Maintained | 2 | 29% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 4 | 24% | 7 | 47% | |
| Total | 146 | 28% | 201 | 61% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2005 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 8 | 22% | 11 | 69% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 18 | 58% | |
| Maintained | 14 | 41% | 8 | 44% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 22 | 29% | 41 | 58% | |
| Western | Controlled | 7 | 21% | 8 | 50% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 13 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 24 | 33% | 17 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 32 | 30% | 38 | 55% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 22 | 34% | 23 | 70% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 67% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 31% | 13 | 81% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 100% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 36 | 33% | 52 | 70% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 26 | 39% | 15 | 56% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 82% | |
| Maintained | 9 | 24% | 7 | 64% | |
| Other Maintained | 1 | 50% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 33% | 1 | 33% | |
| Total | 40 | 87% | 40 | 65% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 11 | 21% | 18 | 62% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 67% | |
| Maintained | 19 | 23% | 15 | 56% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 25% | 1 | 100% | |
| Total | 31 | 22% | 48 | 62% | |
| Total | Controlled | 74 | 29% | 75 | 62% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 73 | 66% | |
| Maintained | 78 | 29% | 60 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 2 | 29% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 5 | 83% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 14% | 6 | 40% | |
| Total | 161 | 33% | 219 | 62% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2004 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice- principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 8 | 21% | 11 | 69% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 17 | 52% | |
| Maintained | 14 | 42% | 10 | 53% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 22 | 29% | 42 | 57% | |
| Western | Controlled | 7 | 19% | 10 | 63% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 56% | |
| Maintained | 26 | 34% | 18 | 60% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 33 | 28% | 42 | 58% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 25 | 36% | 24 | 67% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 65% | |
| Maintained | 12 | 32% | 13 | 81% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 67% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 39 | 35% | 52 | 67% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 30 | 40% | 16 | 59% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 79% | |
| Maintained | 11 | 30% | 8 | 62% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 3 | 100% | 3 | 75% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 33% | 1 | 50% | |
| Total | 45 | 38% | 43 | 66% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 13 | 23% | 17 | 53% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 12 | 67% | |
| Maintained | 18 | 22% | 14 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 1 | 100% | |
| Total | 32 | 23% | 45 | 56% | |
| Total | Controlled | 83 | 30% | 78 | 61% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 73 | 62% | |
| Maintained | 81 | 30% | 63 | 59% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 5 | 83% | 4 | 80% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 2 | 17% | 4 | 33% | |
| Total | 171 | 30% | 224 | 61% | |
| Number and percentage of those on the vice-principal payscale in primary and post-primary schools, 2003 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Post-primary | ||||
| Board | Management type | Number of male vice-principals | % of all vice-principals | Number of male vice- principals | % of all vice-principals |
| Belfast | Controlled | 8 | 20% | 10 | 63% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 17 | 50% | |
| Maintained | 14 | 42% | 10 | 50% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 2 | 67% | |
| Total | 23 | 29% | 41 | 55% | |
| Western | Controlled | 8 | 22% | 14 | 67% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 14 | 61% | |
| Maintained | 28 | 35% | 18 | 60% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 36 | 30% | 46 | 60% | |
| North Eastern | Controlled | 25 | 37% | 23 | 74% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 65% | |
| Maintained | 15 | 36% | 13 | 76% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 50% | 0 | 0% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 50% | 1 | 33% | |
| Total | 43 | 37% | 52 | 70% | |
| South Eastern | Controlled | 31 | 43% | 15 | 58% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 15 | 88% | |
| Maintained | 11 | 28% | 8 | 73% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 2 | 100% | 3 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 1 | 33% | 3 | 75% | |
| Total | 45 | 38% | 44 | 72% | |
| Southern | Controlled | 15 | 27% | 17 | 52% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 11 | 69% | |
| Maintained | 17 | 20% | 16 | 57% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 3 | 50% | 1 | 100% | |
| Total | 35 | 24% | 46 | 58% | |
| Total | Controlled | 87 | 32% | 79 | 62% |
| Voluntary | 0 | 0% | 72 | 64% | |
| Maintained | 85 | 31% | 65 | 61% | |
| Other Maintained | 0 | 0% | 2 | 100% | |
| Controlled Integrated | 4 | 57% | 4 | 100% | |
| Grant Maintained Integrated | 6 | 38% | 7 | 50% | |
| Total | 182 | 32% | 229 | 63% | |
Consultancy Firms
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of occasions on which her department has employed the services of consultancy firms; (ii) the work completed on each occasion; and (iii) the costs incurred by her department, in the financial year 2007-08.
(AQW 4785/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an Roinn tar éis leas a bhaint as seirbhísí gnólachtaí Comhairliúcháin ar 121 ócáid sa bhliain airgeadais 2007/08 ar chostas iomlán de £5,042,020.49.
Tugtar sonraí ar mhiondealú na hoibre a cuireadh chun críche ar gach aon ócáid sa tábla thíos.
The Department have employed the services of Consultancy firms on 121 occasions in the financial year 2007/08 at a total cost of £5,042,020.49.
A breakdown of the work completed on each occasion is detailed in the table below.
Consultancy Services employed by the Department of Education in Financial Year 2007/08
| Consultancy work carried out |
|---|
| Network Health Check |
| Interpreting and translation services for English as an additional language policy development |
| Healthy Schools policy |
| Preparation and production of a revised Literacy and Numeracy Strategy |
| Evaluation of Full Service School Project funded under Renewing Communities Programme |
| Early Years Research |
| Citizenship |
| Pupil Profile/Incas |
| Pupil Profile/Incas |
| Internal Audit |
| EFQM |
| Personal Capabilities |
| Early Years Research |
| Citizenship |
| Examinations Modernisation |
| Examinations Modernisation |
| Pupil Profile/Incas |
| Employability |
| Internal Audit |
| EFQM |
| NI Youth Work Awards |
| Intergenerational Project |
| Human Resources advice |
| Public Relations |
| Preparation of new Funding Policy |
| Equality screening of Youth Council policies |
| Preparation of new Management Information System for the youth service sector |
| Marketing |
| "Investing in Youth Work" event |
| To assess the range of previous evaluations of ICT in schools |
| Teachers' Pay/Pensions Replacement |
| PWC Independent Evaluation of the Inspection Process |
| Development of IMG, MMG communication skills |
| Chartermark Reassessment |
| Independent Evaluation of the Inspection Process |
| Development of ETI communication styles |
| Governor handbook - to provide a common handbook for school governors |
| Website Updates |
| Provision of Internal Audit services |
| Preparation of Annual Accounts |
| Website updates |
| Balmoral High School - appointment of legal and financial consultants to examine future use |
| PFI Pathfinder Projects - post project evaluations on operation of PPP contract |
| Evaluation of Parent Support Project (16 schools) |
| BELB strategic Partnership Project |
| BELB strategic Partnership Project |
| BELB strategic Partnership Project |
| External evaluation of IDF project outcomes |
| Specialist Schools Pilot Yr 2 Assessments - Fee - £200per reading and panel meeting days - Civil service travel rates |
| Development of Specialist Schools Pilot year 3 application process - Fee - £200per reading and panel meeting days - civil service travel rates |
| Framework and Partnering |
| Legal assistance for framework and legislation |
| Framework and Partnering |
| Legal assistance for framework and legislation |
| Assistance for legal challenge |
| Research Project on nature and extent of bullying in schools in the north of Ireland |
| Literacy and Numeracy - identification of difficulties |
| Additional analysis of PISA 2003 data for the north of Ireland |
| Literacy and Numeracy - identification of difficulties |
| Literacy and Numeracy - cities comparison |
| Synoptic report on e-learning pilot projects |
| Teacher Vacancies Survey |
| Call-off contract for strategic, financial and technical consultancy services |
| Call-off contract for legal consultancy services |
| South West Divisional Library, Enniskillen |
| Call-off contract for strategic, financial and technical consultancy services |
| Call-off contract for legal consultancy services |
| Independent Strategic Review of Education |
| Facilitation exercise for Mid/South Down post primary provision |
| Bangor Acadamy/Nendrum College PFI |
| Lagan College & Torbank PFI |
| PPP Support Team |
| Lagan College & Torbank PFI |
| PPP Support Team |
| Provision of support to assist with the implementation of RPA - Element of extension to contract which fell into the 2007/08 FY |
| Development of an Outline Business Case for the RPA programme |
| Provision of Legal advice on the ownership of Controlled schools |
| Development of options for the establishment of a sectoral support organisation for the controlled schools sector |
| Consultation with young people to ensure their views are taken on board in the establishment of the Education Advisory Forum |
| Assist DE Board in identifying the current culture and capability of DE |
| Development of DE Policy Code |
| Professional Advice re Investor in People Issues |
| Professional Advice re Investor in People Issues |
| ICT Audit |
| Communications Support |
| HR Support ( Deloitte) |
| Additional HR Support |
| HR - Consultancy on specific projects |
| Communications - appointment of external public affairs consultancy |
| Financial Planning |
| ICT - quality assessment |
| Harmonisation Issues |
| Arthur Cox - legal consultancy |
| PWC - recruitment consultancy |
| White Young Green - building works |
| Arthur Cox - legal consultancy |
| PWC - recruitment consultancy |
| White Young Green - building project management |
| Robinson McIlwaine - Architects |
| RPS Ltd - Structural/Civil Engineers |
| Turner and Townsend - Quantity Surveyors |
| A H Design - Mechanical and Engineering |
| Landscape Design |
| Creation of a technical spec for IT hardware |
| 2nd Recruitment campaign for 2 heads of Division |
| Legal Fees |
| Management Consultancy on Risk Management Framework |
| Legal advice |
| IT Hardware and Software advice |
| Accountancy and Audit Fees |
| Design of Logo and Website |
| Arthur Cox - legal services |
| Update of Departmental Circular 99/10 on Pastoral Care |
| To carry out a study of the outcomes of Government's Financial Investment in Irish-medium education over the last 5 years |
| Survey of the Youth Estate - to complete a survey of the condition of youth facilities in the voluntary sector |
| A review to identify the teachers and youth worker training needs for the delivery of community relations in schools |
| PGS Project Management Services to support Trustees |
| PGS Project Management Services to support Trustees |
| PGS Project Management Services to support Trustees |
| Architectural Services to support Trustees |
| Building & Maintenance work for CCMS Down & Connor Office |
Post Primary Provision
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3714/08, to provide a detailed account of the 'facilitation exercise for Mid/South Down post primary provision', completed during the financial year 2006-07.
(AQW 4787/08)
Ms C Ruane: When the then Minister of Education, Maria Eagle, turned down a Development Proposal for Rowallane Integrated College in January 2007 she invited the South Eastern Education and Library Board, which had been reviewing provision in the mid/south Down area, to work with the integrated sector and the Rowallane parents’ group, to see how they might develop jointly a proposal for integrated provision which would meet the needs of the area. She asked that discussions should begin immediately.
Cheap an Roinn éascaitheoir ina dhiaidh sin le cuidiú sa teagmháil tosaigh idir BOLOD, grúpa na dtuismitheoirí agus an earnáil imeasctha le fiosrú arbh fhéidir moladh cuí a ullmhú de réir chinneadh Maria Eagle. Bhí deireadh le tacaíocht na Roinne leis an obair éascaithe i Mí Aibreáin 2007.
The department subsequently appointed a facilitator to assist the initial engagements between the SEELB, the parents’ group and the integrated sector in exploring whether an appropriate proposal could be developed in line with Maria Eagle’s decision. The department’s support for the facilitation work ended in April 2007.
Primary Schools
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the provision for teaching thinking skills in primary schools, in each of the Education and Library Boards.
(AQW 4789/08)
Ms C Ruane: Thinking skills form part of the revised curriculum from Year 1 onwards, to be developed through the curricular areas of learning. This makes more explicit what has always been good teaching practice. A regional programme of training and support, including guidance materials, is being provided through the Partnership Management Board and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
Tá teacht ag gach bunscoil ar an tsoláthar chéanna ar neamhchead don Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne a bhfuil siad faoina chúram.
All primary schools have access to the same provision regardless of the Education & Library Board in which they are based.
Mid-Term Breaks
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to confirm who decides the dates for mid-term breaks for (i) primary schools; and (ii) secondary schools.
(AQW 4865/08)
Ms C Ruane: The law requires a grant-aided school to be in operation for 3 terms and 200 days in each school year less 10 optional days and any exceptional closures approved by the Department.
The education and library boards can approve the dates of school holidays for controlled and maintained primary and secondary schools, other than optional days, in accordance with statutory requirements. In the case of voluntary grammar schools, this power rests with the school’s Board of Governors.
I have no discretion to alter the dates for school holidays other than in the case of a disagreement between a school’s Board of Governors and the education and library board for the area in which the school is located.
The school holiday dates are agreed with a Transport Working Group representative of all school sectors taking account of the availability of school transport and school meals services. Schools are informed of the dates when transport and meals services are not operational but are allowed flexibility to operate on these days at their own volition.
Ar an ábhar go mbíonn rogha ag scoileanna i dtaca lena laethanta feidhme agus a laethanta roghnacha de, is féidir go mbeidh éagsúlachtaí i dtréimhsí saoire, mar shosanna lár téarma, idir scoileanna.
As schools can exercise some discretion in relation to their operational and optional days, there can be variations in holiday periods like mid-term breaks between schools.
School Holidays
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the discretion she has to alter the dates for school holidays; and to confirm who decides the dates that children are on holiday from school.
(AQW 4866/08)
Ms C Ruane: The law requires a grant-aided school to be in operation for 3 terms and 200 days in each school year less 10 optional days and any exceptional closures approved by the Department.
The education and library boards can approve the dates of school holidays for controlled and maintained primary and secondary schools, other than optional days, in accordance with statutory requirements. In the case of voluntary grammar schools, this power rests with the school’s Board of Governors.
I have no discretion to alter the dates for school holidays other than in the case of a disagreement between a school’s Board of Governors and the education and library board for the area in which the school is located.
The school holiday dates are agreed with a Transport Working Group representative of all school sectors taking account of the availability of school transport and school meals services. Schools are informed of the dates when transport and meals services are not operational but are allowed flexibility to operate on these days at their own volition.
Ar an ábhar go mbíonn rogha ag scoileanna i dtaca lena laethanta feidhme agus a laethanta roghnacha de, is féidir go mbeidh éagsúlachtaí i dtréimhsí saoire, mar shosanna lár téarma, idir scoileanna.
As schools can exercise some discretion in relation to their operational and optional days, there can be variations in holiday periods like mid-term breaks between schools.
Schools Modernisation Programme
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the eight construction companies that have been appointed to form the framework under the Schools Modernisation Programme.
(AQW 4869/08)
Ms C Ruane: Seo a leanas an t-ochtar príomhchonraitheoirí (nó comheagras) rathúla agus a gcuid foirne deartha a ceapadh chun an creat a dhéanamh faoi Clár Nuachóiriúcháin na Scoileanna:
The eight successful lead contractors (or consortia) and their design teams that have been appointed to form the framework under the Schools’ Modernisation Programme are as follows:
| Lead Contractor: | Lead Designer: |
|---|---|
| Graham Construction | Building Design Partnership |
| McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd | SMC PARR Architects Ltd |
| P Elliot & Company Ltd / McCombe Bros (Antrim) Ltd | Scott Wilson Ltd |
| Laing O’Rourke / J H Turkington & Sons Ltd | JNP Architects |
| Gilbert Ash NI Ltd / Glasgiven Contracts Ltd | Robinson McIlwaine / Knox Clayton |
| Bowen Construction Ltd / Mascott Construction Ltd | HLM Architects Ltd / Hamilton Architects |
| FHT (Farrans (Construction) Ltd / Heron Bros Ltd / Tracey Bros Ltd | McAdam Design Ltd / Isherwood & Ellis |
| Trinity (David Patton & Sons NI Ltd / H&J Martin Ltd / Felix O’Hare & Company | Todd Architects |
Drugs Education Programme
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the drugs education programme currently in place for young people in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area; and (ii) how this programme is implemented.
(AQW 4884/08)
Ms C Ruane: Drugs education in the Northern Eastern Education and Library Board, as in all the education and library boards (ELBs) is delivered through the revised curriculum, in particular through the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding strand in the primary schools and Personal Development strand in the post-primary schools.
The drugs education programme is delivered mostly through resources created by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in conjunction with the ELBs. The primary school resource is 'Living Learning Together' and the post-primary resource is 'Insync'. Year 8 and Year 9 of ‘Insync’ have been delivered to schools, with Year 10 due out in the next year. Schools have flexibility within the revised curriculum to deliver the programme in innovative ways to engage the students.
The NEELB Personal Development team, in conjunction with a number of other bodies, ran a series of three pilot programmes for parents over the last month looking at how to reduce the damage of binge drinking to young people. The aim was to strengthen the schools' message by helping parents realise the extent of the problem, the damage caused by excess alcohol and what parents can do to address the issues, based on local and national research.
Mar aon leis sin, tá beirt oifigeach machaire fostaithe ag BOLOT le hoiliúint agus tacaíocht a sholáthar do scoileanna i dtaca le cúrsaí drugaí.
In addition, NEELB employ two field officers to deliver training and support from drugs education to schools.
Staff Sick Leave
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail for each of the five Education and Library Boards, the number of teachers currently on sick leave; and to further detail (i) the average amount of sick leave taken by teachers; and (iii) the total cost of these lost days, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 4897/08)
Ms C Ruane: Thug Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne le fios go raibh 2,173 múinteoir ar shaoire bhreoiteachta i Feabhra 2008; clúdaíonn an figiúr sin neamhláithreachtaí a mhair idir lá amháin agus mí iomlán. Tá mionchuntas bunaithe ar limistéir na mbord san áireamh sna táblaí atá faoi iamh.
The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards have advised that the number of teachers on sick leave in February 2008 was 2,173 which covers absences lasting from 1 day to a full month. A detailed breakdown by board area is included in the attached tables.
TABLE 1
| 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board/Sector | Sick Days | Permanent Teachers in Post | Sick days per teacher in post | Sick Days | Permanent Teachers in Post | Sick days per teacher in post | Sick Days | Permanent Teachers in Post | Sick days per teacher in post |
| Belfast | 6,035 | 1,079 | 5.59 | 7,377 | 987 | 7.47 | 7,280 | 956 | 7.62 |
| North Eastern | 14,790 | 2,379 | 6.22 | 19,740 | 2,312 | 8.54 | 18,769 | 2,269 | 8.27 |
| South Eastern | 14,146 | 1,986 | 7.12 | 17,293 | 2,123 | 8.15 | 15,091 | 2,069 | 7.29 |
| Southern | 11,616 | 1,655 | 7.02 | 13,408 | 1,587 | 8.45 | 12,262 | 1,574 | 7.79 |
| Western | 5,640 | 964 | 5.85 | 8,069 | 903 | 8.94 | 6,946 | 880 | 7.89 |
| Controlled Total | 52,227 | 8,063 | 6.48 | 65,887 | 7,912 | 8.33 | 60,348 | 7,748 | 7.79 |
| Catholic Maintained | 62,417 | 6,990 | 8.93 | 76,095 | 6,871 | 11.07 | 71,215 | 6,719 | 10.60 |
| Other Maintained | 659 | 409 | 1.61 | 984 | 152 | 6.47 | 1078 | 158 | 6.82 |
| Maintained Total | 63,076 | 7,399 | 8.52 | 77,079 | 7,023 | 10.98 | 72,293 | 6,877 | 10.51 |
| Special | 8,522 | 866 | 9.84 | 9,663 | 878 | 11.01 | 10,636 | 857 | 12.41 |
| Grant Maintained Integrated (GMI) | 5,343 | 841 | 6.35 | 6,268 | 876 | 7.16 | 8,218 | 903 | 9.10 |
| Total | 129,168 | 17,169 | 7.52 | 158,897 | 16,689 | 9.52 | 151,495 | 16,385 | 9.25 |
TABLE 2
Overall Substitute Cover Costs
| Board/Sector | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Belfast | 6,376,348 | 6,669,593 | 7,203,867.12 |
| Western | 7,413,210 | 8,069,669 | 11,019,449.60 |
| North Eastern | 8,754,272 | 10,005,241 | 8,289,562.40 |
| South Eastern | 7,588,690 | 8,470,610 | 10,259,766.59 |
| Southern | 9,446,171 | 10,773,341 | 8,515,691.96 |
| Special | 3,523,706 | 3,847,924 | 3,955,189.33 |
| GMI | 1,632,509 | 1,827,058 | 2,224,154.34 |
| Total | 44,734,906 | 49,663,436 | 51,467,681.34 |
Foreign Languages
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 4371/08, to detail the expenditure to private companies for delivery of foreign languages, broken down by Education and Library Board in each of the last three years.
(AQW 4903/08)
Ms C Ruane: Níl aon chaiteachas mar sin déanta ag mo Roinn nó ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne.
There has been no such expenditure by my Department or the Education and Library Boards.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of staff that have been appointed at Middletown Autism Centre; (ii) the designations and salaries for each job; and (iii) the date each appointment was made.
(AQW 4957/08)
Ms C Ruane: Faoi láthair tá naonúir fostaithe san Ionad. Ní féidir liom eolas a thabhairt ar na tuarastail mar gur eolas pearsanta é seo atá faoi chumhdach An Achta um Chosaint Sonraí.
There are nine staff currently employed at the Centre. I cannot divulge actual salaries as these are personal information covered under the Data Protection Act.
The salary bands for the current posts are:
Chief Executive Officer – SCP* 68-73 £54,534-£59,040
Head of Research and Development - SCP 64-67 £51,189-£53,673
Head of Learning Support and Assessment - SCP 64-67 £51,189-£53,673
Head of Corporate Services - SCP 64-67 £51189-£53673
Caretaker/Maintenance Officer – SCP 22-25 £18,450-£20,235
Grounds Operative (part-time) SCP 9 -11 £13062-£14197.
The Centre also employs 2 temporary Administration Staff employed through a recruitment agency and a part-time Cleaner however as these posts do not have an applicable scale their wages cannot be divulged.
The dates of staff appointments are
Chief Executive Officer – 16th April 2007
Head of Research and Development – 1st September 2007
Head of Learning Support and Assessment – 1st October 2007
Head of Corporate Services – 1st January 2008
Caretaker/Maintenance Officer – 1st April 2007
Grounds Operative 1st April 2007
2 temporary Administration Staff 16th and 23rd July 2007
Cleaner – 1st April 2007.
*SCP – Spinal Column Point
Public Appointments
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of people that have been appointed under public appointments by her department since the restoration of devolution; and (ii) the number that were (a) female; and (b) elected councillors.
(AQW 4961/08)
Ms C Ruane: Is é líon iomlán na ndaoine atá ceaptha faoi cheapacháin phoiblí ag mo Roinn ó athchur na déabhlóide ná 71, ar mná 71 díobh, agus comhairleoirí tofa, 8.
The total number of people that have been appointed under public appointments by my Department since the restoration of devolution is 71, of which 37 were female and 8 were elected councillors.
Representatiive Central Group
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps she is taking to ensure that the interests of the transferors are represented (i) on the Representatiive Central Group; and (ii) in the area groups, announced in her statement on 4 March 2008.
(AQW 4975/08)
Ms C Ruane: Beidh ionadaí ó Chomhairle na n-Ionadaithe Aistreora (CIA) ar an lárghrúpa a bheas ag tabhairt pleanála iar-bhunscoile bunaithe sa cheantar chun tosaigh agus ar gach ceann de na grúpaí ceantair araon. Beidh mé ag scríobh chuig an CIA, mar a bheas mé ag scríobh chuig gach grúpa leasmhar a mbeidh ionadaíocht acu ar na grúpaí seo, le hainmniúcháin a iarraidh orthu.
A representative of the Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) will be on both the Central Group taking forward post-primary area-based planning and on each of the area groups. I shall be writing to the TRC, as I shall be writing to all those interests who will be represented on these groups, to ask them for their nominations.
Transferors Representative Council
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the assurances she has provided to the Transferors Representative Council that its interests will be represented on (i) the Representative Central Group; and (ii) the area groups, announced in her statement on 4 March 2008.
(AQW 4976/08)
Ms C Ruane: Dúirt mé sa Tionól go mbeidh ionadaí ó Chomhairle na n-Ionadaithe Aistreora (CIA) ar an lárghrúpa a bheas ag tabhairt pleanála iar-bhunscoile bunaithe sa cheantar chun tosaigh agus ar gach ceann de na grúpaí ceantair araon. Beidh mé ag scríobh chuig an CIA, mar a bheas mé ag scríobh chuig gach grúpa leasmhar a mbeidh ionadaíocht acu ar na grúpaí seo, le hainmniúcháin a iarraidh orthu.
I have stated in the Assembly that a representative of the Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) will be on both the central group taking forward post-primary area-based planning and on each of the area groups. I shall be writing to the TRC, as I shall be writing to all those interests who will be represented on these groups, to ask them for their nominations.
Constituency Visits
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the protocols she follows in informing MLAs that she will be visiting their respective constituencies.
(AQW 4992/08)
Ms C Ruane: Agus cuairt á thabhairt ar thoghlaigh, seolann mo fhoireann pearsanta oifige eolas, nuair is féidir, chuig seoladh ríomhphoist na CTRanna le heolas faoi na himeachtaí, an cúis atá leo, agus na dátaí, bunaithe ar chuntais ríomhphoist an Tionóil, ar a laghad 24 huaire roimh ré.
When visiting constituencies, my private office staff, inform MLA’s of the reason, location and timing of events via Assembly email accounts, where possible, not less than 24hrs in advance of my visit.
Teacher Vacancies
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the progress made in relation to the development of an annual survey of teacher vacancies.
(AQW 4999/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department initiated an annual return on teacher vacancies in 2006. The return, which issues to all schools, provides information on the number of teachers appointed to fill:
- full-time permanent posts, full-time temporary posts of one year or more in duration, and full-time temporary posts of two terms or more; and
- part-time permanent posts, part-time temporary posts of one year or more in duration, and part-time temporary posts of two terms or more.
The return also provides for a subject breakdown of this information at post-primary level; details of posts still to be filled in the year to which the return relates, and information on the posts filled by (or available to) newly qualified teachers.
Tá an tuairisceán seo mar fhoinse breise eolais don Roinn faoi dhinimic na foirne múinteoireachta agus cuidíonn sé le cinntí i dtaca le soláthar agus éileamh. Is léir ón anailís a rinneadh ar na sonraí a fuarthas don bhliain acadúil 2007/08 go bhfuil ag éirí le scoileanna a riachtanais mhúinteoireachta a chomhlíonadh le múinteoirí oilte atá ag cuardach fostaíochta.
The return provides a further information source to the Department about the dynamics of the teaching workforce and informs supply/demand decisions. An analysis of the data received for the 2007/08 academic year shows that schools are managing to meet their teaching needs from the existing supply of qualified teachers seeking employment.
Sex Education
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the provision that is being made in relation to sex education for teenagers who prefer abstinence as an alternative to contraception.
(AQW 5000/08)
Ms C Ruane: Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) forms part of the revised curriculum and has an important role to play in raising awareness and understanding of complex issues that will help young people to make informed decisions about sexual behaviour, including abstinence. My Department has issued advice to schools on RSE, including developing their own age-appropriate policy in consultation with parents and Boards of Governors.
Go hiondúil, laistigh den churaclam athbhreithnithe tacóidh an réimse úr d’Fhorbairt Phearsanta le forbairt an duine iomláin agus a gcaidrimh dhearfacha le daoine eile.
More generally, within the revised curriculum the new area of Personal Development will support the development of the whole person and their positive relationships with others.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the consultations she has had with the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, in relation to the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism, including the dates on which the consultations took place.
(AQW 5008/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Middletown Centre for Autism was discussed on special educational needs at a meeting with the Commissioner for Children and Young People held on 10th October 2007.
I have been informed by officials that the Commissioner was invited to the stakeholder consultations regarding the building and refurbishment project held in August and September 2007.
Tugadh cuireadh don Choimisinéir fosta chuig na comhairliúcháin a bhí ag Ionad Uathachais an Bhaile Láir i Mí na Nollag 2007 agus i Mí Eanáir 2008.
The Commissioner was also invited to the consultations held by the Middletown Centre for Autism in December 2007 and January 2008.
Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of letters of (i) support; and (ii) opposition, that she has received from parents in relation to the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.
(AQW 5009/08)
Ms C Ruane: Níl aon chomhfhreagras faighte agam ó thuismitheoirí ag tacú le ná ag cur i gcoinne Ionad Barr Feabhais d’Uathachas an Bhaile Láir. Scríobh roinnt tuismitheoirí ag iarraidh tuilleadh eolais ar na seirbhísí a bheas á dtairiscint ag an Ionad agus an dóigh ar féidir le páistí teacht ar na seirbhísí sin.
I have not received any correspondence from parents expressing support or opposition to the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism. Some parents have written to request more information about the services that the Centre will offer and how children can access these services.
Post Primary Provision
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of enquiries she has received from (a) teachers; and (b) parents, seeking information on the proposed changes to post-primary transfer; and (ii) the average length of time for a response to be issued by her department.
(AQW 5010/08)
Ms C Ruane: To date I have received 8 letters from teachers with an average response time of 16 days and 8 letters from parents with an average response time of 28.5 days.
Tá roinnt litreacha faighte agam fosta ó bhaill den phobal mar gheall ar na socruithe nua iar-bhunscoile atá molta, ach ní léir cé acu is tuismitheoirí iad nó nach ea.
I have also received a number of letters from members of the public regarding the proposed new post primary arrangements but it is unclear whether they are parents or not.
Ancillary Staff
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of ancillary staff employed by schools, broken down by (i) gender; and (ii) religion, in each Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 5024/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh leagtha amach sa tábla iniata agus cuireadh ar fáil é ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne mar gheall ar fhoireann choimhdeach a bhí fostaithe ag an Boird ar 1 Eanáir 2008 i bpoist ghlanadóireachta, lónadóireachta, phatról scoile, mhaoirseoir foirgnimh (airíoch) agus tiománaí bus.
The information requested is set out in the enclosed table and has been provided by the Education and Library Boards in respect of ancillary staff employed by the Boards, at 1 January 2008, in cleaning, catering, school crossing patrol, building supervisor (caretaking) and bus driver positions.
Gender and perceived religion of ancillary staff employed by the Education and Library Boards at 1 January 2008
| Board | Protestant | Catholic | Neither | Not determined | Totals | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | ||
| Belfast | 157 | 551 | 125 | 570 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 46 | 1471 |
| Western | 220 | 677 | 375 | 1253 | 4 | 25 | 19 | 74 | 2647 |
| North Eastern | 280 | 1229 | 107 | 570 | 20 | 88 | 8 | 52 | 2354 |
| South Eastern | 245 | 841 | 113 | 434 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 162 | 1838 |
| Southern | 229 | 969 | 215 | 1315 | 12 | 57 | 0 | 0 | 2797 |
| Totals | 1131 | 4267 | 935 | 4142 | 36 | 170 | 92 | 334 | 11107 |
Conlig Primary School
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to confirm if she has made a decision on the closure of Conlig Primary School, including a possible date for closure.
(AQW 5042/08)
Ms C Ruane: D’fhoilsigh Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt Togra Forbartha do dhúnadh Bhunscoil na Coinleice ar 29 Eanáir 2008 agus beidh an comhairliúchán reachtúil 2-mhí ar leanúint go dtí deireadh Mhárta 2008.
Déanfaidh mé cinneadh i leith an togra chomh luath agus is féidir i ndiaidh an dáta sin.
A Development Proposal for the closure of Conlig Primary School was published by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board on 29 January 2008 and the 2-month statutory consultation continues until the end of March 2008.
I will make a decision on the proposal as soon as possible after that date.
Groomsport Primary School
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail current use of the site of the former Groomsport Primary School.
(AQW 5062/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá suíomh sheanBhunscoil Phort an Ghiolla Ghruama á úsáid do chríocha oideachasúla. Tuigim, ó Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oir-Dheiscirt, nach bhfuil pleananna ar bith ann athrú a dhéanamh ar a úsáid go ceann i bhfad.
The site of the former Groomsport Primary School is being used for educational purposes. I understand, from the South-Eastern Education and Library Board, that there are no plans to change its use in the foreseeable future.
Groomsport Primary School
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans for the site of the former Groomsport Primary School.
(AQW 5065/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá suíomh sheanBhunscoil Phort an Ghiolla Ghruama á úsáid do chríocha oideachasúla. Tuigim, ó Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oir-Dheiscirt, nach bhfuil pleananna ar bith ann athrú a dhéanamh ar a úsáid go ceann i bhfad.
The site of the former Groomsport Primary School is being used for educational purposes. I understand, from the South-Eastern Education and Library Board, that there are no plans to change its use in the foreseeable future.
Economic Appraisal
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3936/08, to give a timescale within which she expects the revised economic appraisal to be approved.
(AQW 5070/08)
Ms C Ruane: The revised Economic Appraisal for Portadown College provided by the Southern Education and Library Board is currently being examined by the department, and the SELB is being kept informed. The work is expected to be completed within three months.
Beidh feidhm ar an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra an mheastóireacht a bhreithniú ansin.
The appraisal will then need to be considered by Department of Finance and Personnel.
Education Decisions
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 4084/08, to detail (i) who will make the final decision as to which receiving school a child is to attend; (ii) the role previous education performance will play in the decision; and (iii) the priority the receiving school will give to previous education performance, in the event of no agreement between parents and a prospective receiving school; and to confirm if previous education performance will include (a) class work and home work; (b) yearly examinations; (c) a combination of both; or (d) academic criteria set by the receiving school.
(AQW 5086/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá na sonraí ar ullmhú na socruithe nua aistrithe faoi réir plé leanúnaigh le páirtithe leasmhara san oideachas. Ní mheasaim gur cuidiú é tuairimíocht a dhéanamh ar thoradh an phlé sin.
The detailed development of new transfer arrangements is the subject of ongoing discussion with education stakeholders. I do not consider it helpful to speculate on the outcome of those discussions.
Review of Public Administration
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount she has spent on consultants relating to the Review of Public Administration.
(AQW 5121/08)
Ms C Ruane: To date £377,920 has been spent by the Department of Education on consultants in relation to the Review of Public Administration. £266,920 of this expenditure was incurred in the 2006/07 financial year with the remaining £110,764 being incurred to date in the 2007/08 financial year.
Tá miondealú sna táblaí thíos ar chostas iomlán sainchomhairliúcháin go dtí seo.
The tables below provide a breakdown of the total consultancy costs incurred to date.
2006/07
| Name/Description of Contract | Firm contract awarded to | £ |
|---|---|---|
| Provision of support to assist DE with the Implementation of RPA | PA Consulting | 235,610 |
| RPA Newsletter Design | Leslie Stannager Design | 1,540 |
| Preparation of RPA Workshop Materials | Mentoring Connection | 2,674 |
| Recruitment of ESA CE Designate | Capita Resourcing | 24,385 |
| RPA Element of DE Communications Audit | Weber Shandwick | *2000 |
| Equality Impact Assessment Training | Key Consulting | 711 |
| TOTAL | 266,920 |
* This £2,000 represents the RPA Element (20%) of a Communications Audit for DE.
2007/08
| Name/Description of Contract | Firm contract awarded to | £ |
|---|---|---|
| Provision of support to assist DE with the Implementation of RPA | PA Consulting | 10,090 |
| Development of RPA Outline Business Case | Deloitte | 31,720 |
| ICT Audit (ESAIT)# | PWC | 32,250 |
| Communications Support (ESAIT) | PA Consulting | 9,350 |
| Human Resource Support (ESAIT) | APSE | 1,354 |
| Human Resource Support (ESAIT) | Deloitte | 26,000 |
| TOTAL | 110,764 |
Overall Total £377,684
# - ESAIT - Education and Skills Authority Implementation Team
Figures quoted above are exclusive of VAT.
Education Task Force
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail how her department intends to implement the recommendations of the Education Task Force.
(AQW 5122/08)
Ms C Ruane: I have recently received a copy of the Education Task Force (ETF) report and note the recommendations in relation to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in our schools and also those that relate to the wider socio-economic agenda. My Department and the Department for Employment and Learning are jointly carrying out a review of STEM to produce a strategy for the development of STEM through schools and Further Education colleges. This will identify progression routes to higher education and employment and emphasise the links to the skills and innovation needs of the wider economy and consider how to enhance pupil uptake in the STEM subjects.
D’iarr mé go gcuirfí cóip de thuarascáil ETF chuig foireann athbhreithnithe ETIM le breithniú. Tá rún ag an fhoireann bualadh le grúpa beag den ETF leis an tuarascáil a phlé agus le dóigheanna a fhiosrú inar féidir lena moltaí a bheith ina gcuidiú in obair athbhreithnithe ETIM.
I have asked for a copy of the ETF report to be passed to the STEM review team for its consideration. The team intends to meet with a small group of the ETF to discuss the report and to explore how its recommendations can inform the work of the STEM review.
Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to confirm if the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) operated within its budgets over the last five years, and to detail the operating cost of running the CCEA for the last five years.
(AQW 5123/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are separate budget allocations to CCEA for recurrent and capital expenditure. Recurrent budgets are net of forecast income, principally from examination fees.
Over the last five financial years the Council operated within its recurrent and capital budgets for 2003-04 to 2005-06, and is expected to do so in 2007-08, for which final expenditure figures are awaited. In 2006-07 there was a £2k exceeding on the capital budget, which has resulted in a corresponding reduction to the 2007-08 capital budget, and an exceeding on the recurrent budget, mainly due to a technical change in the way pension liabilities are recorded and slightly lower than expected income.
Is mar seo a leanas a bhí ollchaiteachas aisfhillteach ag CCSM ar chostais oibriúcháin, agus tionscadail san áireamh, i ngach bliain de na cúig bliana airgeadais seo caite:
Gross recurrent expenditure by CCEA on operational, including project, costs in each of the last five financial years is as follows:
| £m | |
| 2003-04 | 22.0 |
| 2004-05 | 24.3 |
| 2005-06 | 27.7 |
| 2006-07 | 30.7 (including one-off technical adjustment for pension liabilities) |
| 2007-08 | 29.9 (estimated) |
Education and Skills Authority
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to confirm that the new arrangements under the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) will lead to a more economical and operationally efficient structure for the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) when it is amalgamated into the ESA and to detail how she will measure this.
(AQW 5124/08)
Ms C Ruane: In creating the Education and Skills Authority, it is vital that services are delivered in a more efficient, responsive and cost effective way. The structure of the new organisation will reflect these principles and will be benchmarked against best practice.
Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh coigilteas suntasach ann mar gheall ar bhunú an ÚOS a úsáidfear ar sheirbhísí túslíne agus go mbeidh torthaí feabhsaithe oideachais ann dár bpáistí uilig dá bharr.
I am satisfied that the creation of ESA will yield significant savings for use in front-line services and lead to improved educational outcomes for all our children.
Employment and Learning
Night Classes
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3940/08, to detail (i) the analysis he has carried out to ascertain the reason for the drop of over 2,000 people enrolled in night classed in the Upper Bann constituency since 2001-02; and (ii) the conclusions reached as a result of the analysis.
(AQW 5063/08)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey):
Southern Regional College has informed me that the decrease in night class enrolments in Upper Bann is attributable to:
(i) a decline in the demand for introductory computing and software applications training courses; and
(ii) a reduction in hobby and leisure provision. This provision has been replaced with nationally accredited professional and technical courses to meet the industrial and business needs of the Upper Bann area.
The decline in night class enrolments in these areas has been offset by an increase of over 8% in enrolments on Higher Education evening programmes, and a 6% increase in enrolments on part-time day classes.
South Eastern Regional College
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to request the Principal of the South Eastern Regional College to make a public statement in relation to the future of the college's outreach centres at Kircubbin and Ballyboley.
(AQW 5158/08)
Sir Reg Empey: I have no plans to request the Acting Principal of the South Eastern Regional College to make a public statement on the future of the college’s outreach centres at Kircubbin and Ballyboley as decisions relating to the use of these centres are a matter for the Governing Body of the college.
I understand, however, that it is the intention of the college to make a public statement on this matter within the next two weeks.
South Eastern Regional College
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) when; and (ii) how, he was notified by the South Eastern Regional College of their intention to close its outreach centres at Kircubbin and Ballyboley.
(AQW 5159/08)
Sir Reg Empey: I was not informed by the South Eastern Regional College of its intention to close its outreach centres at Kircubbin and Ballyboley. I would not expect to be informed of the closure of outreach centres, as decisions relating to the use of these centres are a matter for the Governing Body of the college.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Electricity Generation
Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of proposals for thermal treatment to generate electricity from waste; and to detail his plans to use the British and European thermal treatment models as a way of generating electricity and hot water.
(AQW 4987/08)
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): Generation of electricity from waste will help achieve the programme for government target that by 2012 at least 12% of all electricity consumed in Northern Ireland is obtained from indigenous renewable energy sources - at least 15% of which must be generated by non-wind technologies.
The Environment and Renewable Energy Fund had a budget allocation of £18m to support a number of flagship energy from waste projects. Applications are at an advanced stage of consideration. These projects will utilise a range of technologies including the latest proven UK/EU thermal treatment methodologies for producing electricity and heat.
Regional Tourism Partnerships
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the funding that is planned for the Regional Tourism Partnerships over the Budget period.
(AQW 5002/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is currently seeking to negotiate a core service level agreement with each Regional Tourism Partnership covering services required and funding for 2008 – 2009. Arrangements for future years will be the subject of further discussion.
In addition, £2 million per annum is being set aside to support the product portfolios proposed in NITB’s draft corporate plan. RTPs will be able to bid for funds from this source.
RTPs will also be able to submit project applications under the Tourism Development Scheme, for which £1.5 million per annum has been allocated across the Budget period.
Overseas Business Meetings
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of overseas business meetings, conferences and seminars that have received funding from (i) Invest NI; and (ii) the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, since May 2007.
(AQW 5022/08)
Mr N Dodds: From 1st May 2007 to date, Invest NI has funded 262 overseas business meetings, conferences and seminars. The majority of these were international trade missions to develop sales opportunities in key target markets or events to promote the Northern Ireland investment proposition to international investors. Invest NI also supported international R&D events to encourage an increased focus on innovation within the Invest NI client base and sector events both to promote the use of best practice and to help its clients develop international strategic networks and partnerships.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment have funded 2 seminars outside Northern Ireland since 1st May 2007. These seminars were funded by DETI Energy Division and focussed on their work on the Grid Study and Renewable Energy. Both were held in Dublin.
Environment
Planning Applications
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the planning applications in the Larne West suburbs of Larne, as defined in the area study published in 1992, (i) that have been approved, including the date approval was given; and (ii) that are still under consideration.
(AQW 4746/08)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): I attach a table listing the approved planning applications in Larne West other than those applications in respect of individual households. I regret the electronic system does not hold data prior to 2000.
| Application Number | Date Valid | Department Decision | Decision Date | Proposal | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F/2000/0226/F | 28/06/2000 | APPROVAL | 02/10/2000 | Erection Of Warehouse, Service Yard And Access Road | Ivex Pharmaceuticals, Old Belfast Road, Millbrook, Larne |
| F/2000/0442/F | 08/12/2000 | APPROVAL | 05/08/2001 | 10 No Dwellings And Garages | Plots 82- 85 and 88 - 93 The Beeches, Ballyboley Road, Larne |
| F/2001/0198/F | 16/05/2001 | APPROVAL | 15/10/2002 | Housing development - 24 no.new dwellings with garages | Plots 1 - 42 Phase 6, The Beeches, Ballyboley Road, Larne |
| F/2001/0368/F | 02/10/2001 | APPROVAL | 06/11/2002 | Mixed Housing Development comprising semi-detached, detached, townhouse and apartment units. | Phase 2, Walnut Hollow (Lands to west of Walnut Avenue/Drive), Killyglen Road, Larne |
| F/2002/0382/O | 17/10/2002 | APPROVAL | 11/09/2003 | Site of Housing Development | Old Belfast Road, Larne |
| F/2002/0401/F | 05/11/2002 | APPROVAL | 07/11/2003 | Reinstatement of Dwelling Nos 1, 9-23, 41 & 42, Amendments to Road Layout and Dwelling Positions, change of house types to plots 27 - 32 plus 3no. additional dwellings | Plots 1-42 Phase 6, The Beeches, Ballyboley Road, Larne |
| F/2002/0429/F | 26/11/2002 | APPROVAL | 13/05/2004 | 26 No. Dwellings and Garages | The Beeches, Phase 7, Adjacent to 10 Chestnut Way, Ballyboley Road, Larne |
| F/2003/0013/F | 04/03/2003 | APPROVAL | 04/02/2004 | Change From An Apartment Block & Surrounding Land To 2 No. A8 Blocks - Previously Approved On Site. | Sites 377 - 384 Phase 2 Walnut Hollow, { Lands To The West Of Walnut Avenue / Drive } Killyglen Road, Larne. |
| F/2003/0107/F | 14/03/2003 | APPROVAL | 15/11/2005 | 6 No. Apartments. | 21 Ballyhampton Road, Larne. |
| F/2003/0228/F | 20/06/2003 | APPROVAL | 01/07/2005 | Proposed residential development of 175 no. Dwellings. | Lands to the west of Killyglen link road and adjacent to Walnut Hollow housing development, Larne. |
| F/2003/0376/F | 03/10/2003 | APPROVAL | 05/01/2006 | Housing Development. | Lands off Ballyhampton Road, adjacent to Ballyloran House, Larne |
| F/2003/0476/F | 21/01/2004 | APPROVAL | 25/01/2005 | Residential development of 128 dwelling units | Lands to East and West of Killyglen Link Road and adjacent to Walnut Hollow housing development, Larne. |
| F/2004/0493/RM | 16/12/2004 | APPROVAL | 17/02/2005 | Housing developments (4 Dwellings) | Old Belfast Road, Larne |
| F/2004/0034/F | 27/02/2004 | APPROVAL | 01/07/2004 | 4 Dwellings & garages | To rear of 122 &124 Killyglen Road, Larne, BT40 2HY |
| F/2004/0115/F | 08/04/2004 | APPROVAL | 22/11/2004 | 5 No. Dwellings. | Lands Adjacent To site 172 The Hamptons, Larne. |
| F/2004/0172/F | 07/04/2004 | APPROVAL | 27/04/2005 | 16 dwellings (amendment to previously approved application). | Linn Road, Larne. |
| F/2004/0287/F | 18/06/2004 | APPROVAL | 11/05/2005 | 110 Dwellings and associated site road | Housing Development at Linn Road, Larne |
| F/2005/0264/O | 18/07/2005 | APPROVAL | 06/07/2006 | Removal of all existing buildings currently on site to facilitate proposed residential development, to include a mix of dwellings, associated car parking, public open space provision together with associated infrastructure to include public road network, community and commercial facilities. | Zoned HO1 housing lands at Larne West situated to the North and South of the Ballyboley Road, Larne |
| F/2005/0357/F | 04/11/2005 | APPROVAL | 05/07/2007 | Residential Development of 103 Units (Detached, Semi-Detached and Terraced) | North of Old Forge Manor and South West of 89 Ballyhampton Road, Larne. |
| F/2006/0275/F | 04/09/2006 | APPROVAL | 09/10/2007 | Proposed development for 8 dwellings consisting of semi detached, terrace dwellings and other associated site works | Proposed development at lands 150m north west of Ballyloran House, 100m south west of the Oaks and Driving test and PSV centre Ballyhampton Larne |
| F/2006/0336/F | 20/10/2006 | Proposed development for 108 Dwellings consisting of detached, semi-detached, terrace dwellings and other associated site works | Lands 150m North West of Ballyloran House, 100m South West of the Oaks and driving test and PSC centre Ballyhampton, Larne |
||
| F/2006/0409/RM | 19/12/2006 | APPROVAL | 14/03/2008 | Construction of new access carriageway and housing development consisting of 31 No. townhouses, 6 No. maisonettes and 10 No. apartments with associated car parking and landscaping. | Lands adjacent to No. 8 Willow Crescent, Ballyboley Road, Larne |
| F/2007/0329/F | 31/08/2007 | Proposed residential development to provide 2 No detached dwellings and 40 No semi-detached dwellings,107 No terraced dwellings,128 No apartments and 28 no maisonettes (305 units in total) with associated car parking and landscaping with connecting roads infrastructure.To include demolition of no 91 Ballyboley Road Larne and existing farm buildings. | Zoned housing land (H1) at no.91 Ballyboley Road, Larne and to the northwest of no.93 Ballyboley Road, Larne | ||
| F/2007/0360/F | 05/09/2007 | Proposed residential development to provide 46 dwellings, 66 apartments, retail units, fast food/restaurant, public house, doctors surgery with associated car parking and landscaping with associated infastucture | Zoned H01 Housing Lands at Larne West situated to the North and South of the Ballyboley Road, Larne. |
||
| F/2007/0382/F | 24/09/2007 | Proposed amendment of previously approved residential units (F/2005/0357) to substitute 17 town houses (units 36 - 52) with 9 townhouses & 20 apartments (Amended Proposal) | North of Old Forge Manor and South West of 89 Ballyhampton Road | ||
| F/2007/0436/O | 05/11/2007 | Erection of district centre comprising food store, 3No. service retail units, 2No. hot food outlets, bank/society, ATM, 'wellness centre', cafe/restaurant, taxi booking office, petrol station, car and jet wash, associated access arrangements, car-parking, recycling point, servicing and landscaping works (amended description) |
Development land to the north of No.7 Old Belfast Road, Larne between Old Forge Manor and Porter Crescent | ||
| F/2007/0510/F | 21/12/2007 | Proposed housing development for 121 units in total, (82 apartments, 37 townhouses and 2 semi detached dwellings) | Development of land to the north of No.7 Old Belfast Road, Larne between Old Forge Manor and Porter Crescent (amended address) |
Planning Permission
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an estimate of the number of developments that do not have planning permission; and to detail (i) the number of instances of breaches in planning controls, in each of the last 5 years; and (ii) the action she is taking to prevent unauthorised development activity.
(AQW 4895/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department receives a significant number of complaints in relation to unauthorised development each year. I regret the figures requested in each of the last five years are not readily available, but between 2005 and 2007, Planning Service received on average 4,448 complaints each year. However, few of these relate to actual breaches of planning control.
The majority of these complaints come from members of the public and Planning Service has a duty to fully investigate each and decide on the appropriate course of action. However, I must stress that a relatively small number require the Department to take formal enforcement action. There are a number of potential outcomes in investigating these cases:
- No breach of planning control is identified i.e. the works do not constitute development requiring planning permission, the development is permitted or the development has the benefit of planning permission;
- The four or ten year rule applies and the development is immune from enforcement action and therefore lawful;
- Only a minor breach has occurred and it is not expedient to pursue formal action;
- The breach is remedied through negotiation between the landowner / developer and Planning Service;
- A retrospective planning application is submitted to regularise the situation and approved;
- The Department proceeds with formal enforcement action.
Between 2005 and 2007 Planning Service closed an average of 3517 enforcement cases per year.
Where significant development takes place which is unacceptable my Department is committed to taking the appropriate enforcement action and pursuing the individuals through the courts.
In 2008, to date, Planning Service has made 13 successful prosecution cases against unauthorised developments. Details of all successful prosecution cases are posted on the Planning Service and the Northern Ireland Assembly internet sites.
Each Divisional Planning Office and Planning Service Headquarters (in dealing with minerals extraction and waste disposal) have dedicated enforcement teams.
In 2003 and 2006 changes to legislation powers, including increases in the levels of fines for offences and imprisonment, have strengthened the Departments enforcement powers however individuals have also a responsibility to ensure they fully comply with the requirements of the planning legislation.
Information Leaflet 10 ‘A Guide to Planning Enforcement in Northern Ireland’ which is available for members of the public provides guidance on how Planning Service carries out the enforcement of planning control. It sets out the procedures Planning Service may adopt when taking enforcement action, as well as its priorities for taking action.
Review of Public Administration
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment to give a date when she will inform the Assembly of her decision in relation to the future model for local councils under the Review of Public Administration.
(AQW 4906/08)
Mrs A Foster: As I indicated following the Executive’s agreement to the reform package for local government on 13 March 2008 it is my intention to make a statement on the detail of the package to the Assembly when it returns from the Easter recess.
CO2 Emissions
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the steps she intends to take in order to reduce CO2 emissions.
(AQW 4931/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Department of the Environment has an important role to play in the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as do all other Government Departments. The agreed responsibility of Executive Ministers is outlined in the Programme for Government. All Ministers are therefore committed to achieve a collective reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 25% by 2025 from 1990 levels.
I take the issue of CO2 emissions reduction very seriously. In December, I secured the legislative consent of the Assembly to extend the provisions of the UK Climate Change Bill to Northern Ireland. The Bill provides a strong signal that the UK government and Devolved Administrations are committed to dealing with the reduction of CO2 emissions. The Bill also provides for statutory UK targets to reduce emissions; the appointment of an independent Committee on Climate Change to advise the UK government and the Devolved Administrations on progress to meet emissions reductions; enabling powers to bring in new emissions trading schemes; and new reporting arrangements including reports to the Assembly.
The Chair for the Committee on Climate Change, Lord Jonathan Adair Turner, has subsequently been appointed. I have no doubt that the Committee will deploy its expertise in a way that will better inform both Northern Ireland’s emission reductions pathway and that of the rest of the United Kingdom.
My officials are also working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Devolved Administrations on a new carbon cap and trade scheme to be known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment. It is intended that the scheme will be implemented in 2010. The scheme will affect large non-energy intensive organisations that typically have large electricity bills (£500k per annum). The principle is that if an organisation is more energy efficient than expected, it can sell surplus allowances to those that are less efficient. The objective is to cap the overall level of emissions.
My officials are also assisting DEFRA and other Devolved Administrations to persuade the European Union to set clear direction in relation to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme beyond 2012.
My planning officials are also active in the support of renewable energy. Before Christmas Draft Planning Policy Statement 18 (PPS 18) was issued for consultation. A few weeks ago my planning officials also issued draft Supplementary Planning Guidance entitled ‘Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland’s Landscapes’ for public consultation. The updated planning policy proposals and the planning guidance should assist the further development of renewable sources of electricity generation and heat production. Indeed the draft PPS embodies the Government’s commitment to sustainable development, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the move from being an overly fossil fuel reliant economy to one which promotes Northern Ireland’s substantial renewable energy potential.
I am confident that actions already identified, planned new initiatives such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment, and other measures that we as yet cannot identify will ensure a reduction in CO2 emissions.
Waste Management
Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the action she is taking to promote best practice in local councils in relation to recycling and waste management.
(AQW 4935/08)
Mrs A Foster: I am taking a number of steps to assist and encourage local councils in this matter. Firstly, I have secured £197m of capital funding in the 2008 Budget to assist the district councils with the costs of delivering the strategic waste infrastructure required to meet our European and national obligations to divert waste from landfill. The administration of this fund and the associated projects will be subject to an OGC (Office of Government Commerce) Gateway process which will ensure that best practice is followed in respect of the delivery of this challenging programme.
A governance structure for the Strategic Waste Infrastructure Programme has been agreed with the three Waste Management Groups set up by district councils and, as part of this structure, a Waste Infrastructure Programme Board which will oversee the delivery of the Programme, provides a forum for regular contact between my officials and the Waste Management Groups. The Board will play a key role in the administration and distribution of the capital fund to ensure best value for money in respect of the new waste infrastructure.
Guidance is also provided to local councils on their responsibilities through the NILAS Implementation Steering Group, chaired by my Department. The Group was established in 2005 with the aim of ensuring Northern Ireland maximised its potential in achieving the Landfill Directive targets.
My Department funds the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a not for profit company created in 2000 as part of Government’s waste strategies across the UK. WRAP’s ROTATE programme provides hands-on advice to district councils on projects such as the development of individual communications strategies, evaluation of kerbside recycling and household waste recycling centre services as well as a range of research projects. Councils have commented that the breadth of knowledge and the practical support offered by the WRAP Rotate team has been of significant value.
Illegal Dumping
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her plans to seek compensation from the Government of the Republic of Ireland for the environmental damage, and costs associated with, the illegal dumping of waste in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 4938/08)
Mrs A Foster: Questions of liability in respect of illegal transboundary movements of waste are governed by the EU Waste Shipment Regulation 1993 as revised by the Waste Shipment Regulation 2006. A Road Map for dealing with illegal waste movements on this legislative basis has been agreed between my Department and the Department for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Ireland. My Department is currently in negotiations with DOEHLG and the relevant Irish Competent Authorities to deal with the costs associated with the repatriation of waste from two sites in Northern Ireland and the remediation of the sites within this legislative context.
Motorcycle Drivers
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the procedures that are in place when drivers of motorcycles do not renew their tax discs after a reminder has been issued; and (ii) the timescale for action to be taken against these drivers.
(AQW 5028/08)
Mrs A Foster: In December 2003, Continuous Registration of vehicles was introduced in the UK. This requires the keeper of a vehicle to keep a vehicle licensed unless a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) has been made. Every month, DVA checks the vehicle register to identify keepers of all vehicles, including motorcycles, who are two months late in re-licensing their vehicle, or in making a Statutory Off Road Notification. The keepers of these vehicles receive a Late Licensing Penalty letter which requires the completion of 3 actions within 28 days: payment of a Late Licensing Penalty; payment of the outstanding arrears of duty and the purchase of a tax disc or the making of an "off-road" declaration (SORN).
Nuisance High Hedges
Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment to provide a proposed timetable for commencement of a consultation on nuisance high hedges legislation.
(AQW 5032/08)
Mrs A Foster: I intend to bring forward legislation to address nuisance high hedges, starting with a policy consultation on the detailed operation of the legislation. However, the timing will be subject to consideration of the other competing priorities facing my Department.
River Pollution
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all pollution incidents which have occurred in the Sixmiletown River and its feeder streams over the past five years and indicate the cause (if known) and penalties levied.
(AQW 5084/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department, is responsible for investigating water pollution affecting either the freshwater or marine aquatic environment throughout Northern Ireland.
Pollution incident investigations are initiated following a report of pollution, which may come from a number of sources. In most cases reports are made either by members of the public, or are discovered by field staff working on behalf of EHS. Incidents are classified by Severity (High, Medium and Low) i.e. the extent of the environmental impact of the pollution.
Table A below details the number of pollution incidents in the Sixmilewater River and its feeder streams and their Severity.
Table A
| Incident Severity | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Low | Medium | High | Total |
| 2003 | 45 | 11 | 0 | 56 |
| 2004 | 45 | 7 | 0 | 52 |
| 2005 | 45 | 5 | 0 | 50 |
| 2006 | 49 | 11 | 3 | 63 |
| 2007 | 49 | 9 | 0 | 58 |
| 2008 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| Total | 243 | 46 | 3 | 292 |
The data presented in Table B below indicate the identified sources of the pollution incidents which have occurred on the Sixmilewater River and its feeder streams.
Table B
| Identified Source | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Domestic | Farm | Industry | Other | Transport | Water Service | Total |
2003 |
10 |
6 |
19 |
9 |
3 |
9 |
56 |
2004 |
1 |
2 |
26 |
12 |
3 |
8 |
52 |
2005 |
3 |
4 |
15 |
12 |
7 |
9 |
50 |
2006 |
2 |
11 |
25 |
8 |
7 |
10 |
63 |
2007 |
10 |
6 |
19 |
11 |
2 |
*10 |
58 |
2008 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
*2 |
13 |
Total |
26 |
33 |
107 |
56 |
22 |
48 |
292 |
* Water Service became Northern Ireland Water on 1 April 2007 resulting in the loss of Crown Immunity.
The formal enforcement options available to EHS in water pollution cases are:
- an enforcement warning letter, and/or;
- a Water (NI) Order 1999 Notice, or
- the instigation of prosecution proceedings.
The data presented in Table C below indicates the enforcement action taken by EHS in relation to water pollution offences on the Sixmilewater River and its feeder streams.
Table C
| Warning Letter | Prosecutions | Water Order Notices | |
|---|---|---|---|
2003 |
3 | 4 | 0 |
2004 |
2 | 2 | 0 |
2005 |
6 | 0 | 0 |
2006 |
8 | 3 | 0 |
2007 |
5 | 1 | 6 |
2008 |
0 | 4* | 7 |
The data presented in Table D below indicate the penalties levied in relation to prosecutions for water pollution offences on the Sixmilewater River and its feeder streams.
Table D
| Warning Letter | Prosecutions | Outcomes | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 4 | £600 £800 £800 £800 | £3000 |
| 2004 | 2 | 2 | 1 - Dismissal1 - Absolute Discharge | |
| 2005 | 6 | 0 | N/A | |
| 2006 | 8 | 3 | £600£750(1with PPS) | £1350 |
| 2007 | 5 | 1 | Still to be heard | |
| 2008 | 0 | 4* |
* Cases pending and in preparation for progression to Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
Coast Protection
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her plans to provide greater protection to the coast through planning policy statements.
(AQW 5101/08)
Mrs A Foster: As you are aware my Department now has responsibility for all planning policy statements. Whilst a specific PPS on the Coast was transferred from the Department for Regional Development, on 15 January 2008, no substantial work on this document had been undertaken. My Department is currently considering the programme of work and priorities for PPSs in 2008/2009, taking into account the additional responsibilities following the transfer of the DRD PPSs.
Review of Environmental Governance
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment to provide a timescale within which she will (i) make recommendations to the Executive; and (ii) make an announcement to the Assembly, in relation to the Review of Environmental Governance Northern Ireland recommendations, particularly the creation of an Environmental Protection Agency.
(AQW 5103/08)
Mrs A Foster: I intend to make a statement to the Assembly on the recommendations of the Review of Environmental Governance before the end of the summer. My recommendation to the Executive will be appropriately timed to meet this deadline.
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Act
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment to provide a timescale within which she will introduce legislation, equivalent to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Act 2005, for Northern Ireland.
(AQW 5112/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Waste (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 was made on 6 March 2007. The Order updates existing NI legislation on the management and disposal of waste, and many of its provisions replicate those contained in Part 5 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
The Programme for Government sets out an ambitious programme for my Department and major environmental challenges lie ahead. I recognise that local environmental problems, such as those it is proposed to address via a Northern Ireland equivalent of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, are very real and topical. I am currently considering when and how best to progress the Northern Ireland Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda in light of the range of key goals set for my Department and resource constraints but am unable, at this time, to give you a timescale within which this proposed legislation may be brought forward.
Post Offices
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm in light of the decision of some local councils in England to take over running post offices due for closure, whether local councils in Northern Ireland have such powers and if not, would she consider giving them such powers.
(AQW 5127/08)
Mrs A Foster: The issue of local councils taking over the running of post offices due for closure has not arisen during our discussions but I intend to raise this possibility with local government through the Local Government Taskforce Strategic Leadership Board.
Constituency Visits
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the protocols she follows in informing MLAs that she will be visiting their respective constituencies.
(AQW 5140/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Private Office notifies MLAs in the respective constituency, via e-mail, at least 24 hours in advance of a visit.
This is in line with current guidance which issued on 12 February 2008 from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
St. Donards Cairn
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the financial assistance available from the Historic Monuments Branch to preserve St. Donards Cairn on the summit of Slieve Donard.
(AQO 2573/08)
Mrs A Foster: Although this monument is not presently protected by statute, my Department, through the Historic Monuments Unit of Environment and Heritage Service (EHS): Built Heritage, may be able to provide financial assistance for the conservation of St Donard’s Cairn. This approach to safeguarding the built heritage is one of partnership with owners and interested parties, and we would be happy to consider any positive conservation proposals for this monument. It is not possible to state how much financial assistance can be offered, as this depends on the nature of conservation work required. EHS may also be able to assist by way of providing professional advice about the monument, or by making a contribution to signage or information panels. I suggest that an approach should be made directly to my Department, through EHS, to allow further consideration of any conservation proposals.
Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm if she has had any consultation with, or her department has been approached by, either the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment or his officials, in relation to a public planning application for the Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre.
(AQO 2585/08)
Mrs A Foster: I have not had any consultation with, or been approached by, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment or his officials in relation to a public planning application for the Giant’s Causeway Visitors’ Centre. However, Planning Service was involved in pre-application discussions led by DETI for a new visitor/study centre based on an international design competition for the replacement of the existing facilities at the Causeway. These discussions were halted in September 2007.
Planning Service officials have met with National Trust representatives on a number of occasions to discuss their proposal. These discussions are being structured in accordance with the pre-application consultation procedures which were introduced in December 2007. The National Trust has informed Planning Service that they are preparing to submit an application for the replacement of the existing facilities in the next few months.
Fly-Posting
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the actions she is taking to prevent fly-posting.
(AQO 2599/08)
Mrs A Foster: Fly-posting can spoil the appearance of our public spaces in towns and cities across Northern Ireland and this contributes to reduced local environmental quality. I appreciate that fly-posting is a significant problem area for District Councils, in particular Belfast. I also understand that District Councils and other interested groups are of the view that existing legislation dealing with fly-posting is ineffective and needs to be strengthened.
My officials have been considering the current laws on fly-posting with a view to introducing proposals for stronger and more effective laws in the future. This work takes into account developments in the rest of the United Kingdom, in particular, the stronger measures introduced by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Full consultation on proposals will be necessary prior to the introduction of any new fly-posting primary legislation for Northern Ireland.
The Programme for Government sets out an ambitious programme for my Department and I am currently considering when and how best to progress the Northern Ireland Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda in the light of the range of key goals set for my Department.
Environmental Protection Directorate
Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the plans she has to review the workings of the Environmental Protection Directorate.
(AQO 2562/08)
Mrs A Foster: I have no plans to review the workings of the Environmental Protection Directorate.
Bog Meadows Nature Reserve
Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the findings of surveys undertaken by the Environment and Heritage Service on the Bog Meadows Nature Reserve.
(AQO 2582/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Bog Meadows Nature Reserve is managed by the Ulster Wildlife Trust. Environment and Heritage Service has not carried out any surveys of Bog Meadows since the late 1990s and does not hold any information on surveys carried out by the Trust.
Environmental Protection Agency
Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an update on her department's work to progress the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency.
(AQO 2607/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Report of the Review of Environmental Governance was commissioned, and largely completed, under direct rule and presented to me in June. That report made 38 cross cutting recommendations on a range of issues relating to Environmental Governance, including for an independent Environmental Protection Agency.
I am carefully considering my approach to environmental governance, including whether or not there should be an independent Environmental Protection Agency. In so doing I am considering the recommendations in the report of the Review of Environmental Governance and the Criminal Justice Inspectorate report, along with resource and wider policy considerations.
I am also taking full account of the mixed views which have been expressed by stakeholders in the business, agricultural and Environmental sectors.
I will make a public statement on the way forward before the end of the summer.
Climate Change Commitments
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the consultation and co-ordination between her department and other departments in relation to climate change commitments.
(AQO 2565/08)
Mrs A Foster: Climate change is a cross-cutting issue that will naturally require my officials and me to seek input from other Departments and to co-ordinate action on a range of matters. Some of the most recent examples include:
- the UK Climate Change Bill where my officials engaged with all government Departments to consider and co-ordinate an agreed position. The success of this can be seen by the fact that the legislative consent motion on the principles of the Bill to be extended to Northern Ireland were agreed without dissent by the Assembly;
- the Carbon Reduction Commitment, a UK trading scheme that is intended to be implemented in 2010, designed to reduce emissions from large non-energy intensive organisations. My officials have taken the lead in discussions with other Departments on design features for the scheme. Very soon I will engage with the Environment Committee and other Ministers to ensure we get agreement on how we should approach the scheme in Northern Ireland;
- my officials have weekly contact with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment on a range of energy policy matters including renewable policies;
- officials from many Departments routinely assist in the development of Planning Policy Statements;
- DOE is involved in the Public Sector Energy Campaign on energy efficiency led by the Department of Finance and Personnel;
- On climate change adaptation, for the benefit of other departments and related agencies, my Department has provided a thorough analysis of the impacts of climate change and the need for adaptive actions to ensure Northern Ireland is best prepared. This covers the threats and opportunities presented to the natural environment, the built environment, economic infrastructure and social well being.
You will know that it is the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister that provides central co-ordination on the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy including the climate change elements.
Green Economy
Mr D Ford asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the discussions she has had with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to the 'green economy'.
(AQO 2590/08)
Mrs A Foster: I have not had any discussions with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to the 'green economy', to date however it is an area I intend to explore in the future.
Review of Public Administration
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an update on the timescale for the implementation of the Review of Public Administration in relation to local council elections.
(AQO 2610/08)
Mrs A Foster: As I indicated in my statement to the House earlier today my aim is to implement the structural reform package by 2011 and I will now be setting up the necessary structures to take forward the implementation process.
Wild Animal Licences
Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the number of people that hold current dangerous wild animal licences; and (ii) their location, by district council area.
(AQO 2549/08)
Mrs A Foster: (i) There are 16 current Dangerous Wild Animals licences in Northern Ireland.
(ii) Two in Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Three in Ballymena Borough Council
Two in Omagh District council
One in Londonderry City Council
Two in Ballymoney Borough Council
One in Ards Borough Council
One in Down District Council
Two in Craigavon Borough Council
One in Belfast City Council
One in Lisburn City Council
Energy Saving Trust
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what action she has taken to address the findings of the Energy Saving Trust, in November 2007, which were that 18 areas in Northern Ireland were in the top 20 of the worst carbon wasters in the United Kingdom.
(AQO 2547/08)
Mrs A Foster: I take it the member is referring to The Energy Savings Trust’s latest Green Barometer report produced in November 2007. The report, as presented, seems to assign emissions from households, though these are not defined, and from transport, to council areas. The Energy Savings Trust uses councils as a convenient proxy for geographical areas. Therefore, the report does not provide commentary on the performance of councils themselves. In any case, you will be aware that local government functions and structures are completely different between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The report itself acknowledges the difficulty of regional comparisons.
On the broader message of the report, it would not be surprising to find that emissions from transport are higher in Northern Ireland due to our rural economy and our road infrastructure. This has been shown in the Greenhouse Gas Inventories for Northern Ireland which indicate that 22% of emissions emanated from transport in the 2005 year. As for household emissions you will be aware of the very limited availability of natural gas, which results in a high consumption of coal, burning oil and gas oil compared with Great Britain.
Nevertheless the issue of climate change is one that is relevant to everyone. Government, including district councils, need to play their part and must take responsibility for reducing emissions. This has been signalled in the Programme for Government, in which the Executive has committed to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of 25% by 2025 from 1990 levels.
Planning Service
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the mechanisms the department has in place to monitor the performance of the Enforcement Section in the Planning Service.
(AQO 2553/08)
Mrs A Foster: Enforcement Teams within my Department provide monthly enforcement statistical returns to Planning Service Headquarters Development Control Section. These statistics provide information on the number of enforcement cases received and closed each month and detail what enforcement action has been taken. This statistical information currently enables the performance of the Enforcement Sections within Planning Service to be monitored. In addition, successful prosecution cases are posted on the Planning Service and the Northern Executive internet sites.
Motor Tax Evasion
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an update on current levels of motor tax evasion; and to detail the action her department is taking to reduce these levels.
(AQO 2608/08)
Mrs A Foster: The 2007 roadside survey of the level of evasion of motor tax, carried out across the UK by the Department for Transport, estimated the rate of evasion in Northern Ireland at 2.3%. My Department, through the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), which carries out vehicle licensing in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for Transport, takes robust action against motor tax dodgers. DVA operates several mobile automatic number plate reading detection units, uses wheel clamping and impounding of unlicensed vehicles and takes action on reports of unlicensed vehicles from the police and from parking attendants working under contract to the Department for Regional Development. Since April 2007, 1,929 people have been convicted
for non-payment of motor tax, 10,609 motorists have paid penalties to avoid court action, 14,643 people have paid penalties for being late in renewing vehicle licences and 5,204 vehicles have been clamped or impounded for being unlicensed while on a public road.
Finance and Personnel
Civil Service Vacancies
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the location; and (ii) the number, of existing vacancies in the Northern Ireland Civil Service at (a) Administrative Officer; (b) Executive Officer II; (c) Executive Officer I; and (d) Staff Officer, in each government department.
(AQW 4639/08)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): The location and number of vacancies in permanent posts in each Northern Ireland Civil Service department at the grades of (a) Administrative Officer; (b) Executive Officer 2; (c) Executive Officer 1; and (d) Staff Officer are set out in the attached table
Vacancies (Full Time Equivalent basis) in the eleven NI Departments
and their Agencies in Grades: AO; EO2; EO1; SO,
at 4 March 2008*
| Department | AO | EO2 | EO1 | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Location (posts) | Number | Location (posts) | Number | Location (posts) | Number | Location (posts) | |
| Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) | 24.5 | Belfast(10.5), Antrim(1),Coleraine(1), Cookstown(2), Londonderry(5),Newtownards(2), Newry(2), Omagh(1) | 7.5 | Belfast(5), Antrim(1.5)Omagh/Craigavon(1) | 6.5 | Belfast(5.5), Londonderry(1) | 22 | Belfast(20), Ballymena(1), Newry(1) |
| Culture, Arts & Leisure (DCAL) | 5 | Belfast | 0 | 0 | 4 | Belfast | ||
| Education (DE) | 9.6 | Bangor(2), Londonderry(7.6) | 3 | Bangor | 0 | 9.5 | Bangor | |
| Employment & Learning (DEL) | 34.2 | Belfast(19.2), Antrim(1.9), Ballymoney(1.4), Carrickfergus(0.9), Coleraine(1.5), Dungannon(1.5), Limavady(1), Lisburn (3.4), Lisnagelvin(1), Newtownabbey(2.4) | 13.4 | Belfast(11.7), Ballymoney(1),Foyle(0.7) | 40.8 | Belfast(25.3), Antrim(2), Banbridge(2), Dungannon(2), Enniskillen(1), Foyle(1), Larne(0.5), Lisburn(2), Lurgan(1), Newry(1), Newtownards(1), Omagh(2) | 15 | Belfast |
| Enterprise, Trade & Investment (DETI) | 2.7 | Belfast | 3 | Belfast | 6 | Belfast | 3 | Belfast |
| Finance & Personnel (DFP)* | 29 | Belfast(25),Ballymena(1),Craigavon(3) | 13 | Belfast(11), Londonderry(2) | 18 | Belfast | 15 | Belfast |
| Health, Social Services & Public Safety (DHSSPS) | 6 | Belfast(4), Londonderry(2) | 3 | Belfast | 10.5 | Belfast | 7 | Belfast |
| Department | AO | EO2 | EO1 | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Location (posts) | Number | Location (posts) | Number | Location (posts) | Number | Location (posts) | |
| Environment (DOE) | 62 | Belfast(18.5), Armagh(1),Ballymena(1),Coleraine(35), Downpatrick(1.5),Enniskillen(3),Lisburn(1),Omagh(1) | 13.5 | Belfast(12), Coleraine(1.5) | 13 | Belfast(10), Coleraine(2),Londonderry(1) | 40 | Belfast(36), Ballymena(1), Coleraine(2), Lisburn(1) |
| Regional Development (DRD) | 22 | Belfast(10), Ballymena(5), Craigavon(3), Downpatrick(3), Seaforde(1) | 13 | Belfast(10), Ballymena(2), Coleraine(1) | 18 | Belfast(13), Antrim(1), Craigavon(1), Coleraine(2), Omagh(1) | 17 | Belfast(16), Ballymena(1) |
| Social Development (DSD)* | 255.5 | Belfast(234), Carrickfergus(0.5), Downpatrick(2), Londonderry(11.5),Newcastle(1), Newtownabbey(0.5), Newtownards(1.5), Newry(2), Portadown(2.5) | 108 | Belfast(91.5), Antrim(3.5), Ballymena(1.5), Coleraine(4), Enniskillen(1), Lisburn(1), Londonderry(0.5), Magherafelt(1), Newcastle(1), Newry(1), Omagh(0.5), Portadown(1.5) | 40.5 | Belfast(34.5), Antrim(1), Bangor(1), Downpatrick(1), Londonderry(1), Magherafelt(1), Newry(1) | 55.5 | Belfast(53), Ballynahinch(0.5), Coleraine(0.5), Downpatrick(0.5), Omagh(1) |
| Office of the First & Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) | 2 | Belfast | 1 | Belfast | 0 | 10 | Belfast | |
| TOTAL | 452.5 | 178.4 | 153.3 | 198 | ||||
* latest figures available at 1 February 2008 (DFP) and 31 January 2008 (DSD)
Code for Sustainable Homes
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006; and to provide a timescale within which his department will lower the Building Regulations target emission rate of new builds to bring them in line with the UK Government's 'Code for Sustainable Homes'.
(AQW 4791/08)
Mr P Robinson: It is still too early to provide a practical assessment of the impact of the Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006, as the first properties constructed under these regulations are only now being completed.
Work is beginning on another amendment to the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 that will result in a further 25% reduction in carbon emissions against existing standards by 2010, increasing to an overall 44% reduction by 2013. These new requirements are the equivalent of Levels 3 and 4 respectively of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
While I do not intend to formally tie building regulations to the Code for Sustainable Homes, the two are closely linked. Building regulations set the minimum standards against which buildings can be constructed. The minimum standards for Code compliance are deliberately set above the requirements of building regulations and are intended to signal the future direction of building regulations in relation to carbon emissions from, and energy use in homes.
Newspaper Expenditure
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount his department has spent on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last three years.
(AQW 4849/08)
Mr P Robinson: The total expenditure for Department of Finance and Personnel over the last three years on newspapers, magazines and periodicals is set out in the table below.
| Description | 2004-2005 | 2005-2006 | 2006-2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newspapers | 20,629 | 22,071 | 23,405 |
| Magazines | 9,405 | 7,070 | 8,525 |
| Periodicals | 12,226 | 7,292 | 12,027 |
| Total |
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mrs C McGill asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail, in addition to his department's mainstream responsibilities, the resources that have been allocated to (i) Neighbourhood Renewal Areas; and (ii) the Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Area, in each of the last 2 years.
(AQW 4907/08)
Mr P Robinson: The table below provides details of funding awarded under those Measures of the PEACE II Programme for which DFP are the Accountable Department in each of the last two years.
Peace II (including extension)
| Neighbourhood Renewal Area | Total Amount Awarded £ | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | |
| Downpatrick | 54,800 | 0 |
| Falls / Clonard | 200,954 | 0 |
| Inner South Belfast | 4,600 | 0 |
| Strabane | 0 | 0 |
| Non-Neighbourhood Renewal Areas | 897,961 | 0 |
| Total funding awarded under DFP measures | 1,158,315 | 0 |
The information presented was produced by first removing those projects, with total awards greater than £250,000, which were likely to have a regional impact. These projects accounted for 12% of total funding awarded. For the remaining projects, project address information was used to allocate a project to a particular postcode and subsequently a Neighbourhood Renewal Area, where possible. However, if the project address was insufficient to allocate a postcode, organisation address details were used.
The following caveats apply to the geographical information in the table:
- The designation of a particular project as having a regional impact is based on the methodology used in the Community Uptake Analysis of Peace II, where the descriptions of projects with awards greater than £250,000 were examined to determine their spatial remit. This methodology is liable to a degree of subjectivity. Also, there may be further projects, with awards of £250,000 or less, which have not been identified but could be considered to have a regional impact. As the level of funding declines the degree of subjectivity increases.
- When using project address it is important to note that the scope or impacts of the project may extend beyond the geographical location of the project itself. For example, while a project address may fall in Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Area, the impact may extend beyond this area.
- In addition, where organisation address is used, it is important to note that a project may or may not be situated within the same geographical area as the applicant organisation. For example, Waterside Neighbourhood Renewal Area may be the location of the lead applicant for a project yet the expenditure could be distributed throughout a number of other areas.
The table below provides details of funding awarded under those Measures of the INTERREG IIIA Programme for which DFP are the Accountable Department in each of the last two years.
Interreg IIIA
| Neighbourhood Renewal Area | Total Amount Awarded £ | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | |
| Inner North Belfast | 125,828 | 47,419 |
| Triax - Cityside | 967,742 | 1,086,805 |
| Waterside | 0 | 362,032 |
| Strabane | 0 | 131,529 |
| Non-Neighbourhood Renewal Areas | 5,921,265 | 4,437,414 |
| Total funding awarded under DFP measures | 7,014,834 | 6,065,199 |
Project address information was used to allocate a project to a particular postcode and subsequently a Neighbourhood Renewal Area, where possible. However, if the project address was insufficient to allocate a postcode, organisation address details were used.
The following caveats apply to the geographical information in the table:
- When using project address it is important to note that the scope or impacts of the project may extend beyond the geographical location of the project itself. For example, while a project address may fall in Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Area, the impact may extend beyond this area.
- In addition, where organisation address is used, it is important to note that a project may or may not be situated within the same geographical area as the applicant organisation. For example, Waterside Neighbourhood Renewal Area may be the location of the lead applicant for a project yet the expenditure could be distributed throughout a number of other areas.
- It is also important to note that the Interreg IIIA Programme promotes integrated regional development between Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland. As a result, all approved projects are cross-border in nature. Whilst funding for a particular project may be focused on one or other side of the Border, it must be shown that the operation has a significant impact on the other. Therefore, due to the cross-border nature of the funding, the scope or impacts of all projects will extend beyond the geographical location of the project itself. Hence, while the Interreg projects which have been included for this query have project addresses in Northern Ireland, they will also have an impact in or more of the six border counties of Ireland. Similarly, there will be projects which have not been included, as they have an address in one of the six border counties of Ireland, but which will have an impact in Northern Ireland.
Sustainable Development Action Plan
Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm if the carbon emissions from road vehicles, used for government administrative operations, have been cut by the 2% target in his department's Sustainable Development Action Plan.
(AQW 4924/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Government car pool provides road vehicles for administrative operations. Over the last 12 months new, fuel efficient vehicles have been introduced to the car pool and these vehicles emit 29% less carbon dioxide than those they replaced on a like for like mileage basis.
Rates Revenue
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to advise whether an estimate has been made of the amount of revenue that has not been collected due to the delay in establishing the rateable values of new build housing, and if so what is this amount.
(AQW 4934/08)
Mr P Robinson: Rate bills are backdated to the date of occupation; in the case of new domestic properties the earliest effective date is 1 April 2007, the commencement date of the current Valuation List. Given the backdating provisions, there is therefore no appreciable amount of revenue that has not been collected due to any delay in establishing rateable valuations and no estimate of such loss has been made.
Capital Investment Plans
Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what actions he is taking to improve the monitoring and implementation of capital investment plans so that the level of under-expenditure will remain below the agreed capital end year flexibility for 2008-09.
(AQW 4948/08)
Mr P Robinson: In light of the constraint imposed by HM Treasury regarding access to the NI Executive’s capital End Year Flexibility (EYF) stock, it is essential that Departments seek to minimise the level of underspend against capital investment plans whilst still ensuring value for money.
To facilitate this, and alongside a renewed focus on general financial management issues, Departments have been asked to prepare Investment Delivery Plans which will be supplemented by a specific focus on improvements in project and programme management.
This work will all be undertaken in the context of a new performance management framework, which will seek to monitor and drive performance against all targets, commitments and goals in PFG and ISNI.
Neonatal Death
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the age; and (ii) the cause of death, in each case of neonatal death at Altnagelvin Hospital, since 1995.
(AQW 4974/08)
Mr P Robinson: The table below gives the number of neonatal deaths by age and cause of death that occurred in Altnagelvin Hospital, registered in each year since 1997. Prior to 1997 place of death information is not held electronically on the statistical extract from the civil death register.
Table: Number of neonatal deaths in Altnagelvin Hospital, by age at death and cause of death, 1997-2006
| ICD10 Code | ICD09 Code | Cause of Death | ALL AGES | Age at Death in days | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 | 1-6 | 7-27 | ||||
| A00-Y98 | 001-E999 | ALL CAUSES | 85 | 47 | 30 | 8 |
| P01 | 761 | Fetus and newborn affected by maternal complications of pregnancy | 5 | 2 | 3 | - |
| P02 | 762 | Fetus and newborn affected by complications | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| P03, P10-P15 | 763, 767, 772 | Fetus and newborn affected by other complications of labour, delivery and also birth trauma | 2 | - | 1 | 1 |
| P20-P29 | 768-770 | Respiratory and cardiovascular disorders specific to the perinatal period | 23 | 8 | 14 | 1 |
| Remainder of ICD10 P codes | 764-766, 771, 773-779 | Other perinatal conditions | 26 | 15 | 8 | 3 |
| Q00-Q99 | 740-759 | Congenital malformations deformations and chromosomal abnormalities | 23 | 19 | 2 | 2 |
NJC Pay Increase
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide an update on the current status of the 2007 NJC pay increase of 2.475% (3.4% on spinal column 4), which was agreed in November 2007, in relation to education sector employees.
(AQW 5014/08)
Mr P Robinson: In May 2007 the Executive agreed to adopt HM Treasury public sector pay policy in Northern Ireland. This requires all public sector bodies to seek approval from the Finance Minister before any pay awards are implemented.
While the NJC pay award was agreed nationally in November 2007 my Department only received the first pay remit business case from the Department of Education for these staff on 29 February 2008, with the latest received on 12 March 2008. My officials have already raised a number of issues with DE officials on these cases. Once these have been addressed I will ensure that these pay remits are brought to a timely resolution.
Departmental Demographics
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide the actual and percentage composition profile of the Northern Ireland Civil Service broad occupational groupings, annually from January 2003 to January 2008 (inclusive), giving the total number broken down by gender, community background (including non-determined), declared disability and ethnic minority.
(AQW 5047/08)
Mr P Robinson: The information requested is set out in the attached tables.
Compositional Profile of NICS by Occupational Group at 1 Jan 2008
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | Gender | Community Background | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | Protestant | Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,096 | 67.6 | 12,044 | 63.1 | 7,052 | 36.9 | 9,279 | 48.6 | 9,515 | 49.8 | 302 | 1.6 |
| Typing | 806 | 2.9 | 805 | 99.9 | 1 | 0.1 | 548 | 68.0 | 249 | 30.9 | 9 | 1.1 |
| Scientific | 485 | 1.7 | 208 | 42.9 | 277 | 57.1 | 278 | 57.3 | 165 | 34.0 | 42 | 8.7 |
| Technology | 1,722 | 6.1 | 297 | 17.2 | 1,425 | 82.8 | 955 | 55.5 | 719 | 41.8 | 48 | 2.8 |
| Legal | 321 | 1.1 | 201 | 62.6 | 120 | 37.4 | 131 | 40.8 | 183 | 57.0 | 7 | 2.2 |
| Computing | 614 | 2.2 | 156 | 25.4 | 458 | 74.6 | 326 | 53.1 | 277 | 45.1 | 11 | 1.8 |
| Specialisms | 3,194 | 11.3 | 820 | 25.7 | 2,374 | 74.3 | 1,779 | 55.7 | 1,245 | 39.0 | 170 | 5.3 |
| Centralised Services | 627 | 2.2 | 274 | 43.7 | 353 | 56.3 | 430 | 68.6 | 167 | 26.6 | 30 | 4.8 |
| No Group | 1,392 | 4.9 | 59 | 4.2 | 1,333 | 95.8 | 806 | 57.9 | 517 | 37.1 | 69 | 5.0 |
| Total | 28,257 | 100.0 | 14,864 | 52.6 | 13,393 | 47.4 | 14,532 | 51.4 | 13,037 | 46.1 | 688 | 2.4 |
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | *Declared Disability | *Ethnic Minority | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,096 | 67.6 | 1031 | 5.9 | 22 | 0.1 |
| Typing | 806 | 2.9 | 29 | 4.2 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Scientific | 485 | 1.7 | 19 | 4.2 | 4 | 0.9 |
| Technology | 1,722 | 6.1 | 44 | 3.0 | 6 | 0.4 |
| Legal | 321 | 1.1 | 12 | 3.9 | 2 | 0.7 |
| Computing | 614 | 2.2 | 25 | 4.4 | 4 | 0.7 |
| Specialisms | 3,194 | 11.3 | 119 | 4.3 | 8 | 0.3 |
| Centralised Services | 627 | 2.2 | 41 | 8.1 | 0 | 0.0 |
| No Group | 1,392 | 4.9 | 51 | 5.2 | 1 | 0.1 |
| Total | 28,257 | 100.0 | 1,371 | 5.5 | 47 | 0.2 |
| *of those staff who responded | ||||||
Compositional Profile of NICS by Occupational Group at 1 Jan 2007
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | Gender | Community Background | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | Protestant | Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,642 | 64.7 | 12,395 | 63.1 | 7,247 | 36.9 | 9,541 | 48.6 | 9,806 | 49.9 | 295 | 1.5 |
| Typing | 890 | 2.9 | 889 | 99.9 | 1 | 0.1 | 599 | 67.3 | 281 | 31.6 | 10 | 1.1 |
| Scientific | 539 | 1.8 | 232 | 43.0 | 307 | 57.0 | 309 | 57.3 | 189 | 35.1 | 41 | 7.6 |
| Technology | 2,176 | 7.2 | 291 | 13.4 | 1,885 | 86.6 | 1,258 | 57.8 | 849 | 39.0 | 69 | 3.2 |
| Legal | 281 | 0.9 | 172 | 61.2 | 109 | 38.8 | 120 | 42.7 | 156 | 55.5 | 5 | 1.8 |
| Computing | 596 | 2.0 | 154 | 25.8 | 442 | 74.2 | 324 | 54.4 | 263 | 44.1 | 9 | 1.5 |
| Specialisms | 3,162 | 10.4 | 802 | 25.4 | 2,360 | 74.6 | 1,773 | 56.1 | 1,219 | 38.6 | 170 | 5.4 |
| Centralised Services | 745 | 2.5 | 321 | 43.1 | 424 | 56.9 | 508 | 68.2 | 203 | 27.2 | 34 | 4.6 |
| No Group | 2,335 | 7.7 | 63 | 2.7 | 2,272 | 97.3 | 1,340 | 57.4 | 874 | 37.4 | 121 | 5.2 |
| Total | 30,366 | 100.0 | 15,319 | 50.4 | 15,047 | 49.6 | 15,772 | 51.9 | 13,840 | 45.6 | 754 | 2.5 |
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | *Declared Disability | *Ethnic Minority | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,642 | 64.7 | 980 | 5.5 | 23 | 0.1 |
| Typing | 890 | 2.9 | 35 | 4.6 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Scientific | 539 | 1.8 | 19 | 3.8 | 5 | 1.0 |
| Technology | 2,176 | 7.2 | 54 | 3.0 | 7 | 0.4 |
| Legal | 281 | 0.9 | 13 | 4.9 | 2 | 0.8 |
| Computing | 596 | 2.0 | 26 | 4.7 | 2 | 0.4 |
| Specialisms | 3,162 | 10.4 | 111 | 4.0 | 8 | 0.3 |
| Centralised Services | 745 | 2.5 | 48 | 7.9 | 1 | 0.2 |
| No Group | 2,335 | 7.7 | 81 | 5.7 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Total | 30,366 | 100.0 | 1,367 | 5.2 | 48 | 0.2 |
| *of those staff who responded | ||||||
Compositional Profile of NICS by Occupational Group at 1 Jan 2006
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | Gender | Community Background | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | Protestant | Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 20,051 | 63.4 | 12,720 | 63.4 | 7,331 | 36.6 | 9,742 | 48.6 | 10,011 | 49.9 | 298 | 1.5 |
| Typing | 966 | 3.1 | 965 | 99.9 | 1 | 0.1 | 657 | 68.0 | 297 | 30.7 | 12 | 1.2 |
| Scientific | 984 | 3.1 | 396 | 40.2 | 588 | 59.8 | 609 | 61.9 | 297 | 30.2 | 78 | 7.9 |
| Technology | 2,266 | 7.2 | 306 | 13.5 | 1,960 | 86.5 | 1,309 | 57.8 | 886 | 39.1 | 71 | 3.1 |
| Legal | 253 | 0.8 | 147 | 58.1 | 106 | 41.9 | 114 | 45.1 | 135 | 53.4 | 4 | 1.6 |
| Computing | 609 | 1.9 | 154 | 25.3 | 455 | 74.7 | 333 | 54.7 | 267 | 43.8 | 9 | 1.5 |
| Specialisms | 3,248 | 10.3 | 819 | 25.2 | 2,429 | 74.8 | 1,813 | 55.8 | 1,224 | 37.7 | 211 | 6.5 |
| Centralised Services | 848 | 2.7 | 365 | 43.0 | 483 | 57.0 | 574 | 67.7 | 227 | 26.8 | 47 | 5.5 |
| No Group | 2,425 | 7.7 | 51 | 2.1 | 2,374 | 97.9 | 1,413 | 58.3 | 890 | 36.7 | 122 | 5.0 |
| Total | 31,650 | 100.0 | 15,923 | 50.3 | 15,727 | 49.7 | 16,564 | 52.3 | 14,234 | 45.0 | 852 | 2.7 |
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | *Declared Disability | *Ethnic Minority | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 20,051 | 63.4 | 948 | 5.2 | 24 | 0.1 |
| Typing | 966 | 3.1 | 36 | 4.3 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Scientific | 984 | 3.1 | 48 | 5.2 | 6 | 0.7 |
| Technology | 2,266 | 7.2 | 60 | 3.1 | 6 | 0.3 |
| Legal | 253 | 0.8 | 10 | 4.2 | 2 | 0.8 |
| Computing | 609 | 1.9 | 25 | 4.5 | 2 | 0.4 |
| Specialisms | 3,248 | 10.3 | 111 | 4.0 | 10 | 0.4 |
| Centralised Services | 848 | 2.7 | 59 | 8.3 | 1 | 0.1 |
| No Group | 2,425 | 7.7 | 90 | 6.2 | 1 | 0.1 |
| Total | 31,650 | 100.0 | 1,387 | 5.0 | 52 | 0.2 |
| *of those staff who responded | ||||||
Compositional Profile of NICS by Occupational Group at 1 Jan 2005
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | Gender | Community Background | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | Protestant | Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,922 | 62.7 | 12,654 | 63.5 | 7,268 | 36.5 | 9,718 | 48.8 | 9,905 | 49.7 | 299 | 1.5 |
| Typing | 1,094 | 3.4 | 1,093 | 99.9 | 1 | 0.1 | 755 | 69.0 | 325 | 29.7 | 14 | 1.3 |
| Scientific | 950 | 3.0 | 374 | 39.4 | 576 | 60.6 | 584 | 61.5 | 282 | 29.7 | 84 | 8.8 |
| Technology | 2,245 | 7.1 | 256 | 11.4 | 1,989 | 88.6 | 1,337 | 59.6 | 841 | 37.5 | 67 | 3.0 |
| Legal | 282 | 0.9 | 163 | 57.8 | 119 | 42.2 | 139 | 49.3 | 137 | 48.6 | 6 | 2.1 |
| Computing | 623 | 2.0 | 166 | 26.6 | 457 | 73.4 | 343 | 55.1 | 271 | 43.5 | 9 | 1.4 |
| Specialisms | 3,190 | 10.0 | 771 | 24.2 | 2,419 | 75.8 | 1,806 | 56.6 | 1,203 | 37.7 | 181 | 5.7 |
| Centralised Services | 898 | 2.8 | 393 | 43.8 | 505 | 56.2 | 610 | 67.9 | 241 | 26.8 | 47 | 5.2 |
| No Group | 2,550 | 8.0 | 63 | 2.5 | 2,487 | 97.5 | 1,480 | 58.0 | 934 | 36.6 | 136 | 5.3 |
| Total | 31,754 | 100.0 | 15,933 | 50.2 | 15,821 | 49.8 | 16,772 | 52.8 | 14,139 | 44.5 | 843 | 2.7 |
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | *Declared Disability | *Ethnic Minority | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,922 | 62.7 | 900 | 5.0 | 27 | 0.2 |
| Typing | 1,094 | 3.4 | 34 | 3.6 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Scientific | 950 | 3.0 | 43 | 4.9 | 6 | 0.7 |
| Technology | 2,245 | 7.1 | 62 | 3.3 | 6 | 0.3 |
| Legal | 282 | 0.9 | 12 | 4.7 | 2 | 0.8 |
| Computing | 623 | 2.0 | 21 | 3.7 | 1 | 0.2 |
| Specialisms | 3,190 | 10.0 | 112 | 4.1 | 7 | 0.3 |
| Centralised Services | 898 | 2.8 | 59 | 7.8 | 1 | 0.1 |
| No Group | 2,550 | 8.0 | 95 | 6.3 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Total | 31,754 | 100.0 | 1,338 | 4.9 | 50 | 0.2 |
| *of those staff who responded | ||||||
Compositional Profile of NICS by Occupational Group at 1 Jan 2004
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | Gender | Community Background | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | Protestant | Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,417 | 62.2 | 12,388 | 63.8 | 7,029 | 36.2 | 9,531 | 49.1 | 9,591 | 49.4 | 295 | 1.5 |
| Typing | 1,172 | 3.8 | 1,171 | 99.9 | 1 | 0.1 | 806 | 68.8 | 348 | 29.7 | 18 | 1.5 |
| Scientific | 867 | 2.8 | 333 | 38.4 | 534 | 61.6 | 550 | 63.4 | 245 | 28.3 | 72 | 8.3 |
| Technology | 2,216 | 7.1 | 221 | 10.0 | 1,995 | 90.0 | 1,349 | 60.9 | 789 | 35.6 | 78 | 3.5 |
| Legal | 250 | 0.8 | 138 | 55.2 | 112 | 44.8 | 136 | 54.4 | 107 | 42.8 | 7 | 2.8 |
| Computing | 613 | 2.0 | 164 | 26.8 | 449 | 73.2 | 344 | 56.1 | 260 | 42.4 | 9 | 1.5 |
| Specialisms | 3,048 | 9.8 | 713 | 23.4 | 2,335 | 76.6 | 1,735 | 56.9 | 1,123 | 36.8 | 190 | 6.2 |
| Centralised Services | 910 | 2.9 | 402 | 44.2 | 508 | 55.8 | 623 | 68.5 | 236 | 25.9 | 51 | 5.6 |
| No Group | 2,739 | 8.8 | 67 | 2.4 | 2,672 | 97.6 | 1,576 | 57.5 | 1,006 | 36.7 | 157 | 5.7 |
| Total | 31,232 | 100.0 | 15,597 | 49.9 | 15,635 | 50.1 | 16,650 | 53.3 | 13,705 | 43.9 | 877 | 2.8 |
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | *Declared Disability | *Ethnic Minority | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 19,417 | 62.2 | 840 | 4.8 | 24 | 0.1 |
| Typing | 1,172 | 3.8 | 35 | 3.5 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Scientific | 867 | 2.8 | 38 | 4.7 | 6 | 0.8 |
| Technology | 2,216 | 7.1 | 60 | 3.3 | 6 | 0.3 |
| Legal | 250 | 0.8 | 14 | 6.3 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Computing | 613 | 2.0 | 19 | 3.4 | 1 | 0.2 |
| Specialisms | 3,048 | 9.8 | 101 | 3.9 | 7 | 0.3 |
| Centralised Services | 910 | 2.9 | 55 | 7.3 | 1 | 0.1 |
| No Group | 2,739 | 8.8 | 106 | 6.7 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Total | 31,232 | 100.0 | 1,268 | 4.7 | 46 | 0.2 |
| *of those staff who responded | ||||||
Compositional Profile of NICS by Occupational Group at 1 Jan 2003
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | Gender | Community Background | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | Protestant | Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 18,932 | 61.9 | 12,090 | 63.9 | 6,842 | 36.1 | 9,335 | 49.3 | 9,298 | 49.1 | 299 | 1.6 |
| Typing | 1,182 | 3.9 | 1,181 | 99.9 | 1 | 0.1 | 804 | 68.0 | 360 | 30.5 | 18 | 1.5 |
| Scientific | 846 | 2.8 | 317 | 37.5 | 529 | 62.5 | 541 | 63.9 | 236 | 27.9 | 69 | 8.2 |
| Technology | 2,124 | 6.9 | 197 | 9.3 | 1,927 | 90.7 | 1,326 | 62.4 | 724 | 34.1 | 74 | 3.5 |
| Legal | 209 | 0.7 | 110 | 52.6 | 99 | 47.4 | 118 | 56.5 | 84 | 40.2 | 7 | 3.3 |
| Computing | 559 | 1.8 | 144 | 25.8 | 415 | 74.2 | 315 | 56.4 | 230 | 41.1 | 14 | 2.5 |
| Specialisms | 2,842 | 9.3 | 666 | 23.4 | 2,176 | 76.6 | 1,638 | 57.6 | 1,023 | 36.0 | 181 | 6.4 |
| Centralised Services | 947 | 3.1 | 426 | 45.0 | 521 | 55.0 | 643 | 67.9 | 249 | 26.3 | 55 | 5.8 |
| No Group | 2,949 | 9.6 | 67 | 2.3 | 2,882 | 97.7 | 1,680 | 57.0 | 1,103 | 37.4 | 166 | 5.6 |
| Total | 30,590 | 100.0 | 15,198 | 49.7 | 15,392 | 50.3 | 16,400 | 53.6 | 13,307 | 43.5 | 883 | 2.9 |
| Occupational Group | Total Staff | *Declared Disability | *Ethnic Minority | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Col % | No | Row % | No | Row % | |
| General Service | 18,932 | 61.9 | 797 | 4.8 | 16 | 0.1 |
| Typing | 1,182 | 3.9 | 34 | 3.4 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Scientific | 846 | 2.8 | 37 | 4.7 | 6 | 0.8 |
| Technology | 2,124 | 6.9 | 57 | 3.2 | 6 | 0.3 |
| Legal | 209 | 0.7 | 14 | 7.8 | 1 | 0.6 |
| Computing | 559 | 1.8 | 17 | 3.4 | 1 | 0.2 |
| Specialisms | 2,842 | 9.3 | 91 | 3.7 | 7 | 0.3 |
| Centralised Services | 947 | 3.1 | 62 | 8.0 | 1 | 0.1 |
| No Group | 2,949 | 9.6 | 117 | 7.1 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Total | 30,590 | 100.0 | 1,226 | 4.7 | 38 | 0.1 |
| *of those staff who responded | ||||||
Departmental Demographics
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide the actual and percentage composition profile of the Northern Ireland Civil Service by department/agency, annually from January 2003 to January 2008 (inclusive), giving the total number broken down by gender cross-referenced with breakdown by community background (including non-determined).
(AQW 5048/08)
Mr P Robinson: The information requested is set out in the attached tables. In order to ensure confidentiality it has been necessary to suppress some numbers and percentages where the value for either Protestants or Roman Catholics is less than 10.
Compositional Profile of NICS by Department, with Gender cross-referenced by Community Background at 1 Jan 2008
| Dept | Total staff | Females | Males | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | ||
| Non-Industrial | DARD | 2,724 | 9.6 | 593 | 49.1 | 574 | 47.6 | 40 | 3.3 | 795 | 52.4 | 651 | 42.9 | 71 | 4.7 |
| DCAL | 433 | 1.5 | 103 | 57.5 | 72 | 40.2 | 4 | 2.2 | 149 | 58.7 | 100 | 39.4 | 5 | 2.0 | |
| DE | 689 | 2.4 | 279 | 66.4 | 130 | 31.0 | 11 | 2.6 | 157 | 58.4 | 104 | 38.7 | 8 | 3.0 | |
| DETI | 707 | 2.5 | 226 | 59.6 | 148 | 39.1 | 5 | 1.3 | 190 | 57.9 | 125 | 38.1 | 13 | 4.0 | |
| DFP | 3,078 | 10.9 | 792 | 52.9 | 679 | 45.3 | 27 | 1.8 | 897 | 56.8 | 652 | 41.3 | 31 | 2.0 | |
| DEL | 1,858 | 6.6 | 511 | 40.4 | 730 | 57.8 | 23 | 1.8 | 242 | 40.7 | 344 | 57.9 | 8 | 1.3 | |
| DHSSPS | 943 | 3.3 | 261 | 55.9 | 192 | 41.1 | 14 | 3.0 | 273 | 57.4 | 191 | 40.1 | 12 | 2.5 | |
| DOE | 2,797 | 9.9 | 681 | 48.4 | 691 | 49.1 | 35 | 2.5 | 729 | 52.4 | 605 | 43.5 | 56 | 4.0 | |
| DRD | 2,091 | 7.4 | 302 | 43.6 | 380 | 54.8 | 11 | 1.6 | 782 | 55.9 | 581 | 41.6 | 35 | 2.5 | |
| DSD (Core) | 714 | 2.5 | 169 | 43.7 | 212 | 54.8 | 6 | 1.6 | 131 | 40.1 | 188 | 57.5 | 8 | 2.4 | |
| SSA | 5,391 | 19.1 | 1,401 | 40.5 | 2,011 | 58.2 | 45 | 1.3 | 735 | 38.0 | 1,168 | 60.4 | 31 | 1.6 | |
| CSA | 1,742 | 6.2 | 418 | 43.4 | 532 | 55.2 | 14 | 1.5 | 354 | 45.5 | 409 | 52.6 | 15 | 1.9 | |
| OFMDFM | 428 | 1.5 | 151 | 61.6 | 86 | 35.1 | 8 | 3.3 | 106 | 57.9 | 73 | 39.9 | 4 | 2.2 | |
| NIO | 2,016 | 7.1 | 795 | 62.5 | 455 | 35.8 | 21 | 1.7 | 471 | 63.2 | 250 | 33.6 | 24 | 3.2 | |
| Seconded Staff | 1,254 | 4.4 | 829 | 85.7 | 124 | 12.8 | 14 | 1.4 | 204 | 71.1 | 63 | 22.0 | 20 | 7.0 | |
| Sub-Total | 26,865 | 95.1 | 7,511 | 50.7 | 7,016 | 47.4 | 278 | 1.9 | 6,215 | 51.5 | 5,504 | 45.6 | 341 | 2.8 | |
| Industrial | DARD | 464 | 1.6 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 202 | 47.0 | 212 | 49.3 | 16 | 3.7 |
| DRD | 630 | 2.2 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 358 | 56.9 | 244 | 38.8 | 27 | 4.3 | |
| Others | 298 | 1.1 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 208 | 75.9 | 44 | 16.1 | 22 | 8.0 | |
| Sub-Total | 1,392 | 4.9 | 38 | 64.4 | 17 | 28.8 | 4 | 6.8 | 768 | 57.6 | 500 | 37.5 | 65 | 4.9 | |
| Total | 28,257 | 100.0 | 7,549 | 50.8 | 7,033 | 47.3 | 282 | 1.9 | 6,983 | 52.1 | 6,004 | 44.8 | 406 | 3.0 | |
Compositional Profile of NICS by Department, with Gender cross-referenced by Community Background at 1 Jan 2007
| Dept | Total staff | Females | Males | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | ||
| Non-Industrial | DARD | 2,849 | 9.4 | 617 | 48.8 | 605 | 47.8 | 43 | 3.4 | 821 | 51.8 | 692 | 43.7 | 71 | 4.5 |
| DCAL | 432 | 1.4 | 106 | 57.0 | 75 | 40.3 | 5 | 2.7 | 152 | 61.8 | 89 | 36.2 | 5 | 2.0 | |
| DE | 695 | 2.3 | 294 | 67.6 | 134 | 30.8 | 7 | 1.6 | 155 | 59.6 | 98 | 37.7 | 7 | 2.7 | |
| DETI | 735 | 2.4 | 227 | 58.1 | 155 | 39.6 | 9 | 2.3 | 201 | 58.4 | 132 | 38.4 | 11 | 3.2 | |
| DFP | 2,987 | 9.8 | 767 | 52.2 | 679 | 46.2 | 23 | 1.6 | 870 | 57.3 | 616 | 40.6 | 32 | 2.1 | |
| DEL | 1,844 | 6.1 | 491 | 40.1 | 712 | 58.2 | 20 | 1.6 | 253 | 40.7 | 358 | 57.6 | 10 | 1.6 | |
| DHSSPS | 985 | 3.2 | 266 | 55.1 | 206 | 42.7 | 11 | 2.3 | 293 | 58.4 | 197 | 39.2 | 12 | 2.4 | |
| DOE | 2,750 | 9.1 | 672 | 48.7 | 674 | 48.8 | 34 | 2.5 | 728 | 53.1 | 592 | 43.2 | 50 | 3.6 | |
| DRD | 3,030 | 10.0 | 435 | 44.8 | 514 | 52.9 | 23 | 2.4 | 1,177 | 57.2 | 815 | 39.6 | 66 | 3.2 | |
| DSD (Core) | 680 | 2.2 | 164 | 44.4 | 198 | 53.7 | 7 | 1.9 | 124 | 39.9 | 181 | 58.2 | 6 | 1.9 | |
| SSA | 5,518 | 18.2 | 1,444 | 40.6 | 2,068 | 58.2 | 41 | 1.2 | 749 | 38.1 | 1,193 | 60.7 | 23 | 1.2 | |
| CSA | 1,896 | 6.2 | 463 | 42.8 | 606 | 56.0 | 13 | 1.2 | 380 | 46.7 | 419 | 51.5 | 15 | 1.8 | |
| OFMDFM | 393 | 1.3 | 145 | 64.7 | 75 | 33.5 | 4 | 1.8 | 100 | 59.2 | 67 | 39.6 | 2 | 1.2 | |
| NIO | 1,906 | 6.3 | 760 | 64.2 | 402 | 34.0 | 22 | 1.9 | 477 | 66.1 | 220 | 30.5 | 25 | 3.5 | |
| Seconded Staff | 1,331 | 4.4 | 892 | 85.8 | 133 | 12.8 | 15 | 1.4 | 209 | 71.8 | 61 | 21.0 | 21 | 7.2 | |
| Sub-Total | 28,031 | 92.3 | 7,743 | 50.8 | 7,236 | 47.4 | 277 | 1.8 | 6,689 | 52.4 | 5,730 | 44.9 | 356 | 2.8 | |
| Industrial | DARD | 491 | 1.6 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 217 | 47.6 | 223 | 48.9 | 16 | 3.5 |
| DRD | 1,527 | 5.0 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 861 | 56.6 | 583 | 38.3 | 78 | 5.1 | |
| Others | 317 | 1.0 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 222 | 75.5 | 49 | 16.7 | 23 | 7.8 | |
| Sub-Total | 2,335 | 7.7 | 40 | 63.5 | 19 | 30.2 | 4 | 6.3 | 1,300 | 57.2 | 855 | 37.6 | 117 | 5.1 | |
| Total | 30,366 | 100.0 | 7,783 | 50.8 | 7,255 | 47.4 | 281 | 1.8 | 7,989 | 53.1 | 6,585 | 43.8 | 473 | 3.1 | |
Compositional Profile of NICS by Department, with Gender cross-referenced by Community Background at 1 Jan 2006
| Dept | Total staff | Females | Males | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | ||
| Non-Industrial | DARD | 3,578 | 11.3 | 774 | 50.2 | 712 | 46.1 | 57 | 3.7 | 1,118 | 54.9 | 810 | 39.8 | 107 | 5.3 |
| DCAL | 437 | 1.4 | 100 | 54.1 | 80 | 43.2 | 5 | 2.7 | 150 | 59.5 | 97 | 38.5 | 5 | 2.0 | |
| DE | 697 | 2.2 | 292 | 68.7 | 128 | 30.1 | 5 | 1.2 | 162 | 59.6 | 103 | 37.9 | 7 | 2.6 | |
| DETI | 768 | 2.4 | 243 | 58.0 | 168 | 40.1 | 8 | 1.9 | 201 | 57.6 | 137 | 39.3 | 11 | 3.2 | |
| DFP | 3,013 | 9.5 | 764 | 52.2 | 675 | 46.1 | 25 | 1.7 | 897 | 57.9 | 617 | 39.8 | 35 | 2.3 | |
| DEL | 1,878 | 5.9 | 511 | 40.5 | 731 | 58.0 | 19 | 1.5 | 253 | 41.0 | 355 | 57.5 | 9 | 1.5 | |
| DHSSPS | 1,016 | 3.2 | 277 | 55.5 | 208 | 41.7 | 14 | 2.8 | 300 | 58.0 | 205 | 39.7 | 12 | 2.3 | |
| DOE | 2,666 | 8.4 | 659 | 48.6 | 665 | 49.0 | 33 | 2.4 | 693 | 52.9 | 564 | 43.1 | 52 | 4.0 | |
| DRD | 3,224 | 10.2 | 489 | 46.3 | 553 | 52.3 | 15 | 1.4 | 1,248 | 57.6 | 855 | 39.5 | 64 | 3.0 | |
| DSD (Core) | 699 | 2.2 | 163 | 43.5 | 204 | 54.4 | 8 | 2.1 | 135 | 41.7 | 181 | 55.9 | 8 | 2.5 | |
| SSA | 5,680 | 17.9 | 1,492 | 40.2 | 2,145 | 57.8 | 73 | 2.0 | 747 | 37.9 | 1,196 | 60.7 | 27 | 1.4 | |
| CSA | 1,913 | 6.0 | 482 | 43.2 | 618 | 55.4 | 15 | 1.3 | 360 | 45.1 | 425 | 53.3 | 13 | 1.6 | |
| OFMDFM | 374 | 1.2 | 140 | 65.1 | 68 | 31.6 | 7 | 3.3 | 95 | 59.7 | 62 | 39.0 | 2 | 1.3 | |
| NIO | 1,820 | 5.8 | 720 | 64.4 | 373 | 33.4 | 25 | 2.2 | 478 | 68.1 | 195 | 27.8 | 29 | 4.1 | |
| Seconded Staff | 1,462 | 4.6 | 968 | 85.7 | 144 | 12.8 | 17 | 1.5 | 240 | 72.1 | 70 | 21.0 | 23 | 6.9 | |
| Sub-Total | 29,225 | 92.3 | 8,074 | 50.9 | 7,472 | 47.1 | 326 | 2.1 | 7,077 | 53.0 | 5,872 | 44.0 | 404 | 3.0 | |
| Industrial | DARD | 566 | 1.8 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 267 | 50.8 | 241 | 45.8 | 18 | 3.4 |
| DRD | 1,560 | 4.9 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 893 | 57.4 | 584 | 37.5 | 79 | 5.1 | |
| Others | 299 | 0.9 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 222 | 76.0 | 48 | 16.4 | 22 | 7.5 | |
| Sub-Total | 2,425 | 7.7 | 31 | 60.8 | 17 | 33.3 | 3 | 5.9 | 1,382 | 58.2 | 873 | 36.8 | 119 | 5.0 | |
| Total | 31,650 | 100.0 | 8,105 | 50.9 | 7,489 | 47.0 | 329 | 2.1 | 8,459 | 53.8 | 6,745 | 42.9 | 523 | 3.3 | |
Compositional Profile of NICS by Department, with Gender cross-referenced by Community Background at 1 Jan 2005
| Dept | Total staff | Females | Males | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | ||
| Non-Industrial | DARD | 3,634 | 11.4 | 782 | 49.7 | 731 | 46.5 | 60 | 3.8 | 1,134 | 55.0 | 820 | 39.8 | 107 | 5.2 |
| DCAL | 439 | 1.4 | 98 | 53.6 | 83 | 45.4 | 2 | 1.1 | 157 | 61.3 | 94 | 36.7 | 5 | 2.0 | |
| DE | 698 | 2.2 | 288 | 68.4 | 127 | 30.2 | 6 | 1.4 | 165 | 59.6 | 104 | 37.5 | 8 | 2.9 | |
| DETI | 786 | 2.5 | 243 | 57.0 | 174 | 40.8 | 9 | 2.1 | 212 | 58.9 | 138 | 38.3 | 10 | 2.8 | |
| DFP | 2,990 | 9.4 | 774 | 52.9 | 660 | 45.1 | 28 | 1.9 | 903 | 59.1 | 589 | 38.5 | 36 | 2.4 | |
| DEL | 1,831 | 5.8 | 493 | 40.9 | 694 | 57.6 | 18 | 1.5 | 257 | 41.1 | 360 | 57.5 | 9 | 1.4 | |
| DHSSPS | 1,025 | 3.2 | 288 | 56.8 | 203 | 40.0 | 16 | 3.2 | 297 | 57.3 | 209 | 40.3 | 12 | 2.3 | |
| DOE | 2,473 | 7.8 | 630 | 49.8 | 607 | 47.9 | 29 | 2.3 | 657 | 54.4 | 503 | 41.7 | 47 | 3.9 | |
| DRD | 3,280 | 10.3 | 494 | 46.0 | 566 | 52.7 | 15 | 1.4 | 1,272 | 57.7 | 865 | 39.2 | 68 | 3.1 | |
| DSD (Core) | 689 | 2.2 | 157 | 43.1 | 197 | 54.1 | 10 | 2.7 | 136 | 41.8 | 181 | 55.7 | 8 | 2.5 | |
| SSA | 5,793 | 18.2 | 1,534 | 40.3 | 2,230 | 58.5 | 47 | 1.2 | 754 | 38.0 | 1,200 | 60.5 | 28 | 1.4 | |
| CSA | 1,695 | 5.3 | 452 | 44.8 | 542 | 53.8 | 14 | 1.4 | 299 | 43.5 | 375 | 54.6 | 13 | 1.9 | |
| OFMDFM | 418 | 1.3 | 154 | 66.1 | 72 | 30.9 | 7 | 3.0 | 113 | 61.1 | 68 | 36.8 | 4 | 2.2 | |
| NIO | 1,706 | 5.4 | 684 | 65.6 | 342 | 32.8 | 17 | 1.6 | 455 | 68.6 | 179 | 27.0 | 29 | 4.4 | |
| Seconded Staff | 1,747 | 5.5 | 1,078 | 83.4 | 196 | 15.2 | 19 | 1.5 | 332 | 73.1 | 96 | 21.1 | 26 | 5.7 | |
| Sub-Total | 29,204 | 92.0 | 8,149 | 51.3 | 7,424 | 46.8 | 297 | 1.9 | 7,143 | 53.6 | 5,781 | 43.4 | 410 | 3.1 | |
| Industrial | DARD | 607 | 1.9 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 280 | 49.9 | 255 | 45.5 | 26 | 4.6 |
| DRD | 1,619 | 5.1 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 927 | 57.4 | 606 | 37.5 | 82 | 5.1 | |
| Others | 324 | 1.0 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 232 | 74.6 | 57 | 18.3 | 22 | 7.1 | |
| Sub-Total | 2,550 | 8.0 | 41 | 65.1 | 16 | 25.4 | 6 | 9.5 | 1,439 | 57.9 | 918 | 36.9 | 130 | 5.2 | |
| Total | 31,754 | 100.0 | 8,190 | 51.4 | 7,440 | 46.7 | 303 | 1.9 | 8,582 | 54.2 | 6,699 | 42.3 | 540 | 3.4 | |
Compositional Profile of NICS by Department, with Gender cross-referenced by Community Background at 1 Jan 2004
Dept |
Total staff |
Females |
Males |
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Protestant |
Roman Catholic |
Not Determined |
Protestant |
Roman Catholic |
Not Determined |
||||||||||
No |
Col % |
No |
Row % Females |
No |
Row % Females |
No |
Row % Females |
No |
Row % Males |
No |
Row % Males |
No |
Row % Males |
||
Non-Industrial |
DARD |
3,392 |
10.9 |
724 |
50.2 |
659 |
45.7 |
58 |
4.0 |
1,079 |
55.3 |
767 |
39.3 |
105 |
5.4 |
DCAL |
406 |
1.3 |
90 |
52.9 |
79 |
46.5 |
1 |
0.6 |
143 |
60.6 |
87 |
36.9 |
6 |
2.5 |
|
DE |
623 |
2.0 |
253 |
67.5 |
117 |
31.2 |
5 |
1.3 |
141 |
56.9 |
99 |
39.9 |
8 |
3.2 |
|
DETI |
751 |
2.4 |
222 |
56.3 |
165 |
41.9 |
7 |
1.8 |
207 |
58.0 |
140 |
39.2 |
10 |
2.8 |
|
DFP |
2,892 |
9.3 |
759 |
53.9 |
618 |
43.9 |
31 |
2.2 |
891 |
60.0 |
561 |
37.8 |
32 |
2.2 |
|
DEL |
1,776 |
5.7 |
480 |
41.0 |
671 |
57.4 |
19 |
1.6 |
256 |
42.2 |
341 |
56.3 |
9 |
1.5 |
|
DHSSPS |
1,006 |
3.2 |
272 |
56.1 |
198 |
40.8 |
15 |
3.1 |
307 |
58.9 |
199 |
38.2 |
15 |
2.9 |
|
DOE |
2,158 |
6.9 |
553 |
50.4 |
516 |
47.0 |
28 |
2.6 |
594 |
56.0 |
419 |
39.5 |
48 |
4.5 |
|
DRD |
3,219 |
10.3 |
491 |
46.2 |
558 |
52.5 |
14 |
1.3 |
1,252 |
58.1 |
835 |
38.7 |
69 |
3.2 |
|
DSD (Core) |
621 |
2.0 |
151 |
44.7 |
180 |
53.3 |
7 |
2.1 |
120 |
42.4 |
155 |
54.8 |
8 |
2.8 |
|
SSA |
5,946 |
19.0 |
1,577 |
40.6 |
2,266 |
58.3 |
46 |
1.2 |
795 |
38.6 |
1,232 |
59.9 |
30 |
1.5 |
|
CSA |
1,713 |
5.5 |
492 |
47.4 |
529 |
51.0 |
16 |
1.5 |
292 |
43.2 |
374 |
55.3 |
10 |
1.5 |
|
OFMDFM |
395 |
1.3 |
148 |
67.6 |
63 |
28.8 |
8 |
3.7 |
111 |
63.1 |
61 |
34.7 |
4 |
2.3 |
|
NIO |
1,594 |
5.1 |
669 |
68.5 |
285 |
29.2 |
23 |
2.4 |
428 |
69.4 |
159 |
25.8 |
30 |
4.9 |
|
Seconded Staff |
2,001 |
6.4 |
1,200 |
81.8 |
242 |
16.5 |
25 |
1.7 |
377 |
70.6 |
124 |
23.2 |
33 |
6.2 |
|
Sub-Total |
28,493 |
91.2 |
8,081 |
52.0 |
7,146 |
46.0 |
303 |
2.0 |
6,993 |
53.9 |
5,553 |
42.8 |
417 |
3.2 |
|
Industrial |
DARD |
635 |
2.0 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
298 |
50.6 |
264 |
44.8 |
27 |
4.6 |
DRD |
1,754 |
5.6 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
991 |
56.6 |
661 |
37.8 |
98 |
5.6 |
|
Others |
350 |
1.1 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
245 |
73.6 |
62 |
18.6 |
26 |
7.8 |
|
Sub-Total |
2,739 |
8.8 |
42 |
62.7 |
19 |
28.4 |
6 |
9.0 |
1,534 |
57.4 |
987 |
36.9 |
151 |
5.7 |
|
Total |
31,232 |
100.0 |
8,123 |
52.1 |
7,165 |
45.9 |
309 |
2.0 |
8,527 |
54.5 |
6,540 |
41.8 |
568 |
3.6 |
|
Compositional Profile of NICS by Department, with Gender cross-referenced by Community Background at 1 Jan 2003
| Dept | Total staff | Females | Males | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | Protestant | Roman Catholic | Not Determined | ||||||||||
| No | Col % | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Females | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | No | Row % Males | ||
| Non-Industrial | DARD | 3,180 | 10.4 | 686 | 51.1 | 597 | 44.5 | 60 | 4.5 | 1,011 | 55.0 | 724 | 39.4 | 102 | 5.6 |
| DCAL | 399 | 1.3 | 78 | 54.2 | 64 | 44.4 | 2 | 1.4 | 170 | 66.7 | 81 | 31.8 | 4 | 1.6 | |
| DE | 588 | 1.9 | 229 | 66.6 | 111 | 32.3 | 4 | 1.2 | 141 | 57.8 | 95 | 38.9 | 8 | 3.3 | |
| DETI | 743 | 2.4 | 207 | 54.9 | 165 | 43.8 | 5 | 1.3 | 211 | 57.7 | 144 | 39.3 | 11 | 3.0 | |
| DFP | 2,791 | 9.1 | 723 | 54.2 | 582 | 43.6 | 29 | 2.2 | 884 | 60.7 | 543 | 37.3 | 30 | 2.1 | |
| DEL | 1,677 | 5.5 | 455 | 41.3 | 627 | 56.9 | 19 | 1.7 | 248 | 43.1 | 318 | 55.2 | 10 | 1.7 | |
| DHSSPS | 978 | 3.2 | 264 | 55.8 | 192 | 40.6 | 17 | 3.6 | 295 | 58.4 | 196 | 38.8 | 14 | 2.8 | |
| DOE | 1,986 | 6.5 | 516 | 51.5 | 461 | 46.0 | 25 | 2.5 | 560 | 56.9 | 382 | 38.8 | 42 | 4.3 | |
| DRD | 3,006 | 9.8 | 485 | 46.5 | 546 | 52.3 | 13 | 1.2 | 1,157 | 59.0 | 741 | 37.8 | 64 | 3.3 | |
| DSD (Core) | 536 | 1.8 | 130 | 45.0 | 153 | 52.9 | 6 | 2.1 | 103 | 41.7 | 136 | 55.1 | 8 | 3.2 | |
| SSA | 5,932 | 19.4 | 1,580 | 40.4 | 2,278 | 58.3 | 51 | 1.3 | 780 | 38.6 | 1,212 | 59.9 | 31 | 1.5 | |
| CSA | 1,697 | 5.5 | 496 | 48.2 | 520 | 50.5 | 13 | 1.3 | 302 | 45.2 | 358 | 53.6 | 8 | 1.2 | |
| OFMDFM | 386 | 1.3 | 141 | 65.6 | 67 | 31.2 | 7 | 3.3 | 106 | 62.0 | 55 | 32.2 | 10 | 5.8 | |
| NIO | 1,485 | 4.9 | 621 | 68.3 | 272 | 29.9 | 16 | 1.8 | 405 | 70.3 | 145 | 25.2 | 26 | 4.5 | |
| Seconded Staff | 2,257 | 7.4 | 1,293 | 79.9 | 289 | 17.9 | 36 | 2.2 | 443 | 69.3 | 150 | 23.5 | 46 | 7.2 | |
| Sub-Total | 27,641 | 90.4 | 7,904 | 52.2 | 6,924 | 45.8 | 303 | 2.0 | 6,816 | 54.5 | 5,280 | 42.2 | 414 | 3.3 | |
| Industrial | DARD | 651 | 2.1 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 300 | 49.6 | 278 | 46.0 | 27 | 4.5 |
| DRD | 1,941 | 6.3 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 1,092 | 56.4 | 739 | 38.2 | 105 | 5.4 | |
| Others | 357 | 1.2 | * | * | * | * | * | * | 250 | 73.3 | 65 | 19.1 | 26 | 7.6 | |
| Sub-Total | 2,949 | 9.6 | 38 | 56.7 | 21 | 31.3 | 8 | 11.9 | 1,642 | 57.0 | 1,082 | 37.5 | 158 | 5.5 | |
| Total | 30,590 | 100.0 | 7,942 | 52.3 | 6,945 | 45.7 | 311 | 2.0 | 8,458 | 55.0 | 6,362 | 41.3 | 572 | 3.7 | |
Departmental Demographics
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide the actual and percentage composition profile of the Northern Ireland Civil Service non-industrial staff annually from January 2003 to January 2008 (inclusive), giving total number broken down by gender, community background (including non-determined), declared disability and ethnic minority.
(AQW 5049/08)
Mr P Robinson: The information requested is set out in the attached tables.
Compositional Profile of NICS Non-Industrial Staff - Gender
| Date | Total Non-Industrial Staff | Gender | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | ||||
| No | Row % | No | Row % | ||
| Jan-08 | 26,865 | 14,805 | 55.1 | 12,060 | 44.9 |
| Jan-07 | 28,031 | 15,256 | 54.4 | 12,775 | 45.6 |
| Jan-06 | 29,225 | 15,872 | 54.3 | 13,353 | 45.7 |
| Jan-05 | 29,204 | 15,870 | 54.3 | 13,334 | 45.7 |
| Jan-04 | 28,493 | 15,530 | 54.5 | 12,963 | 45.5 |
| Jan-03 | 27,641 | 15,131 | 54.7 | 12,510 | 45.3 |
Compositional Profile of NICS Non-Industrial Staff – Community Background
| Date | Total Non-Industrial Staff | Community Background | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | Catholic | Not Determined | |||||
| No | Row % | No | Row % | No | Row % | ||
| Jan-08 | 26,865 | 13,726 | 51.1 | 12,520 | 46.6 | 619 | 2.3 |
| Jan-07 | 28,031 | 14,432 | 51.5 | 12,966 | 46.3 | 633 | 2.3 |
| Jan-06 | 29,225 | 15,151 | 51.8 | 13,344 | 45.7 | 730 | 2.5 |
| Jan-05 | 29,204 | 15,292 | 52.4 | 13,205 | 45.2 | 707 | 2.4 |
| Jan-04 | 28,493 | 15,074 | 52.9 | 12,699 | 44.6 | 720 | 2.5 |
| Jan-03 | 27,641 | 14,720 | 53.3 | 12,204 | 44.2 | 717 | 2.6 |
Compositional Profile of NICS Non-Industrial Staff – Declared Disability and Ethnic Minority
| Date | Total Non-Industrial Staff | *Declared Disability | *Ethnic Minority | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Row % | No | Row % | |||
| Jan-08 | 26,865 | 1,320 | 5.5 | 46 | 0.2 | |
| Jan-07 | 28,031 | 1,286 | 5.1 | 48 | 0.2 | |
| Jan-06 | 29,225 | 1,297 | 5.0 | 51 | 0.2 | |
| Jan-05 | 29,204 | 1,243 | 4.8 | 50 | 0.2 | |
| Jan-04 | 28,493 | 1,162 | 4.6 | 46 | 0.2 | |
| Jan-03 | 27,641 | 1,109 | 4.6 | 38 | 0.2 | |
| *of those staff who responded | ||||||
Agricultural Clauses
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide a timescale within which primary legislation will be brought to the Assembly for ratification to enable change for properties with Agricultural clauses within the Regional Rate.
(AQW 5058/08)
Mr P Robinson: Following the recent Review of Domestic Rating, the Executive concluded that the existing allowance for farmhouses remained valid and was sufficient to deal with the special circumstances pertaining to farmhouses. No change is therefore being made to the current policy on the treatment of farmhouses. As a result, I have no plans to bring forward primary legislation on this issue nor to initiate any of the pre-legislative steps that would be required, such as the completion of relevant impact assessments and prior consultation. Following representations made by the Member, I have however asked my Department to consider the related issue of whether there is a need to extend the existing allowance to cover houses which have been granted planning permission subject to a condition restricting occupation to someone engaged in horticulture. This work is currently underway and officials are liaising with other Departments, including DOE and DARD, to gather the evidence required to inform a decision on the matter.
Official Visits
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the protocols he follows in informing MLAs that he will be visiting their respective constituencies.
(AQW 5075/08)
Mr P Robinson: I can confirm that in my capacity as Minister for Finance and Personnel I follow the agreed protocol in that my office will inform MLAs if I am to visit their respective constituencies not less than 24 hours in advance of the visit. This is communicated via email and details will normally include the reason, location and timing of the visit. On the occasions that it is not possible to provide advance information in writing, MLAs are offered a contact number should they wish to receive a verbal update.
Code for Sustainable Homes
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail why he is not following the United Kingdom's Code for Sustainable Homes in formulating building regulations which take a holistic approach to a house and include a renewable energy element.
(AQW 5082/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 already take a holistic approach to energy conservation and have done so since they were amended by the Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006. This introduced a "whole building approach" to the application of Part F (Conservation of fuel and power) of the regulations. The regulations continue to facilitate and, by the introduction of onerous emissions targets, encourage the use of renewable energy systems.
Zero-Carbon Rating
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm if he would agree that if buildings are to achieve a zero-carbon rating they must incorporate a capability for generating their own electricity.
(AQW 5083/08)
Mr P Robinson: I do not agree that on-site generation is necessary to achieve a building with zero carbon emissions. While microgeneration would likely be the most popular route to achieve zero carbon emissions, buildings constructed to a high thermal standard such as the Passivhaus standard and that use green electricity could achieve zero carbon emissions without microgeneration.
Data Protection Review
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm that the Executive has agreed the findings of the Data Protection Review which he commissioned on 21 November 2007; and to detail the findings and subsequent recommendations of the review.
(AQW 5181/08)
Mr P Robinson: I can confirm that the Executive agreed the contents of the Report on The Northern Ireland Data Protection Review submitted for consideration at their meeting of 13 March 2008.
The Review, which was undertaken in December 2007, identified specific areas of good practice operating across Departments and Agencies, particularly in the fields of fraud detection, security and access and connectivity. However, the study also revealed a range of areas where organisations recognised that there was scope for improvement – such as training, information transfer and risk management - and identified a clear need for us to match the rapid change in the technology landscape by updating our policies and procedures.
In light of the Review findings, a series of improvements were agreed and I am pleased to report that Departments, Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies are currently implementing a range of actions which will help them maintain focus on data protection and ultimately be much better placed to meet the challenges imposed by a growlingly complex and modern data protection environment.
A copy of the Report on The Northern Ireland Data Protection Review, which includes findings and recommendations emanating from the Review, has been placed in the Assembly Library.
Capital Realisation Programme
Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of funding to be raised through the Capital Realisation Programme during the next three years, that has yet to be committed to projects.
(AQO 2655/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Budget for 2008-11, approved by the Assembly on 29 January, took account of the report from the Capital Realisation Taskforce, and in particular the identification of potential asset disposals over that period.
However, there is still work to be done in putting in place the arrangements that will be needed to take forward the work to realise such sums, including the identification of specific assets. This work will also take account of the market conditions, and as such it is not possible to quantify, at this stage, the exact amount of such disposals.
Varney Report
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give his assessment of the conclusions of the Varney Report.
(AQO 2635/08)
Mr P Robinson: The outcome of the first Varney Review was disappointing as I believe the Executive made a strong, evidence-based case for a differential rate of corporation tax for Northern Ireland. There are some specific concerns over the methodology employed by Sir David in calculating the large net costs to the UK Exchequer. These have been highlighted to Sir David by Executive Ministers during recent discussions. Sir David’s report, however, provided a very useful analysis of the strength and weaknesses of the local economy.
Efficiency Savings
Mr D Burnside asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to consider the implementation of a zero-based budgetary mechanism to (i) identify where public money is being spent unnecessarily; and (ii) achieve greater levels of efficiency and value for money for the electorate.
(AQO 2552/08)
Mr P Robinson: As part of the 2008-2011 Budget process a zero based approach was adopted with respect to decisions on the capital allocations to Northern Ireland Departments. This reflects the time bounded nature of most capital projects which means that they are more amenable to a zero based analysis.
Although all Government spending programmes should be regularly evaluated to ensure that the original rationale for intervention remains and services delivered efficiently, it was decided that it would not be appropriate to adopt a zero-based approach with respect to resource allocations in the 2008 Budget process. This was on the basis that a number of significant areas had already been subject to recent review and, importantly, it is simply inconceivable that the Executive would decide to not continue the provision of key services in terms of for example health, education or support to business. Therefore, it would be expected that the costs would outweigh the benefits from such an all encompassing approach.
However, in deciding upon how to deliver the 3% per annum efficiency savings target, it is expected that Northern Ireland Departments will have examined the whole suite of programmes they deliver in order to identify the required level of savings
In addition, the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit (PEDU) will examine the scope for departments to deliver high levels of cash releasing efficiencies, combined with parallel improvements in performance and delivery.
Government Contracts
Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the average length of time for vetting contractors and sub-contractors responsible for Government contracts.
(AQO 2653/08)
Mr P Robinson: The level of security vetting required for personnel of contractors, consultants and suppliers depends on the scope, location, and sensitivity of the project being undertaken.
The normal level of vetting is known as the "Baseline Personnel Security Standard". This level of vetting includes a criminal record check and aims to provide an appropriate level of assurance as to the integrity and trustworthiness of personnel of contractors, consultants and suppliers. Requests for this type of clearance are processed through the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the average length of time for this verification process is approximately 3 weeks from receipt of a fully completed application.
If a higher level of security vetting is required, vetting to Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level is obtained through the National Security Vetting process. At present this much more detailed process takes in the order of 8 weeks to complete.
Stormont Estate
Mr A McFarland asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what progress has been made in converting heating plants in the Stormont estate to use biomass rather than fossil fuels.
(AQO 2623/08)
Mr P Robinson: In 2006 the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund was launched with a view to stimulating the take-up of renewable energy technology in Northern Ireland. Under EREF, funding was secured to seek to install a biomass heating system within the Stormont Estate. At this time work is progressing with the provision of a biomass boiler at the Stormont Cottages site. A successful contractor was appointed on 23rd January 2008 and is now taking forward design drawings and costs for approval by DFP.
The provision of this biomass boiler has been tied in with other renewable energy projects at 11 sites in all. This work, totalling approximately £1m, will be completed in September 2008.
Peace 3 Funding
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what safeguards are being put in place to ensure that Peace 3 funding reaches communities and areas in greatest social need.
(AQO 2657/08)
Mr P Robinson: The overall objective of the PEACE III Programme is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation. The Programme will target areas and communities adversely affected by the conflict that are often also the communities and areas in greatest social need.
PEACE III will also address poverty as one of its cross cutting themes, conforming to the principles outlined in the Northern Ireland Anti Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy. Programme funds will be allocated using the selection criteria agreed by the PEACE III Monitoring Committee and the Northern Ireland Executive that include a specific element to cover the cross cutting themes. Where appropriate, appropriate statistical indices may also be used to inform the allocation process and ensure that programme delivery targets disadvantage.
Monitoring and evaluation of the two previous EU PEACE Programmes indicates that both have successfully targeted social need. Similar monitoring will take place in respect of PEACE III to ensure that this successful targeting is maintained.
Rates Payment
Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of properties that are exempt from rates in (i) Belfast; (ii) Coleraine; (iii) Londonderry; and (iv) Northern Ireland, because the sole occupant or all occupants of the property are in full time education or training.
(AQO 2630/08)
Mr P Robinson: In July 2007 the Executive submitted a strong evidence based case to Sir David Varney’s call for evidence. As Finance Minister I have recently met with both Sir David and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to discuss both the conclusions of the first review and ongoing progress on the present study. Executive Ministers have also recently met with Sir David while departmental officials are engaged with the Varney team on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, the Executive’s submission to Varney’s second Review highlighted the main concerns over the conclusions reached in his first report.
Corporate Services
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the action he is taking to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of corporate services across all departments.
(AQO 2651/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Department of Finance and Personnel is leading a major programme of civil service reform which will reduce bureaucracy, improve service and deliver efficiencies through sharing key corporate services such as human resources, finance, ICT and training across all government departments.
Significant progress has been made on the projects with the Centre for Applied Learning operational since October 2006 and the roll-out of the new civil service Electronic Document and Records Management system completed this month. The new shared service centres for human resources, accounts and ICT have all gone live, are being rolled-out on a phased basis across the NICS, and are due to be complete by April 2009.
In terms of the civil service estate, the Workplace 2010 programme will provide a modern and flexible working environment in a smaller, more efficient portfolio of properties. The two remaining bidders, Land Securities Trillium and Telereal are currently preparing their best and final offers which were invited earlier this year.
Acute Hospitals
Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he supports the proposed investment in acute hospitals including the Mater Hospital, the Downe Hospital and the hospitals in the west.
(AQO 2638/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Executive agreed the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2008 – 2018 on 17 January 2008, which was then endorsed by this Assembly on 27 January 2008. This strategy outlines almost £3.7 billion of investment for the health and social care sector, of which £2.2 billion is for the modernisation of local and acute hospitals. This will be the largest capital investment ever in our hospitals and other health care facilities.
As part of the ISNI 2008 – 2018, each department will be publishing an Investment Delivery Plan which will provide further details on which projects they plan to deliver with this level of investment – including a range of hospital modernisation projects. These plans are due to be published in April 2008.
Legal Action
Mr R Newton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he plans to bring forward proposals to reduce the danger of Government procurement being delayed by legal action.
(AQO 2529/08)
Mr P Robinson: Public procurement is heavily regulated by the European Union Procurement Directives and the UK Regulations that implement them.
In addition, all public procurement in Northern Ireland is to be carried out by Central Procurement Directorate or another Centre of Procurement Expertise.
Professional procurement staff within the Centres of Procurement Expertise manage all procurement activity by applying current best practice processes in line with Central Procurement Directorate and Office of Government Commerce guidance.
There are no plans to bring forward new proposals at this time, but processes and procedures are regularly reviewed and will be updated in line with any Court decision.
Varney One
Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the representations that have been made to the Treasury in relation to Varney 1.
(AQO 2634/08)
Mr P Robinson: In July 2007 the Executive submitted a strong evidence based case to Sir David Varney’s call for evidence. As Finance Minister I have recently met with both Sir David and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to discuss both the conclusions of the first review and ongoing progress on the present study. Executive Ministers have also recently met with Sir David while departmental officials are engaged with the Varney team on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, the Executive’s submission to Varney’s second Review highlighted the main concerns over the conclusions reached in his first report
HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Music Therapy
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the progress that has been made in developing a strategic plan for the inclusion of music therapy as an integral part of the work of special schools.
(AQW 4973/08)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): In the interim, funding is being provided to the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust to provide music therapy services across each of the four Health and Social Services Board areas. An evaluation of the Arioso project, to provide music therapy in special schools, has been undertaken by the Education and Training Inspectorate. In addition, work is underway to review and analyse the impact of other music therapy projects in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.
Suicide Helpline
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the ongoing monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure that the regional suicide helpline is being implemented in relation to working in partnership with existing suicide prevention organisations.
(AQW 5116/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland is in the process of finalising an audit of the pilot suicide prevention telephone helpline service which operated in North & West Belfast and have also been asked to develop the necessary evaluation process for the new regional crisis response helpline. It is envisaged that the learning and best practice from both processes will be fed into the operation of the new regional service on a regular basis.
A regional steering group is being established to oversee and monitor the implementation of the new regional service and local community and bereaved families will be represented on this steering group therefore ensuring that they play an integral part in the implementation of the new helpline. The provider is also required to develop strong linkages/referral pathways/protocols with both existing statutory and community/voluntary sectors.
STARS Pre-School
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his proposals to secure funding for the STARS pre-school in Kilrea which is under threat of closure due to lack of funding.
(AQW 5166/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Resources have been identified within our Budget to fund Children’s Fund-type activities which support the objectives and functions of DHSSPS for another year, until March 2009. These activities include the work of Stars Early Years Initiative.
The project was informed of this decision on 19 March.
Northwest Independent Clinic
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assurance he can give that there will be no immediate or future reduction in the number of continuing care beds at Northwest Independent Clinic.
(AQW 5171/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I refer you to my previous answer to you on 5 March 2008 (AQW 4560/08 refers).
Armed Forces Veterans
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if Armed Forces veterans receive priority medical treatment from the Health Service in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 5186/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Northern Ireland does not currently offer priority treatment to any specific groups, including veterans of the armed forces. Our Health Service treats all patients on the basis of clinical priority rather than any other personal or social circumstance.
Herceptin Treatment
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for the last year, (a) the number of patients treated by herceptin; (b) the number of people that did meet the requirements for herceptin treatment; (c) the number of patients that did not meet the requirements for herceptin treatment; (d) the number of patients who met the requirements but did not receive the drug; and (e) the reasons why patients who met the requirements did not receive the drug.
(AQW 5229/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: In 2007, 86 patients were treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) for early stage breast cancer. Due to the variation in the method of recording patient information in Trusts, it has not been possible to accurately determine the other statistical information requested; however, approximately 1000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Northern Ireland each year, of which 15-25% are likely to meet the requirements for being considered for treatment with herceptin.
The decision to prescribe Herceptin should always be a clinical one. I would expect clinicians to discuss all aspects of care with their patients and that, where an oncologist judges a patient to have a clinical need for Herceptin, that it would be prescribed.
Herceptin Treatment
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm if the issue of postcode prescription for herceptin has been raised, and to detail the locations where this has taken place.
(AQW 5230/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Treatment with the cancer drug Herceptin (trastuzumab) is available to all those women in Northern Ireland diagnosed with breast cancer who are found to be clinically suitable for the drug.
The decision to prescribe Herceptin should always be a clinical decision regardless of the place of residence of the patient. I have no evidence that "postcode prescribing" is taking place nor has that issue been raised.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Traffic Congestion in Lurgan Town Centre
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps being taken to reduce traffic congestion in Lurgan town centre and surrounding streets.
(AQW 5052/08)
Mr C Murphy: Lurgan, in common with many of the other cities and towns throughout the north, experiences a degree of traffic congestion particularly at peak times.
The Sub Regional Transport Plan 2015 (SRTP), which I launched in 2007, outlines the types of measures to be undertaken to improve transportation across all its modes. Within Lurgan, measures proposed include improvements to walking, cycling and the highway network.
In relation to the highway network, the SRTP envisages improvements to three main junctions in the town at Flush Place, Gilford Road and Portadown Road/Francis Street and a highway extension at Millennium Way to link Malcolm Road and Gilford Road.
Improvements completed recently at the Flush Place junction have had a positive impact on traffic entering Lurgan from the Banbridge Road direction. In addition, it is planned to conduct a review of the signals at Flush Place and the adjacent Queens Place junction with a view to optimising signal timings.
Work is ongoing in preparation for the acquisition of the land required for provision of the above link road. However, in common with other measures proposed in the SRTP, implementation of the scheme will be subject to the satisfactory completion of an economic appraisal, successful progression through the statutory procedures and the availability of funding through the normal budgetary processes. I am not able, therefore, to provide a commencement date at this time, although I can assure you that Roads Service will continue to bid for the resources necessary to implement the scheme.
The SRTP also highlights the importance of promoting sustainable transport modes and proposes a package of measures to encourage modal shift and reduce traffic volumes in towns such as Lurgan. Indeed, the involvement of Roads Service in the development of the proposed public realm scheme for Lurgan will, on implementation, improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and those using buses to access to the town.
Like many other towns the effect of illegal parking was always a problem in Lurgan town centre causing unnecessary traffic congestion. The introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement has had a positive impact on traffic in the town and I can assure you that resources will continue to be aimed at discouraging inappropriate parking behaviour to improve accessibility and traffic progression.
My Department will also continue to identify and deliver other schemes throughout the life of the SRTP that will benefit Lurgan such as the junction improvement proposed for the incoming financial year at Brownlow House through the Local Transportation and Safety Measures programme.
Bridges Across the River Blackwater
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the consultations that have been carried out with conservation and environmental groups, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Gardai Siochana and riparian owners, in relation to a proposal to construct two new road bridges across the River Blackwater at Annaghroe and Knockginny.
(AQW 5053/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 5053/08, as you are aware a number of cross- border roads were closed for security reasons. Due to the current enabling environment, and in recognition of the importance of cross-border road links, the then British Secretary of State in the North and the Taoiseach agreed that there was no longer a security justification for roads remaining closed.
The work to replace Annaghroe and Knockaginny bridges is being funded by the Southern Authorities and is being taken forward jointly by Monaghan County Council and my Department’s Roads Service. Preliminary meetings and preparation work started in April 2007 and the proposal is still at an early stage.
When plans are suitably advanced, applications will be lodged with the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service for full planning consent. All usual consultation procedures will be instigated at that time including notification to neighbouring land owners. Information evenings were also held in Caledon on 11 March 2008 and in Glaslough on 13 March 2008 to allow local communities to view and comment on preliminary drawings for the schemes.
Roads Service has well developed consultation arrangements with the Environment and Heritage Service and Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Inland Fisheries to identify any specific environmental concerns for works at or close to rivers. Any mitigation measures required will be agreed well in advance of work commencing on site.
With regard to AQW 5054/08 Roads Service has advised that:
(i) The distance from the Ballagh Crossing to the Cortynan Crossing over the River Blackwater is approximately 3.5km or 2.17 miles using the C423 Derrycourtney Road and A28 Derrycourtney Road to Cortynan Road Bridge.
(ii) I would refer the Member to my answer above to AQW 5053/08.
(iii) As the reinstatement of these two bridges is being funded by the Southern Authorities, a cost benefit analysis was not carried out by Roads Service.
Bridges Across the River Blackwater
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the distance from the Ballagh Crossing to the Cortynan Crossing over the River Blackwater; (ii) why he considers it necessary to construct two further road bridges between these points; and (iii) whether a cost benefit analysis has been carried out for this construction work, and if so, by whom.
(AQW 5054/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 5053/08, as you are aware a number of cross- border roads were closed for security reasons. Due to the current enabling environment, and in recognition of the importance of cross-border road links, the then British Secretary of State in the North and the Taoiseach agreed that there was no longer a security justification for roads remaining closed.
The work to replace Annaghroe and Knockaginny bridges is being funded by the Southern Authorities and is being taken forward jointly by Monaghan County Council and my Department’s Roads Service. Preliminary meetings and preparation work started in April 2007 and the proposal is still at an early stage.
When plans are suitably advanced, applications will be lodged with the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service for full planning consent. All usual consultation procedures will be instigated at that time including notification to neighbouring land owners. Information evenings were also held in Caledon on 11 March 2008 and in Glaslough on 13 March 2008 to allow local communities to view and comment on preliminary drawings for the schemes.
Roads Service has well developed consultation arrangements with the Environment and Heritage Service and Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Inland Fisheries to identify any specific environmental concerns for works at or close to rivers. Any mitigation measures required will be agreed well in advance of work commencing on site.
With regard to AQW 5054/08 Roads Service has advised that:
(i) The distance from the Ballagh Crossing to the Cortynan Crossing over the River Blackwater is approximately 3.5km or 2.17 miles using the C423 Derrycourtney Road and A28 Derrycourtney Road to Cortynan Road Bridge.
(ii) I would refer the Member to my answer above to AQW 5053/08.
(iii) As the reinstatement of these two bridges is being funded by the Southern Authorities, a cost benefit analysis was not carried out by Roads Service.
The Ballagh Crossing and the Cortynan Crossing Over the River Blackwater
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (i) the traffic monitoring that has been carried out on the Ballagh Crossing and the Cortynan Crossing over the River Blackwater; and (ii) the average hourly daytime usage at each.
(AQW 5055/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 5055/08, my Department’s Road Service does not have any traffic monitoring information pertaining to the above crossings. However, local officials have estimated that approximately 200 vehicles per day would use the Ballagh crossing and that approximately 800 vehicles per day would use the Cortynan crossing.
With regard to AQW 5057/08, my Departments Roads Service has indicated that:
(i) The number of road bridges that cross the River Blackwater from Moybridge at Aughnacloy to Cortynan in County Armagh is three.
(ii) The distance from Moy Bridge, Aughnacloy to Burns Bridge is approximately 5.6km (3.48 miles) using the A5 Monaghan Road, A28 Caledon Road and C423 Derrycourtney Road. The distance from Burns Bridge to Cortynan Road Bridge is 3.5km (2.17 miles) via C423 Derrycourtney Road and A28 Derrycourtney Road.
Bridges Across the River Blackwater
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number of road bridges that cross the River Blackwater between Cortynan in County Armagh and Lough Neagh; and (ii) the distance from each one to the other.
(AQW 5056/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that there are 10 bridges between Cortynan and Lough Neagh. With regard to the distances between the bridges, these have been measured along the river as follows:
Derrywarragh Bridge to M1 Bridge 6400m
M1 Bridge to Verner’s Bridge 50m
Verner’s Bridge to Bond’s Bridge 3400m
Bond’s Bridge to Charlemont Bridge 3700m
Charlemont Bridge to Blackwater Bridge 5000m
Blackwater Bridge to Benburb Bridge 3600m
Benburb Bridge to Battleford Bridge 3400m
Battleford Bridge to Blackwater Bridge 11700m
Blackwater Bridge to Burns Bridge 10800m
Bridges Across the River Blackwater
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number of road bridges that cross the River Blackwater between Moybridge at Aughnacloy and Cortynan in County Armagh; and (ii) the distance from each one to the other.
(AQW 5057/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 5055/08, my Department’s Road Service does not have any traffic monitoring information pertaining to the above crossings. However, local officials have estimated that approximately 200 vehicles per day would use the Ballagh crossing and that approximately 800 vehicles per day would use the Cortynan crossing.
With regard to AQW 5057/08, my Departments Roads Service has indicated that:
(i) The number of road bridges that cross the River Blackwater from Moybridge at Aughnacloy to Cortynan in County Armagh is three.
(ii) The distance from Moy Bridge, Aughnacloy to Burns Bridge is approximately 5.6km (3.48 miles) using the A5 Monaghan Road, A28 Caledon Road and C423 Derrycourtney Road. The distance from Burns Bridge to Cortynan Road Bridge is 3.5km (2.17 miles) via C423 Derrycourtney Road and A28 Derrycourtney Road.
Roadside Memorials
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 3939/08, to detail the procedure to be followed by a member of the public who wishes to complain about a roadside memorial that has been erected illegally.
(AQW 5064/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 5064/08, I can advise that, in accordance with my Department’s Road Service Customer Charter, any member of the public wishing to make a complaint about any aspect of the service provided by the Agency should, in the first instance, contact the nearest local or Divisional Roads Service office.
Copies of Roads Service’s Customer Charter are available from all Roads Service offices and from the Roads Service web site, www.roadsni.gov.uk/customer_charter. Roads Service office contact details can also be found in the telephone directory.
In relation to AQW 5066/08, I can advise that my Department has not been consulted by any District Councils over the maintenance of illegal roadside memorials.
Roadside Memorials
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the roadside memorials that are maintained by district councils in consultation with his department.
(AQW 5066/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 5064/08, I can advise that, in accordance with my Department’s Road Service Customer Charter, any member of the public wishing to make a complaint about any aspect of the service provided by the Agency should, in the first instance, contact the nearest local or Divisional Roads Service office.
Copies of Roads Service’s Customer Charter are available from all Roads Service offices and from the Roads Service web site, www.roadsni.gov.uk/customer_charter. Roads Service office contact details can also be found in the telephone directory.
In relation to AQW 5066/08, I can advise that my Department has not been consulted by any District Councils over the maintenance of illegal roadside memorials.
Water Meters
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail why the contract established by Northern Ireland Water in spring 2007 to install 44,000 water meters did not proceed as planned.
(AQW 5106/08)
Mr C Murphy: Following the restoration of devolved government in the North in May 2007, the Northern Ireland Executive deferred the introduction of new charges for water and sewerage services pending the outcome of an Independent Review of the existing arrangements for the delivery of water and sewerage services in the north.
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it was neither appropriate nor cost effective to pre-empt the Independent Panel’s conclusions on charging and, as a result, the proposed metering of pensioners’ properties was postponed pending a decision by the Assembly on arrangements for future domestic billing. Metering of non-domestic properties and new connections has continued.
Phase 3 Domestic Metering (NI)
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the establishment and appointment costs (e.g. personnel, estate, travel, consultancy etc.) that were incurred or allocated by Northern Ireland Water for the project (Phase 3 Domestic Metering (NI)).
(AQW 5107/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the Phase 3 metering contract was procured following advertisement in the European Journal and a detailed quality/cost analysis, including site visits to the lead bidders, was completed. A team of 3 NIW staff based in Northland House, Belfast established the contract and carried out the quality/cost analysis at a cost of £46,284. A consultant was employed, at a cost of £2,500 to carry out the e-auction. The total cost of establishment and appointment was £48,784. Further detail is provided in the table below.
| Description | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | 3 NIW staff | 44,784 |
| Estate | Staff based in existing accommodation | nil |
| Travel | 3 NIW staff carrying out quality analysis of lead bidders | £1,500 |
| Consultancy | Specialist consultant to establish and carry out e-auction | £2,500 |
Water Meters
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the actual costs shed or discontinued upon the decision not to proceed with the works to install 44,000 water meters within the original timescale.
(AQW 5110/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the projected cost for the proposed installation of 44,000 meters was estimated at £6.7 million. However, some £4.2 million of costs, including costs associated with meters and meter boxes, surveys and installations, were avoided as a result of the decision not to meter pensioner applicants’ homes. The estimated cost of the revised programme, which covers non-domestic and new connection metering only, is £2.5 million.
Water Charges
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm if there are any on-going costs being borne by Northern Ireland Water as a consequence of the decision to defer the introduction of water charges, and to provide a detailed breakdown of costs.
(AQW 5113/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the decision to defer the introduction of water charges has impacted on the cost profile for the seven year Crystal Alliance contract. Adjustments for the 2007/08 and 2008/09 financial years have resulted in total projected savings of around £3.7 million over the contract period.
In accordance with the terms of the contract, a single payment of £747,000 was made to the service provider in 2007/08 on account of specific costs which remained with the contractor following the deferral. NIW is not anticipating any further claims from the contractor for costs incurred as a result of the deferral.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Social Security Agency
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the proportion of the Social Security Agency benefit uptake budget that has been targeted at families with children, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 4486/08)
The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): This information is not currently available. Whilst providing general information and advice the Agency also undertakes targeted exercises to increase benefit uptake among vulnerable groups. The 2007/2008 Benefit Uptake Programme does include a specific exercise in which over 5000 individuals, comprising of families where there is a child with a disability and families with three or more children, are offered a comprehensive benefit check. This exercise is the first in which the Agency has specifically targeted families with children. As this Programme is on-going it is not possible to provide final costs for this exercise at this time.
In addition all Agency front line staff contribute to benefit uptake by providing information and advice on social security matters. Due to systems limitations and the volume of enquiries received by the Agency each year the costs associated with providing information and advice to particular groups are not available.
Big Wheel at Belfast City Hall
Mr L Cree asked the Minister for Social Development, in relation to the Big Wheel at Belfast City Hall, to detail (i) the number of people that have visited the attraction; (ii) the revenue generated; and (iii) the number of jobs created by the attraction; and to confirm that attraction will be retained for the immediate future.
(AQW 4919/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Big Wheel has proved to be a popular attraction for residents and visitors to Belfast City Centre. It has created employment for the equivalent of 15 to 20 full-time staff over a twelve months period. The success of the attraction has resulted in planning approval being sought to extend the initial three months operation to the end of December 2008 and a decision is expected on this in the near future. This is a commercial venture and World Tourist Attractions Ltd, the operators of the Big Wheel advise that information on parts (i) and (ii) above is commercially sensitive.
Social Housing Provision
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the consultation she has had with the Minister of the Environment in relation to the Executive Sub-Group's findings on Planning Policy Statement 14, particularly the proposals on social housing provision.
(AQW 4921/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I have participated fully in the Executive Sub-Group on Rural Planning and have made some significant proposals in relation to the provision of social and affordable housing in rural areas. The Minister for the Environment and I have had a positive engagement around this issue and I expect we will have further discussions on this and on some of the wider aspects of her PPS14 proposals.
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans for neighbourhood renewal in the Strand area, Holywood, over the next 3 years.
(AQW 5006/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Neighbourhood Renewal programme is targeted at the 10% most deprived urban areas in Northern Ireland. There are 36 Neighbourhood Renewal areas and 17 smaller deprived areas at Enumeration District level which benefit from funding. The Strand area in Holywood is not targeted for support from the Neighbourhood Renewal programme because it is not located in the 10% most deprived areas. It is therefore not included in my Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal expenditure plans for the next three years.
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans for neighbourhood renewal in the Harbour area, Bangor, over the next 3 years.
(AQW 5011/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Neighbourhood Renewal programme is targeted at the 10% most deprived urban areas in Northern Ireland. There are 36 Neighbourhood Renewal areas and 17 smaller deprived areas at Enumeration District level which benefit from funding. The Harbour area is identified as a small deprived area and is targeted for support from the Neighbourhood Renewal programme. To date £89,880 has been been spent on projects in the area and the NIHE, which administers the programme for smaller deprived areas, will take forward proposals for the area in 2008/09. An evaluation of the benefits of the programme will be carried out before any further decision is made on any future funding beyond 2008/09.
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans for neighbourhood renewal in the Rathgill Estate, Bangor, over the next 3 years.
(AQW 5012/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Neighbourhood Renewal programme is targeted at the 10% most deprived urban areas in Northern Ireland. There are 36 Neighbourhood Renewal areas and 17 smaller deprived areas at Enumeration District level which benefit from funding. The Rathgill Estate in Conlig ward is identified as a small deprived area and is targeted for support from the Neighbourhood Renewal programme. To date £81,669 has been been spent on projects in the area and the NIHE, which administers the programme for smaller deprived areas, will take forward proposals for the area in 2008/09. An evaluation of the benefits of the programme will be carried out before any further decision is made on any future funding beyond 2008/09.
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans for neighbourhood renewal in the Bloomfield Estate, Bangor, over the next 3 years.
(AQW 5013/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Neighbourhood Renewal programme is targeted at the 10% most deprived urban areas in Northern Ireland. There are 36 Neighbourhood Renewal areas and 17 smaller deprived areas at Enumeration District level which benefit from funding. Bloomfield Estate is not targeted for support from the Neighbourhood Renewal programme because it is not located in the 10% most deprived areas. It is therefore not included in my Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal expenditure plans for the next 3 years.
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans for neighbourhood renewal in the Kilcooley Estate, Bangor, over the next 3 years.
(AQW 5044/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Kilkooley Estate, Bangor is within the 10% most deprived urban areas in Northern Ireland and is one of the 36 designated Neighbourhood Renewal areas which benefit from funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund. A Vision Framework and three year Action Plan for the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2010, which sets out a series of measures to tackle deprivation in the area under the categories of social, community, economic and physical regeneration, has been drawn up by the local Kilcooley Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership. To date over £1,534,664, from a range of sources, has been spent on projects in the area and a further range of projects identified in the Action Plan will be implemented on a rolling financial year basis taking account of other competing priorities.
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans for neighbourhood renewal in the Whitehill Estate, Bangor, over the next 3 years.
(AQW 5045/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Neighbourhood Renewal programme is targeted at the 10% most deprived urban areas in Northern Ireland. There are 36 Neighbourhood Renewal areas and 17 smaller deprived areas at Enumeration District level which benefit from funding. Whitehill Estate is not targeted for support from the Neighbourhood Renewal programme because it is not located in the 10% most deprived areas. It is therefore not included in my Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal expenditure plans for the next three years.
Banbridge Town Centre
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the steps she is taking to improve and enhance the public realms and shopping areas of Banbridge town centre.
(AQW 5051/08)
Ms M Ritchie: During the period 2001 to 2004 my Department delivered a major Public Realm improvement scheme in Banbridge. The total project costs were £1,380,000 with my Department contributing £1,080,000. The balance was provided by DRD and Banbridge District Council. The area covered by the scheme included most of the main shopping areas, namely Bridge Street, Newry Street and Church Place.
An evaluation of the scheme carried out in 2005 concluded that the Public Realm improvements had had a very positive impact on the town centre.
With pressure on budgets and competing priorities elsewhere across Northern Ireland, there are no plans for another Public Realm improvement scheme in Banbridge.
Travellers' Sites
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 4174/08, to detail the impact that Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 has on decisions made by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, in relation to the positioning of (i) serviced; and (ii) temporary halting, travellers' sites across Northern Ireland.
(AQW 5079/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive applies Section 75 obligations in accordance with the guidance issued by the Equality Commission to the positioning of both serviced and temporary halting Travellers sites. The application and impact of Section 75 ensures that the planning and requirement for any schemes is based on the scale of need within the geographical areas of choice of the Traveller families subject to land availability and planning.
Social Security Agency
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development what steps she is taking to ensure that the Social Security Agency does not treat student loans as income for the purposes of benefit applications.
(AQW 5102/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Where a student is eligible for a student loan, it is taken into account as income when deciding entitlement to Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit.
To ignore the availability of the loan would operate unfairly against the majority of students who are not entitled to these benefits, as well as being contrary to the whole basis on which income-related benefits are paid.
Certain elements of the loan are disregarded such as a standard amount towards books, equipment, travel and childcare. In addition up to £10 of the weekly amount of a student loan may be disregarded, subject to the overall limit of £20 on disregarded income of students.
Child Support Agency
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm if she will make recommendations for the reform of the Child Support Agency following consideration of the Public Accounts Committee report, to ensure that child poverty among single parent households is addressed as a matter of priority.
(AQW 5115/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Over the next few months I intend to bring forward proposals to simplify and streamline the child maintenance system:
- to remove the requirement that parents with care who claim benefit are to be treated as applying for child maintenance;
- to increase the amount of maintenance which parents with care on benefit can keep before their benefits are affected. This will be increased to £20 by the end of 2008 and to £40 in April 2010;
- to increase the speed with which the Department can obtain arrears owed by non-resident parents;
- to improve the enforcement processes; and
- to increase efforts to collect and manage debt.
As part of these reforms I decided in September 2007 that the existing Child Support Agency should be wound up and service delivery brought under the direct control of my Department. This means that the Department will have ongoing responsibility for all aspects of the child maintenance system.
Where child maintenance is paid it can make a substantial difference to child poverty rates. These proposals will allow the Department to deal more effectively with those who refuse to pay child maintenance and ensure that more parents with care receive the maintenance that is owed to them.
Vacant Properties
Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development to detail number of vacant properties in the North Antrim constituency that are owned by (i) the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; (ii) the Housing Association; and (iii) private owners.
(AQW 5119/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This information is not readily available in the form requested as Housing Executive District Office boundaries are not coterminous with electoral boundaries. However, tables 1 and 2 below set out the number of vacant Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Housing Association dwellings in the area covered by the Ballymena, Ballycastle and Ballymoney District Office areas. Table 3 contains the number of vacant dwellings across all tenures within the Ballymena, Ballycastle and Ballymoney District Office areas. This information was obtained from the Land & Property Services Agency, at 30 November 2007.
Table 1: Northern Ireland Housing Executive
| District Office | Awaiting imminent relet | Difficult to Let | Undergoing Major Repairs Improvements | Pending Sale or Demolition | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballymena | 0 | 48 | 69 | 48 | 165 |
| Ballycastle | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Ballymoney | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Total | 0 | 48 | 81 | 48 | 177 |
Table 2: Registered Housing Associations
| District Office | Awaiting imminent relet | Difficult to Let | Undergoing Major Repairs Improvements | Pending Sale or Demolition | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballymena | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Ballycastle | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Ballymoney | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
Table 3: All tenures
| District Council Area | Vacant stock |
|---|---|
| Ballymena | 1044 |
| Ballymoney | 502 |
| Moyle (Ballycastle) | 475 |
Housing Executive
Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her department's targets to reduce the number of people on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list, over each of the next 3 years.
(AQW 5120/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Targets are based on an assessment of need that takes into account the estimated level of relets so as to arrive at a residual level of need. The Programme for Government, announced in January 2008 sets a target of 1,500 units in 2008/09, 1,750 in 2009/10 and 2,000 in Year 3 2010/11. As I announced in my statement to the Assembly in February, my target is to achieve 10,000 units of accommodation over the next 5 years.
Emergency Fund
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development what action she is taking to establish an emergency fund for out-of-hours and holiday periods, to be accessed by nominated staff, for those in emergency need due to fire, robbery or other crisis situations.
(AQW 5165/08)
Ms M Ritchie: An out-of-hours emergency service is operated by Social Services, weekdays 5.00pm to 9.00am and 24 hours on weekend and public holidays.
I have no plans to establish an emergency fund to provide an out-of-hours and holiday period service.
Affordable Social Housing
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps she is taking to ensure that co-ownership housing will be made available again to people seeking affordable social housing; and to provide a timescale within which new applications will be accepted and facilitated.
(AQW 5225/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Co-ownership will be available to at least 500 applicants in the year ahead. This is in line with the targets set out in the Executive’s Programme for Government.
Tullymally Road
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm a start date for work to be carried out on the Tullymally Road, to the rear of Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties (numbers 22, 24, etc); and to provide an estimation of the length of time that will be taken to complete the work.
(AQW 5228/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This Housing Executive road resurfacing scheme is currently programmed to start in August 2008 but to allow the scheme to proceed, the Housing Executive must acquire additional land to allow for surface water drainage. Negotiations for this purchase are continuing between the landowner and the Land and Property Services Agency. It is anticipated that the contract period will be some 12 weeks.
ASSEMBLY COMMISSION
Assembly Paintings
Mr J McCallister asked the Assembly Commission to detail (i) the number of paintings and other works of art that are owned by the Assembly; and (ii) the policy on displaying such works.
(AQW 4923/08)
- The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Commission owns the following works of art:
- Decisions on display of works of art within Parliament Buildings have in the past been taken by the Speaker or by the Commission it is likely that any good relations strategy that is developed by the Commission will consider this matter.
| Location | |
|---|---|
| 46 Rowel Friers drawings of Members of the Northern Ireland Parliament 1972 | Members bar |
| Portrait of Mr Seamus Mallon MP by Rita Duffy unveiled 25 March 2003 | Members dining room |
| "The Assembly in Session" by Noel Murphy February 2003 | Room 41 |
| "The House will divide" by Noel Murphy unveiled 10th February 2003 | Senate |
| Portrait of Lord Alderdice by Carol Graham unveiled on 11 March 2005 | Members dining room |
| State opening of N.I Parliament small version by William Conor | Room 41 |
| State opening of NI. Parliament large version by William Conor | Senate |
| A minton gold crown crested plate. Two coins in presentation frame, commemorating the opening of the NI Parliament, June 1921. Collection of a bottle, goblets and saucers in blue pottery.A boxed camera and case and various military items. | Artefacts store |
| Memorial gift a union flag, a picture of Jesus Christ and a picture of "roaring meg" with accompanying letters. Given to the NI Parliament in memory of Senator James Bailie. | Artefacts store |
| Model of Thiepval memorial tower | Artefacts store |
| Gilded throne | In storage |
| Framed letter from HRH Duke of Edinburgh | Artefacts store |
| Speakers state robes x 2 (both were fire damaged 1 has been restored) and Speakers full bottomed wig in carry caseCollection of clerks’ uniforms and wigsBlack rod’s uniform and sword | Artefacts store |
| Coronation vase decorated with the Queen’s beasts | Room 3 |
| Red leather dispatch boxes embossed with Royal Arms of Ulster | Senate |
| Maori ink stand | Library |
| Black Rod’s Ward of Office. Presented by the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava, First Speaker of the Senate in Northern Ireland | Artefacts store |
| The Parliament golf handicap challenge cup 1927 silver two-handled trophy dated 1926 and other silver ware | Artefacts store |
| 2 sterling silver maces | Room 41 |
| Items of Silver Diner Service | Artefacts store |
| Egg timer silver with crest of NI. Presented by Rt Hon Thomas Moles (first chairman of ways and means) to the House of Commons | Artefacts store |
| The Assembly crest | Room 41 |
| Large Chandelier | Great Hall |
| Crystal vase Presented to NIA for the Energy Management Award in 2005 | Currently in storage |
| Didgeridoo, presented to the Assembly from the Aboriginal Ambassador to Europe in November 2001 | Currently on display in the library |
The Commission would act as custodians for the people of Northern Ireland for several paintings and other works of art which are in the possession of Northern Ireland Assembly.
Review of the Assembly Secretariat
Mr A Attwood asked the Assembly Commission to confirm if it has decided to invite Mr George Reid to conduct an assessment of the implementation of his report; and to detail the consultation that will take place with (i) MLAs; (ii) Trade Unions; and (iii) Assembly staff, in relation to any further assessment by Mr Reid, of his report.
(AQW 5142/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter):
Both the Right Hon. George Reid and Mr John Hunter will meet the Assembly Commission, to discuss the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Review of the Secretariat. In advance of that, meetings are being arranged with Party Leaders, Whips and trade union representatives (dates to be confirmed but likely to be in late April 2008). Mr Hunter has spoken to some Assembly staff and Mr Reid has met the interim Clerk/Director General.
Assembly Staff
Mr A Attwood asked the Assembly Commission to confirm (i) if the information provided in application forms by people applying for the Assembly Clerk posts was considered for short listing purposes, and if not, to detail the reasons why; and (ii) if applicants for Assembly Clerk posts were assessed on the basis of marks scored in tests; and (iii) to give its assessment of the tests being (a) job related; and (b) essential to the post of Assembly Clerk.
(AQW 5143/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): (i) Following a compliance check by the Recruitment Office, on all application forms received for the Assembly Clerk posts, all those applicants whose application form was judged as compliant were invited to undertake job-related skills tests. Only the application forms of those who were judged as having met the required standard in these tests were subjected to a further eligibility sift.
Because of the large numbers of applicants for the Assembly Clerk posts, it was judged appropriate to ask applicants to undertake job-related skills tests in order to reduce the numbers to be considered for interview. This process was used in the previous 2004 Assembly Clerk recruitment exercise. The tests used were relevant to the post advertised and were selected by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) following a detailed analysis of the job description supplied by the Assembly.
(ii) As stated at (i) above the marks scored in the tests were used as a basis for reducing the numbers of applicants to be subjected to the further eligibility sift and potential interview. The eligibility sift was carried out in test score order.
(iii) The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has confirmed that the tests used were valid, reliable and appropriate to the post advertised. Before deciding on the most appropriate tests to be used in the Assembly Clerk competition, NISRA carried out a detailed analysis of the Assembly Clerk job description supplied by the Assembly. NISRA are confident that the tests were both valid in terms of compliance with equality requirements and appropriate in terms of relevance to the Assembly Clerk post.
(a)(b) With regard to whether the tests were essential to the post of Assembly Clerk, they are regarded as a valid, appropriate, relevant and necessary method of reducing the number of applicants to a manageable level prior to a full eligibility sift being carried out on all application forms in respect of those applicants who reached the required standard in the job-related skills tests.
Assembly Staff
Mr A Attwood asked the Assembly Commission to detail (i) who recommended that Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) staff be given responsibility for change management in the Assembly arising from the Review of the Assembly Secretariat, through the creation of the Implementation Group; (ii) who recommended the individual members of the Implementation Group; and (iii) how it satisfied itself that the Implementation Group would have a proper understanding of the culture and requirements of a parliamentary legislature, and would have the necessary independence to protect the standing and authority of the Assembly.
(AQW 5144/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): At the Assembly Commission meeting on 14 November 2007 it was agreed that additional resources would be required to support the interim Clerk/Director General to take forward the implementation issues arising from the of the Review of the Secretariat. Following discussions with Chair of the Steering Group, George Reid and the Review Director, John Hunter it was agreed that the Director of Implementation would be supported by two former members of the review team, with additional support provided from within the Secretariat and the Interim Management Board. This is entirely consistent with the interim arrangement whereby the Assembly Commission have, since March 2007, taken 61 staff to work within the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) on emergency re-deployment to supplement the work of the secretariat. The Commission recently agreed a recruitment schedule to fill posts substantively. In the case of the Implementation Team these posts will come to an end within the next 6 weeks. The Assembly Commission is satisfied that this partnership approach has provided the necessary range of skills and experience to take forward the key implementation issues.
Review of the Assembly Secretariat
Mr A Attwood asked the Assembly Commission to confirm if it has any knowledge that individuals and groups, with concerns arising from the Review of the Assembly Secretariat, have been refused the opportunity to speak to it in relation to those concerns.
(AQW 5145/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): Any requests for meetings with the Assembly Commission are referred to the Assembly Commission support office and the Clerk to the Commission, in particular. The Clerk to the Commission is unaware of any formal requests for meetings with the Assembly Commission that have not been referred to them for consideration.
Assembly Staff
Mr A Attwood asked the Assembly Commission if it acknowledges (i) the lack of capacity within the Assembly Secretariat to fulfil its business, arising from the abolition of the posts of Principal Clerk; (ii) the potential risk of a further reduction in capacity upon completion of the Assembly Clerk competition; and (iii) the impact on the independence and authority of the Assembly in the event that staff with the experience and institutional knowledge to protect its interests leave.
(AQW 5146/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Commission has endorsed a wide ranging recruitment programme to fill a large number of posts across the Secretariat, by means of open recruitment to permanent posts within the Assembly Secretariat. It has also agreed to move to formal separation from the NICS by 2010. Following the acceptance by the Assembly Commission of the recommendation in the Review of the Assembly Secretariat to achieve a management delaying in Clerking through the removal of the Principal Clerk level, a competition is being progressed to fill on a permanent basis vacant posts at Clerk level. This will help to regularise the current position where the majority of posts in the organisation are filled by staff who have not attained their present posts through any open competition, for example staff seconded from the NICS, agency staff or staff on temporary promotion. The Assembly Commission recognises that inevitably some current staff may not be successful in these competitions, and may leave or return to their parent departments. The Commission regrets this, but recognises its legal obligations to fill posts fairly. The Commission has asked senior officials to ensure that new staff are adequately trained and that experienced staff are deployed to best meet the immediate needs of the Assembly and its committees. The intention is to continue to support the business with minimal or no detriment to the quality of service provided to Members. The Assembly Commission is confident that in the medium term the skills and knowledge base in secretariat staff will improve as a result of the move to fill posts, on a permanent basis.
Review of the Assembly Secretariat
Mr A Attwood asked the Assembly Commission, pursuant to the answer to AQW 4806/08, to explain (i) why the letter dated 23 November 2007 from the Chairperson's Liaison Group (CLG) to the Director of Implementation, was then referred to the Director of Implementation; and (ii) how a report on the meeting that took place on 25 January 2008 between the Director of Implementation and the Chairperson of the CLG was provided to the Assembly Commission on 13 December 2007.
(AQW 5263/08)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): In clarifying the response to AQW 5263/08 I wish to explain that:
- the letter dated 23 November 2007 from the Chairperson’s Liaison Group (CLG) was sent directly to the Director of Implementation (Mr Duffy) and side copied to the Speaker; the Interim Clerk/Director General and the Clerk Assistant. The Assembly Commission was not copied into this correspondence.
- Mr Duffy replied to the correspondence on 7 December 2007 and this was reported in the Clerk’s Monthly Report, tabled at the Assembly Commission meeting on 13 December 2007. The topic was referred to again at the 19 March Assembly Commission meeting when the Clerk’s Monthly Report contained details of an FOI request regarding a letter from the Chair of CLG. Following a query by a Commission Member, at this particular meeting, a verbal update was subsequently provided referencing the meeting held on 25 January 2008 between the Chair of CLG, Mr Duffy and other Secretariat officials.
Review of the Assembly Secretariat
Mr A Attwood asked the Assembly Commission to confirm if it discussed (i) a letter dated 23 November 2007 from the chair of the Chairperson's Liaison Group (CLG) in relation to the Review of the Assembly Secretariat; and (ii) a report to the Commission from the Clerk/Director General arising from a meeting between senior staff and the chair of the CLG; and to detail its assessment of (a) the letter; and (b) the report.
(AQW 5264/08)
- The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Commission did not receive a copy of a letter dated 23 November from the Chair of the Chairperson’s Liaison Group (CLG). However this correspondence was referenced in the Clerk’s Monthly Report tabled at the Assembly Commission meeting on 13 December 2007 and again at the 19 March 2008 Commission meeting.
- The Assembly Commission did not receive a report from the Clerk/Director General giving details of a meeting between senior staff and the chair of CLG. As stated in (i) above the Clerk’s Monthly Reports, tabled at 13 December 2007 and 19 March 2008 Commission meetings contained reference to the CLG correspondence. Following a query by a Member at the 19 March 2008 Assembly Commission meeting a verbal explanation of how the correspondence was being handled was given and this included reference to a meeting held between the Director of Implementation (Mr Duffy), other senior staff and the Chair of CLG. (a) As stated above the Assembly Commission did not receive a copy of CLG’s letter. (b) As stated above, the Clerk/Director General did not provide a report of a meeting between senior staff and the Chair of CLG. Following a query by a Commission Member at 19 March 2008 meeting, the Clerk/Director General informed the Commission that a meeting had been held between the Director of Implementation (Mr Duffy), senior staff and the Chair of CLG. However details of the meeting were not discussed.