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 09 May 2008

Written Answers to Questions

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

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the discussions the Executive has had in relation to the post-primary transfer proposals.

(AQW 3693/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The Executive has, on a number of occasions, discussed the process for consideration of post primary transfer proposals. It is intended that the issue will be discussed by the Executive on 15 May.

Victims and Survivors

Mr Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its plans to introduce legislation to amend the definition of 'victim' in existing legislation for victims and survivors.

(AQW 5524/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We have agreed that we will ask the proposed new forum for Victims and Survivors to examine the issues around the definition of victim and make recommendations.

Royal Ulster Constabulary Part Time Reserve

Mrs Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on any further representations it has made since January 2008 in relation to the pension provision for former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Part Time Reserve, arising out of the debate in the Assembly on 26 June 2007.

(AQW 5571/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We refer the Member to previous answers to Mr David McNarry and Dr Stephen Farry which were printed in the Answer booklets on Friday 18 January and Friday 14 March 2008.

We have contacted the NIO again on this matter. We continue to await their response.

Staff Absence

Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of staff in the department that were absent due to stress for more than (i) 5 days; (ii) 10 days; (iii) 15 days; (iv) 20 days; (v) 25 days; (vi) 30 days; (vii) 35 days; and (viii) 40 days, broken down by grade.

(AQW 6191/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The total number of staff absent due to stress during the last 5 financial years was 32. The table below sets out the detail; however, the breakdown by grade has not been included, as to do so, could identify individuals.

Financial Year	Number of days absence	Number of Staff
2003/04	15-19days	1
	25-29 days	1
	40 plus days	3
Sub-total		5 Staff

2004/05	5-9 days	1
	40 days plus	2
Sub-total		3 staff
2005/06	5-9days	1
	15-19 days	2
	30-34 days	1
	40 plus	4
Sub-total		8 staff
2006/07	5-9	2
	15-19	1
	20-24	1
	40 plus	1
Sub-total		5 staff
2007/08	5-9	2
	10-14	1
	15-19	1
	20-24	1
	25-29	3
	35-39	1
	40 plus	2
Sub-total		11 staff

People with Disabilities

Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the targets set by their department in relation to the employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.

(AQW 6192/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Rather than setting goals or targets for the employment of people with disabilities, the NICS is committed to ensuring that its employment policies and practices provide people with disabilities with an equal opportunity for employment and advancement in the NICS.

The NICS continues to work with people with disabilities and their representatives to identify proactive measures to encourage people with disabilities to consider a career in the NICS and, when appointed, to remove any barriers to their retention and progression within the Service. And, whether or not staff declare they have a disability for monitoring purposes, Departments will make reasonable adjustments across the range of employment practices including, recruitment and selection, training and development, and working arrangements, to ensure people with disabilities are not disadvantaged compared to non-disabled people.

Work from Home

Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of staff who have been authorised to work from home since May 2007.

(AQW 6219/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As a major employer the NICS has for many years recognised the benefits that both individuals and the organisation can realise by enabling staff to have a flexible approach to their working day. Staff and managers work positively together to meet the challenge of ensuring that the needs of the individual and the business are met through a flexible working regime.

Approximately 20 members of staff have been given authorisation to work from home since May 2007. This includes regular authorised home-working arrangements as well as occasional and one-off requests to facilitate personal circumstances of staff concerned where the request meets business needs.

Disadvantaged Children

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what roles they intend to play to ensure that the interests of the most disadvantaged children are effectively addressed by the Executive.

(AQW 6382/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: There are several ways in which the Executive will ensure that the interests of the most disadvantaged children are effectively addressed. One of the most important being the targets reflected within its Programme for Government 2008-11 which commits to:

work toward the elimination of child poverty in Northern Ireland by 2020 and reducing child poverty by 50% by 2010; and

work toward the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012.

Additionally, in line with its statutory obligation under Section 28e of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Executive Committee will soon receive proposals for the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here, based on objective need.
Once the strategy has been adopted, the Executive will be asked to consider existing and new targets that will contribute to the Programme for Government targets. In doing so, it will take account of the findings and recommendations coming out of the current enquiry on child poverty being carried out by the OFMDFM Committee.

Account will also be given to the OFMDFM departmental work conducted on tackling disadvantage and barriers experienced by lone parents and people with disabilities, which is nearing completion.

The Junior Ministers chair the Ministerial Sub Committee on Children and Young People which has recently identified a number of key priorities. These include a specific focus on child poverty, vulnerable young people and children with a disability or mental health condition.

The Ministerial Sub Committee provides a platform on which these issues can be taken forward in a co-ordinated manner and effectively addressed by the Executive.

In order to ensure that we are addressing and meeting the needs of all children and young people, including the most disadvantaged, we need to hear from young people directly about key issues affecting their lives.

OFMDFM currently funds the Participation Network which can be accessed as a means of engaging children and young people on a range of issues.

Most recently the Junior Ministers attended a youth forum hearing organised by Save the Children at which the Ministers listened to the issues raised by the young people. They gave their commitment to consider the issues raised by the group and report back.

Business Class Flights

Mr Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of times that deputy First Minister McGuiness and Junior Minister Kelly have flown business class in their capacity as Ministers since assuming office in May 2007; and (ii) the cost incurred by the OFMDFM for this travel, and to confirm if flying business class is standard practice or whether the Ministers are given the option of flying business class.

(AQW 6390/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Business class flights are generally booked for Ministerial travel to ensure flights are fully refundable, reducing the risk of loss of funds through cancellation to allow for maximum flexibility as Ministers’ diaries are frequently subject to last minute changes and to facilitate work on Ministerial papers during travel.

The deputy First Minister has flown business class on official business seven times since 8 May 2007 incurring a total cost of £13,540.30. Junior Minister Kelly has flown business class on official business six times since 8 May 2007, totalling a cost of £5,678.56 and €520.28.

Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether the contact that Junior Minister Kelly made with party leaders on Tuesday 22 April 2008 in relation to the Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill was done on behalf of the OFMDFM.

(AQW 6391/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Junior Minister Kelly contacted party leaders by telephone on 22 April in his capacity as a Junior Minister in OFMDFM.

Paramilitary Flags

Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail, for each of the last 2 years, the numbers of (i) paramilitary flags; (ii) murals; and (iii) sectarian graffiti, in each parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6424/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The information is provided in the following table.

	Paramilitary Flags				Murals				Sectarian Graffiti
	2006		2007		2006		2007		2006		2007
Parliamentary Constituency	July	Sept	July	Sept	July	Sept	July	Sept	July	Sept	July	Sept
Belfast East	12	7	14	4	10	11	13	6	0	3	0	0
Belfast North	20	19	15	7	27	27	24	25	2	2	2	2
Belfast South	15	15	31	4	10	10	10	2	0	1	3	5
Belfast West	11	16	17	11	13	14	10	10	0	3	4	4
East Antrim	10	0	3	0	2	2	7	6	3	3	5	3
East Londonderry	6	0	0	1	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Foyle	12	7	12	8	8	15	4	4	2	4	4	4
Lagan Valley	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	4	3
Mid Ulster	4	2	4	5	2	2	0	0	2	1	0	0
Newry & Armagh	6	8	11	9	8	7	1	1	3	1	7	5
North Antrim	5	2	1	1	2	2	1	1	0	0	2	2
North Down	1	0	3	3	0	0	2	2	0	0	0	0
South Antrim	1	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
South Down	12	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Strangford	17	0	3	0	0	0	2	2	0	0	0	0
Upper Bann	1	3	1	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	0	0
West Tyrone	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	3	1	0	4	3
Total	133	89	115	53	84	91	79	64	14	20	35	31

Agriculture and Rural Development

Gortin Glen Forest Park

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to upgrade public amenities, including disabled areas and eating areas, at the Gortin Glen Forest Park.

(AQW 6169/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Gortin Glen Forest Park facilitates a wide range of recreation pursuits including walking, pony-trekking and cycling. A 5-mile scenic drive offers those less able the opportunity to experience the wider forest environment and spectacular views of the surrounding area.

A classroom and picnic tables provide informal eating facilities and these have been upgraded recently to allow access for the less able-bodied. A ramp has been installed to link the classroom to outside areas.

Options are also being considered to further improve facilities, particularly the toilets, to a standard appropriate to the level of usage.

In line with the Forest Service strategy for sustainability and growth, the potential for partnership arrangements will also be explored with other organisations, to identify opportunities to improve the quality of services and visitor experiences.

Equality Impact Assessments

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how much her department has spent on equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years.

(AQW 6175/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Over the last 3 years my Department has carried out Equality Impact Assessments and consultations on policies relating to the Drainage Infrastructure Charging Policy Development, Fisheries Policy, DARD aspects of the PfG, and the Rural Development Programme (2007-2013). The total costs for the EQIAs and related consultations amounts to £24,250.08.

People with Disabilities

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the targets set by her department in relation to the employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.

(AQW 6193/08)

Ms M Gildernew: This Department does not have targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities.

Migrant Workers

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any implications for migrant workers following the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board.

(AQW 6198/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Board protects the rights of agricultural workers in the areas of wages and holiday entitlement. For example the Board sets six ‘agricultural minimum rates of pay’ only the lowest of which is equal to the National Minimum Wage. The remaining rates are set higher than the National Minimum Wage to encourage workers to join the agricultural industry and to retain the workers we already have in the industry. In certain circumstances the Board allows for a greater holiday entitlement than that provided under the Working Time legislation. Abolition of the Board will remove these entitlements so worsening the employment conditions of workers in Agriculture, including migrant workers.

In addition, the Agri-food sector has used the Board’s “Standard Rate” as a benchmark for pay awards. Significant numbers of migrants are employed in the Agri-food sector and they would be disadvantaged by the loss of the Board’s rate which could leave the lower NMW rate as the benchmark.

The abolition of the Board will leave Agricultural workers, including migrants, at a disadvantage when compared to workers elsewhere on these islands as workers elsewhere will continue to enjoy the protection of an Agricultural Wages Board. We should not allow the exploitation of workers, and this is particularly important at a time of significant influx of migrant workers.

Farm Animals

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of people who, since June 1998, have been banned by the courts from keeping farm animals.

(AQW 6228/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Since 1999, the DARD Veterinary Service Central Enforcement Team (CET) has maintained a Register of disqualified people arising from DARD prosecutions under the Welfare of Animals Act 1972. This Register records 28 people disqualified through DARD and PSNI prosecutions for periods ranging from 1 year to life.

Cod Fishing Industry

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of (i) the recent European Union proposals to amend the cod recovery plan; and (ii) the effect of further closures on the recovery of the local cod fishing industry.

(AQW 6229/08)

Ms M Gildernew: (i) The main proposals that affect us include:-

Fishing effort to be managed to meet a mortality target rather than a stock biomass target;
For stocks in poor condition, the Total Allowable Catch will also be adjusted in line with the adjustment in effort;
Member States will be given a “pot” of effort that they can manage themselves, and can reallocate extra days to vessels undertaking cod conservation measures;

Some of these proposals are welcome, such as the flexibility for the member state to reallocate days, but other areas still need further clarification with the Commission on how they would work in practice. For example, it is not yet clear how the desire to meet mortality targets will affect the Total Allowable Catch. In addition the same mortality target is proposed for all sea areas and we want the Commission to explain the justification for this. Finally there is an implication that effort could no longer be transferred between sea areas and this would be a further unwelcome restriction.

(ii) It is likely that as long as cod stocks in the Irish Sea remain depleted, the Commission will continue to restrict the activity of vessels that target cod until stocks recover. However we will be discussing with industry representatives how the flexibility to manage our own days at sea can be used to our best advantage.

Work from Home

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of staff in her department, since devolution, who have been able to work from home.

(AQW 6307/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There is no formal home working policy within the NICS or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

All DARD staff are office-based. However, in a number of cases there can be short term local arrangements e.g. inspectors may not attend their office location regularly, depending upon circumstances.

The Department does not hold any central figures on home working.

Rural Communities

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps she is taking to support development for children and young people living in rural communities.

(AQW 6308/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Following my appointment as Minister, I asked my Department to establish a Rural Childcare Stakeholder Group to report on the difficulties facing childcare in rural areas and to make recommendations on how current and future provision could be improved. I received their report on the 23 April 2008 and it is now my intention that a Rural Childcare Programme is developed and that this will be funded from the rural anti-poverty and social exclusion funds secured following the budget 07 exercise. My Department will be working with the Group and others to identify what might be in the programme and how it fits with the work of other Departments and public bodies in this area.

In addition under the Axis 3, ‘Quality of life’ measures of the NIRDP 2007 -13, all Joint Council Clusters working in partnership with Local Action Groups will be required to make the needs of children and young people a key criterion to be addressed within their local rural development strategy. In this regard submitted strategies must be informed by A Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in NI 2006-2016. It is expected that at least 5%, amounting to approximately £5million, of the total programme funding, will be devoted to projects focussed on addressing the needs of children and young people. This requirement has been stressed to the Council Clusters and I look forward to the innovative actions that will be proposed for children and young people as part of their Rural Development strategies.

Fishery Harbours Authority

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the steps she is taking to remove Light Dues from the Co Down Fishing Fleet; and (ii) the investigation she has carried out into seeking assistance from the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbours Authority in relation to these charges.

(AQW 6345/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As I indicated in my answer to AQW 5461/08, responsibility for the provision of navigational aids at sea and the collection of light dues is not a devolved matter but continues to lie with the Department of Transport in London.

Focus Farm Scheme

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the role the Focus Farms, funded under measure 1.6 of the European Peace and Reconciliation programme, will have under the Focus Farm scheme being introduced under measure 1.1 of the Rural Development programme 2007-2013.

(AQW 6470/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The aim of this measure is to contribute to the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural businesses in the North of Ireland through farmer-led training.

The programme will provide support to 60 focus farmers from 10 sectors of production. The focus farmers will host visits to their farm by groups of farmers. By outlining the important aspects of their farm business, focus farmers will pass on their experience to the visiting farmers and emphasise the vital components of a successful farm business.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Danny Blanchflower Complex

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail any discussions his department has had in relation to the building of a stadium at the Danny Blanchflower complex in East Belfast.

(AQW 6159/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): My Department has had limited correspondence with both the Roads Service and the Planning Service in regard to the possibility of building a stadium at Blanchflower Park. Both organisations were asked for preliminary views on a 25,000-seater stadium at that location.

Apart from the capacity requirement there were no specifications given by the Department and therefore Roads and Planning Service were confined to making general observations on the proposal.

Amateur Drama Festivals

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the support offered by his department to amateur drama festivals such as those held annually in Carrickmore, Newtownstewart and Strabane.

(AQW 6167/08)

Mr E Poots: Funding in support of drama festivals in Northern Ireland is disbursed through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The Arts Council has awarded funding to the Association of Ulster Drama Festivals as detailed in the table below. The Mid-Ulster (Carrickmore), Newtownstewart and Strabane drama festivals are members of the Association.

Year	Programme	Grant (£)
2005-06	Lottery – Multi Annual Programme (3 year award)	34,500
2004-05	Annual Support for Organisations Programme	9,600
2002-03	Annual Support for Organisations Programme	9,500
2001-02	Annual Support for Organisations Programme	14,000
2000-01	Annual Support for Organisations Programme	9,500
1999-2000	Annual Support for Organisations Programme	10,500

Equality Impact Assessments

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much his department has spent on equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years.

(AQW 6172/08)

Mr E Poots: Over the last three years my department has spent £95,660.02 on consultations and equality impact assessments.

People with Disabilities

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the targets set by his department in relation to the employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.

(AQW 6195/08)

Mr E Poots: The department fully complies with all employment legislation regarding employment of people with disabilities. It will ensure that the recruitment policy will ensure equal opportunities for all

Neighbourhood Renewal Areas

Mrs McGill asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure 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 6286/08)

Mr E Poots: In addition to mainstream funding, resources allocated, in the past two years, to Neighbourhood Renewal areas through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Sport NI and the Integrated Development Fund amount to £13, 939, 259 .

Strabane has been awarded, through the Community Sport Programme funding of £37, 500 in 2006/07 and £51, 869 in 2007/08.

Ulster Museum

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans for the 'contemporary history' project in the Ulster museum.

(AQW 6327/08)

Mr E Poots: The new galleries at the refurbished Ulster Museum will include a history section, under the broad working heading ‘ Plantation to Power-Sharing’, a series of connected displays which cover a 400 year period from the early 17 th century to the present day. ‘Contemporary history’ will be addressed in this context and within a dedicated gallery space, the content of which is currently under development

There will be a display on the period referred to as “The Troubles”, covering the years from the late 1960s to the present, which will chronicle many of the significant events and political developments of our recent past. This is work in progress, in the course of which curators and designers will develop relevant themes and select a range of appropriate objects for inclusion in the gallery.

Irish Communication

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of people who (i) can communicate verbally in Irish; (ii) can communicate in writing in Irish; and (iii) communicate in Irish on a daily basis.

(AQW 6395/08)

Mr E Poots: It is difficult to provide definitive answers to your specific questions. However I would refer you to the figures contained in the 2001 Census which were based on the number of people in Northern Ireland aged three and over. The findings show the numbers and the percentage of the total number who completed the returns-:

167,490 (10.35%) had some knowledge of the Irish language

These figures included

133,352 (8.24%) who could understand spoken Irish,
115,731 (7.15%) could speak Irish,
102,784 (6.35%) could read Irish
90,879 (5.62%) able to write Irish.

The 2001 Census data did not include a question asking respondents if they used Irish on a daily basis.

My officials are currently in discussion with a leading academic in the field of Irish language to explore how best to gather evidence on the extent and level of understanding of the Irish language in N.I.

Commonwealth Games

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the sports in which Northern Ireland competes at the Commonwealth Games.

(AQW 6397/08)

Mr E Poots: The programme of the Commonwealth Games consists of a maximum of 17 sports. At the Delhi 2010 Games the sports to be included will be:- aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, rugby 7’s, shooting, squash, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.

No selection has yet taken place for the Delhi Games, however, in 2006 Northern Ireland athletes competed in:- aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, lawn bowls, shooting, squash, table tennis and triathlon.

Stress-Related Illnesses

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of working days lost by his Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6499/08)

Mr E Poots:

Month	No of Days	Month	No of Days
May 2006	23	May 2007	59
June 2006	49	June 2007	15
July 2006	9	July 2007	20
August 2006	19	August 2007	43
September 2006	6	September 2007	48
October 2006	5	October 2007	54
November 2006	4	November 2007	39
December 2006	25	December 2007	44
January 2007	41	January 2008	63
February 2007	32	February 2008	77
March 2007	50	March 2008	39
April 2007	59	April 2008	58

Irish Language

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the progress he has made in relation to formulating a strategy for the Irish language.

(AQW 6545/08)

Mr E Poots: The Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group (ICIG) has, at its last two meetings held in January and April 2008, discussed the development of an Indigenous Minority Languages Strategy.

Further work on the strategy, at Departmental level, is underway, and I expect to be in a position to report on this matter later in the year.

Department's Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the websites that come under his Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6603/08)

Mr E Poots: The following table details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of DCAL. The table includes the number of visitors since devolution (8 th May 2007) as well as the number of page views and associated maintenance costs for this period to date.

Information on page views has been included because visits to sites are no longer seen as an accurate form of measurement.

Websites that come under the Office’s responsibility:

Website	Visitors	Page views	Maintenance Cost
www.dcalni.gov.uk	139,780	525,328	£689.40
www.dcal-fishingni.gov.uk	38,849	291,534	£6,027.51
www.proni.gov.uk	1,269,896	6,290,837	£804.53
www.rediscoverni.com	72,257	10,534,783	£114.90

Olympic Events

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the likely number of Olympic events that will be held in the proposed multi sports stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh site.

(AQW 6737/08)

Mr E Poots: The official bid document [submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by London 2012 to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games] states that if Northern Ireland builds its planned stadium, this would be considered as a venue to hold the preliminary rounds of the Olympic Football Tournament. The location of the stadium was not mentioned in these documents.

Northern Ireland has been successful in having 27 sporting facilities included in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide for 2012. Two of the venues are football facilities. The Pre Games Training Camp Guide is due to be launched at the Olympic Games in Beijing in the Summer of 2008.

Maze Stadium

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his assessment of whether (i) there is a location in Belfast that could accommodate a new multi sports stadium; (ii) this location could cater for the three main sporting organisations; and (iii) the allocation of £70 million could be reassigned to a new stadium in Belfast.

(AQW 6738/08)

Mr E Poots: The Outline Business Case on the Multi-Sport Stadium which the Department of Finance and Personnel is considering at present includes, as main options, building a two-sport (football and rugby) 30,000-seater stadium at the North Foreshore, Belfast and a three-sport (football, rugby and Gaelic games) 38,500-seater stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh site. No other locations have been identified for either a two-sport or a three-sport scenario. On the matter of funding, I would refer to my answer given to you under AQW 6045/08.

Education

Capital Expenditure

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of capital expenditure by her department on new and existing schools in each of the last five years, broken down by parliamentary constituency and local government district.

(AQW 5340/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Tá an caiteachas caipitil iomlán ar scoileanna nua agus ar scoileanna atá ann cheana féin i ngach ceann de na cúig bliana seo caite leagtha amach thíos:-

Total capital expenditure on new and existing schools in each of the last five years set out below:-

£000s

2003/04 129,179

2004/05 140,759

2005/06 121,650

2006/07 135,672

2007/08 136,792 (estimate)

The capital figures include both major works and schools for new replacement schools and refurbishment of existing schools, and minor works schemes. The department does not hold the records of capital expenditure by constituency or district council, and it would only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Head Teachers

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to commission an investigation into reasons behind the gender imbalance in the employment of head teachers.

(AQW 5414/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi láthair, i ndiaidh bheith i gcomhairle le fostóirí agus le ceardchumainn, tá mo Roinn ag cur críche le téarmaí tagartha i gcomhair athbhreithnithe ar lucht saothair na scoileanna.

My Department is currently finalising terms of reference for a review of the school workforce, having consulted with employers and trade unions. The review will cover a wide range of issues, including gender balance both at school leadership level and in the teaching profession generally.

My Department is fully committed to integrating equality and diversity into its core priorities and functions. I recognise not only the importance of promoting equality, including gender equality, within education itself, but also the contribution that education can make to promoting equality throughout society.

Fire Prevention

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the current fire prevention legislation that is in place for schools; and to confirm if each school meets the required standards.

(AQW 5525/08)

Ms C Ruane: The current fire prevention legislation applied in schools is the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations (NI) 2001 and Building Regulations (NI) 2006 (part E). The risk assessments carried out under the Fire Precautions Regulations also satisfy the Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006. There is a programme of work underway to ensure fire risk assessments are carried out for all schools.

Go dtí seo tá 750 curtha i gcrích. Tá gach measúnacht á meas ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus ag an Roinn le socrú cén gníomhú eile a theastaíonn.

To date 750 have been completed. Each of the assessments is being considered by the Education and Library Boards and the department to consider what further action is required.

Dyslexia Support

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education to detail the support available to parents and schools in diagnosing a child with dyslexia.

(AQW 5572/08)

Ms C Ruane: Education and Library Boards (ELBs) do not provide a diagnostic service for children with dyslexia. They do, however, assess the special educational needs of children referred to them by, for example, schools and parents. Those referred for assessment will include children with dyslexia.

I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the ELBs that a range of special education support and provision is available to parents and schools for a child identified with dyslexia as follows:-

Dyslexia awareness training to schools (and parents as requested by schools) to enhance the capacity of teachers to identify and respond appropriately in addressing dyslexia;

In addition a range of strategies, resources and computer assisted programmes is available to pupils with dyslexia for whom more traditional methods are unsuccessful;

All Educational Psychologists (EPs) are trained and skilled in the assessment and identification of dyslexia. Following the identification of dyslexia EPs provide a comprehensive range of support including recommendations and resources to parents and schools to assist the pupil achieve his/her potential;

When children who are thought to have dyslexia are put forward for assessment at Stage 3 of the Code of Practice (COP), they are either screened for additional Board support by Psychology Assistants or EPs. The EPs uses a large battery of cognitive and attainment tests in the identification of dyslexia. Agreed five-Board criteria for additional Stage 3 and Stage 5 support are applied in each case.

Some schools have achieved or are working towards achievement of Dyslexia Friendly status usually in association with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). Schools are supported by the Board services in achieving this award;

From 2004/05 to 2007/08, the Department of Education (DE) has provided an additional £2m to the five ELBS to provide training for teachers in identification techniques relating to dyslexia.

Chomh maith leis sin, bhí an Roinn Oideachas páirteach in acmhainní ranga a tháirgeadh chun tacú le hidirghabhálacha dearfacha. Dáileadh na hacmhainní seo a leanas chuig gach scoil ó thuaidh: fístéip chomhlántach, CD-ROM agus DVD-ROM ar Dhisléicse, arna léiriú ag comhghrúpa oibre ón Roinn Oideachais agus an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta i mBaile Átha Cliath, agus treoir do mhúinteoirí “Timpeallacht Thacúil Foghlama a Fhorbairt do Dhaltaí Disléicseacha”.

DE has also been involved in producing classroom resources to support positive interventions. A complementary video, CD-ROM and DVD‑ROM on Dyslexia, produced by a joint working group from DE and the DES in Dublin, and a guide for teachers “Developing a Dyslexia Friendly Learning Environment”, have been distributed to all schools in the North.

Sports Grounds

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the monies available for developing sports grounds for (i) primary schools; and (ii) secondary schools.

(AQW 5666/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní ann do bhuiséad ar leith i gcomhair páirceanna spóirt a fhorbairt i scoileanna. Nuair atá iarbhunscoil nua á pleanáil déantar méid na talún atá ar fáil a fhorbairt go hiomlán do áiseanna spóirt, ar bhealach leordhóthanach chun an curaclam a chur i gcrích.

There is no specific budget for developing sports grounds at schools. When a new post-primary school is being planned, the amount of ground available is developed to its full potential for sports facilities, sufficient to deliver the curriculum. Sports pitches are not normally provided at primary schools. Primary schools are entitled to hard play and grass play areas sufficient to deliver the curriculum. Schools can also apply for minor capital works funding to address deficiencies in facilities including sports facilities.

Teaching Staff

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the average time taken for the appointment of teaching staff, broken down by Education and Library Board.

(AQW 5758/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá curtha in iúl ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne gurb é meánlíon na seachtainí a tógadh le baill teagaisc a cheapadh do gach ceann de na trí bliana seo caite ná:

The Education and Library Boards have indicated that the average number of weeks taken for the appointment of teaching staff for each of the last three years is as follows:

	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
Belfast Education and Library Board	12	13	14
North Eastern Education and Library Board	10	10	10
South Eastern Education and Library Board	11	17	17
Southern Education and Library Board 1	11	9	10
Western Education and Library Board 2	8	5.5 3	8

1 Figures are on the basis of a conditional offer of employment being issued prior to the pre-employment checks being conducted. Such checks during this period averaged 2 – 6 weeks.
2 Figures are on the basis of a conditional offer of employment being issued prior to the pre-employment checks being conducted. Thereafter, it can take from 4 – 10 weeks before the successful applicant takes up employment.
3 The majority of permanent teacher vacancies were advertised in the period from April – July. As a consequence shorter closing dates were used resulting in a reduction in the time taken to effect appointments.

Youth Workers

Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of youth workers, funded by her department, who are based in the North Belfast constituency; and (ii) the organisations in which these youth workers are based.

(AQW 5816/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education currently provides funding to the Belfast and North Eastern Education and Library Boards and the Bytes Project which employ youth workers in the North Belfast constituency.

Chuir Príomhfheidhmeannaigh Bhoird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne Bhéal Feirste agus an Oirdheiscirt agus Stiúrthóir Bytes an t-eolas a leanas ar fáil ar líon na n-oibrithe óige a úsáidtear sa toghcheantar agus na heagraíochtaí ina bhfuil siad lonnaithe:

The Chief Executives of the Belfast and North Eastern Education and Library Boards and the Director of Bytes provided the following information on the number of youth workers deployed in the constituency and the organisations in which they are based:

	Full – time youth workers posts	Part – time youth workers posts	Youth Workers Posts Funded by
Newlodge Bytes	2	1	Bytes Project
North Belfast Area Project	8	0	BELB
Fortwilliam Youth Club	1	7	BELB
Mountcollyer Youth Club	0	1	BELB
NewLodge Youth Club	1	3	BELB
Ardoyne Youth Club	1	6	BELB
Holy Family Youth Centre	1	6	BELB
JohnPaul II Youth Club	1	5	BELB
CairnLodge Youth Club	0	4	BELB
Mountainhill Youth Club	0	6	BELB
Deanby Youth Club	0	5	BELB
Woodvale Youth Club	0	2	BELB
Newtownabbey Phab	0	3	NEELB
Rathcoole Youth Centre	1	8	NEELB
Millgreen Youth Centre	1	7	NEELB

Review of Teacher Education

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which the 'Review of Teacher Education' will be completed.

(AQW 6038/08)

Ms C Ruane: The joint Department of Education/Department for Employment and Learning review of teacher education has been taken forward in consultation with the wider education system through a series of annual teacher education conferences in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and culminating in a meeting of stakeholders at a Teacher Education Review Workshop in 2007.

Ar scór an phróisis chomhairliúcháin seo, agus ag cur san áireamh tuairimí breise ó bhaill de Ghrúpa Pháirtithe Leasmhara le haghaidh Oideachais Mhúinteoirí déanfar dréacht de chreatphaipéar beartais ar Athbhreithniú ar Oideachas Múinteoirí a chur chugam agus chuig an Aire Empey sula i bhfad.

On foot of this consultative process, and taking account of further comments from members of the Teacher Education Stakeholders’ Group, a draft Teacher Education Review policy framework paper will be submitted to me and to Minister Empey in the near future. The timescale for completion of the Review from that point onwards will be determined by a number of factors, including consideration by the DE and DEL Committees, the other Ministers and the Executive Committee.

Sure Start Programme

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the next 3 years, the projected funding for every Sure Start programme.

(AQW 6067/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sonraí maidir le gach Surestart le linn na dtrí bliana airgeadais seo caite le fáil sa tábla thíos:

Details of projected funding for current Sure Start projects are contained in the table below:

Project	2008-2009	2009-2010	2010-2011
Clogher Valley	£455,728	£466,210	£476,933
Orana	£638,249	£652,929	£667,946
Close to Home	£500,127	£511,630	£523,397
South Armagh	£549,277	£561,910	£574,834
Blossom	£501,947	£513,492	£525,302
Keady/Callanbridge	£102,500	£104,858	£107,269
Splash	£552,359	£565,063	£578,060
Little Hands	£440,984	£451,127	£461,503
Shantallow	£500,370	£511,879	£523,652
Dungiven	£461,186	£471,793	£482,645
Strabane	£667,787	£683,146	£698,858
Last, Omagh	£508,805	£520,508	£532,479
Cherish Irvinestown	£511,688	£523,457	£535,496
West Bank, Derry	£338,458	£346,243	£354,206
East Bank, Derry	£438,979	£449,076	£459,404
West Tyrone	£321,387	£328,779	£336,341
Ballymena South	£658,642	£673,791	£689,288
Coleraine	£539,433	£551,840	£564,532
Dalriada	£487,882	£499,103	£510,583
Gold	£533,169	£545,432	£557,977
Horizon	£449,864	£460,211	£470,796
Newtownabbey	£567,556	£580,610	£593,964
SMILE	£441,244	£451,393	£461,775
Glenbrook	£411,704	£421,173	£430,860
Shankill	£487,149	£498,353	£509,816
Clan Mor	£447,685	£457,982	£468,515
Downpatrick	£551,404	£564,086	£577,060
LAP	£481,795	£492,876	£504,212
Colin Neighbourhood	£546,349	£558,915	£571,770
East Belfast	£594,634	£608,311	£622,302
South Belfast	£618,620	£632,848	£647,404
Outer West	£419,682	£429,335	£439,209
Upper Springfield	£378,682	£387,392	£396,302
Beechmount	£163,432	£167,191	£171,036

Equality Impact Assessments

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Education to detail the amount of money her department has spent on (i) equality impact assessments; and (ii) consultations, over the last three years.

(AQW 6116/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl eolas ar fáil ar chostais bheachta na measúnachtaí ar thionchar an chomhionannais agus na comhairliúcháin a rinneadh le trí bliana anuas. Cuirtear na gníomhaíochtaí seo i bhfeidhm mar chuid de ghnáthghnó na Roinne agus ní dhéantar na costais a idirdhealú.

Information is not available on the precise costs of equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years. These activities are carried out as part of the Department’s normal business and the costs are not recorded separately.

The Department, in line with other NICS departments, follows the Equality Commission’s Guiding Principals on Consultation as well as their Practical Guidance on Equality Impact Assessment.

Assembly Questions

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the cost of translation into Irish of (a) answers to Assembly question; and (b) all other departmental documents since May 2007; and (ii) the procedure used to carry out such translation.

(AQW 6127/08)

Ms C Ruane:

i) Expenditure on partially or completely translating Assembly questions into the Irish language is £1,254 1. Expenditure on translating all other departmental documents partially or completely into Irish is £11,650 2. This figure is from 8 May 2007 to 18 April 2008 and includes some documents that have been translated from Irish into English.

ii)Tá an Roinn Cultúir, ealaíona agus Fóillíochta (DCAL) freagrach as seirbhís aistriúcháin agus teangaireachta a bhainistiú do gach Roinn. Tá liosta comhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin Ghaeilge agus ón nGaeilge a sholáthar ag DCAL agus Rannóg Soláthair Lárnach na Roinne Airgeadais

ii) The Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is responsible for managing a translation and interpretation service for all Departments. DCAL and Central Procurement Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel have set up a call off list of firms who can provide translations into and out of Irish. Requests for translations are submitted to DCAL who distribute to the translators on a rotational basis. Once translations are completed DCAL returns to the Department.

Assembly Questions

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the process of obtaining a translation of a document or answer to an Assembly question into Irish.

(AQW 6146/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is responsible for managing a translation and interpretation service for all Departments. DCAL and Central Procurement Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel have set up a call off list of firms who can provide translations into and out of Irish. Requests for translations are submitted to DCAL who distribute to the translators on a rotational basis. Once translations are completed DCAL returns to the Department.

Tá liosta ann de chomhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin a sholáthar, mar sin athraíonn na táillí.

There is a call off list of firms who provide translations therefore charges vary.

Language Translation

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost, per word, to have a document translated from English into Irish.

(AQW 6147/08)

Tá liosta ann de chomhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin a sholáthar, mar sin athraíonn na táillí.

There is a call off list of firms who provide translations therefore charges vary.

Irish-Medium Schools

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to provide a summary of the inspectorate reports of each Irish-medium school in each of the Education Boards.

(AQW 6148/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá achoimre ar na tuarascálacha cigireachta do scoileanna Gaeilge i ngach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ar fáil ar láithreán Gréasáin na Roinne Oideachais.

The summary of the inspection reports for Irish-medium schools in each Education and Library Board are available on the DE website.

A web link to each of the school reports is provided below.

Belfast Education & Library Board

School Name	De Reference	Inspection Type	Inspection Date

Bunscoil An Tsleibhe Dhuibh	104-6593	Follow-up	Nov ‘01
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2001_11/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil_an_tsleibhe_dhuibh.DOC

Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain	104-6596	Focused	Apr ‘07
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_06/focused_inspection_bunscoil_bheann_mhadagain_belfast.PDF

Bunscoil Phobal Feirste	104-6501	Focused	May ‘02
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_10/focused_inspection_bunscoil_phobal_feirste.DOC

Bunscoil Phobal Feirste	104-6501	Follow-up	Jan ‘04
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2004_02/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil_phobal_feirste_belfast.DOC

Gaelscoil Na Bhfal Belfast	104-6571	General	Apr ‘01
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_01/general_inspection_gaelscoil_na_bhfal_belfast.DOC

Gaelscoil Na Bhfal Belfast	104-6571	Survey (Creative & Expressive)	Feb ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_04/creative_and_expressive_survey_gaelscoil_na_bhfal_belfast.DOC

Meanscoil Feirste	124-0291	Follow-up	Nov ‘01
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_01/follow_up_inspection_meanscoil_feirste.DOC

Meanscoil Feirste	124-0291	Focused	Nov ‘00
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2000_08/meanscoil_feirste.DOC

Gaelscoil Na Bhfal Belfast	104-6571	Follow-up	May ‘03
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2003_08/Follow_up_Inspection_Report_Gaelscoil%20na%20bFhal_Belfast.DOC

Scoil An Droichid Belfast	104-6641	Focused	Feb ‘04
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2004_06/focused_inspection_scoil_an_droichid_belfast.DOC

Scoil An Droichid Belfast	104-6641	Follow-up	Jun ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_06/follow_up_inspection_scoil_an_droichid_belfast.DOC

Colaiste Feirste	124-0291	Secondary	Feb ‘07
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_05/standard_inspection_colaiste_feirste_belfast.PDF

Western Education & Library Board

School Name	De Reference		Inspection Type	Inspection Date

Bunscoil An Traonaigh Lisnaskea	204-6669		Focused	May ‘07
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_06/focused_inspection_bunscoil_an_traonaigh_lisnaskea.PDF

Bunscoil Cholmcille	203-6574		Follow-up	Mar ‘02
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2002_06/follow-up_inspection_report_%20bunscoil_cholmcille.DOC

Bunscoil Cholmcille	203-6574		Focused	May ‘99
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/1999_11/bunscoil_cholmcille_londonderry.DOC

Bunscoil Cholmcille	203-6574		Follow-up	Jun ‘00
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2000_08/bunscoil_cholmcille.DOC

Bunscoil Cholmcille	203-6574		Follow-up	Feb ‘01
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2001_03/bunscoil_cholmcille.DOC

Bunscoil Cholmcille	203-6574		Follow-up	Jan ‘03
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2003_03/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil_cholmcille_londonderry.DOC

Bunscoil Cholmcille	203-6574		Follow-up	Feb ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_04/creative_and_expressive_survey_bunscoil_cholmcille_londonderry.DOC

Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir	204-6646		Focused	Jun ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_08/focused_inspection_gaelscoil_eadain_mhoir.DOC

Gaelscoil Eadin Mhoir	204-6646		Follow-up	May ‘07
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2007_08/follow_up_inspection_gaelscoil_eadain_mhoir_derry.PDF

Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh Strabane		204-6638	Survey (ICT)	May ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_08/ict_survey_gaelscoil_ui_dhochartaigh_strabane.DOC

North-Eastern Education & Library Board

School Name	De Reference	Inspection Type	Inspection Date

Bunscoil An Chaistil	304-6653	Focused	Nov ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2006_02/focused_inspection_bunscoil_an_chaistil.DOC

Bunscoil An Chaistil	304-6653	Follow-up	Jan ‘08
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2008_01/follow_up_inspection_bunscoil%20an%20chaistil_ballycastle.PDF

South-Eastern Education & Library Board

School Name	De Reference	Inspection Type	Inspection Date

Scoil Na Fuiseoige Belfast	404-6600	Focused	Jan ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_02/focused_inspection_scoil_na_fuiseoige_belfast.DOC

Scoil Na Fuiseoige Belfast	404-6600	Follow-up	Jun ‘06
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2006_06/follow_up_inspection_scoil_na_fuiseoige_primary_school_belfast.DOC

Southern Education & Library Board

School Name	De Reference	Inspection Type	Inspection Date

Bunscoil An Iuir	504-6597	District Inspection	Feb ‘05
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2005_05/creative_and_expressive_survey_bunscoil_an_iuir.DOC

Gaelscoil Ui Neill	504-6637	Follow-up	Mar ‘08
http://www.denidata.nics.gov.uk/insp/inspection_reports/2008_04/follow_up_inspection_gaelscoil_ui_neill_coalisland.PDF

Language Translation

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to identify the person or organisation tasked with carrying out the process of translation into Irish on behalf of the department.

(AQW 6154/08)

Tá liosta ann de chomhlachtaí atá ceadaithe chun aistriúcháin a sholáthar, mar sin athraíonn na táillí.

There is a call off list of firms who provide translations therefore charges vary.

Killard Special School

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) pupils; and (ii) staff, at Killard Special School.

(AQW 6164/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sa bhliain 2007/08 bhí 171 dalta ag freastal ar Killard Special School.

In 2007/08, there were 171 pupils at Killard Special School.

The full-time equivalent number of staff was 52.4. This figure is made up of 26.5 full-time equivalent teaching staff and 25.9 full-time equivalent non-teaching staff.

Note:

1. Latest available figures for teaching staff relate to 2006/07. However, figures for full-time equivalent non-teaching staff relate to 2007/08.
2. The source for enrolment figures is the annual school census.

Work from Home

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of staff who have been authorised to work from home since May 2007.

(AQW 6221/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ó Bhealtaine 2007 i leith ní cheadaíodh d’aon bhall foirne sa Roinn Oideachais obair ón mbaile.

No staff within the Department of Education have been authorised to work from home since May 2007.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why a meeting was held between the South Eastern Education and Library Board and the parents of children attending Donaghadee High School, on Tuesday 22 April, given that the SEELB (i) had no further information; and (ii) could not provide answers to questions posed by the parents.

(AQW 6322/08)

Ms C Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board have advised that it arranged consultation meetings with the Board of Governors, staff and parents of pupils at Donaghadee High School to inform them of the proposed date of closure of 31 August 2009 and that it was also proposed that no pupils would be admitted to year 8 in September 2008. These details were not available at earlier consultation meetings. Any outstanding responses to questions raised by parents are being compiled and will be made available via the school principal.

Tuigim gur eisigh an Bord litreacha comhairliúcháin do scoileanna sa limistéar, don fhoireann agus do na tuismitheoirí ag Ardscoil Domhnach Daoi ar 4 Aibreán 2008. Níor tháinig preaseisiúint faoin scéal seo ón mBord. Bheadh tuismitheoirí feasach go bhféadfaí an scoil a dhúnadh ó chruinnithe comhairliúcháin roimhe sin .

I understand the Board issued consultation letters to schools in the area, the staff and parents of pupils at Donaghadee High School on 4 April 2008. There was no press release on this matter from the Board. Parents would also have been aware of the potential for the closure of the school from previous consultation meetings.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why the parents of children attending Donaghadee High School were informed in the press that the school was being recommended for closure by the Commissioners of the South Eastern Education and Library Board, given that their development proposal was not due to be published until 29 April 2008.

(AQW 6330/08)

Stress-Related Illnesses

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of working days lost by her Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6500/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Month	Working days lost due to stress-related illnesses
Month	2006/ 07	2007/ 08
April	85	34
May	31	40
June	5	27
July	3	20
August	37	22
September	20	36
October	36	63
November	82	100
December	62	58
January	44	66
February	36	56
March	18	50

Employment and Learning

Migrant Workers

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the provision of construction skills and health and safety training for migrant workers.

(AQW 6196/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has published guidance, which indicates relevant training and information, in English, Russian and Polish for migrant workers in the construction industry. Access to skills training is available to migrant workers on construction sites through CITB’s Mobile Training Unit.

Education Funding

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail his plans to provide young people in asylum to be assessed as Home Students in order to qualify for university education funding.

(AQW 6199/08)

Sir Reg Empey: In order to qualify for home fee status for tuition fees at Higher Education Institutions, young asylum seekers in Northern Ireland must be “ordinarily resident” in the United Kingdom and Islands throughout the three-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course and be a “person with leave to enter or remain” in the UK. This residency rule applies throughout the UK. There are no plans to change this since legal advice is that Northern Ireland should maintain parity in matters relating to immigration and asylum in which the Home Office takes the lead.

Staff Disciplinary Procedures

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of staff in his department who, since 8 May 2007, have (i) received official warnings; and (ii) faced disciplinary procedures.

(AQW 6218/08)

Sir Reg Empey: During the period 8 th May 2007 to 21 st April 2008 the number of staff in his department who, since 8 May 2007, have received (i) official warnings; and (ii) faced disciplinary procedures are outlined in the table below:

Process	Number of official warnings issued	Number of staff who faced disciplinary procedures
Conduct and Discipline	6	8
Inefficiency sickness	110	427
Inefficiency Performance	1	1

College Merger

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail any discussions his department has had with Queens University and Stranmillis College in relation to a possible merger between the two institutions.

(AQW 6240/08)

Sir Reg Empey: As you would expect, my Department has a continuing and positive relationship with both Queen’s University Belfast and Stranmillis University College, which entails discussions on a wide range of issues. Given the range of factors affecting Initial Teacher Education, including the falling number of pupils and surplus of teachers, my Department has had ongoing discussions with the College about its potential future direction. In particular, at senior level in the past six months there has been one meeting with Queen’s University and one with Stranmillis University College.

People with Disabilities

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the targets his department has set in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in his department over the next 5 years.

(AQW 6261/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department does not have targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities. Equal opportunities monitoring of the Northern Ireland Civil Service workforce and the associated setting of goals or targets, is a function carried out by Central Personnel Group in the Department of Finance and Personnel on behalf of the NICS.

The NICS does not set specific goals or targets for the employment of people with disabilities, but is committed to ensuring that its employment policies and practices provide people with disabilities, with an equal opportunity for employment and advancement. The NICS proactively tries to identify measures to encourage people with disabilities to consider a career in the NICS and, when appointed, to remove any barriers to their retention and progression within the Service.

Staff do not always declare disabilities for monitoring purposes, but Departments make reasonable adjustments across the range of employment practices including, recruitment and selection, training and development, and working arrangements, to ensure people with disabilities are not disadvantaged.

Occupational Therapy Course

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of students from (i) Northern Ireland; (ii) the Republic of Ireland; (iii) Scotland; (iv) Wales; and (iv) England, who have been accepted into the Occupational Therapy course at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

(AQW 6296/08)

Sir Reg Empey: As a proxy for accepted students the Department can provide information on the number of first year enrolments on the Occupational Therapy course at the University of Ulster (UU), Jordanstown.

The total number of first year students from (i) Northern Ireland; (ii) the Republic of Ireland; (iii) Scotland; (iv) Wales; and (v) England, enrolled on the Occupational Therapy course at the UU, Jordanstown in 2006/07 are detailed in the table below:

Domicile	Total
Northern Ireland	35
Republic of Ireland	0
Scotland	0
Wales	0
England	0

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5.

Departmental Land

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the land sold by his department in the North Down constituency since 2002.

(AQW 6300/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department has not sold any land in the North Down constituency since 2002.

Departmental Land

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the land and acreage belonging to the department, and the plans for this land.

(AQW 6309/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The only land owned by my Department is the former Government Training Centre site at Felden (3.516 hectare). The Northern Regional College are using it, on a temporary basis, as a training/teaching facility until they complete a new build and refurbishment project at their Newtownabbey Campus. These new facilities are expected to be ready for occupation by January 2010 at which time the Felden Centre will become surplus to requirements and will be sold through the Public Sector Disposal of Surplus Land and Property arrangements.

Work from Home

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of staff in his department, since devolution, who have been able to work from home.

(AQW 6372/08)

Sir Reg Empey: No staff of the Department for Employment and Learning have been formally authorised to work from home since 8 th May 2007.

However some managers may allow staff in certain circumstances to work from home on an ad hoc basis: for example, to complete certain pieces of work; to accommodate particular home or travel pressures for a short-term period; or to facilitate recommended reasonable adjustments. No records of these arrangements are held centrally.

Departments Correspondence

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which his Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

(AQW 6377/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning monitors and promotes the use of electronic communications, as part of its green policy initiative which was introduced in March 2005.

Staff have been instructed to use electronic distribution of information, whenever possible, for both internal and external communications. This policy has been adopted in order to reduce the volume of printed material and applies to consultation documents, reports, leaflets etc.

External customers are also encouraged to communicate with the Department through electronic means.

Stranmillis University College

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the discussions he or his officials had with Stranmillis University college and Queens University Belfast in relation to a possible merger, prior to the announcement by the chairman of the board of governors of Stranmillis that a merger had been agreed.

(AQW 6398/08)

Sir Reg Empey: As you would expect my Department has regular discussions with both Queen’s University Belfast and Stranmillis University College about a range of issues. In the last six months one meeting was held between senior officials of the Department and Queen’s University Belfast about potential options for the College and one meeting between senior officials of the Department and Stranmillis University College about potential options for the College.

Stranmillis University College

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give his assessment of the decision by Queens University Belfast and Stranmillis University college to merge.

(AQW 6399/08)

Sir Reg Empey: A decision by Stranmillis University College and QUB to merge has only been taken in principle. Under the existing legislation, the Governing Body of Stranmillis shall not effect any major change in the character of the college without the consent of my Department. In addition any such proposal, if approved, would require new legislation which will be subject to consultation in line with normal Committee and Assembly procedures.

Further Education Courses

Mrs McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail, for the 2007-08 academic year, the number of students enrolled in (i) full-time; and (ii) part-time, further education courses in each district council area.

(AQW 6789/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Full-year data for the 2007/08 academic year will not be available until November 2008. However, student numbers in Northern Ireland’s Further Education colleges in 2006/07, by mode of attendance and by Local Government District, is provided in the Table below.

	Mode of Attendance
Local Government District	Full-time	Part-time	Total
ANTRIM	600	2,169	2,769
ARDS	1,006	2,854	3,860
ARMAGH	729	2,723	3,452
BALLYMENA	782	2,183	2,965
BALLYMONEY	462	1,270	1,732
BANBRIDGE	491	1,883	2,374
BELFAST	2,598	13,434	16,032
CARRICKFERGUS	410	1,212	1,622
CASTLEREAGH	728	3,270	3,998
COLERAINE	777	2,338	3,115
COOKSTOWN	480	1,289	1,769
CRAIGAVON	1,095	3,708	4,803
DERRY	1,976	5,107	7,083
DOWN	1,281	3,003	4,284
DUNGANNON	728	2,563	3,291
FERMANAGH	761	2,915	3,676
LARNE	314	1,173	1,487
LIMAVADY	420	1,672	2,092
LISBURN	1,100	4,093	5,193
MAGHERAFELT	580	1,499	2,079
MOYLE	230	574	804
NEWRY & MOURNE	978	4,986	5,964
NEWTOWNABBEY	769	2,678	3,447
NORTH DOWN	842	3,799	4,641
OMAGH	430	2,346	2,776
STRABANE	421	2,038	2,459
LGD Unknown	1,336	3,340	4,676
Total	22,324	80,119	102,443

Source: Further Education Statistical Record

Further Education Campus

Mrs McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline (i) the capital investment plans he has for the Strabane area; and (ii) his plans to ensure that the main Further Education Campus is located in Strabane.

(AQW 6791/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The former North West Institute had submitted proposals for new build and refurbishment of its accommodation at a number of campuses, including proposals for a new build at the Strabane campus. As you are aware, North West Institute has now merged with Limavady College to form the new North West Regional College. The new college’s main campus is located on the Strand Road, Londonderry.

The merger took place on 1 August 2007 and the new Senior Management Team and the newly appointed Governing Body are currently reviewing the proposals submitted by its predecessors. Further decisions can be made when the college has updated its Estates Strategy, the objective of which is to clarify its accommodation needs across all campuses. Officials from my Department are supporting the college in this work.

Departmental Spending

Mrs McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail, for the last 3 years, his Department's budget spend, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 6792/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Please see below a summary of the budget expenditure for the Department for Employment and Learning for the last 3 years. These figures represent the Departmental Net Resource Outturn as shown in Note 2 of the annual resource accounts. The accounts for 2007/08 are not yet finalised.

	2006/07	2005/06	2004/05
	£’000	£’000	£’000
Total Expenditure	700,267	675,429	681,198

Unfortunately the Department cannot provide this information broken down by district council as requested, as it does not hold the information in this format.

Further Education Courses

Mrs McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of (i) full-time and (ii) part-time, further education courses currently delivered by the North West Regional College at its campus locations in (a) the Derry/Londonderry City Council area; (b) the Limavady Borough Council area; and (c) the Strabane District Council area.

(AQW 6793/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The table below provides details on the number of full-time and part-time courses which are currently being delivered at North West Regional College campuses in Derry/Londonderry, Limavady and Strabane in the 2007/08 academic year.

Campus	FT	PT	Total
Londonderry/Derry	152	983	1135
Limavady	41	252	293
Strabane	3	57	60
TOTALS	196	1292	1488

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Departmental Land

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the land sold by his department in the North Down constituency since 2002.

(AQW 6246/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): Since 2002, Invest NI has completed 7 land sale transactions, accounting for 9 acres in total, from its Balloo South Industrial Estate, which is within the North Down Parliamentary Constituency.

Other than these transactions, there have been no land sales made by the Department in the North Down Constituency in the period since 2002.

5 transactions were by way of a 999 year lease, 1 was a freehold disposal of 0.05 acres, and 1 was a transfer of the wetlands area on the Balloo estate to North Down Borough Council.

As at 31 st March 2008, Invest NI’s land holding in the constituency was 63 acres of which 20 remained available to clients with an approved business case and an immediate demonstrable property need.

Bio-Science and Pharmaceutical Industries

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he is specifically targeting bio science and pharmaceutical industries for growth and new investment, and in which locations and educational facilities is there public investment in education and research and development in subject areas necessary for these industries.

(AQW 6334/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Life Sciences sector has been identified and targeted as a priority sector by Invest NI in line with the Regional Innovation Strategy. This sector is well placed to benefit from further strategic investment as it includes a number of companies operating on a global basis, two leading universities undertaking cutting edge research and has a highly skilled workforce.

There has been significant recent investment in the Life Sciences sector. Invest NI has offered £41 million over the last four years in support of life sciences projects, stimulating total investment of £205 million. There are also a number of significant Life Sciences projects under appraisal that will further contribute to the development of this sector in Northern Ireland. Invest NI has also supported companies to attend major exhibitions in the US and Europe and has also appointed a specialist Life Sciences Consultant to generate inward investment from North America, focused on high potential start-ups.

The agency also funded a review of the NI Life & Health Technologies Sector which reported its findings in November 2006 and these were used by DETI’s Matrix Life & Health Sciences Panel as a basis for its discussions.

In addition, the Department for Employment and Learning operates a number of specific initiatives, mainly the Support Programme for University Research (SPUR) and the Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF) which have established a number of Research Centres in our two universities that operate in the bio science and pharmaceutical fields. Centres that have been supported include, the Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology at Queens and the Centre for Molecular Biosciences at the University of Ulster.

In January, the Minister for Health in Northern Ireland announced the establishment of the ‘European Centre for Connected Health’ in Northern Ireland and also a budget of £46 million for chronic disease management. The new Centre will take forward the introduction of new technologies to offer a better quality of life to people with long-term conditions such as diabetes. Invest NI is working closely with the Department of Health to leverage the economic benefits arising from investment in connected health solutions, specifically targeting Foreign Direct Investment projects in this sector.

I continue to support the significant investment being made by Government in Life Sciences and fully recognise the major role that this sector can play in the development of a knowledge-based economy in Northern Ireland

Zoned Land

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the current status of the industrial zoned land at Doogary, Omagh; and to provide an update on the progress of the projects proposed for this site.

(AQW 6552/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI’s land holding at Doogary is circa 47 acres occupying land either side of Bankmore Road. Private sector land is currently being developed between Invest NI’s land and the A5.

In the last 12 months Invest NI has completed land sales of 16 acres at Doogary to 3 client companies and is currently in contract with a fourth for the remaining 6.6 acres. Once this sale has completed the Doogary estate will be fully leased to client companies with economic development projects.

Invest NI sales are by way of a 999 year lease which requires purchasers to have finished construction within 18 months of completing the sale.

Omagh is one of four locations that Invest NI has identified where it urgently needs to acquire new land to service the needs of its clients. While the process of acquiring land in these areas has commenced and press advertisements have been placed seeking interest, experience shows that this is likely to be a protracted process

Business Units

Mr Newton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the demand for modern office and small business units in East Belfast.

(AQW 6730/08)

Mr N Dodds: Within my Department, Invest NI has responsibility for the provision of serviced sites to its client base. Invest NI can comment only in respect of the needs of its clients.

In the East Belfast constituency there is a significant amount of land zoned for employment use held within the private sector. Invest NI policy is not to intervene where there is no evidence of market failure in the industrial property market. In addition to the existing supply, workspace is under construction at the NI Science Park, Titanic Quarter and Sydenham/Airport Road.

Invest NI does not have a land holding in East Belfast. However, information on the private sector property offerings is publicised through its online property database and it has arranged a number of site visits to both new and existing properties in the constituency in recent months for clients seeking a property solution.

Invest NI works closely with Planning Service in the Area Plan process, to ensure that adequate land is zoned for the needs of its client companies. The East Belfast area is subject to the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) which has zoned 102 acres of new industrial land, a large proportion of which is at Titanic Quarter. This is in addition to the significant amount of land already zoned for industrial use in the constituency such as the 188 acres in the Harbour Estate between Titanic Quarter and Holywood Exchange.

Environment

Planning Legislation

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her plans to increase or abolish (i) the 4 year rule; and (ii) the 10 year rule, when enforcement action cannot be taken against alleged breaches of planning legislation.

(AQW 5976/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): I have no current plans to increase or abolish the time limits for taking enforcement action against breaches of planning control, however, I shall be looking at the effectiveness of planning enforcement as part of the wider Planning Reform Programme.

Tree Preservation Orders

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the provisional; and (ii) confirmed, Tree Preservation Orders served on the owners of Myrtle Lodge, Bryansford Road, Newcastle.

(AQW 5977/08)

Mrs A Foster: A provisional Tree Preservation Order was imposed on lands at Myrtle Lodge on 18 September 2007. Following consultation with Landscape Architects Branch, the Order, which was modified to exclude some trees originally protected, was confirmed on 18 March 2008 and posted on site on 20 March 2008. Both provisional and confirmed Tree Preservation Orders were posted on the land, as the owners were unknown and the land was unregistered. They stipulate that no person shall, except with the consent of the Department and in accordance with the conditions, if any, imposed on such consent, uproot, wilfully damage, cut down, top, lop, or wilfully destroy or cause or permit the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or wilful destruction of any tree specified or comprised in a group of trees or in a woodland therein specified.

Building Sites

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if she has any plans to introduce legislation to compel developers to keep their building sites in good order until building work commences.

(AQW 6090/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have no specific plans at present.

Church Street , Ballymena

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment if planning permission for use of the ground floor at 9-11 Church Street, Ballymena has been granted; and to detail any action being taken over non-compliance with planning law in Church Street, Ballymena.

(AQW 6190/08)

Mrs A Foster: Planning Service has confirmed that permission for the use of the ground floor of 9-11 Church Street, Ballymena as an office has not been granted. I can also confirm that my Department is currently investigating two properties in Church Street, Ballymena for unauthorised changes of use and will progress appropriate action if required.

Dual Mandates

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to expedite legislation which will disallow Executive Ministers from holding seats on local councils.

(AQW 6205/08)

Mrs A Foster: In my statement to the Assembly on the future shape of local government, on 31 March 2008, I stated my intention to “…work with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office in order to introduce legislative proposals to end the dual mandate of those councillors who are also Members of the Assembly...”

This work is progressing as part of the implementation process. The Executive Ministers, referred to in the Member’s question, are a subset of the larger MLA group.

Business Class Flights

Mr McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, since taking up office in May 2007, (i) the number of occasions that she has flown business class in her capacity as Minister; and (ii) the cost incurred by her department; and to confirm if (a) it is standard practice to fly business class; and (b) she is given the choice to fly economy class.

(AQW 6242/08)

Mrs A Foster: Since 8 May 2007 I have flown on five occasions by business class in my capacity as Minister at a total cost of £1,522.85. It is standard practice to fly business class on such journeys to facilitate working during the flight.

People with Disabilities

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the targets her department has set in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in her department over the next 5 years.

(AQW 6263/08)

Mrs A Foster: This Department does not have targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities.

Crumlin Glen Project

Mr Burns asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) her involvement in the Crumlin Glen project; (ii) the finance provided by her department; (iii) to whom these finances were provided; and (iv) when any payments were made.

(AQW 6278/08)

Mrs A Foster: Antrim Borough Council applied to my Department in December 2004 for grant aid towards the cost of a new footpath at Crumlin Glen. EHS subsequently made, in March 2005, an offer of £14,063 to the Council. Although the Council has now completed the construction of the path and submitted a claim to EHS, payment of the grant to the Council will not be made until such time as the path is fully open for use by the public.

Waste Water Treatment Works

Mr Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to detail how new developments in the Dumurry area will deal with sewage, given that Northern Ireland Water has stated that new developments cannot be connected to the Waste Water Treatment Works in Dunmurry.

(AQW 6288/08)

Mrs A Foster: Those responsible for new developments situated in the area served by the Dunmurry sewerage system may approach Northern Ireland Water to agree an interim solution that does not adversely impact on the environment. In some circumstances the developer may decide to provide a private treatment plant for which a discharge consent from the Environment and Heritage Service will be required under the Water ( Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

Alternatively, occupation of new developments may be delayed until capacity becomes available at the waste water treatment works and within the sewerage system.

Environment and Heritage Service

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the purpose of the proposed £170.5 million budgetary allocation for the Environment and Heritage Service in the year 2010-2011.

(AQW 6302/08)

Mrs A Foster: The figure of £170.5m relates to proposed capital investment in Environment and Heritage Services in 2010-11 as shown in the Investment table in the ‘Draft Budget 2008-2011’ document, published in October 2007. However, in the final ‘Budget 2008-2011’ document, published in January 2008, this figure increased to £181.8m. The spending area ‘Environment and Heritage Services’ covers both the Environment and Heritage Service executive agency and the core division Planning and Environmental Policy Group.

Of the £181.8m, £180.1m is funding to district councils to cover the costs associated with compliance with the EU Landfill Directive targets, which will help reduce the levels of land-filled biodegradable municipal waste to 75% of 1995 levels by 2010, 50% by 2015 and 35% by 2020. The remaining £1.7m will be capital investment in nature reserves, monuments, archaeological sites, listed buildings and country parks. The increase of £11.3m between the draft and final investment in 2010-11 is due exclusively to re-profiling of the funding to the councils.

Publicity and Advertising Spending

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of the Environment to detail how much she spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-2008.

(AQW 6314/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department spent £3,952,706 on publicity and advertising in 2007-2008.

Departments' Correspondence

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of the Environment whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which her Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

(AQW 6379/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Department has no mechanisms in place to monitor the extent to which it’s correspondence or distribution of publications is carried out electronically.

Planning Service

Ms Lo asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of apartments approved by the Planning Service in the (i) South; (ii) East; (iii) West; and (iv) North, Belfast constituencies.

(AQW 6388/08)

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

Greenbelt Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 707/08, to detail the legal status that the Greenbelt Company has as a manager and maintainer of areas of open space, under Planning Policy Statement 8: Open Space, Sport and Recreation.

(AQW 6393/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Greenbelt Company has no particular legal status under Planning Policy Statement 8. However, the Department has accepted schemes for housing development in various parts of Northern Ireland where it is intended that the open space(s) to be provided as an integral part of the development will be managed and ongoing maintenance provided by this company.

Greenbelt Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of housing developments that have their 10% open space managed by the Greenbelt Company.

(AQW 6394/08)

Mrs A Foster: The only means of detailing the number of housing developments that have their 10% open space managed by the Greenbelt Company would be to manually search individual files across all Planning Service Divisional Offices. This would involve a disproportionate amount of time and cost.

Illegal Dumping

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the action that the Environment and Heritage Crime Team has taken against illegal dumping at Bentra Road, Whitehead.

(AQW 6403/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has completed two investigations of a site at 45 Bentra Road, Ballycarry and these have resulted in successful prosecutions. The court dates were 29 November 2005 and 19 February 2008. The details are as follows:

On 29 November 2005, Mr Samuel McAllister of Bentra Road, Ballycarry was fined £1,400, plus costs, at Belfast Magistrates Court for breaches of waste management legislation. Mr McAllister was present to plead guilty to seven charges (under Articles 4(1) (b) and Article 5 (1) of the Waste and Contaminated Land ( Northern Ireland) Order 1997). These offences were for the disposal of controlled waste without a waste management authorisation, in a manner likely to cause pollution to the environment or harm to human health, and knowingly permitting others to dispose of controlled waste on his land. EHS officers carried out an inspection on 12 August 2004, when they observed controlled waste being stored and burnt. No application had been received by EHS for a waste management licence.

On 19 February 2008, Mr Sam McAllister of 45 Bentra Road, Ballycarry was given a conditional discharge at Belfast Magistrates Court. EHS, through the PPS, brought seven charges against Mr McAllister relating to offences in 2007 under the Waste and Contaminated Land ( Northern Ireland) Order 1997. On this occasion, before waste was burned in July 2007, Mr McAllister was warned not to burn waste and stated under caution that vandals had broken in and started the fire without his consent on the 11 July 2007. For the burning of waste and running an unauthorised waste transfer station, he received a conditional discharge.

No planning permission was ever granted for the premises at 45 Bentra Road for waste management activities and consequently no licence to operate a waste transfer station or carry out waste disposal can be issued. EHS has recently opened a new investigation into unauthorised waste management activities at the Bentra Road site.

Fuel Poverty

Mr Ford asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the discussion she has had with the Minister for Social Development in relation to the environmental benefits of accelerating the fuel poverty strategy.

(AQW 6421/08)

Mrs A Foster: I can confirm that I have not had any discussions with Margaret Ritchie, MLA Minister for Social Development regarding the fuel poverty strategy.

The Department of the Environment is represented on the Inter-Departmental Group on Fuel Poverty.

Wind Turbines

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment for her assessment of the impact of Planning Policy Statement 18 in relation to wind turbines.

(AQW 6458/08)

Mrs A Foster: Wind turbine developments are assessed against current published policy set out in policy PSU12 of the Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland. Draft PPS 18 ‘Renewable Energy’ is a consultation document reviewing this policy. The primary aim of draft PPS 18 is to encourage and facilitate the provision and siting of renewable energy generating facilities in appropriate locations within the built and natural environment.

While Draft PPS 18 is a material consideration in line with provisions of paragraph 50 of PPS 1 ‘General Principles’, limited weight is given to its contents until such times it is published in final form.

Renewable Energy Developments

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment for her assessment of the impact that the current draft supplementary planning guidance for Planning Policy Statement 18 will have on the rate and scale of approvals for renewable energy developments.

(AQW 6460/08)

Mrs A Foster: The draft guidance is intended to assist developers in identifying sites for wind energy development as well as defining the type of development that may be most suitable in landscape and visual terms. It is also intended to inform planners’ judgements on the impacts and acceptability of proposed wind energy developments in landscape and visual.

The draft guidance provides amplification on landscape issues for wind energy proposals assessed under Policy RE 1 of draft PPS18. Two of the main objectives behind policy RE1 are to contribute to the alleviation of climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and to contribute to the regional target of 12% energy generation from renewable energy sources by 2012, and 40% by 2025.

While the draft supplementary planning guidance is a material consideration in line with provisions of paragraph 50 of PPS 1 ‘General Principles’, limited weight is given to its contents until such times it is published in final form.

Renewable Energy Developments

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment for her assessment of the impact that the current draft supplementary planning guidance for Planning Policy Statement 18 will have on the Executive's 2012 and 2025 renewable energy targets.

(AQW 6462/08)

Wind Farm Applications

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, pursuant to AQO 3130/08, (i) the number of wind farm applications awaiting decision for 24 months or longer; (ii) the number of wind farm applications awaiting decision for 12 months or longer; and (iii) the total planning fees associated with the 50 applications that are awaiting decision.

(AQW 6507/08)

(i) Mrs A Foster: 18 applications are currently awaiting determination for 24 months or longer.

(ii) 16 applications are waiting for determination for longer than 12 months (but less than 24 months).

(iii) In total, 49 applications are awaiting determination. The total planning fees submitted for these applications is £375,890.00

Litter Free Zones

Mr Easton asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm if the 11 new councils will have the powers to designate whole council areas as litter free zones.

(AQW 6526/08)

Mrs A Foster: Under the Litter ( Northern Ireland) Order 1994 councils can designate specified areas of land in their districts as litter control areas. The Order does not provide for the designation of litter free zones, however, for all practical purposes, litter control areas and litter free zones are very similar concepts. Examples of the type of land that can be designated as litter control areas include car parks, shopping precincts, land used as a cinema, sports grounds, business or office parks and industrial estates. If such land is not kept clear of litter the council can serve a litter abatement notice requiring the litter to be cleared.

Statutory guidance on the Litter Order defines standards of cleanliness which are achievable in different types of location and under differing circumstances, to ensure uniformity of standards across all district council areas. For example, under the guidance a Category 1 Zone means that so far as is practicable, in town centres, shopping centres, shopping streets, major transport centres and other public places where large numbers of people congregate a Grade A standard of cleanliness should be achieved after cleaning - Grade A essentially means no litter. However, the guidance also recognises that practicability is very important and on some occasions it will simply not be possible to achieve certain standards of cleanliness.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda my officials have considered litter legislation and guidance generally with a view to bringing forward proposals for stronger legislative powers and updated guidance covering acceptable standards of cleanliness within council areas to help councils to deal with litter problems more effectively. I am considering how best to progress and prioritise this work in the context of the overall work pressures and major environmental issues facing my Department. In the meantime, however, the present powers in respect of litter control areas will continue to be available to all district councils.

Bin Fine Policy

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail each council that has developed a bin fine policy.

(AQW 6541/08)

Mrs A Foster: As you are aware, on 7 April 2008 my Department introduced new powers for district councils in Northern Ireland to issue fixed penalty notices of £100 for ‘low level’ waste receptacle offences, such as putting the wrong materials in recycling bins.

This does not compel individual councils to introduce fixed penalties - each council is free to decide whether this system would suit its own local circumstances. However, information on which, if any, of the 26 councils have decided to introduce a bin fine policy is not held centrally by my Department.

Planning Applications

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications made in the Omagh District in relation to (i) agricultural diversification; and (ii) economic schemes, at residential dwellings, broken down by approvals and refusals, for (a) the 24 months prior to 16 March 2006; and (b) 16 March 2006 to 31 March 2008, giving the reasons for refusals.

(AQW 6554/08)

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

Planning Applications

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of residential planning applications made in the Omagh District, broken down by approvals and refusals, for (i) the 24 months prior to 16 March 2006; and (ii) 16 March 2006 to 31 March 2008, giving the reasons for refusals.

(AQW 6555/08)

Mrs A Foster: The number of residential planning applications made in the Omagh District in 2006/07 was 487. The number of decisions issued for residential developments in the same year for Omagh District was 1,253 of which 892 were approved and 361 refused, with an approval rate of 71.2 %. Due to the substantive content and volume involved with detailing the reasons for refusal I shall write to you separately with the details.

Statistical data outside the 2006/07 period is not available at present due to the new statistical reporting system outlined in my letter to Members in December 2007. Information for the 24 months prior to the 16 th March 2006 will be available by the end of October 2008. Information for the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 will be available by the end of May 2008.

Planning Applications

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment, further to AQW 6134/08, and in reference to Planning Application X/2007/0964/F, to detail the representation received following the Ards Borough Council meeting; and to give a timescale within which the application will be completed.

(AQW 6578/08)

Mrs A Foster: The issues raised in the representation include, in the main, the weight attached by the case officer to policies draft PPS4 – Industrial Development – and draft PPS14 – Sustainable Development in the Countryside, the problems resulting from the increase in the anticipated traffic and the option of relocating the business to protect the Area Of Natural Beauty (AONB), the Green Belt and the proposed Countryside Policy Area under the draft Ards and Down Area Plan. The Department does not propose to issue the decision notice until these matters are satisfactorily resolved.

Dog Fouling

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of fines issued for dog fouling in each of the 26 local government districts in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6594/08)

Mrs A Foster: The information for the 2005/06 and 2006/07 years is set out in the table below. My Department has already requested the 2007/08 year figures from all 26 district councils and I will let you have these as soon as they become available.

Council	No. of fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling 1 April 05 to 31 March 06	No. of fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling 1 April 06 to 31 March 07
Antrim BC	2	1
Ards BC	14	5
Armagh City & DC	0	0
Ballymena BC	2	3
Ballymoney BC	0	0
Banbridge DC	0	2
Belfast CC	234	143
Carrickfergus BC	1	4
Castlereagh BC	3	2
Coleraine BC	10	10
Cookstown DC	1	0
Craigavon BC	5	9
Derry CC	0	0
Down DC	6	4
Dungannon & South Tyrone BC	0	0
Fermanagh DC	0	0
Larne BC	10	14
Limavady BC	2	0
Lisburn CC	2	1
Magherafelt DC	0	4
Moyle DC	1	0
Newry & Mourne DC	0	0
Newtownabbey BC	7	90
North Down BC	14	6
Omagh DC	0	14
Strabane DC	0	0
Totals	314	312

Finance and Personnel

Ground Rents

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his plans to commence the existing statutory provisions in relation to the compulsory redemption of ground rents.

(AQW 5405/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): As you know, the Ground Rents Act ( Northern Ireland) 2001 provides for both a voluntary and a compulsory ground rent redemption scheme. The voluntary redemption scheme (“VRS”) was commenced on 29 July 2002 and it was agreed that the compulsory redemption scheme would not be commenced until the operation of the VRS had been assessed, reflecting discussions which had taken place during the passage of the Act through the Assembly.

A review of the operation of the VRS has been duly completed and we are aiming to publish the outcome of the review in June 2008.

At this stage I am not inclined to introduce the compulsory redemption provisions. However I would wish to fully consider the Analysis of the Responses to the Review prior to making any final decision in this regard.

I shall of course keep you and other interested parties apprised of any further developments in relation to this matter.

Unpaid Rates

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the total amount of unpaid rates which were written off as 'uncollectable debt' in each of the last five years (i) in total; and (ii) broken down by local council area.

(AQW 6096/08)

Mr P Robinson: Details of unpaid rates written off as uncollectable debt in each of the last five years, (i) in total and (ii) broken down by local council area can be found in the attached table.

TOTAL AMOUNT OF UNPAID RATES WRITTEN OFF AS ‘UNCOLLECTABLE DEBT’ IN EACH OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS IN TOTAL AND BY DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA

* 2007/2008 – Provisional Figures

** Normally debt losses in any year exceed monies recovered but in some
years the monies recovered exceeded losses in certain district council

Areas. This outcome is shown in brackets.

Equality Impact Assessments

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail how much his department has spent on equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years.

(AQW 6173/08)

Mr P Robinson: Over the last 3 years my Department has carried out Equality Impact Assessments on policies relating to Recruitment and Promotion, Account NI, HRConnect, Rating Reform and Workplace 2010.

These assessments have formed part of the overall policy development and subsequent consultations and costs have been borne from existing budget allocations. It is not therefore possible to identify costs relating to the assessments or the equality aspects of consultations.

New Computers

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what measures he is taking to ensure value for money in the purchase of new computers, as announced on 9 April 2008.

(AQW 6206/08)

Mr P Robinson: In line with public procurement policy, the Department of Finance & Personnel’s Delivery and Innovation Division (DID) engaged Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) to undertake a competitive tendering process to put in place contracts for the supply and installation of new desktop and laptop PCs for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). This covers the purchase of the new computers that I announced on 9 April 2008.

The awarded contracts conform to the NICS’s ICT strategy which consolidates the individual desktop and laptop PC procurement activities from across the NICS, allowing the Service to standardise on the desktop and laptop savings across the board. This will reduce the total cost of ownership in relation to supportability and management of the ICT estate across the NICS. In addition, the laptops procured through the contract will allow the NICS to deploy Microsoft Vista with Bitlocker in a manner that fulfils the NICS’s obligations in relation to data security and laptops.

The tendering process involved running a secondary competition off the current IT Hardware Framework. The companies whose proposals successfully passed the qualitative analysis phase of the process were invited to participate in a reverse e-auction to drive down the unit cost.

The terms of the contract are such that if the supplier upgrades the model of PC offered during the life of the contract they are expected to provide the new model with the increased specification at the price point agreed during the e-auction. If an increased specification is not required, the supplier will revise their unit costs of the static specification, reducing it to reflect the falling cost of technology throughout the life of the contract.

Using the competitive tendering process and associated e-auction the NICS has ensured that it has achieved best Value for Money.

Business Class Flights

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail, since taking up office in May 2007, (i) the number of occasions that he has flown business class in his capacity as Minister; and (ii) the cost incurred by his department; and to confirm if (a) it is standard practice to fly business class; and (b) he is given the choice to fly economy class.

(AQW 6211/08)

Mr P Robinson: Since 8 May 2007, I have flown business class or its equivalent classification on 14 occasions in my capacity as Finance Minister. The total cost of these journeys was £4,340.20 (includes a return journey to the US). I am not involved in decisions about what class I fly but I understand that it is established practice that I travel business class to enable me to work on Departmental business up to and during each flight.

Departmental Land

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the land sold by his department in the North Down constituency since 2002.

(AQW 6248/08)

Mr P Robinson: My Department has not sold any land in the North Down constituency since 2002.

Expenditure on Consultants

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail how the expenditure of £111 million on consultants from now until 2011 will achieve value for money, best practice and added value.

(AQW 6303/08)

Mr P Robinson: Before any consultancy projects can be taken forward, a business case must be prepared setting out the need for the assignment, the outputs expected and the project management arrangements. Only where the justification for using consultants demonstrates value for money will the business case be approved. All cases with a value over £75k must obtain DFP approval. In addition, all assignments should be competitively tendered and let through a Centre of Procurement Expertise and the relevant Framework Agreement, unless an Accounting Officer can justify otherwise. Whilst the figure referred to accounts for a very small percentage of total spend I recognise it represents a significant amount. I therefore welcome the fact that DFP has committed, in response to a recent Public Accounts Committee report, to working with departments to manage expenditure on consultancy and to build up in-house capacity and capability.

Departmental Correspondence

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which his Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

(AQW 6380/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Department of Finance and Personnel does not currently have any mechanisms in place to electronically monitor the amount of internal and external correspondence or publications distributed by staff. However, all staff are aware of the DFP Waste Management Action Plan and, in line with this, printing should not be carried out unless it is completely necessary and no other alternative is available.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Dental Services

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the support available from his department to a parent of a child requiring a dentist, where there is great difficulty in accessing dental facilities in their local area.

(AQW 6170/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): There are currently no contractual arrangements in place to compel dentists to accept any patient for health service treatment. However, in the majority of cases, dental practices are still continuing to provide health service dental care provision for children and exempt adults. Child dental registrations have remained constant over the past 4 years.

My officials are working with the British Dental Association in negotiating a new contract, which we anticipate will ease access problems in those areas where they currently exist. In the meantime, Dental Directors in the Health and Social Services Boards will assist patients who are experiencing access problems, where possible.

Departmental Land

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any land sold by his department in the North Down constituency since 2002.

(AQW 6182/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department sold 11.04 acres at Rathgael, Bangor to the former Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust (now South Eastern HSC Trust) on 24 October 2005. The price – as assessed by the then Valuation and Lands Agency (now Land and Property Services) – was £2.5 millions.

The Trust required the land for the provision of Secure Accommodation for Young People.

Attacks on Staff

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the total number of attacks on Western Health and Social Care Trust staff from 1 April 2007 to 2 April 2008; and (ii) the actions he is taking to prevent such attacks.

(AQW 6186/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There were a total of 753 physical attacks on Western Health and Social Care Trust staff from 1 April 2007 to 2 April 2008.

Since I launched the Zero Tolerance campaign in June 2007 and subsequently put in place accountability arrangements for staff safety, a number of additional measures have been introduced. These include: a publicity campaign in which posters and floor graphics have been placed in strategic areas of hospitals; the distribution of 12,000 personal alarms; a review of training provisions for staff and the close monitoring of violent incidents. I also intend to propose the introduction of specific legislation to protect healthcare workers.

Teenage Pregnancies

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total number of reported pregnancies of girls aged under 17 years in 2007, and to detail how this figure compares to ten years ago.

(AQW 6187/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It is not possible to provide information on the number of teenage pregnancies in Northern Ireland, as the number of pregnancies is not recorded.

The number of births to mothers aged under 17 years, registered in Northern Ireland, in each of the last ten years are shown in the table below.

Table: Number of births and stillbirths registered in Northern Ireland to women aged under 17 years, 1997-2007

Registration Year	All Births*
Registration Year	All Births*
1997	191
1998	204
1999	213
2000	221
2001	169
2002	150
2003	155
2004	172
2005	144
2006	149
2007 P	142

Source:- Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

Notes:

P Data for 2007 remains provisional until the publication of the 2007 Annual Report of the Registrar General due to be published at the end of 2008.

* The number of births refers to all live and still births to women aged 16 and under at the time of birth and resident in Northern Ireland. Pregnancies resulting in multiple births are counted only once.

Business Class Flights

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, since taking up office in May 2007, (i) the number of occasions that he has flown business class in his capacity as Minister; and (ii) the cost incurred by his department; and to confirm if (a) it is standard practice to fly business class; and (b) he is given the choice to fly economy class.

(AQW 6210/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have flown business class on four occasions since taking up office in May 2007. The total cost incurred by my department for these journeys was £1,210.35.

It is standard practice to fly business class. I will fly economy class when it is not necessary for me to work on the flight.

Childcare Services

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the school age childcare services that were previously funded during the 2007-08 financial year which as of yet have to be allocated similar levels of funding to enable them to continue throughout 2008-09.

(AQW 6224/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Policy responsibility for Childcare transferred from my Department to the Department of Education in November 2006. Since November 2006, DHSSPS involvement for the support of afterschool provision with regard to Children and Young Peoples Package monies has been solely to act as a funding mechanism for centrally earmarked resources. Even though this funding arrangement and DHSSPS remit ended on 31 March 2008, I have extended funding to afterschool groups until 30 June 2008, using my own resources, to enable them to continue until the end of the school year.

Funding allocated during 2007/08 and up to 30 June 2008 to afterschool projects by DHSSPS is detailed in the attached Annex A.

ANNEX A

After-school Organisation	1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008	1 April 2008 to 30 June 2008
Chinese Welfare Assoc. ASC Martin Napier Chinese Welfare Association, 133-135 University Street , Belfast BT7 1HP	£10,242.50	£2,561
Cool Kids ASC Melissa Butler St Joseph 's Primary School, 42 Castle Street , Lisburn BT27 4XE	£13,772.50	£3,443
Glencraig ASC Deirdre Kelly Glencraig ASC, 16a Old Seahill Road Holywood BT18 0EG	£10,021	£2,505
Ionad Uibh Eachach Mairin McClafferty Ionad Uibh Eachach Cumann Iarscoile, 34 Iveagh Crescent Belfast BT12 6AW	£13,576	£3,394
Lisbane ASC Joanne Bailey Lisbarnett & Lisbane Community Assoc Ltd, 16 Lisbarnett Road Lisbane Comber BT23 6AW	£7,252.50	£1,813
Oakwood Integrated OOSH Oakwood Integrated Children's Centre, 48 The Cutts Derriaghy Co. Antrim BT17 9HN	£9,876.50	£2,469
Draperstown ASC Workspace, The Business Centre, Tobermore Road, Draperstown BT45 7AG	£25,019	£6,255
Scout Hall AS Childcare Club Annemarie Downey Downpatrick Group Scouting Ireland, The Scout Hall, Thomas Russell Park, Downpatrick BT30 6NH	£17,368.50	£4,342
Tullymore AS Project Upper Andersonstown Community Forum, 37a Tullymore Gardens Belfast BT11 8NE	£12,325	£3,081
Camowen Smart Kids Partnership Cari-Leigh Coyle Camowen Partnership Ltd, Unit 1 Termon Business Park, Carrickmore BT79 9AL Adminster awards to: Carrickmore ASC Sixmilecross ASC Loughmacrory ASC	£12,182 £12,182 £12,182	£3,046 £3,046 £3,046
Club United ASC Elaine Campbell Club United After Schools Club, Unit 1 Glendermott Valley Business Park Church Brae Derry BT47 3QR	£12,581	£3,145
Creggan Underdeck out of schools club Old Library Trust Health Living Centre, Rath Mor Business Park , Blighs Lane Creggan BT48 0LZ	£13,134	£3,284
Drumahoe Childcare LTD Drumahoe out of schools club, Lisneal College Grounds, 35 Drumahoe Road BT47 3SD	£16,057.50	£4,014
Zero-8-Teen Totz 'n' Teenz Child & Playcare Complex, Moylinn House, Legahory Centre Brownlow Craigavon BT65 5BE	£16,340	£4,085
Laughterland OOSC Pat Downey Laughterland OOSC, The Unit, Black Park Road, Toomebridge BT41 3SL	£11,040	£2,760
Kids Inn Out of Schools Club Kids Inn Out of Schools Club, Vale Centre, Greysteel BT47 3GE	£12,304	£3,076
Naiscoil Na Rinne Club na Nog Naiscoil na Rinne, 33 Cramore Gardens, Creggan Estate, Derry BT48 9TF	£13,192	£3,298
Pomeroy ASC Patricia O'Gara Pomeroy ASC, 5 Cavanakeenan Road , Pomeroy Dungannon BT70 2SD	£16,292.50	£4,073
Rasharkin Time Out ASC Rasharkin Women's Group, 22/23 Bamford Park, Rasharkin BT44 8RX	£10,853	£2,713
Skools Out Club Maria Magill Larne Community Centre, 1-5 Doric Way , Larne BT40 2BH	£12,957	£3,239
Kidsview OOSC Slievegallion Rural Development Association, 62B Longfield Road, Desertmartin Magherafelt BT45 5LS	£12,112.50	£3,028
Teemore ASC Rosemary Clarkson Teemore After Schools Club, St Mary's Hall, Teemore Cross Derrylin Enniskillen BT92 9BL	£14,513.50	£3,628
Oasis ASC Suzanne Humphries Oasis Caring in Action Ltd, 102-108 Castlereagh Street , Belfast BT5 4NJ	£12,103	£3,026
Fivemiletown ASC Glenda Campbell Fivemiletown Community Development Association, Units 2 - 5 The Buttermarket, 132 Main Street, Fivemiletown BT75 0PW	£12,631	£3,158
Short Strand Playcare Project Patricia Johnston Short Strand Community Forum, 26a Beechfield Street Belfast BT5 4EQ	£10,864	£2,716
Vine ASC Lisa McClements The Vine Centre, 193 Crumlin Road Belfast BT147DX	£12,735	£3,184
An Droichead Brid Duffy An Drocihead Cumann Iarscoile, 20 Cooke Street , Belfast BT7 2EP	£11,163	£2,791
Ardoyne ASC Elaine Johnston Ardoyne ASC, Old Beltex Mill, Flax Street Belfast BT147EJ	£10,000	£2,500
Beechmount AS Programme Francine Moore Beechmount Community Project, 2nd Floor, Blackie Building 43 Beechmount Pass Belfast BT127NW	£15,864	£3,966
Bloomfield Playcare Joanne McCarten Bloomfield Community Association, 60 Hyndford Street Belfast BT5 5EN	£7,643	£1,911
Erne East Afterschools Initiative Erne East Community Partnership Ltd, The Basement, No 1 Main Street, Roslea BT927PP Administer awards to: Erne East – Derry Gannon ASC Erne East – Donagh ASC Erne East – Brookeborough ASC	£7,348.50 £9,215 £8,312	£1,837 £2,304 £2,078
Kesh ASC Glenduuagh Childcare Services, Mantlin Road, Kesh BT931TU	£7,327	£1,832
Carryduff ASC Iris Warnock Carryduff Playcare, 20a Church Road Carryduff BT8 8DT	£13,960.50	£3,490
Nest Afterschools Cluady Rural Development, The Diamond Centre Claudy BT474EF	£11,738.50	£2,935
Rascals Playstation Rascals Playstation Childcare Centre, 20 Enniskillen Road Ballinamallard BT942ER	£12,122	£3,030
Strabane out of school club Strabane and District Playclub c/o NWIFHE 39 Derry Road Strabane BT828DX	£12,963	£3,241
Strathroy ASC (Crackerjack) Strathroy Community Centre Drumnlea Cresent Strathroy BT797XE	£11,938	£2,984
Sugar & Spice Playcare Club Samantha Armstrong Sugar & Spice Playcare Club, Units 7 & 8 Enterprise Centre, Castlederg Rd Drumquin Omagh BT784PH	£14,000	£3,500
Mountainview Society of St Vincent De Paul Kay Shortt Unit 12 Mountainview Centre, Norglen Gardens Belfast BT118EL	£14,453	£3,613
Geoff Kerr 174 Afterschool Project 174 Trust, Duncairn Complex, Duncairn Avenue Belfast BT146BP	£13,126	£3,282
Bluegrass ASC Fran Travers Bluegrass After School Club, 67F Rosemount Factory, Rosemount Avenue Derry BT480HL	£13,165	£3,291
Play Links Veronica Sloan Strangford & District ASC, The Playing Fields, The Links Strangford BT327NB	£16,178.50	£4,045
PlayBoard Maura Moore PlayBoard, 59-65 York Street Belfast BT151AA	£47,132	£11,783
Funtime ASC Funtime After School Club, C/O 14 Jade Business Park, Jonesborough Newry BT358JP	£13,096	£3,274
Kids United Stephanie Curran Kids United Playcare Facilities, Brownstown Community Centre, 9 Brownstows Park Portadown BT623PP	£13,885	£3,471
Just Kids OOSC Joanne Hogg Family Caring Centre, 2-5 Somerset Park, Antrim BT412TE	£17,301.50	£4,325
Kidz Lodge Mary Quinn Magherafelt Women's Group Ltd, 27-29 Honeymore Road , Magherafelt BT456AG	£10,352	£2,588
Kilrea ASC St Vincent De Paul, 52 Maghera Street , Kilrea BT515QN	£13,952.50	£3,488
Cairde Bhunscoil Feirste Cairde Cumann Iarscoile, 44 Rosgoill Park, Belfast BT119QS	£13,864.50	£3,466
Loughiel OOSC Loughgiel Out of School Club, Loughgiel Road Loughgiel BT449JN	£16,190	£4,047
Ballymac Playzone Ballymac Centre 1A fraser Pass Lower Newtownards Road Belfast BT1 1BP	£59,000	£14,750
TOTAL	£781,000	£195,250

After-school Organisation

1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008

1 April 2008 to 30 June 2008

Chinese Welfare Assoc. ASC Martin Napier

Chinese Welfare Association,
133-135 University Street ,
Belfast
BT7 1HP

£10,242.50

£2,561

Cool Kids ASC Melissa Butler

St Joseph 's Primary School,
42 Castle Street ,
Lisburn
BT27 4XE

£13,772.50

£3,443

Glencraig ASC Deirdre Kelly

Glencraig ASC,
16a Old Seahill Road
Holywood
BT18 0EG

£10,021

£2,505

Ionad Uibh Eachach Mairin McClafferty

Ionad Uibh Eachach Cumann Iarscoile,
34 Iveagh Crescent
Belfast BT12 6AW

£13,576

£3,394

Lisbane ASC Joanne Bailey

Lisbarnett & Lisbane Community Assoc Ltd,
16 Lisbarnett Road
Lisbane
Comber BT23 6AW

£7,252.50

£1,813

Oakwood Integrated OOSH

Oakwood Integrated Children's Centre,
48 The Cutts
Derriaghy
Co. Antrim BT17 9HN

£9,876.50

£2,469

Draperstown ASC

Workspace,
The Business Centre, Tobermore Road,
Draperstown BT45 7AG

£25,019

£6,255

Scout Hall AS Childcare Club Annemarie Downey

Downpatrick Group Scouting Ireland,
The Scout Hall, Thomas Russell Park,
Downpatrick BT30 6NH

£17,368.50

£4,342

Tullymore AS Project

Upper Andersonstown Community Forum,
37a Tullymore Gardens
Belfast BT11 8NE

£12,325

£3,081

Camowen Smart Kids Partnership Cari-Leigh Coyle

Camowen Partnership Ltd,
Unit 1 Termon Business Park,
Carrickmore BT79 9AL

Adminster awards to:
Carrickmore ASC
Sixmilecross ASC
Loughmacrory ASC

£12,182
£12,182
£12,182

£3,046
£3,046
£3,046

Club United ASC Elaine Campbell

Club United After Schools Club,
Unit 1 Glendermott Valley Business Park
Church Brae
Derry BT47 3QR

£12,581

£3,145

Creggan Underdeck out of schools club

Old Library Trust Health Living Centre,
Rath Mor Business Park ,
Blighs Lane
Creggan BT48 0LZ

£13,134

£3,284

Drumahoe Childcare LTD

Drumahoe out of schools club,
Lisneal College Grounds,
35 Drumahoe Road
BT47 3SD

£16,057.50

£4,014

Zero-8-Teen

Totz 'n' Teenz Child & Playcare Complex,
Moylinn House, Legahory Centre
Brownlow
Craigavon BT65 5BE

£16,340

£4,085

Laughterland OOSC Pat Downey

Laughterland OOSC,
The Unit, Black Park Road,
Toomebridge BT41 3SL

£11,040

£2,760

Kids Inn Out of Schools Club

Kids Inn Out of Schools Club,
Vale Centre,
Greysteel
BT47 3GE

£12,304

£3,076

Naiscoil Na Rinne Club na Nog

Naiscoil na Rinne,
33 Cramore Gardens, Creggan Estate,
Derry BT48 9TF

£13,192

£3,298

Pomeroy ASC Patricia O'Gara

Pomeroy ASC,
5 Cavanakeenan Road , Pomeroy
Dungannon BT70 2SD

£16,292.50

£4,073

Rasharkin Time Out ASC

Rasharkin Women's Group,
22/23 Bamford Park,
Rasharkin BT44 8RX

£10,853

£2,713

Skools Out Club Maria Magill

Larne Community Centre,
1-5 Doric Way ,
Larne BT40 2BH

£12,957

£3,239

Kidsview OOSC

Slievegallion Rural Development Association,
62B Longfield Road, Desertmartin
Magherafelt BT45 5LS

£12,112.50

£3,028

Teemore ASC Rosemary Clarkson

Teemore After Schools Club,
St Mary's Hall, Teemore Cross
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9BL

£14,513.50

£3,628

Oasis ASC Suzanne Humphries

Oasis Caring in Action Ltd,
102-108 Castlereagh Street ,
Belfast BT5 4NJ

£12,103

£3,026

Fivemiletown ASC Glenda Campbell

Fivemiletown Community Development Association,
Units 2 - 5 The Buttermarket, 132 Main Street,
Fivemiletown BT75 0PW

£12,631

£3,158

Short Strand Playcare Project Patricia Johnston

Short Strand Community Forum,
26a Beechfield Street
Belfast BT5 4EQ

£10,864

£2,716

Vine ASC Lisa McClements

The Vine Centre,
193 Crumlin Road
Belfast BT147DX

£12,735

£3,184

An Droichead Brid Duffy

An Drocihead Cumann Iarscoile,
20 Cooke Street ,
Belfast BT7 2EP

£11,163

£2,791

Ardoyne ASC Elaine Johnston

Ardoyne ASC,
Old Beltex Mill, Flax Street
Belfast BT147EJ

£10,000

£2,500

Beechmount AS Programme Francine Moore

Beechmount Community Project,
2nd Floor, Blackie Building
43 Beechmount Pass
Belfast BT127NW

£15,864

£3,966

Bloomfield Playcare Joanne McCarten

Bloomfield Community Association,
60 Hyndford Street
Belfast BT5 5EN

£7,643

£1,911

Erne East Afterschools Initiative

Erne East Community Partnership Ltd,
The Basement, No 1 Main Street,
Roslea BT927PP

Administer awards to:

Erne East – Derry Gannon ASC

Erne East – Donagh ASC

Erne East – Brookeborough ASC

£7,348.50

£9,215

£8,312

£1,837

£2,304

£2,078

Kesh ASC

Glenduuagh Childcare Services,

Mantlin Road, Kesh
BT931TU

£7,327

£1,832

Carryduff ASC Iris Warnock

Carryduff Playcare,
20a Church Road
Carryduff BT8 8DT

£13,960.50

£3,490

Nest Afterschools

Cluady Rural Development,
The Diamond Centre
Claudy BT474EF

£11,738.50

£2,935

Rascals Playstation

Rascals Playstation Childcare Centre,
20 Enniskillen Road
Ballinamallard BT942ER

£12,122

£3,030

Strabane out of school club

Strabane and District Playclub
c/o NWIFHE 39 Derry Road
Strabane BT828DX

£12,963

£3,241

Strathroy ASC (Crackerjack)

Strathroy Community Centre
Drumnlea Cresent
Strathroy BT797XE

£11,938

£2,984

Sugar & Spice Playcare Club Samantha Armstrong

Sugar & Spice Playcare Club,
Units 7 & 8 Enterprise Centre, Castlederg Rd Drumquin Omagh BT784PH

£14,000

£3,500

Mountainview Society of St Vincent De Paul

Kay Shortt
Unit 12 Mountainview Centre, Norglen Gardens
Belfast BT118EL

£14,453

£3,613

Geoff Kerr

174 Afterschool Project

174 Trust,
Duncairn Complex, Duncairn Avenue
Belfast BT146BP

£13,126

£3,282

Bluegrass ASC Fran Travers

Bluegrass After School Club,
67F Rosemount Factory, Rosemount Avenue
Derry BT480HL

£13,165

£3,291

Play Links Veronica Sloan

Strangford & District ASC,
The Playing Fields, The Links
Strangford BT327NB

£16,178.50

£4,045

PlayBoard Maura Moore

PlayBoard,
59-65 York Street
Belfast BT151AA

£47,132

£11,783

Funtime ASC

Funtime After School Club,
C/O 14 Jade Business Park, Jonesborough
Newry BT358JP

£13,096

£3,274

Kids United Stephanie Curran

Kids United Playcare Facilities,
Brownstown Community Centre, 9 Brownstows Park
Portadown BT623PP

£13,885

£3,471

Just Kids OOSC Joanne Hogg

Family Caring Centre,
2-5 Somerset Park,
Antrim BT412TE

£17,301.50

£4,325

Kidz Lodge Mary Quinn

Magherafelt Women's Group Ltd,
27-29 Honeymore Road ,
Magherafelt BT456AG

£10,352

£2,588

Kilrea ASC

St Vincent De Paul,
52 Maghera Street ,
Kilrea BT515QN

£13,952.50

£3,488

Cairde Bhunscoil Feirste

Cairde Cumann Iarscoile,
44 Rosgoill Park,
Belfast BT119QS

£13,864.50

£3,466

Loughiel OOSC

Loughgiel Out of School Club,
Loughgiel Road
Loughgiel BT449JN

£16,190

£4,047

Ballymac Playzone

Ballymac Centre
1A fraser Pass
Lower Newtownards Road
Belfast BT1 1BP

£59,000

£14,750

TOTAL

£781,000

£195,250

Childcare Services

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) all school age childcare projects that were entitled or received funding during 2007-08, and the amount allocated to each; and (ii) the amount of funding that has been allocated to each, to date, during 2008-09.

(AQW 6225/08)

Funding allocated during 2007/08 and up to 30 June 2008 to afterschool projects by DHSSPS is detailed in the attached Annex A.

ANNEX A

After-school Organisation	1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008	1 April 2008 to 30 June 2008
Chinese Welfare Assoc. ASC Martin Napier Chinese Welfare Association, 133-135 University Street , Belfast BT7 1HP	£10,242.50	£2,561
Cool Kids ASC Melissa Butler St Joseph 's Primary School, 42 Castle Street , Lisburn BT27 4XE	£13,772.50	£3,443
Glencraig ASC Deirdre Kelly Glencraig ASC, 16a Old Seahill Road Holywood BT18 0EG	£10,021	£2,505
Ionad Uibh Eachach Mairin McClafferty Ionad Uibh Eachach Cumann Iarscoile, 34 Iveagh Crescent Belfast BT12 6AW	£13,576	£3,394
Lisbane ASC Joanne Bailey Lisbarnett & Lisbane Community Assoc Ltd, 16 Lisbarnett Road Lisbane Comber BT23 6AW	£7,252.50	£1,813
Oakwood Integrated OOSH Oakwood Integrated Children's Centre, 48 The Cutts Derriaghy Co. Antrim BT17 9HN	£9,876.50	£2,469
Draperstown ASC Workspace, The Business Centre, Tobermore Road, Draperstown BT45 7AG	£25,019	£6,255
Scout Hall AS Childcare Club Annemarie Downey Downpatrick Group Scouting Ireland, The Scout Hall, Thomas Russell Park, Downpatrick BT30 6NH	£17,368.50	£4,342
Tullymore AS Project Upper Andersonstown Community Forum, 37a Tullymore Gardens Belfast BT11 8NE	£12,325	£3,081
Camowen Smart Kids Partnership Cari-Leigh Coyle Camowen Partnership Ltd, Unit 1 Termon Business Park, Carrickmore BT79 9AL Adminster awards to: Carrickmore ASC Sixmilecross ASC Loughmacrory ASC	£12,182 £12,182 £12,182	£3,046 £3,046 £3,046
Club United ASC Elaine Campbell Club United After Schools Club, Unit 1 Glendermott Valley Business Park Church Brae Derry BT47 3QR	£12,581	£3,145
Creggan Underdeck out of schools club Old Library Trust Health Living Centre, Rath Mor Business Park , Blighs Lane Creggan BT48 0LZ	£13,134	£3,284
Drumahoe Childcare LTD Drumahoe out of schools club, Lisneal College Grounds, 35 Drumahoe Road BT47 3SD	£16,057.50	£4,014
Zero-8-Teen Totz 'n' Teenz Child & Playcare Complex, Moylinn House, Legahory Centre Brownlow Craigavon BT65 5BE	£16,340	£4,085
Laughterland OOSC Pat Downey Laughterland OOSC, The Unit, Black Park Road, Toomebridge BT41 3SL	£11,040	£2,760
Kids Inn Out of Schools Club Kids Inn Out of Schools Club, Vale Centre, Greysteel BT47 3GE	£12,304	£3,076
Naiscoil Na Rinne Club na Nog Naiscoil na Rinne, 33 Cramore Gardens, Creggan Estate, Derry BT48 9TF	£13,192	£3,298
Pomeroy ASC Patricia O'Gara Pomeroy ASC, 5 Cavanakeenan Road , Pomeroy Dungannon BT70 2SD	£16,292.50	£4,073
Rasharkin Time Out ASC Rasharkin Women's Group, 22/23 Bamford Park, Rasharkin BT44 8RX	£10,853	£2,713
Skools Out Club Maria Magill Larne Community Centre, 1-5 Doric Way , Larne BT40 2BH	£12,957	£3,239
Kidsview OOSC Slievegallion Rural Development Association, 62B Longfield Road, Desertmartin Magherafelt BT45 5LS	£12,112.50	£3,028
Teemore ASC Rosemary Clarkson Teemore After Schools Club, St Mary's Hall, Teemore Cross Derrylin Enniskillen BT92 9BL	£14,513.50	£3,628
Oasis ASC Suzanne Humphries Oasis Caring in Action Ltd, 102-108 Castlereagh Street , Belfast BT5 4NJ	£12,103	£3,026
Fivemiletown ASC Glenda Campbell Fivemiletown Community Development Association, Units 2 - 5 The Buttermarket, 132 Main Street, Fivemiletown BT75 0PW	£12,631	£3,158
Short Strand Playcare Project Patricia Johnston Short Strand Community Forum, 26a Beechfield Street Belfast BT5 4EQ	£10,864	£2,716
Vine ASC Lisa McClements The Vine Centre, 193 Crumlin Road Belfast BT147DX	£12,735	£3,184
An Droichead Brid Duffy An Drocihead Cumann Iarscoile, 20 Cooke Street , Belfast BT7 2EP	£11,163	£2,791
Ardoyne ASC Elaine Johnston Ardoyne ASC, Old Beltex Mill, Flax Street Belfast BT147EJ	£10,000	£2,500
Beechmount AS Programme Francine Moore Beechmount Community Project, 2nd Floor, Blackie Building 43 Beechmount Pass Belfast BT127NW	£15,864	£3,966
Bloomfield Playcare Joanne McCarten Bloomfield Community Association, 60 Hyndford Street Belfast BT5 5EN	£7,643	£1,911
Erne East Afterschools Initiative Erne East Community Partnership Ltd, The Basement, No 1 Main Street, Roslea BT927PP Administer awards to: Erne East – Derry Gannon ASC Erne East – Donagh ASC Erne East – Brookeborough ASC	£7,348.50 £9,215 £8,312	£1,837 £2,304 £2,078
Kesh ASC Glenduuagh Childcare Services, Mantlin Road, Kesh BT931TU	£7,327	£1,832
Carryduff ASC Iris Warnock Carryduff Playcare, 20a Church Road Carryduff BT8 8DT	£13,960.50	£3,490
Nest Afterschools Cluady Rural Development, The Diamond Centre Claudy BT474EF	£11,738.50	£2,935
Rascals Playstation Rascals Playstation Childcare Centre, 20 Enniskillen Road Ballinamallard BT942ER	£12,122	£3,030
Strabane out of school club Strabane and District Playclub c/o NWIFHE 39 Derry Road Strabane BT828DX	£12,963	£3,241
Strathroy ASC (Crackerjack) Strathroy Community Centre Drumnlea Cresent Strathroy BT797XE	£11,938	£2,984
Sugar & Spice Playcare Club Samantha Armstrong Sugar & Spice Playcare Club, Units 7 & 8 Enterprise Centre, Castlederg Rd Drumquin Omagh BT784PH	£14,000	£3,500
Mountainview Society of St Vincent De Paul Kay Shortt Unit 12 Mountainview Centre, Norglen Gardens Belfast BT118EL	£14,453	£3,613
Geoff Kerr 174 Afterschool Project 174 Trust, Duncairn Complex, Duncairn Avenue Belfast BT146BP	£13,126	£3,282
Bluegrass ASC Fran Travers Bluegrass After School Club, 67F Rosemount Factory, Rosemount Avenue Derry BT480HL	£13,165	£3,291
Play Links Veronica Sloan Strangford & District ASC, The Playing Fields, The Links Strangford BT327NB	£16,178.50	£4,045
PlayBoard Maura Moore PlayBoard, 59-65 York Street Belfast BT151AA	£47,132	£11,783
Funtime ASC Funtime After School Club, C/O 14 Jade Business Park, Jonesborough Newry BT358JP	£13,096	£3,274
Kids United Stephanie Curran Kids United Playcare Facilities, Brownstown Community Centre, 9 Brownstows Park Portadown BT623PP	£13,885	£3,471
Just Kids OOSC Joanne Hogg Family Caring Centre, 2-5 Somerset Park, Antrim BT412TE	£17,301.50	£4,325
Kidz Lodge Mary Quinn Magherafelt Women's Group Ltd, 27-29 Honeymore Road , Magherafelt BT456AG	£10,352	£2,588
Kilrea ASC St Vincent De Paul, 52 Maghera Street , Kilrea BT515QN	£13,952.50	£3,488
Cairde Bhunscoil Feirste Cairde Cumann Iarscoile, 44 Rosgoill Park, Belfast BT119QS	£13,864.50	£3,466
Loughiel OOSC Loughgiel Out of School Club, Loughgiel Road Loughgiel BT449JN	£16,190	£4,047
Ballymac Playzone Ballymac Centre 1A fraser Pass Lower Newtownards Road Belfast BT1 1BP	£59,000	£14,750
TOTAL	£781,000	£195,250

After-school Organisation

1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008

1 April 2008 to 30 June 2008

Chinese Welfare Assoc. ASC Martin Napier

Chinese Welfare Association,
133-135 University Street ,
Belfast BT7 1HP

£10,242.50

£2,561

Cool Kids ASC Melissa Butler

St Joseph 's Primary School,
42 Castle Street ,
Lisburn
BT27 4XE

£13,772.50

£3,443

Glencraig ASC Deirdre Kelly

Glencraig ASC,
16a Old Seahill Road
Holywood
BT18 0EG

£10,021

£2,505

Ionad Uibh Eachach Mairin McClafferty

Ionad Uibh Eachach Cumann Iarscoile,
34 Iveagh Crescent
Belfast BT12 6AW

£13,576

£3,394

Lisbane ASC Joanne Bailey

Lisbarnett & Lisbane Community Assoc Ltd,
16 Lisbarnett Road
Lisbane
Comber BT23 6AW

£7,252.50

£1,813

Oakwood Integrated OOSH

Oakwood Integrated Children's Centre,
48 The Cutts
Derriaghy
Co. Antrim BT17 9HN

£9,876.50

£2,469

Draperstown ASC

Workspace,
The Business Centre, Tobermore Road, Draperstown BT45 7AG

£25,019

£6,255

Scout Hall AS Childcare Club Annemarie Downey

Downpatrick Group Scouting Ireland,
The Scout Hall, Thomas Russell Park, Downpatrick BT30 6NH

£17,368.50

£4,342

Tullymore AS Project

Upper Andersonstown Community Forum,
37a Tullymore Gardens
Belfast BT11 8NE

£12,325

£3,081

Camowen Smart Kids Partnership Cari-Leigh Coyle

Camowen Partnership Ltd,
Unit 1 Termon Business Park,
Carrickmore BT79 9AL

Adminster awards to:

Carrickmore ASC
Sixmilecross ASC
Loughmacrory ASC

£12,182
£12,182
£12,182

£3,046
£3,046
£3,046

Club United ASC Elaine Campbell

Club United After Schools Club,
Unit 1 Glendermott Valley Business Park
Church Brae
Derry BT47 3QR

£12,581

£3,145

Creggan Underdeck out of schools club

Old Library Trust Health Living Centre,
Rath Mor Business Park ,
Blighs Lane
Creggan BT48 0LZ

£13,134

£3,284

Drumahoe Childcare LTD

Drumahoe out of schools club,
Lisneal College Grounds,
35 Drumahoe Road
BT47 3SD

£16,057.50

£4,014

Zero-8-Teen

Totz 'n' Teenz Child & Playcare Complex,
Moylinn House, Legahory Centre
Brownlow
Craigavon BT65 5BE

£16,340

£4,085

Laughterland OOSC Pat Downey

Laughterland OOSC,
The Unit, Black Park Road,
Toomebridge BT41 3SL

£11,040

£2,760

Kids Inn Out of Schools Club

Kids Inn Out of Schools Club,
Vale Centre,
Greysteel
BT47 3GE

£12,304

£3,076

Naiscoil Na Rinne Club na Nog

Naiscoil na Rinne,
33 Cramore Gardens, Creggan Estate,
Derry BT48 9TF

£13,192

£3,298

Pomeroy ASC Patricia O'Gara

Pomeroy ASC,
5 Cavanakeenan Road , Pomeroy
Dungannon BT70 2SD

£16,292.50

£4,073

Rasharkin Time Out ASC

Rasharkin Women's Group,
22/23 Bamford Park,
Rasharkin BT44 8RX

£10,853

£2,713

Skools Out Club Maria Magill

Larne Community Centre,
1-5 Doric Way ,
Larne BT40 2BH

£12,957

£3,239

Kidsview OOSC

Slievegallion Rural Development
Association,
62B Longfield Road, Desertmartin
Magherafelt BT45 5LS

£12,112.50

£3,028

Teemore ASC Rosemary Clarkson

Teemore After Schools Club,
St Mary's Hall, Teemore Cross
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9BL

£14,513.50

£3,628

Oasis ASC Suzanne Humphries

Oasis Caring in Action Ltd,
102-108 Castlereagh Street ,
Belfast BT5 4NJ

£12,103

£3,026

Fivemiletown ASC Glenda Campbell

Fivemiletown Community Development Association,
Units 2 - 5 The Buttermarket, 132 Main Street,
Fivemiletown BT75 0PW

£12,631

£3,158

Short Strand Playcare Project Patricia Johnston

Short Strand Community Forum,
26a Beechfield Street
Belfast BT5 4EQ

£10,864

£2,716

Vine ASC Lisa McClements

The Vine Centre,
193 Crumlin Road
Belfast BT147DX

£12,735

£3,184

An Droichead Brid Duffy

An Drocihead Cumann Iarscoile,
20 Cooke Street ,
Belfast BT7 2EP

£11,163

£2,791

Ardoyne ASC Elaine Johnston

Ardoyne ASC,
Old Beltex Mill, Flax Street
Belfast BT147EJ

£10,000

£2,500

Beechmount AS Programme Francine Moore

Beechmount Community Project,
2nd Floor, Blackie Building
43 Beechmount Pass
Belfast BT127NW

£15,864

£3,966

Bloomfield Playcare Joanne McCarten

Bloomfield Community Association,
60 Hyndford Street
Belfast BT5 5EN

£7,643

£1,911

Erne East Afterschools Initiative

Erne East Community Partnership Ltd,
The Basement, No 1 Main Street,
Roslea BT927PP

Administer awards to:

Erne East – Derry Gannon ASC
Erne East – Donagh ASC
Erne East – Brookeborough ASC

£7,348.50
£9,215
£8,312

£1,837
£2,304
£2,078

Kesh ASC

Glenduuagh Childcare Services,
Mantlin Road, Kesh
BT931TU

£7,327

£1,832

Carryduff ASC Iris Warnock

Carryduff Playcare,
20a Church Road
Carryduff BT8 8DT

£13,960.50

£3,490

Nest Afterschools

Cluady Rural Development,
The Diamond Centre
Claudy BT474EF

£11,738.50

£2,935

Rascals Playstation

Rascals Playstation Childcare Centre,
20 Enniskillen Road
Ballinamallard BT942ER

£12,122

£3,030

Strabane out of school club

Strabane and District Playclub
c/o NWIFHE 39 Derry Road
Strabane BT828DX

£12,963

£3,241

Strathroy ASC (Crackerjack)

Strathroy Community Centre
Drumnlea Cresent
Strathroy BT797XE

£11,938

£2,984

Sugar & Spice Playcare Club Samantha Armstrong

Sugar & Spice Playcare Club,
Units 7 & 8 Enterprise Centre, Castlederg Rd Drumquin
Omagh BT784PH

£14,000

£3,500

Mountainview Society of St Vincent De Paul

Kay Shortt
Unit 12 Mountainview Centre, Norglen Gardens
Belfast BT118EL

£14,453

£3,613

Geoff Kerr

174 Afterschool Project
174 Trust,
Duncairn Complex, Duncairn Avenue
Belfast BT146BP

£13,126

£3,282

Bluegrass ASC Fran Travers

Bluegrass After School Club,
67F Rosemount Factory, Rosemount Avenue
Derry BT480HL

£13,165

£3,291

Play Links Veronica Sloan

Strangford & District ASC,
The Playing Fields, The Links
Strangford BT327NB

£16,178.50

£4,045

PlayBoard Maura Moore

PlayBoard,
59-65 York Street
Belfast BT151AA

£47,132

£11,783

Funtime ASC

Funtime After School Club,
C/O 14 Jade Business Park, Jonesborough
Newry BT358JP

£13,096

£3,274

Kids United Stephanie Curran

Kids United Playcare Facilities,
Brownstown Community Centre, 9 Brownstows Park
Portadown BT623PP

£13,885

£3,471

Just Kids OOSC Joanne Hogg

Family Caring Centre,
2-5 Somerset Park,
Antrim BT412TE

£17,301.50

£4,325

Kidz Lodge Mary Quinn

Magherafelt Women's Group Ltd,
27-29 Honeymore Road ,
Magherafelt BT456AG

£10,352

£2,588

Kilrea ASC

St Vincent De Paul,
52 Maghera Street ,
Kilrea BT515QN

£13,952.50

£3,488

Cairde Bhunscoil Feirste

Cairde Cumann Iarscoile,
44 Rosgoill Park,
Belfast BT119QS

£13,864.50

£3,466

Loughiel OOSC

Loughgiel Out of School Club,
Loughgiel Road
Loughgiel BT449JN

£16,190

£4,047

Ballymac Playzone

Ballymac Centre
1A fraser Pass
Lower Newtownards Road
Belfast BT1 1BP

£59,000

£14,750

TOTAL

£781,000

£195,250

Epilepsy Suffers

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people who suffer from epilepsy.

(AQW 6232/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information is not available in the form requested.

Mental Health

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people who suffer from mental health problems.

(AQW 6233/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information is not available in the form requested.

Hip Replacements

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people who have had hip replacements, for each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 6236/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of people who have had hip replacements in each of the last three years is not available.

It is however possible to provide the number of hip replacement procedures carried out in Health and Social Care Hospitals in Northern Ireland, in each of the last 3 years for which information is available.

Year	Number of procedures
2006/2007	2,076
2005/2006	1,740
2004/2005	1,758

Source: Hospital Inpatient System

Note:

It is possible that any individual could receive more than one hip replacement procedure during a year, or over a number of years, and will thus be counted more than once in the figures above.

Blind Registration

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people currently registered as blind.

(AQW 6238/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of people currently registered as blind is not collected centrally.

Health Service Neurologists

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of neurologists currently working in the Health Service.

(AQW 6239/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: According to the Health & Social Care Trusts, there are 12 consultant neurologists currently working in the Health Service.

Breast Screening Units

Mr McFarland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, in relation to mobile Breast Screening units from 1 March to 1 April 2008, (i) the number of mobiles operating on each working day; (ii) the number of staff operating in each mobile; (iii) where they were located; and (iv) the number of patients screened in each mobile unit on each day.

(AQW 6243/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On average there was one mobile operating on each week day from 1 March to 1 April 2008 with at least two members of staff in each. These mobiles where situated at the Ards Community Hospital, the Mid Ulster Hospital and the Omagh Leisure Centre.

The mobile unit at the Ards Community Hospital screened between 43 to 50 patients each day, the Mid Ulster Hospital screened between 25 to 54 and the mobile at the Omagh Leisure Centre screened between 45 to 78 patients daily.

People with Disabilities

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the targets his department has set in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in his department over the next 5 years.

(AQW 6265/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: This Department does not have targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities.

Occupational Therapists

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of occupational therapists; and (ii) the average waiting time for an assessment by an occupational therapist, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6267/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) Information is not available in the form requested.

(ii) Information on the average waiting time for an assessment by an Occupational Therapist is not collected centrally.

Diabetes

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the programmes; and (ii) the support, his department is giving to (a) diagnosing diabetes; and (b) supporting people with diabetes.

(AQW 6270/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Draft Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing will be issued for consultation shortly. This Framework includes a section on diabetes and sets out the standards of care and support that patients with diabetes can expect to receive from their multidisciplinary healthcare team.

There are no plans to introduce population screening for diabetes in Northern Ireland. However, health professionals will identify patients at high risk of having diabetes in the context of treating a range of health conditions, including when assessing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in Northern Ireland. The Retinopathy Screening Programme is available to all people with diabetes over the age of 12 in Northern Ireland.

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of staff cutbacks in (i) managerial staff; (ii) catering staff; (iii) domestic staff; (iv) porters; (v) telephonists; (vi) groundsmen; and (vii) joinery and maintenance staff, since the formation of the new South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 6275/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The South Eastern Trust advises that there have been reductions of 22 whole-time equivalent managerial staff since the formation of the Trust. There have been no further changes in any of the other requested staff groups.

Community Nurses

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQO 2702/08, to detail his department's plans to increase the numbers of community nurses in the Lagan Valley constituency.

(AQW 6277/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The recruitment of staff is a matter for individual Health and Social Care Trusts taking into account factors such as service needs and available resources. The South Eastern Trust currently has no plans to increase the number of Community nursing posts in the Lagan Valley Constituency.

Fire Stations

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the total number of days that each fire station had an appliance out of service owing to repairs in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6281/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information is not available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Fire and Rescue Appliances

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the procedure for the replacement of fire and rescue appliances.

(AQW 6283/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The NI Fire and Rescue Service monitors the age and condition of all fire appliances at each fire station across Northern Ireland to ensure the best use of resources. When an appliance reaches the end of its life span, either due to age or condition, it is replaced. The replacement will be either a brand new fire appliance, or an existing one from another fire station which has received a new fire appliance. New Fire Appliances are allocated to fire stations based on a combination of risk analysis, volume of usage and the condition of the existing appliances

Departmental Land

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the land and acreage belonging to the department, and the plans for this land.

(AQW 6311/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department currently owns land and property, commonly known as DHSSPS retained estate, with a total acreage of 687 acres. Details of the holdings are outlined in the attached Appendix.

The Department is considering future plans for this land and property in accordance with the advice/recommendation of Land and Property Services (formerly Valuation and Lands Agency). This is a statutory requirement and ensures that disposals are optimised and best price achieved.

APPENDIX

Land at Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Belfast	138	acres
Land at Gransha/Stradreagh Hospital, Londonderry	250	acres
Land at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Omagh	136.5	acres
Land at Downshire Hospital, Downpatrick	77.5	acres
Land At Whiteabbey Hospital	23.7	acres
Land at Drumcoo, Enniskillen	15.96	acres
Land at Mid Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt	6	acres
Land at Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast	4.22	acres
Land at Omagh General Hospital, Omagh	1.97	acres
Land at Scroggy Road, Limavady	1.12	acres
Rathfriland Health Centre	0.52	acres
Warrenpoint Health Centre	0.54	acres
Cherryvalley Health Centre	0.30	acres
College of Nursing and Residential Accommodation, Craigavon Area Hospital	4.026	acres
Thomas Street Clinic, Dungannon	0.71	acres
Burnside Family Day Care Centre, Craigavon	0.20	acres
137, 139 and 141 Ormeau Road, Belfast	0.28	acres
Southern Board Headquarters, Tower Hill, Armagh	1.7	acres
Western Board Headquarters, Gransha/Stradreagh Hospital, Londonderry	1.46	acres
Central Services Agency, Franklin Street, Belfast	0.22	acres
Central Services Agency Store, Boucher Crescent, Belfast	2.35	acres
Eastern Board Headquarters, Linenhall Street, Belfast	0.54	acres
NI Blood Transfusion Centre at Belfast City Hospital	2	acres
The Beeches, Hampton Park, Belfast	0.24	acres
Glasvey Special Care School , Ballykelly	0.93	acres
Hillcroft Special Care School, Newtownabbey	1.8	acres
58 Main Street , Larne	0.20	acres
Bungalow, Tempo Road, Enniskillen	0.13	acres
149 Falls Road, Belfast	0.02	acres
151 Falls Road, Belfast	0.02	acres
Strabane Family Centre	0.44	acres
81 Victoria Avenue , Newtownards	0.10	acres
Derg Valley Hospital	4.27	acres
Lisbarnett Health Clinic, Lisbarnett, Comber	0.15	acres
Omagh General Hospital	1.0	acres
42 Dennett Gardens, L’Derry	0.13	acres
Fort James Children’s Home, L’Derry	6.82	acres
New Buildings Health Clinic, L’Derry	0.23	acres
Sion Mills Health Clinic	0.37	acres
24 Pump Street , L’Derry	0.04	acres
63 Clarendon Street , L’Derry	0.03	acres
Park Health Centre, Claudy	0.36	acres

Publicity and Advertising

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how much he spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-2008.

(AQW 6317/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department spent £270,583 on publicity and advertising during 2007/08. This expenditure covers costs for example: public notices and recruitment advertising. It also covers the costs of publicity campaigns which in 2007-08 included:

Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing Recruitment
Zero Tolerance (campaign against attacks on healthcare staff)
Fireworks Safety (led by the NIO)

Graduate Dentists

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of current vacancies for graduate dentists.

(AQW 6336/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has provided additional funding over the last two years to increase the number of graduate dental training places in Northern Ireland from 28 to 40. At present there are 33 trainers in place and work is underway to maximise the capacity available through the recruitment of further trainers.

Voluntary and Community Groups

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of those voluntary and community groups that will no longer receive funding in the 2009/2010 financial year and the overall effect this will have on the health service.

(AQW 6337/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It is not possible at this stage to provide a comprehensive list of those groups that will no longer receive funding in 2009/2010 regardless of whether the source of funds is directly from the Department or via the Boards and Trusts.

Department's Correspondence

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which his Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

(AQW 6381/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department currently operates an electronic publication policy (where statutory/parliamentary constraints permit), which is in line with current best practice and is kept under regular review. Most internal correspondence is now sent electronically and, where possible, external communications are also electronic. Where possible, greater use and access is made of t he Intranet, which is a vital source of internal information for use by all staff within the Department, providing easy access to key Departmental services, and the Internet, which provides general information for staff, members of the public and health professionals. In relation to Departmental publications, specific monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure that these are fit for purpose (including electronic where appropriate) and provide value for money.

Free Personal Care

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline progress towards introducing free personal care.

(AQW 6383/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I informed the house during my speech in May 2007 that I had commissioned a report on the cost of free personal care and a number of possible alternatives. I am currently considering that analysis. Within the context of my Department’s budget settlement, I am working hard to ensure the best possible deal for all the people of Northern Ireland. I hope to be able to provide greater clarification regarding free personal care over the coming weeks.

Genito-Urinary Medicine

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the hospitals that operate Genito-urinary Medicine (GUM) services.

(AQW 6409/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics are currently held at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital, Daisy Hill Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Source: Return KC60, Communicable Diseases Surveillance Centre Northern Ireland (CDSC NI).

Independent Sector

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money spent in each of the last two years on using the independent sector for operations.

(AQW 6420/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I refer the member to my answer to Assembly Question 5391/08 on 17 April 2008.

Hospital Plans

Mr Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 5549/08, to detail his department's plans for (i) Longstone Hospital; (ii) Mullinure Hospital; and (iii) St Luke's Hospital, Armagh; and to confirm if there will be further ward closures in each of these hospitals within the next 18 months.

(AQW 6563/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is working towards the Programme for Government target “that, by 2013, anyone with a mental health problem or learning disability is promptly and suitably treated in the community and no-one remains unnecessarily in hospital.” To this end, it is developing community services to allow resettlement of long stay patients and prevent unnecessary admissions, as advocated by the Bamford Report into mental health and learning disability.

Regional Hospital

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his discussions with colleagues at the North-South Ministerial Council meeting in relation to the impact that the proposed new regional hospital to serve Counties Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan will have on the provision of health and social care in Armagh and Down.

(AQW 6583/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: This issue has not featured in discussions at the North-South Ministerial Council.

My responsibility is to secure acute services for the population of Northern Ireland. The decision on any new hospital for the north east of the Republic of Ireland lies with the authorities in that jurisdiction.

Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether the general hygiene audit of 15 April 2008 at the Royal Victoria Hospital was an unannounced audit.

(AQW 6724/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The environmental cleanliness audit conducted on 15 April was not an unannounced inspection; it was a planned audit conducted under the Cleanliness Matters strategy, whereby Trusts perform regular environmental cleanliness audits in line with the standards recommended by the strategy.

Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) date; and (ii) findings, of the last general hygiene audit in the first and second floor public areas at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

(AQW 6726/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The most recent audit was carried out on 30 April 2008 using the audit tool issued with the Regional Environmental Cleanliness Strategy. The overall score from this audit was 81%. This would equate to Band 2 on the established scale, which indicates that the standards are generally satisfactory but there is room for improvement.

The score reflects the impact of the commencement of the construction of the new critical care building on the Royal Hospitals site. This has necessitated the closure of some of the entrances to the Outpatients and ENT buildings, which has resulted in a significant increase in pedestrian traffic through the main Royal Victoria Hospital entrance. In response to the additional pedestrian traffic the Trust is reviewing the cleaning arrangements in public areas. Increased resources have been put in place as an interim measure.

Public Toilets in Hospitals

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether it is a legal requirement to display cleaning charts in public toilets in hospitals.

(AQW 6727/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There is no legal requirement to display cleaning charts in public toilets in hospitals.

Tobacco Products

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm when the age limit will be raised to 18 years in respect to purchasing tobacco products.

(AQO 3292/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Later this month I intend to seek Executive colleagues’ agreement to legislative proposals that would lead to the age of sale rising to 18. I will then bring the proposals to the Assembly with a view to making the change.

Hip Replacements

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his policy on providing hip replacements for patients under 60 years of age.

(AQO 3221/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: A patient’s age will not disqualify them from receiving the healthcare they require.

Decisions taken by doctors in relation to medical treatment are determined by clinical factors which take account of an individual patient’s condition and circumstances and consider the risks and benefits of particular treatments.

Suicide Prevention

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the action plan implemented by his Department in relation to suicide prevention and awareness.

(AQO 3301/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy was published in October 2006. It aims to reduce the local suicide rate by 15% by 2011. The Strategy contains over 60 actions for achieving this aim. Much work has already commenced to implement the Strategy including:

Establishment of a 24/7 regional crisis prevention helpline, and a pilot self-harm mentoring scheme;
Provision of community support package funding;
Research into the effects of the Troubles on suicide;
GP Depression Awareness Training;
Enhanced crisis intervention services;
An all-island public information campaign.

The Department is currently reviewing the Action Plan, to inform ongoing evaluation of the Strategy.

Free Personal Care

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the timescale for the introduction of free personal care for the elderly.

(AQO 3269/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: As the Honourable Member will recall, I informed the house during my speech in May, that I had commissioned a report on the cost of free personal care and a number of possible alternatives. I am currently considering that analysis. Within the context of my Department’s budget settlement, I am working hard to ensure the best possible deal for all the people of Northern Ireland. I hope to be able to provide greater clarification regarding free personal care over the coming weeks.

Fire Service Appliances

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what procedures are in place to ensure that fire service appliances are maintained to a high standard.

(AQO 3234/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: A servicing programme is in place to ensure that all fire appliances receive routine servicing every year in line with Chief Fire Officers’ Association guidelines and manufacturers’ recommendations. That is in addition to any servicing that is needed where defects are reported.

A response system is in place which immediately records reported defects through the Regional Control Centre and is prioritised by the Duty Transport Officer. That officer is available 24/7 and all safety critical defects are responded to immediately by the Duty Mechanic, who is also on a 24/7 call out rota basis.

Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to review the remit, functions, powers and effectiveness of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.

(AQO 3297/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have no plans at present to review the remit, functions, powers and effectiveness of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

The RQIA is continuing to develop its functions to coincide with the introduction of additional regulatory powers and has increased the range of reviews undertaken into the provision of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.

The Management Statement and Financial Memorandum between my Department and the RQIA is subject to formal review every four years or at such other intervals as the Department may determine. A copy of this document, which sets out the broad framework within which the RQIA operates, is held in the Assembly Library.

Dental Students

Ms Lo asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the availability of training placements for final year dental students.

(AQO 3275/08)

Mr M McGimpsey:

Figures available are for the academic years 2002-03 to 2006-07.

Academic Year	No of Graduates	No of training places accepted
2002-03	29	18 QUB out of 24 recruited
2003-04	35	21 QUB out of 25 recruited
2004-05	40	21 QUB out of 25 recruited
2005-06	39	21 QUB out of 28 recruited
2006-07	38	22 QUB out of 28 recruited

Source:QUB

My Department provided additional funding over the last two years to increase the number of training places from 35 to 40 in order to match the number of QUB graduates.

Graduates have the option of either entering the Vocational Training Scheme competition in Northern Ireland, or entering the equivalent competition in Great Britain. Figures in the table illustrate the numbers of QUB graduates who take up available places in Northern Ireland, the remaining places are filled by GB graduates, many of whom are returning NI citizens who have qualified at Higher Education Institutions in the GB.

My Department also provided extra funding of £500,000 in September 2007 to increase the training capacity in the Vocational Training Scheme and work is underway to recruit further trainers.

Speech and Language Therapists

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what meetings he has had, or plans to have, with the Minister of Finance and Personnel, to ensure that no financial paybacks are sought from speech and language therapists under the Agenda for Change process.

(AQO 3295/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have not met with the Minister for Finance and Personnel to discuss this specific issue and have no plans to do so. There have been a number of discussions at official level between both Departments on this subject. In the first instance these discussions occurred prior to commencing the Agenda for Change implementation process and more recently when the particular case of Speech and Language Therapists was raised. On these occasions officials in the Department of Finance and Personnel confirmed with my officials that there could be no justification for relaxing the Government Accounting NI principles and that every effort must be made by HSC employers to recover the excess payments from public funds.

Agenda for Change Process

Mr Cree asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the Agenda for Change process.

(AQO 3277/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Agenda for Change implementation process is being carried out in partnership between Health and Social Care employers and staff representatives. I have set a deadline of 30 June 2008 for HSC employers to have all relevant staff on the Agenda for Change rates of pay and I expect them to meet this deadline. Employers are at various stages of the implementation process. I am pleased to report that over 90% of all staff are now in receipt of Agenda for Change rates of pay and almost 62% of these have also received the arrears due to them from 1 October 2004.

Residential Care

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to address the issue of older people having to sell their homes to cover the cost of residential care.

(AQO 3316/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I recognise that many people feel that the current charging regime for residential and nursing home care is unfair. That is why I commissioned an update of the cost of introducing free personal care together with a number of alternative amendments to the current charging regime, including the introduction of a complete disregard of the resident’s former home. I am currently considering this analysis and I hope to be able to provide greater clarification regarding these measures over the coming weeks.

Smoke Free

Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the impact on public health following the first year of Northern Ireland going smoke free.

(AQO 3289/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: A comprehensive research project to enable my Department to gauge the impact of smoke-free legislation will be available later in the year.

Although the legislation is designed to protect the public and employees, it has also encouraged smokers to try to stop. Provisional figures show that 19,662 people attending cessation services set a quit date in 2007/08. The figures for 2006/07 and 2005/06 were 13,795 and 8,702 respectively.

Support for the legislation remains high with 97.6% of over 31,000 premises inspected up to December 2007 compliant with the no smoking requirement and 94.5% displaying correct signage.

In the longer term, I anticipate that major health benefits will accrue from smoke-free legislation and these should be reflected in data on tobacco-related mortality and morbidity.

Smoking Cessation Programmes

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funds that have been made available for smoking cessation programmes; and to confirm how these allocations are determined.

(AQO 3314/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The funding made available to Health and Social Services Boards by the Department for smoking cessation services over the past three financial years is set out in the table below:-

Year	Allocation
2005/06	£ 760,000
2006/07	£1,060,000
2007/08	£1,210,000
Total	£3,030,000

The allocations include a recurrent £760k in Boards’ baselines, uplifted each year to reflect inflation. The resources were allocated using the capitation formula, which aims to ensure that each Board receives an equitable share of available resources by taking account of a number of factors, including age and gender profiles.

In addition, my Department allocated £480,000 in 2006/07 and £600,000 in 2007/08 to support community pharmacy smoking cessation services across Northern Ireland.

Lisanelly Site

Mr Lunn asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the potential of the Lisanelly site to provide integrated health, education and social services.

(AQO 3274/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Lisanelly site was considered for the proposed Enhanced Local Hospital Complex at Omagh under a site selection exercise carried out in 2006. Following a robust appraisal of all the potential sites in the area, the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital site was selected as the preferred option for the new hospital. There are no proposals at this time for health, social services or public safety facilities on the Lisanelly site.

Regional Development

Bus Service

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of the provision of the bus service from (i) Carrickfergus and (ii) Larne, to Antrim Area Hospital.

(AQW 5948/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): I have been informed that Translink currently operates a weekday service to Antrim Area Hospital from Carrickfergus Rail Station and Larne Bus Station.

It is likely that support from my Department’s Rural Transport Fund will enable an improved service, in line with passenger demand, from Carrickfergus to Antrim Area Hospital from 30 June 2008.

In relation to services from Larne, I understand that, from 28 April, Translink will operate weekday services from Larne to Antrim station and that a half-hourly service will connect the station to the hospital. These modifications were made in order to provide a more regular spread of services throughout the day and better reflect patronage levels.

Disused Culverts

Mr McNarry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of abandoned or disused culverts in Newtownards.

(AQW 6293/08)

Mr C Murphy: I am advised by my Department’s Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water that they are not aware of any abandoned or disused culverts in Newtownards.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Rivers Agency has also advised me that there are no designated culverted watercourses in Newtownards that have been abandoned or are disused.

Work from Home

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of staff in his department, since devolution, who have been able to work from home.

(AQW 6304/08)

Mr C Murphy: There is no formal home working policy within the NI Civil Service generally or the Department for Regional Development specifically. However, in practice there can be short-term and/or local arrangements in particular circumstances. The Department does not retain central records of such arrangements.

In the interests of promoting Work Life Balance, the Department also operates a Teleworking Scheme under which, subject to business needs, staff may apply to work for a limited number of days per week at one of the Department’s four dedicated Teleworking Centres (Newry, Omagh, Seaforde and Derry).

Departmental Land

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the land and acreage belonging to the department, and the plans for this land.

(AQW 6310/08)

Mr C Murphy:

The Table below shows details currently held by my Department.

NUMBER OF PLOTS	AREA (HECTARES)	CATEGORY
369	43.168 (approx)	Disposal 1
745	275.593(approx)	Interim Estate 2

1 Disposal in this context means surplus land in the ownership of Roads Service which is no longer required for the purpose for which it was acquired and is currently in the process of being disposed of.

2 Interim Estate in this context refers to land which has been acquired for future schemes.

Parking Tickets

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number of parking tickets issued to Republic of Ireland registered vehicles since the inception of the National Car Parks contract; and (ii) what percentage of the total number of tickets issued this represents.

(AQW 6329/08)

Mr C Murphy: The parking enforcement contract with NCP Services Ltd commenced at the end of October 2006. For the period since then, to the end of March 2008, the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued to southern registered vehicles is 16,950. This figure represents some 7.7% of the total number of PCNs issued.

Parking Tickets

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the (i) number; and (ii) monetary value, of parking tickets issued to Republic of Ireland registered vehicles since the inception of the National Car Parks contract for which payment is outstanding.

(AQW 6331/08)

Mr C Murphy: Of the 16,950 PCNs issued to southern registered vehicles, 12,324 (72.7%) have payment outstanding. The current monetary value of these is £739,620.

Currently, my Department cannot pursue vehicle owners from the South who are issued with a parking ticket in the North due to legal issues surrounding the exchange of vehicle keeper details.

My officials are actively working to try and resolve these issues.

Cycle Paths

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the location and timescale for the construction of new cycle paths in the Strangford parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6332/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has a number of cycling projects planned or underway within the Strangford parliamentary constituency during 2008/09.

Work is expected to be completed on the final section of the Comber Greenway project between Ballyrainey Road, Comber and Grahamsbridge Road, Dundonald. On completion, this will provide a combined cycle and footway from Comber to Belfast, largely along the route of the former railway line.

In Comber, it is proposed to provide an extension of the existing path on Newtownards Road to the garage opposite the health centre.

It is also planned to provide signing and additional paths, where possible, on a circular cycle route incorporating Newtownards - Portaferry, - Downpatrick, - Killyleagh and Comber.

Finally, in conjunction with the Rural Schools project funded by DARD and Roads Service, it is planned to provide a combined path at St Mary’s Stile in Killyleagh which will link St Mary’s Primary School and Killyleagh Primary School.

Road Schemes

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the general road schemes; and (ii) road calming measures, he has planned for the East Antrim parliamentary constituency over the next three years.

(AQW 6335/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service develops its programmes on an annual basis, as much of the work is either reactive in nature or based on up-to-date collision histories. Roads Service does not collate its general road schemes or road calming measures on a parliamentary constituency basis. However, Roads Service officials have identified the locations of planned schemes for 2008/09 that they consider to be within the East Antrim parliamentary constituency:

2008/09 General/Minor Road Schemes

Installation of new pelican crossing at Old Glenarm Road, Larne;
Rephasing of traffic signals and minor footway improvements at Victoria Road/Agnew Street junction in Larne;
Provision of bus lay-by at Old Glenarm Road, Larne;
Minor footway improvements in the Larne Borough;
New signage/lines and small scale works in the Larne Borough;
Measures to improve sight lines for traffic exiting Lunnon Road onto Brown’s Bay; Islandmagee;
A vehicle containment system at Beach Road, Whitehead to reduce the risk of vehicles encroaching on the adjacent railway track
Completion of a parallel incursion barrier along Shore Road, Magheramourne, parallel to the railway line;
Provision of a visibility splay to the northern side of the junction of Bridgend Road/Forthill Road, Ballycarry;
Provision of a visibility splay on the northern side of the junction of Gobbins Road/Mullaghboy Road, Islandmagee and improvements to the stopping sight distance at the adjacent bend; and
Provision of visibility splays at the junction of Ballyhampton Road/Old Ballyhampton Road, Larne.

2008/09 Road Calming Measures

Seacliff Estate, Larne - area wide traffic calming scheme;
Station Road, Greenisland;
the Alexander Road area, the Barn Road/Elizabeth Avenue area, Carrickfergus ; and
Prospect Heights and Regent Avenue in Carrickfergus.

I can also advise that Roads Service has received requests for the provision of traffic calming measures which would currently be considered for inclusion in the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 programme of works. These include:

Windmill Avenue, Carrickfergus; and
Rosstulla Park and Glenbroome Park, Newtownabbey.

However, as further assessments are completed these priorities may change and there is no guarantee that these streets will feature in future programmes.

All Roads Service schemes are subject to the availability of finance. In addition, th e road calming schemes are subject to the successful conclusion of the public consultation and legislative processes.

Works programmes for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 financial years have not been finalised at this stage, however a number of minor works schemes are under consideration for inclusion and will be brought forward through the appropriate approvals process.

With regard to major road works, I can advise that Roads Service is currently developing a proposal for the A2 Shore Road, Greenisland between Shore Avenue (University) and Seapark. Draft Statutory Orders have been published and a public inquiry held into the proposals. Roads Service intends to make an announcement in the autumn of 2008 on the way forward for the scheme. The Department’s Investment Delivery Plan for Roads indicates that the anticipated advertisement to market this scheme would be in 2010/11, subject to satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures and the level of funding available at the time.

People with Disabilities

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps he is taking to improve the priority seating signage on buses, for people with disabilities.

(AQW 6338/08)

Mr C Murphy: Translink has advised me that it is currently revising all interior priority seating signage in consultation with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee and the Consumer Council. I understand that current signage is fully compliant with Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations.

Ticketing System

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to improve the ticketing system for buses and trains to assist people with visual impairments.

(AQW 6339/08)

Mr C Murphy: Translink has informed me that they are currently scoping the requirements of a replacement ticketing system. The needs of people with visual impairments will be fully considered as part of this exercise.

Thompson Solutions

Mr Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the assistance provided by Roads Service staff to Thompson Solutions, who have lodged a planning application for a new factory at Moor Road, Kilkeel.

(AQW 6349/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service provided assistance to Thompson Solutions through participation of officials at discussions about planning application P/08/0434/F, which relates to a new factory at Moor Road, Kilkeel.

At the recent meeting held on Tuesday 22 April 2008, also attended by representatives of Planning Service, the requirements for improvements to local infrastructure, which would be needed in association with any development, were explained to the applicant.

Such improvements would involve widening of Moor Road from its junction with Newcastle Road to the site access and provision of footways. It was also pointed out that the Key Design Requirements for industrial development in this zone, as stipulated in the Draft Banbridge Newry & Mourne Area Plan, makes reference to a proposed development led link road between Moor Road and Harbour Road.

The applicant has also been advised that a Transport Assessment would need to be submitted as part of the planning process.

Disabled Parking

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of car parking spaces owned by the Roads Service that are currently allocated as disabled parking, broken down by council area.

(AQW 6360/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have advised that they presently provide 1789 on-street disabled car parking places, however, a breakdown by council area is not maintained. They also provide 740 disabled car parking spaces in off-street car parks either owned or leased by them and a breakdown by council area is provided in the table below.

Council	Disabled Parking PlacesIn Off-Street Car Parks
Derry City Council	20
Coleraine Borough Council	45
Limavady Borough Council	14
Moyle District Council	04
Ballymena Borough Council	60
Antrim Borough Council	26
Larne Borough Council	22
Ballymoney Borough Council	14
Fermanagh District Council	25
Cookstown District Council	07
Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council	16
Omagh District Council	40
Magherafelt District Council	28
Strabane District Council	18
Ards Borough Council	43
Down District Council	33
Newry and Mourne District Council	40
Armagh District Council	26
Banbridge District Council	38
Craigavon Borough Council	105
Belfast City Council	25
Lisburn City Council	23
Newtownabbey Borough Council	18
Carrickfergus Borough Council	25
North Down Borough Council	25
Castlereagh Borough Council	0
Total	740

Northern Ireland Water

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps are being taken by Northern Ireland Water and his Department to address the wear and tear of gabions adjacent to Smugglers Tavern Restaurant, Killyleagh.

(AQW 6364/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the gabions adjacent to the Smugglers Table Restaurant, Killyleagh, were installed by a Water Service contractor during work to lay a sewage pumping main in 2001. To facilitate a bridge crossing, the ground on both banks of the river was excavated and, following construction works, the gabions were installed to protect and stabilise the river bank.

NIW will arrange an inspection of the gabions to assess their condition and investigate where responsibility lies for undertaking maintenance. I have asked the Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water to write to you when the outcome of the investigation is known.

Ards Borough Council Area

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to list all the streets, areas, villages and estates which the Roads Service has assessed, scored and prioritised within the Ards Borough Council area, and to indicate the score and prioritisation given to each.

(AQW 6387/08)

Mr C Murphy: Details of traffic calming schemes for the Ards Borough Council assessed by my Department’s Roads Service are provided in the table below.

Assessments for Traffic Calming Measures in Ards Borough Council Area
Current Priority Ranking	Location	Score
1	West Street , Newtownards	140
2	East Street , Newtownards	105
3	Whiteways/Mountain Rd , Newtownards	100
4	Victoria Avenue , Newtownards	90
5	Old Shore Road , Newtownards	85
6	Rubane Road	85
7	Beverley / Rosevale	80
8	Beverley Avenue , Newtownards	80
9	Bridge Street Link	80
10	Corry Street , Newtownards	80
11	Belfast Road , Comber	75
12	Oakdale, Ballygowan	75
13	Shore Road Kircubbin, Bad Bend, Kircubbin	75
14	Main Road , Cloughy	65
15	East Mount, Newtownards	60
16	Londonderry Road , Comber	60
17	New Harbour Road, Portavogie	60
18	Springfield Road , Portavogie	60
19	Londonderry Road , Newtownards	55
20	Stratheden Hights, Newtownards	55
21	The Brae, Ballygowan (Estimate)	55
22	Westland Road , Ballywalter	55
23	Beechfield Drive , Donaghadee	50
24	Church Way /Avenue, Kircubbin	50
25	De Wind Drive , Comber	50
26	Glenariff Drive/Londonderry Park, Comber	50
27	Lawson Park Portavogie	50
28	Saratoga Avenue + Glenford Road, Newtownards	50
29	Bow Street , Donaghadee	45
30	Lougheries ( Ballyhaft Road)	45
31	Main Road , Portavogie A22	45
32	Main Street Portavogie A8	45
33	Queen Street,Newtownards	45
34	Stump Road, Ballywalter	45
35	Ashmount Drive , Portaferry	40
36	Cronstown and Lawnbrook Areas	40
37	Belfour Street , Newtownards	35
38	Dalton Park , Comber	35
39	Dermott Avenue/Park, Comber	35
40	Graffen Gardens/Coronation Street	35
41	Greenwell Street , Newtownards	35
42	Movilla Street , Newtownards	35
43	Old Forge Avenue, Newtownards	35
44	Shore Road, Millisle	35
45	St Columbas Drive/Pine Croft Avenue , Newetownards	35
46	Cherry Valley , Comber	30
47	Dunleath Drive , Ballywalter	30
48	Graffan Gardens , Newtownards	30
49	Orchard Avenue, Newtownards (Not Adopted), Newtownards	30
50	Well Road Ballywalter	30
51	Ballymacruse Drive Millisle	25
52	Bangor Road/Orchard Lane , Newtownards	25
53	Cairndore Road Newtownards	25
54	Johnston Park , Carrowdore	25
55	Laburum Drive , Comber	25
56	Mandaville Avenue	25
57	Ballyharry Park , Newtownards	20
58	Beverley Walk, Newtownards	20
59	Calhame Gardens , Cloghey	20
60	Cedar Park , Portaferry	15
61	Church Road , Carrowdore	15
62	Cuan View, Portaferry,	15
63	Dickson Park , Ballygowan	15
64	Gregstown Park , Newtownards	15
65	Hazelwood Drive , Newtownards	15
66	Rectory Park , Kircubbin	15
67	Regency Park , Newtownards	15
68	Straiddorn Green, Comber	15
69	Teal Rocks Portaferry Road, Newtownards	15
70	Thornleigh, Ballydrain	15
71	William St Court, Newtownards	15
72	Landsdown Road Newtownards	10
73	Priory Road, Newtownards	10
74	Moatlands Development Ballyhalbert	5
75	School House Brae, Donaghadee	5

Belfast Marathon

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the reasons why in the interests of safety roads cannot be closed during the Belfast Marathon.

(AQW 6406/08)

Mr C Murphy: I can advise that the issue of safety and the temporary traffic management arrangements in connection with the Belfast Marathon are matters for the event organisers to arrange.

I understand that the event organisers liaise closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to ensure that the safety of those competing and watching the event is not compromised and that all the necessary traffic management measures are in place.

Water Supply

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail, for the last 12 months, the number of breaks in the water supply in (i) the Ards Borough Council; and (ii) the Strangford constituency.

(AQW 6416/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that during the 12 months to March 2008, there were 184 interruptions to the water supply within the Ards Borough Council Area. Of these 92 interruptions were planned and 92 unplanned. For the same period in the Strangford Constituency there were 241 interruptions to the water supply, of which 109 were planned and 132 were unplanned.

Meeting Times

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the average time between a response to attend a site meeting being sent, and the meeting taking place with (i) Councillors; (ii) MLAs; and (iii) MPs.

(AQW 6419/08)

Mr C Murphy: Between 8 May 2007 and 1 May 2008 the average time between a response to attend a site meeting being issued, a mutually convenient date being agreed and the meeting taking place with (i) Councillors was 49 working days; and (ii) MLAs, 24 working days. (iii) I have not attended any site meetings with MPs.

North Down Borough Council Area

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to list all the streets, villages and estates which the Roads Service has assessed, scored and prioritised within the North Down Borough Council area, and to indicate the score and prioritisation given to each.

(AQW 6425/08)

Mr C Murphy: The locations and the current priority ranking for all applications assessed by my Department’s Roads Service within the North Down Borough Council area, but not yet in a programme of works, are provided in the table below. As further assessments are completed these priorities will change.

The locations in the North Down Council area where schemes are proposed in the works programme for 2008/2009 (subject to the successful conclusion of the public consultation and legislative processes) are, Drumhirk Drive, Skipperstone Road/Whitehill estate area, Gray’s Hill area, Ballymaconnell Road South and Castle Park Road, all in Bangor.

Assessments for Traffic Calming Measures in Roads Service Eastern Division
Current Priority Ranking	Location	Council Area
1	Croft Road	North Down
8	Willowbrook Park / Road	North Down
16	Church Road , Holywood	North Down
17	Sunningdale Park, Bangor	North Down
20	Abbey Ring	North Down
28	Shandon Drive	North Down
40	Innisfayle Drive	North Down
41	Thornleigh Gardens	North Down
43	Chippendale Avenue	North Down
49	Ballyree Drive	North Down
59	Ballyree	North Down
65	Princess Gardens	North Down
83	Wandsworth Road	North Down
91	Farnham Road	North Down
103	Marquis Avenue	North Down
105	Victoria Road	North Down
133	Towerview crescent	North Down
154	Sherwood Parks	North Down
166	Tower Road Conlig	North Down
167	Coronation Avenue	North Down

Water Preservation

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the financial incentives he intends to provide to encourage water preservation amongst domestic users.

(AQW 6468/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Independent Review of Water and Sewerage Services commissioned by the Executive considered the provision of incentives to encourage water preservation amongst domestic users.

The Executive is currently considering the recommendations of the Independent Water Review Panel’s second report including recommendations on measures to encourage preservation of water. The Executive will consult on its proposals in due course.

Bus Station

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on his plans to build a bus station in Banbridge.

(AQW 6478/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from the Department continue to liaise with Tranlink in taking forward the project to construct a new bus station in Banbridge. However progress has been delayed because of land issues relating to the proposed site for the new station. When these are resolved, Translink will submit an Economic Appraisal for approval by my Department and, if approval is granted, work to construct the station will commence as soon as possible after that.

Northern Ireland Railways

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of (i) inspectors; (ii) managers; (iii) drivers; and (iv) conductors, broken down by station, that are employed by Northern Ireland Railways.

(AQW 6486/08)

Mr C Murphy: The NIR staff detail requested is set out in the following table:

					Total
	Managers	Inspectors	Drivers	Conductors
CENTRAL STATION	4			61	65
BANGOR		2	7	10	19
COLERAINE		3	10	9	22
LARNE HARBOUR			10	10	20
LONDONDERRY CITY			10	10	20
PORTADOWN	1	4	15	15	35
ADELAIDE			5		5
BALLYMENA	1				1
CARRICKFERGUS		1			1
GREAT VICTORIA STREET	1	4			5
LISBURN		2			2
YORK ROAD	1		68		69
Total	8	16	125	115	264

Water Rates

Mr McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development if a limited company that is also a registered charity is liable to pay water rates.

(AQW 6487/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that all non-domestic customers in receipt of water or sewerage services, including registered charities, will be liable to pay a charge. From 1 April 2008, there are separate charges for both water and sewerage services and non-domestic customers will be billed on either a measured or unmeasured basis.

Parking Schemes

Mr Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6098/08, if he has an estimated cost of the proposed residents' parking schemes in Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets (West) area.

(AQW 6509/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials in my Department’s Roads Service have advised that the direct site implementation for the proposed residents' parking schemes in Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets (West) area is estimated to cost £145,000. This includes the painting of lines, signage and installation of ticket machines. However, this figure does not include costs associated with the scheme design, public consultation, processing of legislation or subsequent ongoing enforcement and maintenance activities, which can not be accurately estimated at this time.

Road Side Memorials

Mr Irwin asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 5601/08, to outline the equality obligation placed upon the Roads Service by equality legislation in dealing with (i) complaints about; and (ii) community approval for, troubles-related, illegally erected memorials.

(AQW 6543/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has a statutory duty under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and to have regard to good relations in carrying out its functions. This duty is fulfilled in accordance with the Department’s Equality Scheme which has been approved by the Equality Commission.

Section 10 of the Equality Scheme sets out how complaints can be made and how they will be handled by the Department. With regard to community approval for troubles-related, illegally erected memorials, my Department’s Roads Service pays high regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial groups. In doing so Roads Service is acutely aware that taking action to remove illegally erected monuments without the support of the wider local community could have a negative impact on relations between such groups. Roads Service’s experience in dealing with similarly contentious issues such as flag flying, kerb painting, etc, has shown that community agreement is key to successfully resolving such sensitive issues.

Walking to School

Mr McFarland asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the actions his Department has taken to increase the number of children who walk to school; and (ii) the increase in the number of children who walk to school since he took up office.

(AQO 3278/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has promoted walking to school, through the Safer Routes to Schools initiative, since 2004. This initiative aims to tackle school travel issues by promoting sustainable modes of travel, including walking. On average 30 schools are included in the initiative each year.

Participating schools receive awareness training on the benefits of sustainable travel using classroom based resources. The scheme also includes the installation of appropriate physical infrastructure improvements within the school grounds and on public roads to make it easier and safer to walk, cycle and use public transport or car share for the school run.

Since 2004, the Safer Routes to Schools message has been promoted to 128 schools involving approximately 40,000 pupils and their parents.

This year’s Walk to School Week event from19 to 23 May, which I intend to launch, aims to further raise awareness of the impact of the school run and encourage pupils, parents and teachers from all schools across the North to leave the car at home and walk to school during the week. Details of the event have been circulated to all schools.

In terms of the uptake of children walking to school, this is a purely voluntary action and dependent on the schools’ participation and parental concerns over road safety and stranger danger.

Shortly after taking up office, I was involved in the launch of Walk to School Week 2007. Nearly 25,000 pupils took part in that event and my Department plans to build on that figure this year.

As regards the Safer Routes to Schools initiative, I do not have specific figures indicating the increase in the number of children walking to school for the academic year 2007/08. However, the latest evaluation, based on the academic year 2006/07, indicates that of the schools that participated in the surveys, 50% have observed more children walking to and from school.

As this is an attitudinal survey, no actual modal shift figures were provided. I can, however, add that my Department is revising its approach to surveys with the expansion of the Safer Routes to Schools programme, and that in the future, these surveys will include a more detailed assessment of children’s mode of travel.

Millennium Way Phase 2

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the current status of the proposed Millennium Way Phase 2 road development in Lurgan.

(AQO 3296/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has developed proposals and obtained Planning Approval for the Malcolm Road to Gilford Road link in Lurgan, an extension of Millenium Way. Presently plans detailing the land necessary to construct the scheme are being prepared.

However, Roads Service’s priority for road improvements is focused on the Strategic Road Network. While the benefits of this scheme, in providing traffic relief on the road network in the west side of Lurgan during times of peak flow, are recognised, this link road does not form part of the Strategic Road Network.

Nevertheless, in the recently published Investment Delivery Plan for Roads over the next 10 years we have identified funds totalling £109 million specifically “…. to complete the Non Strategic Major Improvements incorporating the schemes identified in the Sub-Regional Transport Plan”. There are many competing demands for these substantial, but limited, resources and priorities have still to be determined.

However, I would confirm that the Malcolm Road to Gilford Road extension of the Millenium Way will be included among the schemes considered for inclusion in this particular programme of work.

A3 Road from Portadown

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on his plans to upgrade the A3 road from Portadown to Armagh.

(AQO 3223/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service published a consultation document listing proposals to expand the Strategic Road Improvement Programme in July 2006. The schemes included were selected based on the five key criteria set for considering transportation projects, namely environment, safety, economy, accessibility and integration. The proposed schemes included the construction of a dual carriageway on the most heavily trafficked section of the A3, from Portadown to Richhill.

The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland has enabled me to build on the Strategic Road Improvement Programme identified in the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan and take into account feedback from the consultation, which was supportive of those schemes being proposed by Roads Service.

I am pleased to confirm that m y Department's Investment Delivery Plan for Roads, published on the Department’s website at the start of April 2008, includes a proposal to dual the A3 between Portadown and Richhill. Roads Service will be appointing consultants in due course to commence the work of assessing route options for this major road scheme.

Disabled Parking Bay

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the length of time required to process an application for a disabled parking bay.

(AQO 3264/08)

Mr C Murphy: The time taken to process an application for a disabled parking bay is dependent on the circumstances surrounding the individual application.

When an application is received, the availability of parking in the subject area is assessed by visiting the site at different times of the day. It normally takes about three weeks to complete an assessment.

Following the completion of the assessment, approval is required from the PSNI before the legislative process, including local consultation, to authorise disabled parking facilities can begin. Subject to there being no objections, this process usually takes about six months to complete.

Sewerage Works

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the consultation that has taken place between him and the Minister for the Environment in relation to developing an integrated strategy to upgrade sewerage works in line with increasing development in specific areas in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 3290/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have had no specific consultation with the Minister for the Environment on this matter but Northern Ireland Water has worked closely with the Department of the Environment in developing a programme of investment which takes account of development, capacity of works and environmental compliance.

Emerald Fund

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the transport infrastructure proposals he has prepared for consideration by the Emerald Fund.

(AQO 3227/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have not prepared any such proposals. Details of how the Emerald Fund is to operate have not yet been made available to my Department.

Executive Office in Brussels

Mr Neeson asked the Minister for Regional Development when he last used the Executive Office in Brussels.

(AQO 3266/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have not used the Executive office in Brussels since taking up my Ministerial portfolio in May 2007.

Water Pressure

Mrs O'Neill asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the action taken by Northern Ireland Water to address the ongoing situation of poor water pressure in the Clonoe area of the Mid-Ulster parliamentary constituency.

(AQO 3324/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that a recent zonal study examined the adequacy of the water distribution system serving the Clonoe area. The Study identified the need to upgrade and replace a number of existing water mains, which will be prioritised by NIW and included in its capital works programme. However, due to competing priorities, it is unlikely that any improvements could commence before 2009/10.

A two kilometre section of water main on the Washing Bay Road has been identified as the likely cause of low water pressure in the Clonoe area. In order to resolve the pressure problems for residents as soon as possible, NIW is investigating the technical feasibility of replacing this section of water main in advance of the work required under the zonal study. This would, of course, be subject to the availability of funding. If approved, the work could commence around August this year.

Residents' Parking Schemes

Ms Lo asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the consultation on residents' parking schemes in Belfast.

(AQO 3268/08)

Mr C Murphy: Members will be aware that, on 17 April 2008, I launched the informal consultation process to locally elected representatives on the first five proposed residents’ parking schemes in Belfast.

My Department’s Roads Service has confirmed that consultation documents were sent to all residential and business properties in the Barrack Street, Sandy Row, Donegall Pass, Brown’s Square and Markets (West) areas, on 18 April 2008. Feedback received will inform the way forward.

Rural Transport Fund

Mr Burnside asked the Minister for Regional Development to give his assessment of the operational success of the Rural Transport Fund.

(AQO 3229/08)

Mr C Murphy: I consider the Rural Transport Fund to have been a great success. Since its inception in 1998 the Fund has been delivering lifeline services to rural dwellers with reduced mobility. It currently supports 18 Rural Community Transport Partnerships and also provides funding to Translink to operate some 23 rural bus routes that would otherwise be uneconomic.

Following a review of the Fund, I have recently announced changes that I believe will further enhance the type and level of services provided.

Street Lighting

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans for extending street lighting in rural areas.

(AQO 3259/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service use two main criteria when considering the provision of street lighting in rural areas. These are:

the density of housing within a community, including public buildings with significant night time use, and
road safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction of night-time accidents.

The policy for provision of road lighting in rural locations was relaxed in 2002, so that any public building with significant evening use within a community, would be counted as two dwellings, when applying the housing density criteria.

Roads Service also has to balance the demand for more rural lighting against the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation of the countryside, the environmental impact of night sky light pollution on people, wildlife and flora and the financial costs of providing and maintaining additional public lighting installations.

There are no plans for a further review of the criteria at this time.

Ballymoney Railway Station

Mr O'Loan asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans for the refurbishment of Ballymoney Railway station.

(AQO 3262/08)

Mr C Murphy: Work to upgrade Ballymoney Station in accordance with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Translink’s New Rail Vision started recently and should be completed by the end of August. The work includes the installation of tactile paving, lighting, platform surfacing, signage, refurbishing toilets and general repainting at a cost of £345,000. Translink also have plans for the renewal of the station roof which should be undertaken in the course of the next year at a cost of £370,000.

Also planned is a “Sustrans” project to be undertaken in partnership with Ballymoney Council to construct a new footbridge over the station, linking the recreational area and new housing to the south of the station with the main town centre. The scheme is match funded by Translink and the Council, with both sides contributing approximately £350,000 each. Timescales for this project are being finalised but it should be complete within the next 2 to 4 years.

Fuel Duty Rebate Scheme

Mr McNarry asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will consider widening the application of the fuel duty rebate scheme, in light of the recent rise in the cost of fuel.

(AQO 3228/08)

Mr C Murphy: Rebate on the duty paid on fuel is intended as a support for road operators to help them provide affordable public transport services. The Fuel Duty Rebate Scheme is only open to operators who possess a valid Road Service Licence to run stage carriage public transport services. T here are currently no plans to widen the application of the scheme to include non stage carriage services.

Northern Ireland Railway

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the strategies he has put in place to improve Northern Ireland's railway service between Belfast and Dublin, in light of Northern Ireland Railway's recent analysis of the service's failings.

(AQO 3286/08)

Mr C Murphy: Belfast-Dublin Enterprise trains are jointly operated by NI Railways and Iarnród Éireann. They operate 106 services per week carrying almost 900,000 passengers annually. The reliability of the service over the year April 2007-March 2008 was 99.72% meaning that only 0.28% of services were cancelled. The punctuality of the service, that is trains arriving on time or late by less than 10 minutes, was 88.2 %. This compares favourably with most intercity services operated throughout Britain and Ireland.

NI Railways and Iarnrod Éireann continuously monitor all causes of delay or service failure which have been caused by a variety of factors including problems with the locomotives, track or signalling failures and implement rectification, modification and upgrade programmes to address these issues.

Discussions have taken place between NIR and Iarnród Éireann over a number of years in respect of potential upgrades to the Belfast-Dublin rail service. In February 2006 NIR and Iarnród Éireann agreed a forward development strategy for the Enterprise service, recognising the long-term aspiration to improve journey times and service frequencies. The North- South Ministerial Council in December 2007 asked officials to assess the options and prepare a Business Case for consideration.

Social Development

Fuel Allowance

Mr McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development if she intends to increase the fuel allowance for persons aged 60-79 to correspond with the fuel allowance for those aged 80 years and over.

(AQW 6166/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The Winter Fuel Payment Scheme was introduced in January 1998 as part of the strategy to alleviate fuel poverty by providing specific help to those aged 60 and over with their winter fuel bills.

An additional £100 has been paid to those aged 80 or over since the winter of 2003/2004. This additional money is targeted at those aged over 80 as they are more likely than younger pensioners to have a lower income, to spend a greater proportion of household spending on fuel, to be in fuel poverty and to be living in poorer conditions.

In keeping with the long-standing principle of parity on social security matters, the level of Winter Fuel Payment is the same here as that set in Britain by the Westminster Parliament.

Modernisation Fund

Mr Bresland asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the progress made in accessing application to the modernisation fund; and to provide a breakdown, by district council area, of (i) the names of groups who have applied to the modernisation fund; (ii) the names of groups who have been successful; and (iii) the amount of funding awarded to each group.

(AQW 6180/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since the programme closed to application on 19 October 2007 significant progress has been made in the assessment of the 475 applications received across the 3 schemes within the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme. These applications have a cumulative total value of some £195 million while there is £15 million available through the Programme.

Following a competitive tendering process an independent Intermediary Body was appointed to take forward the assessment process. The current status of each scheme within the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme is as follows:

Scheme 1. Infrastructure Pilot Scheme – [£9m grant available] 145 applications received – the assessment by the Intermediary Body is still underway. Projects to be notified of assessment decision within 3 weeks.

Scheme 2. Community Facility Improvement Scheme –[£3m grant available] 135 applications received – assessment completed & decision made to take up to 18 applications through to economic appraisal stage. All applicants within this scheme are aware of the assessment outcome of their application.

Scheme 3. Small Capital Grant Scheme – [£3m grant available] 186 applications received – assessment completed and decision made to take up to 55 projects through to economic appraisal. All applicants within this scheme are aware of the assessment outcome of their application.

Details of applications by district council area are not held and could only be produced at disproportionate cost. The address of each applicant by Northern Ireland county has been included in the application lists placed in the library.

(i) Four hundred and seventy five applications have been received across the three schemes within the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme and a listing of applications received within each scheme has been placed in the library.

(ii) As decisions have not yet been arrived at this information is not available at this time but will be posted on my Departments web site once available.

{iii) Again this information is not available at this time and will be posted on the Departmental website when available.

Youth Workers

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of youth workers funded by her department, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6183/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The table below details the information requested .

Table - The number of youth workers funded by DSD as at 28 April 2008

Constituency	Number of youth workers funded
East Londonderry	5
Newry and Armagh	2
Belfast East	5
Belfast North	26
Belfast South	5
Belfast West	9
North Antrim	5
East Antrim	1
Upper Bann	1
Foyle	9
Total	68

Disability Living Allowance

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) when the last review of the Disability Living Allowance criteria was carried out; and (ii) her plans to review the criteria in the future.

(AQW 6230/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since the introduction of Disability Living Allowance in 1992, there has not been any large scale review of this benefit. However, certain aspects have been reviewed and improved. For example, in 2001 the age limit for claiming higher rate mobility component was reduced allowing children over age 3 to receive it.

Disability Living Allowance remains under continual review to ensure that it continues to provide help with the extra costs that people with disabilities face.

Business Class Flights

Mr McKay asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, since taking up office in May 2007, (i) the number of occasions that she has flown business class in her capacity as Minister; and (ii) the cost incurred by her department; and to confirm if (a) it is standard practice to fly business class; and (b) she is given the choice to fly economy class.

(AQW 6241/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since taking up office in May 2007, I have flown a total of 20 times in my capacity as Minister. Fifteen of these flights were business class, at a cost of £8,322, and 5 economy class. All of these flights were booked in accordance with Northern Ireland Civil Service guidance.

Co-Ownership Schemes

Mr McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development to detail how a new application for co-ownership housing will be processed.

(AQW 6244/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Responsibility for the administration of the co-ownership scheme rests with the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association who will process applications in accordance with normal practice. The Association will use £15m grant funding and external finance to assist 500 participants in accordance with the Programme for Government target for this year.

Disability Living Allowance

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people who are currently in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6252/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is set out in the Table below. The figures show the number of claims where Disability Living Allowance was in payment at the date of extract. The date of extract was 23 February 2008.

Disability Living Allowance Benefit Claimants by Parliamentary Constituency at 23 February 2008

Parliamentary Constituency	2008
Belfast East	7,333
Belfast North	12,246
Belfast South	7,201
Belfast West	16,119
East Antrim	6,691
East Londonderry	7,093
Fermanagh And South Tyrone	8,736
Foyle	13,711
Lagan Valley	7,934
Mid Ulster	9,302
Newry And Armagh	11,397
North Antrim	7,970
North Down	5,697
South Antrim	8,106
South Down	10,833
Strangford	7,806
Upper Bann	11,864
West Tyrone	11,842
Unallocated Postcode *	1,210
Total	173,091

* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Electoral Wards, District Council areas and Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated to a ward, council or constituency using this method and some cannot be allocated at all.

Housing Executive

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons why the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has withdrawn funding for the renovation scheme at Taylor's Avenue, Carrickfergus, until January 2010.

(AQW 6257/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The actual start date for any scheme included within the Housing Executive’s proposed programme of improvement schemes is subject to the availability of finance, acceptable tender prices and other statutory approvals, and estimated start dates are subject to change. On that basis the programme is subject to continuous review.

Preparatory work for this scheme is continuing and the scheme is currently programmed to start in the 2009/10 financial year.

Departmental Land

Mr Craig asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the amount of vacant land owned by her department in the Lagan Valley constituency; and (ii) her plans to utilise this land for social housing.

(AQW 6271/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My Department does not own any land in the Lagan Valley area. Details of the draft social housing development programme can be accessed at the Housing Executive’s website: www.nihe.gov.uk.

Social Housing

Mr Craig asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the projection for new social housing in the Lagan Valley constituency for the next 5 years.

(AQW 6272/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The following table set out the draft Social Housing Development Programme for the years 2008/09 to 2012/13 for the Lagan Valley constituency.

Lagan Valley Social Development Programme

2008/09
Housing Association	Scheme Name	Units	Need Group
BIH	Lagmore, Phase 7, Belfast	37	General Needs
Clanmil	Seymour Street , Lisburn	48	Elderly (CAT1)
Trinity	Nettlehill Road , Lisburn	29	Elderly (CAT1)
Trinity	21 Ashley Park, Dunmurry	8	Elderly (CAT1)

2009/10
Housing Association	Scheme Name	Units	Need Group
BIH	Lagmore Private, Belfast	73	General Needs
South Ulster	Beechgrove, Dromore Phase 2	5	General Needs

2010/11
Housing Association	Scheme Name	Units	Need Group
BIH	31 Church Hill, Lambeg, Dunmurry	15	Elderly (CAT1)
Fold	Dunmurry Lane , Roads Service Site, Dunmurry	14	Elderly (CAT1)
Transfer	Hillside Terrace, Lisburn	4	General Needs
Transfer	Old Warren2, Phase 4, Lisburn	20	General Needs

2011/12
Housing Association	Scheme Name	Units	Need Group
Fold	Longstone Re-settlement, Ph2, Lisburn	5	Learning Disabilities
Fold	Prince William Road , Lisburn	24	General Needs
Supported Selection	DLT Dispersed, Phase 1, Lisburn	6	Learning Disabilities
Transfer	Tirowen Hostel Site, Lisburn	10	General Needs

2012/13
Housing Association	Scheme Name	Units	Need Group
Fold	Moss Lane/Mount Street, Dromore	12	General Needs

Social Housing Accommodation

Mr Craig asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the social housing accommodation currently available from (i) the Antrim Street District Office; and (ii) Dairy Farm District Office, Lisburn.

(AQW 6280/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The requested information at 31 March 2008 was as follows:

District Office	Northern Ireland Housing Executive Total	Housing Association Total
Antrim Street	4398	860
Dairy Farm	1887	1051

District Office

Northern Ireland Housing Executive Total

Housing Association Total

Antrim Street

4398

860

Dairy Farm

1887

1051

Festival Funding

Mr Craig asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of funding she has provided to festivals over the past three years, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6299/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The table below details the information requested .

DSD FUNDING TO FESTIVALS BY PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

Parliamentary Constituency	2005/6 £	2006/7 £	2007/8 £
Belfast West	121,548	NIL	NIL
Belfast North	208,420	126,250	198,594
Foyle	39,150	Nil	Nil

Parliamentary Constituency

2005/6

2006/7

2007/8

Belfast West

121,548

NIL

Belfast North

208,420

126,250

198,594

Foyle

39,150

Nil

The Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure assumed responsibility for providing support for community festivals in 2006/07. Funding provided in 2006/07 and 2007/08 represents grants made under the Laganside Events Grant initiative which is aimed at supporting events that contribute to the regeneration of the Laganside area, to encourage local involvement and community and business participation and to attract visitors to the area.

My Department is also providing funding to Orangefest for a Development Officer who has responsibility for the production of a Belfast Orangefest Strategic Plan, one of the key objectives being to promote Orangefest events as an inclusive and family friendly event. Funding of up to £104,200 will be provided over the three year period, 2006/07 - 2008/09. The Department to date has provided funding of £7,999 in 2006/07 and £35,996 in 2007/08. The impact of this funding is not delivered wholly within one Parliamentary Constituency.

Departmental Land

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the land and acreage belonging to the department, and the plans for this land.

(AQW 6312/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My Department holds 1,420 acres of land for development purposes across Belfast, Regional towns and the North West. In addition, a further 4.4 acres in Belfast and Derry are occupied by Social Security Agency buildings.

Co-Ownership Schemes

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, for each of the last 5 years, (i) the number of applications received by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Association Ltd; (ii) the number of applications granted; and (iii) the amount of money invested.

(AQW 6341/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The number of applications received, the number of applications accepted and Government funding for each of the last five years for the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association is detailed in the table below:

Year	Applications Received	Applications Accepted	Funding £m
2003/2004	798	463	7.9
2004/2005	766	502	12.6
2005/2006	768	504	7.2
2006/2007	525	325	4.2
2007/2008	1419	935	18.8

Modernisation Fund Capital Programme

Mr Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the voluntary, community and sporting groups in West Tyrone parliamentary constituency (i) who have submitted an application to the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme; and (ii) whose applications have been deemed unsuccessful at the initial assessment stage.

(AQW 6342/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since the programme closed to application on 19 October 2007 significant progress has been made in the assessment of the 475 applications received across the three schemes within the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme. These applications have a cumulative total value of some £195 million while there is £15 million available through the Programme.

Details of applications by parliamentary constituency are not held and could only be produced at disproportionate cost.

Co-Ownership Schemes

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail when she was informed of the funding crisis within the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Association Ltd.

(AQW 6343/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Due to unprecedented demand last year when over 900 households were helped onto the home ownership ladder, the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association has become a victim of its own success.

The Association is starting this year with £15m grant funding which is almost 4 times the amount at the start of last year and it has to be recognised that there are limits to public spending. NICHA will use the grant and external finance to deliver the Programme for Government target of 500 participants.

Housing Executive

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive allocations in (i) Banbridge; (ii) Lurgan; (iii) Portadown; (iv) Central Craigavon; (v) Dollingstown; (vi) Waringstown; (vii) Magheralin; (viii) Donaghcloney; (ix) Gilford; (x) Laurencetown; and (xi) Blackscull, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6352/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The requested information is set out in the following table. Blackscull is included in the administrative boundaries of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Lurgan and Banbridge District Offices.

	Allocations (Jan-Dec 2005)	Allocations (Jan-Dec 2006)	Allocations (Jan-Dec 2007)
Banbridge	63	57	72
Lurgan	162	110	143
Portadown	225	211	157
Central Craigavon	95	101	94
Dollingstown	3	4	1
Waringstown	5	4	1
Magheralin	4	0	1
Donacloney	5	7	2
Gilford	15	18	13
Laurencetown	6	3	5

Housing Executive

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people currently on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list for housing in (i) Banbridge; (ii) Lurgan; (iii) Portadown; (iv) Central Craigavon; (v) Dollingstown; (vi) Waringstown; (vii) Magheralin; (viii) Donaghcloney; (ix) Gilford; (x) Laurencetown; and (xi) Blackscull.

(AQW 6353/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The following table sets out the position at 31 December 2007. Blackscull is included in the administrative boundaries of the Housing Executive’s Lurgan and Banbridge District Offices.

Housing Executive District	Applicants (at 31 December 2007)
Banbridge	398
Lurgan	777
Portadown	764
Central Craigavon	261
Dollingstown	16
Waringstown	14
Magheralin	24
Donacloney	20
Gilford	31
Laurencetown	8

Housing Associations

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties owned by Housing Associations in (i) Banbridge; (ii) Lurgan; (iii) Portadown; (iv) Central Craigavon; (v) Dollingstown; (vi) Waringstown; (vii) Magheralin; (viii) Donaghcloney; (ix) Gilford; (x) Laurencetown; and (xi) Blackscull.

(AQW 6354/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The requested information as at 31 March 2008 is set out in the following table. Blackscull is included in the administrative boundaries of the Housing Executive’s Lurgan and Banbridge District Offices.

Housing Executive area.	Housing Association Stock
Banbridge	204
Lurgan	383
Portadown	629
Central Craigavon	33
Dollingstown	1
Waringstown	9
Magheralin	13
Donacloney	52
Gilford	10
Laurencetown	0

Housing Executive

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in (i) Banbridge; (ii) Lurgan; (iii) Portadown; (iv) Central Craigavon; (v) Dollingstown; (vi) Waringstown; (vii) Magheralin; (viii) Donaghcloney; (ix) Gilford; (x) Laurencetown; and (xi) Blackscull.

(AQW 6355/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The requested information at 31 March 2008 is set out in the following table. Blackscull is included in the administrative boundaries of the Housing Executive’s Lurgan and Banbridge District Offices.

Housing Executive area	Housing Executive Stock
Banbridge	811
Lurgan	1,383
Portadown	1,585
Central Craigavon	951
Dollingstown	59
Waringstown	58
Magheralin	46
Donacloney	69
Gilford	159
Laurencetown	51

Housing Waiting Lists

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of applicants registered on housing waiting lists in each local authority area in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6356/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information is set out in the following table. The latest information available is for 31 December 2007.

District Council	Applicants at 31 March 2006	Applicants at 31 March 2007	Applicants at 31 December 2007
Antrim	792	979	1,037
Ards	1,276	1,525	1,626
Armagh	659	828	860
Moyle	289	301	353
Ballymena	1,254	1,411	1,540
Ballymoney	392	477	519
Banbridge	508	674	680
N. Down	1,639	1,857	1,858
Belfast	8,220	9,070	9,553
Carrickfergus	916	1,007	1,032
Castlereagh	1,060	1,150	1,356
Coleraine	1,034	1,234	1,372
Cookstown	326	367	387
Derry	1,993	2,157	2,293
Down	1,027	1,166	1,214
Dungannon	667	753	825
Fermanagh	918	1,038	1,015
Larne	380	505	512
Limavady	474	522	546
Lisburn	2,109	2,391	2,578
Craigavon	1,444	1,769	1,949
Magherafelt	409	495	488
Newry& Mourne	1,562	1,727	1,763
Newtownabbey	1,459	1,578	1,713
Omagh	514	640	704
Strabane	587	561	559
Total	31,908	36,182	38,332

Travellers' Sites

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5636/08, to detail the proposed travellers sites that have (i) proceeded; and (ii) not proceeded, after considering Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 6357/08)

Ms M Ritchie: There have not been any of the proposed sites within the Traveller Accommodation programme which did not proceed after consideration of the Housing Executive’s obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Travellers' Sites

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5607/08, to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the complaints of unacceptable behaviour associated with Travellers' sites, handled by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

(AQW 6358/08)

Ms M Ritchie: This information is not available. The Housing Executive does not separately record complaints regarding unacceptable behaviour associated with Travellers. Any reports of unacceptable behaviour on Traveller sites are investigated at local Housing Executive District Office level in accordance with established housing management and anti-social behaviour policies and procedures.

Urban Regeneration

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the amount of money spent by her department on urban regeneration, broken down by (i) parliamentary constituency; and (ii) local council area.

(AQW 6359/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I refer the Honourable Member to my answer of 17 April 2008 in relation to AQW 5593/08.

Housing Executive

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive allocations in (i) Ballymoney; (ii) Ballycastle; (iii) Ballymena; (iv) Cullybackey; (v) Rasharkin; (vi) Portglenone; (vii) Ahoghill; (viii) Broughshane; (ix) Dunloy; (x) Dunaghy; (xi) Lislagan; (xii) Killyrammer; (xiii) Dervock; (xiv) Bushmills; (xv) Armoy; and (xvi) Mosside.

(AQW 6368/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The allocations made by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Housing Associations off the Common waiting list in the year to 31 December 2007 were as follows:

Location	Number
Ballymoney Town	56
Ballycastle Town	24
Ballymena Town	137
Cullybackey	13
Rasharkin	4
Portglenone	5
Ahoghill	15
Broughshane	10
Dunloy	2
Dunaghy	0
Bendooragh**	0
Killyrammer	0
Dervock	7
Bushmills	10
Armoy	4
Mosside	9

** Lislagan is included within the administrative boundaries of the Bendooragh common landlord area.

Housing Associations

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties owned by Housing Associations in (i) Ballymoney; (ii) Ballycastle; (iii) Ballymena; (iv) Cullybackey; (v) Rasharkin; (vi) Portglenone; (vii) Ahoghill; (viii) Broughshane; (ix) Dunloy; (x) Dunaghy; (xi) Lislagan; (xii) Killyrammer; (xiii) Dervock; (xiv) Bushmills; (xv) Armoy; and (xvi) Mosside.

(AQW 6369/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The requested information as at 31 March 2008 is set out in the following table:

Location	Housing Association Stock*
Ballymoney town	240
Ballycastle town	88
Ballymena town	273
Cullybackey	74
Rasharkin	1
Portglenone	52
Ahoghill	28
Broughshane	51
Dunloy	0
Dunaghy	0
Bendooragh**	0
Killyrammer	0
Dervock	0
Bushmills	19
Armoy	6
Mosside	0

** Lislagan is included within the administrative boundaries of the Bendooragh common landlord area.

Housing Executive

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in (i) Ballymoney; (ii) Ballycastle; (iii) Ballymena; (iv) Cullybackey; (v) Rasharkin; (vi) Portglenone; (vii) Ahoghill; (viii) Broughshane; (ix) Dunloy; (x) Dunaghy; (xi) Lislagan; (xii) Killyrammer; (xiii) Dervock; (xiv) Bushmills; (xv) Armoy; and (xvi) Mosside.

(AQW 6370/08)

Ms M Ritchie: : This requested information as at 31 March 2008 is as follows:

Location	Housing Executive Stock
Ballymoney town	716
Ballycastle town	299
Ballymena town	2,084
Cullybackey	205
Rasharkin	135
Portglenone	84
Ahoghill	122
Broughshane	130
Dunloy	79
Dunaghy	16
Bendooragh**	47
Killyrammer	24
Dervock	137
Bushmills	241
Armoy	78
Mosside	68

** Lislagan is included within the administrative boundaries of the Bendooragh common landlord area.

Housing Executive

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people currently on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list for housing in (i) Ballymoney; (ii) Ballycastle; (iii) Ballymena; (iv) Cullybackey; (v) Rasharkin; (vi) Portglenone; (vii) Ahoghill; (viii) Broughshane; (ix) Dunloy; (x) Dunaghy; (xi) Lislagan; (xii) Killyrammer; (xiii) Dervock; (xiv) Bushmills; (xv) Armoy; and (xvi) Mosside.

(AQW 6371/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The numbers on the common waiting list for these areas as at 31 December 2007 are as follows:

Location	Housing Applicants
Ballymoney Town	304
Ballycastle Town	161
Ballymena Town	1,082
Cullybackey	105
Rasharkin	43
Portglenone	49
Ahoghill	79
Broughshane	112
Dunloy	19
Dunaghy	10
Bendooragh**	14
Killyrammer	7
Dervock	29
Bushmills	38
Armoy	21
Mosside	6

** Lislagan is included within the administrative boundaries of the Bendooragh common landlord area.

Business Class Flights

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the number of times she has flown business class in her capacity as Minister since assuming office in May 2007; and (ii) the cost incurred by her Department for this travel, and to confirm if flying business class is standard practice or whether she is given the option of flying business class.

(AQW 6389/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since taking up office in May 2007 I have flown a total of 20 times in my capacity as Minister. Fifteen of theses flights were business class, at a cost of £8,332, and 5 economy class. All of these flights were booked in accordance with Northern Ireland Civil Service guidelines.

Housing Executive

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people currently on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list for Carrickfergus in (i) Sunnylands; (ii) Castlemara; (iii) Greenisland; (iv) Whitehead; (v) Eden; (vi) Woodburn; (vii) Glenfield; (viii) Victoria; and (ix) Windmill.

(AQW 6402/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The numbers of applicants on the common waiting list for social housing for the areas requested as at 31 December 2007 are as follows:

Common Landlord Area	Applicants
Sunnylands	253
Castlemara	15
Greenisland	91
Whitehead	84
Eden	46
Lower Woodburn	145
Upper Woodburn	5
Glenfield	13
Victoria	125
Windmill Hill	123

Wood Pellet Boilers

Mr Wells asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans to include wood pellet boilers as an alternative to oil and gas, as part of the Warm Homes Scheme and Warm Homes Plus.

(AQW 6535/08)

Ms M Ritchie: This year, I am co-funding a £550,000 pilot project with Northern Ireland Electricity to test a number of renewable energy technologies, mostly in hard-to-treat homes in rural areas. This will help to identify whether such technologies are a viable, cost-effective alternative to oil or gas heating in the longer term.

Work from Home

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of staff in her Department, since devolution, who have been able to work from home.

(AQW 6550/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Department for Social Development does not have a Home-working policy. However, when business needs allow and subject to the agreement of local management, staff may have worked from home on occasions. This is purely on an ad-hoc basis and records are not held.

Regional Infrastructure Programme

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of funding that has been awarded through the Regional Infrastructure Programme since its launch.

(AQW 6635/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since April 2002, just over £16m has been awarded under this programme.

Communication with Farset

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development if departmental representatives have had contact or communication with Farset, or anyone acting on behalf of Farset, in relation to the funding of projects in loyalist areas since 1 January 2008, and if so to detail the dates and nature of any communications.

(AQW 6646/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Officials from my Department meet with Farset Youth and Community Development Ltd. on a regular basis to discuss projects and work in Loyalist areas. The nature of these meetings is to discuss the work for which they are being funded. These meetings have taken place on the following dates: 9 January 2008; 31 January 2008; 6 February 2008; 20 February 2008; 5 March 2008; 27 March 2008; 2 April 2008; 8 April 2008; 14 April 2008 and 22 April 2008.

Heating Systems

Mr Butler asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans to replace Economy 7 heating systems in Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties.

(AQW 6647/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Progress is continuing towards the installation of natural gas or oil in Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties, where this is possible. The programme for the financial year 2008/09 proposes heating upgrades to 2,300 dwellings. Within this programme, 25% of dwellings currently have an Economy 7 heating system.

Green Spaces

Mr Butler asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the measures she is taking to address the damage caused to open green spaces in Northern Ireland Housing Executive districts.

(AQW 6648/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Open green spaces in Northern Ireland Housing Executive areas are maintained to pre-set standards through planned maintenance programmes. Where such areas suffer significant damage, then rehabilitation works are also carried out through these contracts.

If the damage is the result of anti-social behaviour the Housing Executive liaises with the relevant statutory authorities to address the problem.

Environmental Improvement Schemes

Mr Butler asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a timescale within which the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Environmental Improvement Schemes will commence in (i) Glenwood; (ii) Glenbawn; (iii) Laurelbank; (iv) Glenkeen/Ardcaoin; and (v) Woodside, Poleglass Dairyfarm Northern Ireland Housing Executive district.

(AQW 6657/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Environmental Improvement Schemes are currently programmed to commence as follows:

Area	Year
Glenwood	2009/10
Glenbawn	2013/14
Laurelbank	2010/11
Glenkeen/Ardcaoin	2012/13
Woodside	2011/12

EU Funding

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the EU funding surrendered by her Department in each of the last 2 financial years.

(AQW 6673/08)

Ms M Ritchie: No EU funding has been surrendered by my Department in the last 2 financial years.

Bonfire Funding

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the criteria used by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive when considering bonfire funding.

(AQW 6678/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive’s approach to dealing with bonfires aims:

- To reduce the risk to the environment.
- To develop a partnership approach which allows the agencies involved to impact on the bonfire issue in a cohesive manner.
- To develop a graduated response to bonfires which involves consultation, shared understanding, negotiation and if necessary proportionate and legal use of enforcement methods.
- To promote a shared, inclusive community celebration.

Housing Executive

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the bonfire programmes which the Northern Ireland Housing Executive are funding in 2008.

(AQW 6679/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive will not be funding any bonfire programmes as such this year. However, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Best Kept Bonfire Initiative, under which bonfire sites that meet certain eligibility criteria can apply will again be available in 2008/09. One bonfire site within each of Housing Executive’s local District Office areas can be awarded £500. Last year only 3 sites applied. Nothing has been paid to date in the current year.

Housing Executive

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of staff that have lost their jobs in the Bangor Office of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, over the last 6 months.

(AQW 6798/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The contracts of three temporary Clerical Officers have been terminated.

Water Charges

Mr Cobain asked the Minister for Social Development if she has taken any steps to assess the impact of water charges on those over the state pension age and receiving at least one key benefit.

(AQO 3242/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I have participated in the Working Groups associated with water charges. The detailed proposals are a matter for the Minister of the Department for Regional Development, but when a charging scheme is finalised, I will study its impact on a range of less well off individuals and households. I have already commissioned work on how it will impact on social tenants.

Housing Executive

Mr McLaughlin asked the Minister for Social Development if the housing authority will be able to operate effectively following the loss of 350 jobs at the housing executive.

(AQO 3322/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Yes. For the past two years the Housing Executive has been working on a Modernising Programme. This will deliver economies of scale through amalgamating “back office” functions into larger centres, whilst maintaining the level of service at District Offices.

Warm Homes Scheme

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the progress in addressing the delay in the provision of home surveys under the Warm Homes scheme to ensure that those in greatest need get help first.

(AQO 3338/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Officials have been working closely with the Scheme Manager, Eaga plc, and I am pleased to report that all those people on the waiting list over 70 years old will have their homes surveyed by 30 June 2008.

Housing Selection Scheme

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm when the review of the housing selection scheme will be completed; and what is her assessment of the effectiveness of this scheme in areas of high demand.

(AQO 3331/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Common Selection Scheme is kept under review and will continue to be so. It is regularly adapted to meet legislative changes. I am satisfied that the Scheme is fair and equitable based on the principle of need.

Homeless People

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the financial provision she makes for charities involved in supporting homeless people.

(AQO 3312/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My Department has provided £1.72 million in the last financial year 2007/08 to assist charities involved in supporting homeless people.

Staff Sickness

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the steps she has taken to reduce the level of sickness within her Department.

(AQO 3241/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since taking office within the Department for Social Development I have recognised that sick absence levels within the Department are unacceptable. I have therefore been committed to ensuring that absence levels are reduced and have had a number of meetings with my Departmental Management Board on the subject.

While it is encouraging to note the general downward trend in absences over the past 12 months it is clear that further progress has to be made. I therefore receive regular detailed updates on my Department’s current performance against sickness absence targets, action taken and ongoing initiatives across the Department.

I will continue to work with the aim of further improving the absence position in this Department. Recognising the overall role that the Department of Finance and Personnel have in respect of the Northern Ireland Civil Service staffing matters I also look forward with interest to any further proposals that may develop on the subject.

Benefit Take-Up

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Social Development what strategies are in place to improve benefit take-up.

(AQO 3319/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Benefit Uptake is a key priority for me. My Department, through the Social Security Agency, provides a range of services to ensure that people are advised of their potential entitlement to benefits. This includes outreach services, participation in local promotional activity, the production of specific publications, the Department’s internet site and general assistance with advice and information. The Housing Executive also plays a role by ensuring that all tenants are regularly made aware of the availability of assistance with rent and rate payments and where applicable, the Lone Pensioner Allowance.

In addition to this on-going activity, last May I launched the Social Security Agency’s 2007/08 Benefit Uptake Programme to increase awareness of social security benefits. It aims to ensure that vulnerable clients are receiving their full benefit entitlement. The programme targeted 230,000 older people and focused on people with a disability/mental health problem, long-term illness, pensioners, carers and children/families. This Programme built upon those in 2005 and 2006, which resulted in over £7 million of additional benefit being paid to vulnerable people. The 2007/08 Programme will now be subject to a final evaluation in June 2008.

In the coming weeks, I will launch the Agency’s 2008/09 Benefit Uptake Programme. This new Programme has been designed following a review of relevant research on poverty and social exclusion, lessons learned from previous Uptake Programmes and has considered ways to overcome the barriers preventing clients from claiming benefits.

Town Centres

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Social Development to outline (i) the work done to date; and (ii) current plans, to improve and support the public realms and shopping areas of (a) Banbridge; (b) Lurgan; and (c) Portadown, town centres.

(AQO 3240/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My Department works closely with a number of statutory bodies including the local councils to improve and support public realms and shopping areas in Banbridge, Lurgan and Portadown.

In Banbridge my Department delivered a major Public Realm improvement scheme covering the main shopping areas. The scheme cost £1.38 million with my Department contributing £1.08 million. Currently, there are no plans for another scheme in Banbridge.

In Lurgan town centre, a major Comprehensive Development Scheme was delivered which brought about the redevelopment of underused land, with the construction of a new central distributor road, public car parks, major food store (Tescos), housing and an extension to the existing library. Last year, a Public Realm scheme was designed for Craigavon Borough Council, who are actively seeking funding to deliver the scheme, including via a bid to Peace III. My Department is currently in discussion with Council to determine the quantum of contribution which we could make to deliver all, or part of the scheme, as part of a cocktail of funding.

In Portadown, a Contract for Funding is in place to deliver a £5.3 million Public Realm improvement scheme for the town centre, to be carried out over the next 3 years. My Department is contributing £1.5 million towards the scheme. A successful bid to OFMDFM delivered an additional £3.1 million from the Integrated Development Fund towards implementation. The scheme is seeking to enhance the physical environment of 13 streets in the town centre whilst keeping true to the town’s original character.

Housing Priorities

Mr Dallat asked the Minister for Social Development to outline her housing priorities for the next three years.

(AQO 3246/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I have already identified the priority work streams that my Department has been charged to deliver over the next 3 years. First and foremost is the need to deliver the Social Housing Development Programme and in particular build the 5,250 new homes that are so obviously needed. I am confident this can be achieved and am encouraged by the fact that in the past year I have managed to deliver an extra 1,000 homes than was first forecast when I came into office.

I want to see a developer’s contribution towards the provision of social and affordable housing introduced as soon as possible and we need to engage more with the private sector to see what they can deliver for us and how we can make more creative use of our assets.

Work to take forward a number of priority housing projects such as Girdwood, the Village and our new Eco-village in Enniskillen will be progressed.

Amongst my other priorities, I will introduce more shared future housing across the North, continue to tackle homelessness, increase spending to alleviate fuel poverty and bring forward new shared equity opportunities to make housing more affordable for the many rather than the few

This is a challenging programme of work that reinforces my desire to deliver a new Housing Agenda that will make a difference.

Fuel Poverty

Mr McFarland asked the Minister for Social Development if the number of vulnerable households suffering from fuel poverty will be reduced to 20,000 by 2008 as outlined in the strategy document 'Ending Fuel Poverty'.

(AQO 3311/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The rising cost of fuel has severely impacted my Department’s progress towards meeting the targets set out in the ‘Ending Fuel Poverty’ strategy. However, I am committed to do all I can to alleviate fuel poverty and help those most in need. I have increased my Department’s spending on fuel poverty to £35.4 million this year and I will bid in year for additional resources where opportunities arise.

Co-Ownership Schemes

Mrs McGill asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons why the co-ownership housing association are not receiving new applications to buy in light of recent statements she has made to provide financial aid to this sector.

(AQO 3325/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association announced on 18 March 2008 that it would not be able to accept applications with effect from close of business on 14 March 2008 due to demand outstripping available resources. The Association is starting the current year with a grant of £15 million – almost 4 times that of its opening grant in 2007/08. In line with the pledge given in the Programme for Government, at least 500 applicants will be supported this year.

Gambling Regulations

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to give her assessment of the reform of gambling regulations, particularly in relation to allowing betting shops to open on Sundays.

(AQO 3252/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I have given considerable thought to this matter having regard to the commercial interests involved including small businesses, the rise in Sunday events that attract a betting audience and other forms of gambling that take place on a Sunday. Although I know there are those who have differing opinions, the response to my predecessor’s consultation exercise demonstrated overwhelming support and I am convinced that there is a case for a change in the law to allow bookmaking offices to open for business on Sundays, subject to restricted hours. This would also provide greater parity with Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

I intend shortly to seek the views of my Executive colleagues on such a change which would be accompanied, with the agreement of the Minister for Employment and Learning, by the provision of new employment protection rights for those employees who may not wish to work on Sundays.

Urban Development Grant Scheme

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on her plans to fund projects in Ballymoney from the Urban Development Grant scheme.

(AQO 3239/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Ballymoney is one of five regional towns involved in a pilot Urban Development Grant project administered by the Regional Development Office and for which money was set aside in the previous budget period.

Two projects from Ballymoney were invited to submit full applications and both are currently being appraised. However, my Department was not able to set money aside for this scheme from the CSR settlement but plan to review the position during in-year monitoring rounds.

Assembly Commission

Union Flag

Mr Wells asked the Assembly Commission to detail the dimensions of the two Union flags flown above Parliament Buildings on 21 April 2008, and the dimensions of the Union flag flown above Parliament Buildings on the Queen's Birthday in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

(AQW 6350/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): Security Services Branch is responsible for ensuring that the union flags are flown above Parliament Buildings on the designated days.

A decision is made each morning prior to hoisting the flags as to which of the two sizes of flags to use i.e. The full size standard (dimensions: 12 ft x 6 ft) or the ‘storm’ flag (dimensions: 7 ½ ft x 3 ¾ ft). The decision is subjective and is based on the weather conditions at the time and what is forecast for the remainder of the day. The decision must also reflect health & safety concerns i.e. the possibility that the full standard may with strong winds and wet weather break free from the flagpole and fall to the ground injuring a passer by. On 21 st April 2008 the storm flags were flown.

With regards to the Queens birthday in 2000, 2001 and 2002 we do not keep records of which flags were flown on past designated days however the decision would have been made as above.

Figure is not final due to outstanding invoices