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 30 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
CORRIGENDA
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Post Office Closures
Mrs McGill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, following the announcement that 96 Post Offices are earmarked for closure, and given the adverse impact this would have, particularly on rural communities, to explore with the Executive the relevant services that could be delivered at Post Office franchises, in a one stop shop facility.
(AQW 5315/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The proposed closure of 42 Post Offices, announced by Post Office Ltd, whilst regrettable has been caused by a variety of factors such as lifestyle changes, and the technological and competitive environment that today’s Post Office has to operate in. Executive Ministers are considering whether there is scope for the delivery of additional public services through the Post Office. However, it must be recognised that individual Post Offices are commercial enterprises and Government cannot simply allocate major commercial undertakings to outside bodies without appropriate and transparent public procurement procedures.
People have a choice, with greater mobility and more options, as to how they secure their services and ultimately it must be for the Post Office itself to consider and implement innovative solutions to attract people to them.
Press Office Staff
Mr Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 4533/08, to detail the number of staff working in the department's press office, broken down by grade.
(AQW 5389/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Two Principal Information Officers (Grade 7) and two Senior Information Officers (Deputy Principal) provide direct support to the First Minister, deputy First Minister and the two Junior Ministers.
One Senior Information Officer (Deputy Principal) and three Information Officers (Staff Officer) provide additional support and advice to the Department on media relations and forward planning. They also provide media planning support to the other 10 departments.
Ethnic Minority Community Organisations
Mr A Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of Ethnic Minority Community organisations that are in receipt of core funding.
(AQW 6197/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to building a shared and better future for all people here. To this end, and as part of our ongoing work to combat racism and to promote good relations, on 15 May we were delighted to announce funding awards of almost £1 million for 2008-09 under the OFMDFM funding scheme for minority ethnic communities. A full list of funding awards (both core and project funding) has been placed in the Assembly Library.
19 different projects covering 18 different organisations have been awarded core funding under the scheme. In addition, 8 organisations have been awarded project funding. Under the previous scheme from 2005-2008, 15 organisations were awarded ‘development’ (core) funding.
The awards announced on 15 May represent a very substantial increase on previous years. These come from additional funding of almost £7.5m over the next 3 years for promoting good relations and good race relations which we announced in the Budget. Our total investment for the period 2008-11 to meet the PSA target of a shared and better future for all will be almost £29 million.
The funding scheme is open to both ethnic minority organisations and community or voluntary groups which work to promote good relations, community cohesion and integration between people from different racial groups and the majority community.
Equality of Opportunity
Ms Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that (i) the Executive is committed to (a) observing the general authorising statutory duty arising from Section 75(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, namely to have due regard for the promotion of equality of opportunity; and (b) enforcing the detailed scheduled duties arising from Section 75(4) of, and Schedule 9 to, the Northern Ireland Act 1998; and (ii) the delivery and review of the Executive’s Programme for Government, Budget and Investment Strategy over the next 3 years will be informed by the outcome of a full equality impact assessment.
(AQW 6361/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
We can confirm that the Executive is committed to observing the general authorising statutory duty arising under Section 75(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
Each individual Department within the Executive is a designated public authority for the purposes of Section 75.
Schedule 9 to the Act provides for the enforcement of a designated public authority’s duties under Section 75 and is given effect by Section 75(4). Accordingly, each Department is obliged by the statutory duty arising under Section 75(4) to effect the enforcement of its relative duties under Schedule 9.
In that context the Executive is collectively committed to enforcing the relative duties arising under Section 75(4) of, and Schedule 9 to, the Act. The Executive will seek to ensure that Departments, Government agencies and relevant statutory authorities continue to meet their obligations under Section 75, including Schedule 9.
In relation to part (ii) of the question, the Executive published a draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) carried out at a strategic level at the end of January, in relation to the Programme for Government, Budget and Investment Strategy. The consultation period closed on 23 April.
We can confirm that the Executive has collectively agreed that the outcome of the final EQIA, carried out at a strategic level, will be taken into account and will influence final decisions in the ongoing delivery, review and implementation of the Programme for Government and Investment Strategy, and in the future allocation of Executive Resources, including the in-year Budgetary Monitoring Rounds. The delivery of policies, programmes and capital projects at Departmental level will be informed by the outcome of the EQIA.
Good Relations Initiatives
Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the plans it has to promote good relations initiatives in the North Belfast constituency, particularly as summer approaches.
(AQW 6494/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Our focus presently is on delivering targeted programmes that those communities need and want over the summer months. Simultaneously, on an inter-agency basis we have begun work for the medium to longer term to address the issues affecting the communities in North Belfast.
Our Department and the Community Action Unit is continuing to engage with communities on an inter-departmental basis to address the important interface and conflict resolution issues which exist in this area. Over the last period the Community Action Unit has been facilitating a North Belfast Interface Working Group, made up of representatives from statutory agencies and community groups, to develop an Action Plan for Interfaces in North Belfast. The Action Plan contains ten key recommendations for addressing interface issues.
The Unit is continuing to work with the Interface Working Group and is facilitating the Group in developing an application to the International Fund for Ireland to help take forward the key recommendations contained in the Action Plan.
In his closing statement during the Adjournment debate on Interfaces in North Belfast on 22 April 2008, Junior Minister Donaldson confirmed that the Member’s proposal to create a taskforce for the North Belfast constituency would be considered. We will liaise with the Minister for Social Development, the North Belfast Community Action Unit and elected representatives on the issue.
We also recognise the invaluable work which communities have undertaken to build sustainable relationships which have been the foundation for the peaceful summers over recent years. Recognising this, we can confirm that funding of up to ₤100,000 will again be made available in the current financial year to provide a programme to be targeted at young people at risk of becoming involved in interface violence over the summer months when community tensions can increase. This will be in addition to summer diversionary programmes funded by OFMDFM through the Belfast Education and Library Board.
Graffiti and Murals in Housing Estates
Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to ensure that grants and monies are made available for Housing Estates to promote reductions in paramilitary flags, murals and graffiti.
(AQW 6575/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
Our Department is part of an inter-agency consortium (comprising the Department for Social Development, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure) which is implementing the Re-imaging Communities Programme, delivered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Since the programme opened for application in October 2006, the Shared Communities Consortium has invested a total of £1,865,372 in 88 projects throughout Northern Ireland. Of that total, £945,556 has been awarded to projects based within local housing estates to help eliminate paramilitary imagery. This Department contributes ₤250,000 per annum to the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure towards the Re-imaging Communities Programme.
The promotion of Good Relations is a key objective set out in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Good Relations Strategy. This strategy sets the course to safer, stable neighbourhoods and promotes a more inclusive society whilst recognising that trust and safety will ultimately dictate the pace of change.
Publicity and Advertising
Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the amount of money spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-2008.
(AQW 6652/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
A total of £117,610.18 was spent on publicity and advertising by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in 2007-2008. This total includes £63,928.33 for recruitment advertising and public notice advertising and also £31,511 for cross-departmental initiatives including “Your Government – Making A Difference”; and promoting the Government Department’s exhibition at the Balmoral Show; and a supplement in the Washington Post.
North-West Gateway Initiative
Mr Doherty asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail projects under the North West Gateway Initiative that will enable practical co-operation and economic growth in (i) the Strabane-Lifford area; and (ii) the Castlederg-Finn Valley area.
(AQW 6736/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
The North-West Gateway Initiative was established to provide a focus for the development needs of the North-West focusing on the Councils of Derry, Limavady, Strabane and Donegal County Council. It aims to encourage a more co-ordinated approach to the region’s development on a cross-border basis.
The initiative has facilitated the development of a range of actions to date including agreement on a major roads investment programme, investment in the City of Derry Airport, the preparation of a Draft Spatial Planning Framework for the North-West, approval of funding for a cross-border international telecoms connectivity project under INTERREG IVA, the establishment of the North West Workforce Development Forum, a pilot out-of-hours GP scheme to allow patients to access GP services across the border and agreement to permit referral of patients in Donegal to Belfast City Hospital for radiotherapy treatment, support for higher education collaboration between Letterkenny Institute of Technology and University of Ulster, the launch of the North West Business and Technology Zone, agreement on proposed tourism projects to benefit the North-West and joint applications for EU funding.
The initiative has helped to facilitate a more co-ordinated approach to the development of the North West and in delivering a range of actions which have brought benefit to the area. We believe that in completing the current work programme, the initiative will continue to encourage practical co-operation and bring economic benefits to the entire region including areas such as Strabane-Lifford and the Castlederg-Finn Valley.
Sustainable Development Strategy
Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) when a communication strategy will be produced in relation to the Sustainable Development Strategy; and (ii) the research being undertaken to determine the barriers to behavioural change for sustainability.
(AQW 6853/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: An OFMDFM internal working paper on communications, which, it is anticipated, will inform any future Communications Strategy for sustainable development, has been circulated to members of the Sustainable Development Stakeholder Group for information. No decision has been taken at this time as to the date of publication of the Communication Strategy, and given the decision by Ministers to develop a new Sustainable Development Strategy, there is a strong likelihood that the existing Communications Strategy will be subject to some minor amendments, prior to publication, to harmonise it with the newly developed Sustainable Development Strategy.
OFMDFM has conducted research into behavioural change in line with targets and actions published in the Sustainable Development Strategy Implementation Plan.
Sustainable Development Strategy
Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister when a Stakeholders Forum will be established in relation to the Sustainable Development Strategy.
(AQW 6854/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As part of our plans for progressing sustainable development, we are currently considering the potential role a Stakeholder Forum could play, and the added value such a group could provide. No decision has been taken at this time as to when, and if, such a group will be created.
Sustainable Development Strategy
Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline progress on the first Implementation Plan in relation to the Sustainable Development Strategy and to outline when consultation will begin on the second Implementation Plan.
(AQW 6855/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Information on progress on the Sustainable Development Strategy Implementation Plan was provided in response to AQW/2499/2008.
Our Department has consulted with stakeholders on the way forward following the end of the Implementation Plan period.
We are currently conducting a review of the Sustainable Development Strategy, the findings of which will inform future developments in this area.
Fair Employment Legislation
Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many employers are exempt from fair employment legislation.
(AQW 6893/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Fair Employment and Treatment ( Northern Ireland) Order 1998 makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion. The Order applies to all employers regardless of size.
As well as prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, the Order also places a duty on all except the very smallest employers to register with the Equality Commission and to monitor annually the religious composition of their workforce. Those exempt from the requirement to monitor are the self employed, those on government training schemes, the unemployed, school teachers and those working in private sector concerns with 10 or less employees. The latest Annual Monitoring Report produced by the Equality Commission (released December 2007) shows that monitoring covers an estimated 73.2% of employee jobs here. It does not record information on the number of employers who are exempt from the requirement to monitor.
Maze Stadium
Mr McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what information, in relation to the evaluation of a business case for the Maze stadium, it has sent to the Minister of Finance and Personnel.
(AQW 6993/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
In relation to the evaluation of the business case for the multi-sports stadium at Maze/Long Kesh, the Department of Finance and Personnel has received both the stadium outline business case and the stadium business plan.
Sustainable Development Sub-Committee
Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it intends to take following the suggestion by the Minister of the Environment that a sustainable development sub-committee be established.
(AQW 7065/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
We have received correspondence from the Minister of the Environment on this matter and we are currently considering her recommendation for the establishment of a Ministerial sub-group on sustainable development in the wider context of our plans for reviewing the existing sustainable development agenda.
Sectarianism and Segregation
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in light of the recent BBC Panorama programme on the financial and social costs of division, what action it is taking to address sectarianism and segregation.
(AQW 7103/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are totally committed to moving society forward and making a real difference to the lives of all our people. Our vision is for a future based on tolerance, equality, mutual respect and respect for the rule of law.
We are now at an advanced stage of development of the detailed proposals for a ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future’ which we signalled in the Programme for Government.
Our officials briefed the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on the current stage of development of the Programme on 9 April.
This Programme will tackle issues affecting both the established communities as well as new arrivals. It will build on some of the excellent work which is already being done, particularly by district councils and community organisations, to address the challenges which local communities are facing. Action to tackle sectarianism, racism and intolerance will be at the core of these proposals.
Both PfG and Budget clearly demonstrate that the principles of good relations and good race relations are mainstreamed within Government’s policies and plans for the 2008/11 period.
We believe that by tackling the causes of division in our society, sectarianism and racism, that a reduction of consequential costs will follow.
Additional funding of almost £7.5m over the next 3 years from 2008/2011 has been provided to take forward this work. Total investment will therefore be approximately £29m to meet the PSA target of a shared and better future for all.
Financial Cost of Divisions in NI
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 5852/08 what plans it has to publish, on the Department's website, the report of Deloitte Touche into the financial cost of the Northern Ireland divide.
(AQW 7106/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
The report by Deloitte Touche was commissioned, conducted and finalised during direct rule. Copies of the report have already been placed in the Assembly library and made available to the OFMDFM Committee and to Assembly Members.
If any individual contacts the department for a copy of the report an electronic version will be provided. Given the wide accessibility of the report there are currently no plans to publish it on the Department’s website.
Economic Investment Conference
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the remarks of the New York City Mayor, linking economic development to addressing local divisions.
(AQW 7108/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In our Programme for Government, we recognise that we cannot grow our economy in isolation from determined efforts to transform our society. If we are to attract the investment and skills needed to grow a vibrant and successful economy, it is essential that we build a prosperous, fair and inclusive society.
Real progress has been made in recent years and our society is continuing to be transformed. We will continue our efforts to address local divisions and tackle poverty. We will bring forward a programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration to achieve measurable reductions in sectarianism, racism and hate crime. We will also bring forward a strategy to tackle poverty and barriers to employment. As an Executive, we have agreed to work to create a high quality of life for those who wish to live and work here. We are also committed to supporting business and creating the conditions where enterprise can flourish.
Maze Stadium
Mr McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether and when its accounting officer will sign off the Department's outline business case for the Maze Stadium project.
(AQW 7183/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Outline Business Case for the Maze/Long Kesh stadium proposal is a matter for the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure.
Cross Atlantic Initiative on Autism
Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will give recognition and priority to a cross Atlantic initiative on Autism by inviting and welcoming an early Congressional delegation on Autism to the Assembly; and to initiate dialogue on an exchange of best practice and research within a jointly funded programme which includes public representatives, key non-profit organisations, as well as the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, and the Department of Education.
(AQW 7212/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are supportive of any initiative on Autism but as this is the remit of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, it would be for the Minister of that Department to initiate and take forward any actions.
Basic Training in Sustainable Procurement
Mr McFarland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm if the target for providing all procurement staff with basic training in sustainable procurement by 2009 will be met.
(AQO 3635/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Although our Department is currently responsible for delivering a sustainability training programme across the NICS, specific responsibility for delivery of training in sustainable procurement currently rests with the Department of Finance and Personnel. We can, however, confirm that Central Procurement Directorate of that Department intends to meet the target to deliver basic training in sustainable procurement for all procurement staff by March 2009.
In more general terms, the Sustainable Development Unit in our Department has been working with the Centre for Applied Learning to incorporate aspects of procurement into its training courses on both Sustainability Awareness and Sustainability for Decision Makers.
Sustainable Development Strategy
Mr W Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to progress the three interlinked pillars of sustainable development within any new sustainable development strategy.
(AQO 3683/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We clearly recognise that the principle of sustainability can only be achieved by effectively balancing the underpinning themes of the economy, society and the environment in our decision-making processes. We have shown by our actions in developing our Programme for Government, that we are committed to delivering our ambitions in a sustainable way. That is why we have identified sustainable development – along with a shared and better future for all – as being a cross-cutting key theme to support our priorities. We have stated clearly and unequivocally within the Programme for Government that the principles of sustainability will underpin our approach to our economic, social and environmental programmes.
We also recognise the importance of creating conditions which will ensure that sustainability objectives are embedded within the Programme for Government. The current Sustainable Development Strategy, which was published under the previous direct rule administration, does not appropriately reflect the wider policies and programmes of this administration and does not adequately reflect the three interlinked pillars of Sustainable Development, namely social, economic and environmental. We want to consider our options and examine ways in which a revised Sustainable Development Strategy reflects these priorities.
Review of the Civic Forum
Mr P J Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what process is being used to appoint senior civil servants to review the Civic Forum.
(AQO 3672/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The review of the Civic Forum seeks to canvass as wide a spectrum of opinion as possible and welcomes contributions from interested members of the public and organisations. Members of this House, political parties and stakeholders are being consulted. The former Chairperson, members and nominating bodies of the original Civic Forum will also be asked for their views. Regular updates will be provided to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
The review is being carried out by a team of officials. A member of the Senior Civil Service was identified as Team Leader for the review through the normal internal Senior Civil Service management process.
Corporation Tax
Mr Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government on the issue of Corporation Tax under its economic policy remit.
(AQO 3593/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We met with Sir David Varney on 26th February 2008 to express our views on the importance of corporation tax as an economic development tool. We subsequently wrote to Sir David reiterating our views.
The publication of the second Varney Review on 30th April 2008 confirmed that Sir David and HM Treasury did not see merit in granting a corporation tax dispensation. We are disappointed at this conclusion given that we are a society emerging from decades of conflict and underinvestment. While we may continue to pursue this matter we recognise that our future prosperity does not entirely depend on a reduced rate of corporation tax. Through our Programme for Government we have set out a range of interventions to make our economy more competitive, deliver increased prosperity and tackle disadvantage and poverty.
Fuel Costs
Mrs McGill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to minimise the impact of increasing fuel costs on families with low incomes.
(AQO 3688/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In line with the statutory obligation under Section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 we will shortly bring to the Executive proposals for the adoption of an overall strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need including fuel poverty.
Tackling poverty and its causes, including poverty brought about through price increases in basic necessities such as fuel, requires concerted, co-ordinated action across a range of Departmental programmes which collectively can address the many cross cutting issues.
The Executive does have policies in place to deal with energy efficiency and to tackle fuel poverty over the longer term and the interdepartmental Taskforce on Fuel Poverty, chaired by the Minister for Social Development and with all the relevant departments and agencies involved, is currently looking at the most effective short term proposals for a package of measures to help those in greatest need during the winter.
Carbon Footprints
Mr McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it has measured its own carbon footprint.
(AQO 3687/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Our Department has not, to date, measured its carbon footprint. The 2008 draft OFMDFM Action Plan for Sustainable Development contains a commitment to “calculate OFMDFM’s carbon footprint and then more accurately assess the need for additional action.” This draft Plan is presently under consideration by OFMDFM officials.
Poverty Action Zones
Mr Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what consideration it has given to the creation of poverty action zones, with specific anti-poverty targets for specified areas.
(AQO 3591/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Tackling poverty and its causes, including area based poverty requires concerted, co-ordinated action across a range of Departmental programmes which collectively can address the many cross cutting issues such as employment, education, health and social development.
In line with the requirements under section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1988 we will shortly be presenting proposals to the Executive Committee for the adoption of an overarching strategy to tackle Poverty and Social exclusion. It is expected that under that strategy Departments will, in line with previous practice, continue to seek to identify those areas, groups and individuals most at risk of poverty and to skew efforts and resources towards those in greatest objective need.
Within the Programme for Government ‘Neighbourhood Renewal’ is the Executive’s main vehicle for tackling area based deprivation and disadvantage. The Neighbourhood Renewal strategy is targeted on 36 urban neighbourhoods where the levels of multiple disadvantage are greatest and the strategy aims to deliver real and measurable improvements in the quality of life and life chances of people living there.
Violence Against Women
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline (i) its objectives in relation to violence against women; and (ii) how it is measuring its progress against these objectives.
(AQO 3671/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Violence against women not only harms women but can also have a devastating impact on children and the wider family unit. There is also a need to ensure that perpetrators are properly supported to prevent any recurrence. In all its forms, violence against women is completely unacceptable and we are committed to achieving its eradication.
One of the nine objectives of OFMDFM’s Gender Equality Strategy (2006-2016) is to eliminate gender based violence in society. The Strategy is being implemented through mainstreaming and through the actions and programmes of all government departments. In the matter of violence against women, DHSSPS, DSD, NIO and our Department all play key roles in prevention, protection, justice and support.
Our Department monitors progress against the objectives of the Gender Equality Strategy and reports annually to Ministers on cross-departmental action plans to implement the Strategy, so that the Executive as a whole may consider progress and agree on priority actions for the year ahead. Departmental action plans allied to the gender equality strategy should include short to medium and long term targets, which will allow the Executive to measure progress.
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has established an Inter Ministerial Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence so that Ministers can ensure there is a focus for the issue of violence against women, with the involvement of key service providers, and voluntary and statutory partners. The Group will work together on all the issues associated with domestic violence, sexual violence and abuse. The Junior Ministers represent our Department on that group.
Review of the Civic Forum
Mr Campbell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what annual resources would be required for any re-constituted Civic Forum.
(AQO 3578/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the restoration of devolution in May 2007, we decided to commission a fundamental review of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the current structure, operation and membership of the Civic Forum and to make recommendations on the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with, and obtaining the views of, civic society on social, economic and cultural matters.
Any resource requirements for future years will be dependent on decisions taken following the review of the Civic Forum. Cost effectiveness will be a factor for consideration in the review.
Childcare Provision
Mr McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what discussions it has held with the Minister of Education to improve childcare provision.
(AQO 3653/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Employment is an important route out of poverty and, for many families with children, affordable, accessible childcare is a key support in facilitating the move into employment.
This is particularly evident in the case of lone parents and adequate provision has been highlighted as a challenge through the recent work of the BIC Social Inclusion Strand and the emerging findings of the Promoting Social Inclusion (PSI) work focusing on lone parents.
Individual Ministers take the lead on issues which are the responsibility of their departments. Co-ordination on cross-cutting issues is taken forward by the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People which is chaired by the Junior Ministers. The Minister for Education is a member of this Sub-Committee which has agreed in principle 6 key priorities, one of which focuses on a comprehensive early years strategy and affordable access to high quality early years provision. A sub-group of officials will be set up to develop actions under this priority and will report back to the Sub-Committee.
At the first meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee in March, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development presented a report in relation to rural childcare. All relevant Ministers, including the Minister for Education, have looked at the recommendations of this report and are examining how to take them forward.
Economic Investment Conference
Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it intends to take to address what the First Minister described as ‘an imperfect system of government’ during the Economic Investment Conference.
(AQO 3590/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We constantly seek to review and refine the operation of government and ensuring the highest standards of good governance.
To this end we have initiatives monitoring the effectiveness of government Departments and progress on the impending mechanisms to monitor progress/delivery of the Programme for Government. Further to this the Assembly and Executive Review Committee has been established to exercise the functions set out in Section 29A and 29B of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and Standing Order 54 which provide for the Committee to, inter alia, consider matters relating to the functioning of the Assembly or the Executive Committee as may be referred to it by the Assembly.
We continue to strive for the highest standards in governance by promoting participation in decision making, the high standards in openness and transparency of government, independent oversight of public appointments, as well as legislative and policy safeguard on the process of decision making.
We will of course continue to review and refine this work.
Improving Participatory Democracy
Mr McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on establishing new mechanisms for hearing the views of civil society and for increasing participatory democracy.
(AQO 3679/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: There are many mechanisms by which Northern Ireland Departments currently engage with civil society including joint participation on statutory public bodies and non-statutory fora, formal and informal consultation processes, and social research.
The Civic Forum, which held its inaugural meeting in October 2000, was established as a mechanism to consult civic society on social, economic and cultural issues. A review is currently under way to examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the current structure, operation and membership of the Civic Forum and to make recommendations on the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with and obtaining the views of civic society on social, economic and cultural matters. The review is expected to report to us later this year.
Economic Investment Conference
Mr McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the outcomes of the recent Economic Investment Conference.
(AQO 3677/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are pleased to report on the enormous success of the USNI Investment Conference which took place earlier this month. We were delighted to welcome the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach, Special Envoy Ambassador Dobriansky and Ambassadors Tuttle and Foley to the Conference. Over 150 business leaders including many potential investors came to Northern Ireland to hear about what Northern Ireland has to offer the international business community. Many of the delegates had come to Northern Ireland for the first time.
New inward investments by NYSE Euronext and Cybersource were announced at the conference. These investments have the potential to create over 120 new quality jobs. These, along with major investments announced by Bombardier and Independent News and Media added to the success of the event.
Media coverage and editorials reflected extremely positively on the impact of the event and initial feedback from delegates has been very positive. We will be working hard with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment over the next six to twelve months to put in place a comprehensive follow-up campaign to capitalise on the success of the Conference.
Anti-Sectarianism
Mr O'Dowd asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps it is taking to promote anti-sectarianism over the summer period.
(AQO 3691/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:
As we have stated on many occasions the Programme for Government confirms our commitment to challenge racism, sectarianism and intolerance and we remain fully committed to addressing those divisions which mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society.
On 12 May we confirmed our intention to continue the invaluable work that is ongoing in North Belfast by providing funding of ₤100,000 this financial year to provide a diversionary programme to be targeted at young people at risk of becoming involved in interface violence over the summer months when community tensions can rise. We continue to work closely with all our partners in this area and in particular the North Belfast Community Action Unit.
Moreover, our Department funds all 26 District Councils to operate community relations based programmes such as small grants schemes for community groups engaged in cross- community activities. Other initiatives currently operating include bonfires initiatives which include challenging sectarian behaviours, youth-based activities targeting issues around sectarianism and racism and integration of minority ethnic people into host communities.
Funding of ₤400,000 per annum is provided by the Department to the Department of Education for the provision of a range of Summer Intervention Programmes, which are delivered by the Education and Library Boards. These Programmes are targeted at supporting work at interface areas and challenging those behaviours associated with interface violence. We have also contributed ₤250,000 to the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure towards the Reimaging Communities Programme which is designed to help communities tackle the visible signs of racism and sectarianism and is delivered through the Arts Council for Northern Ireland.
Our Department’s sponsorship of the Community Relations Council enables it to fund a broad range of regional and local activities and initiatives including the core-funding of interface workers; conflict resolution workers and programmes; small grants for cross-community events and research on good relations issues.
The Department is also part of an inter-agency partnership that oversees the implementation of the Flags Protocol whereby local agreements are encouraged to enable the display of intimidatory and or sectarian flags to be taken down within an agreed timeframe or removed completely if the prevailing local circumstances require it.
Economic Investment Conference
Mr McCartney asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the impact of the recent Economic Investment Conference.
(AQO 3689/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The recent Economic Investment Conference was an enormous success. The Conference was attended by the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach, Special Envoy Ambassador Dobriansky and Ambassadors Tuttle and Foley and over 150 business leaders.
At the Conference, NYSE Euronext and Cybersource announced new inward investments which have the potential to create over 120 new quality jobs. These, along with major investments announced by Bombardier and Independent News and Media added to the success.
We are extremely encouraged by the positive reflections in the media on the immediate impact of the conference. Initial feedback from delegates is also very encouraging. We will be working hard with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment over the coming months to capitalise on the success of the event.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Removal of Light Dues from the County Down Fishing Fleet
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6345/08, what action she has taken to lobby the Department of Transport in England for the removal of light dues from the Co. Down fishing fleet.
(AQW 7007/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): I am aware that the Department for Transport reviewed its policy on light dues in 2004 and subsequently reaffirmed that an exemption from light dues for fishermen should not be introduced. I am also aware that the DfT had responded accordingly to representations from national fishermen’s organisations on this issue. However I have written to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State responsible for shipping to ask that the Department of Transport re-consider this matter and I will inform you of his response in due course.
Slaughter Premium Scheme
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm, where payment is denied on animals claimed for under the terms of the Slaughter Premium Scheme because of ineligibility due to No Movement Notification status set against them, and are further penalised in the Beef Special Premium Scheme, that they then regain eligibility for payment under the Slaughter Premium Scheme.
(AQW 7025/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Beef Special Premium Scheme (BSPS) and the Slaughter Premium Scheme (SLPS) ceased on 31 December 2004. Animals with a NMN status (No Movement Notification) were ineligible for premia under either Scheme. If an NMN status was applied to a BSPS animal it was ineligible for premia under that scheme and a penalty would have been applied. Provided the animal’s movement was subsequently properly notified to the veterinary service before an application was made for SLPS, it would be eligible for SLPS premium. If the animal movement was not properly notified before the SLPS application was submitted, it would be ineligible for SLPS and a penalty would apply.
Cattle Tuberculosis Prevention Policy
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her Department's Cattle Tuberculosis prevention policy in recent years.
(AQW 7039/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department’s policy in relation to bovine Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in recent years has focused on reducing the transmission of TB between cattle. The TB programme in the North is based on the detection of diseased or high risk animals, the compulsory removal of these animals from their herd of origin to slaughter, and the restriction of movements of cattle from infected herds until they are tested clear. Following a confirmed TB breakdown, adjoining farmers are alerted and their herds may be allocated a contiguous risk herd test.
We have made considerable progress with TB in recent years. Since peak levels for the disease in 2002, the herd incidence has been reduced by nearly 50%. Our cattle-based TB control programme has been successful in reducing TB in the North. We believe that the enhanced TB measures that were introduced in 2004 in the North, particularly the tighter restrictions on overdue TB tests and changes to the valuation system, have contributed to the reduction in disease here.
My Department has also issued advice on how farmers can help to protect their herd from TB and this includes the practical steps they can take to reduce the contact between cattle and badgers. The advice leaflet is given to all farmers who have a TB breakdown in their herd and it is also available on the DARD website and through the local Divisional Veterinary Offices. It is important that farmers take all reasonable precautions to protect their herds from possible infection by other cattle or badgers, by adopting good bio-security such as secure boundary fencing and taking practical steps to reduce badger and cattle contact.
Whilst it is established that there is a link between TB in badgers and TB in cattle, the direction of transmission is not clear. The evidence from Britain and the South in recent years around the impact of the removal of badgers on TB in cattle is complex. It is not certain what role the badger might have in the spread of TB to cattle in the North, or if there are other factors involved in maintaining TB infection in cattle here. We have various strands of work on-going to look at this whole area. The Badger Stakeholder Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes both farmer and environmental interests, has played an important role in this work in recent years and has recently reported its conclusions and recommendations. My officials have also been working with officials from the DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service in respect of the role of badgers in cattle TB.
Growth of Farmers' Markets
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to encourage the establishment and growth of farmers' markets.
(AQW 7040/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As you know my Department has no regulatory role in relation to Farmers’ Markets but we have previously provided financial support to a number of markets across the North under the Leader + and Peace II funding programmes.
Opportunities for future support for farmers’ markets may exist under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013, although this is dependent upon the priorities set within the local development strategies carrying forward from the Local Action Groups and Council clusters.
Diseases in NI Herds
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the advice she has received in relation to the deliberate introduction of diseases into the Northern Ireland herd.
(AQW 7042/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I have been advised that there have been cases where it has been claimed or alleged that animals have been deliberately infected with Brucellosis. The deliberate introduction of disease is a serious matter from both a disease and a fraud perspective and my Department investigates all such claims and allegations.
Such action has the potential to cause the spread of disease to neighbouring farms and places innocent farmers in the position of having their herds restricted due to the unscrupulous actions of others. It also has the potential for significant additional costs for my Department in terms of the cost of monitoring additional herds and compensation payments.
Any deliberate infection of an animal with Brucellosis would be a very real threat to our efforts to eradicate Brucellosis completely from the North.
DARD must be in a position to deal with anyone who is found to have deliberately introduced disease into a herd and we need the powers to take punitive action which will deter potential offenders and protect the majority of law-abiding farmers.
The new Diseases of Animals Bill proposes a new offence of deliberate infection of an animal.
Rural Tourism
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what co-operation she has received from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to develop rural tourism as a key element in rural regeneration.
(AQW 7043/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department have liaised with the NI Tourist Board (NITB) throughout the development of Axis 3 of the new Rural Development Programme, specifically measure 3.3 ‘ Encouragement of tourism activities’. This measure is targeted at developing rural tourism as a key element in rural regeneration. Just over £12 million is available under this measure to private individuals, private companies, social economy enterprises/community groups and non departmental public bodies. My department continues to work at a strategic level with NITB as the programme is rolled out. Most recently presenting details of the programme at a NITB hosted seminar for Craft NI.
Current Honey Bee Population
Mr Burns asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the size of the current honey bee population.
(AQW 7056/08)
Ms M Gildernew: In mid-summer, the population of healthy, managed bee hive can number upwards of 40,000 bees. It is estimated that there are currently 1,000 beekeepers, maintaining about 4,000 hives here. Bee numbers normally fall about 10 – 25% during the winter and rise again during the spring and summer.
Feral bee colonies are not monitored by my Department.
Tuberculosis in Badgers
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many tuberculosis outbreaks resulted in one or more badgers being culled in each of the last three years.
(AQW 7075/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The existing control programme in the North in relation to bovine Tuberculosis is based on measures to limit cattle-to-cattle transmission of the disease. The culling of badgers does not play a role in the existing TB control programme. No badgers have been culled over the last three years due to tuberculosis outbreaks here.
New Divisional Veterinary Office in Newtownards
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many staff will be employed at the new Divisional Veterinary Office at Kiltonga Industrial Estate in Newtownards.
(AQW 7076/08)
Ms M Gildernew: A total of 42 Divisional Veterinary Office staff, who previously worked at Robert Street, Newtownards, will transfer from their temporary locations in Dundonald House and Portaferry Road, back to Newtownards to the new DVO premises based in Kiltonga Industrial Estate.
New Divisional Veterinary Office in Newtownards
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is the end date of the current lease for the new Divisional Veterinary Office at Kiltonga Industrial Estate in Newtownards.
(AQW 7077/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The lease term is 5 years from 1 June 2008 with a Tenant's break option after the first 3 years. Therefore the end date will be 31 May 2013, if the Department of Finance and Personnel decides not to take the break option.
New Divisional Veterinary Office in Newtownards
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what her plans are for the new Divisional Veterinary Office at Kiltonga Industrial Estate in Newtownards; and will she consider using this site as a 'one-stop-shop' as previously indicated.
(AQW 7078/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Finance and Personnel have agreed a lease for new premises at Kiltonga Industrial Estate, Newtownards. The lease will come into effect from 1 June 2008 for 5 years with a tenant’s break option after 3 years. Works are currently being carried out to ensure the building at Kiltonga meets the required standards. All the Divisional Veterinary Office staff temporarily located at Portaferry Road and Dundonald House will relocate to these new premises in Newtownards in mid August 2008.
You may be aware that my Department proposes to establish a network of DARD Direct offices across the north that will deliver the main DARD services within a reasonable distance of customers’ businesses. DARD are working with DFP on these locations. No decisions have been taken yet on the location of these offices, with the exception of Inishkeen House, Enniskillen, as it already has been modified to test the DARD Direct service delivery model.
I have asked my Department to prepare an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) document for the roll-out of DARD Direct and that EQIA document is now at an advanced stage. Public consultation on this EQIA will take place over the next few months. This exercise will provide everyone with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the proposals and to feed their views and concerns into the process. Only after the findings of the public consultation have been fully considered can a decision on the final locations of the DARD Direct offices be made.
Network of DARD Direct Offices
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has considered designating Ards as a one-stop-shop for agriculture for the Strangford area due to the large number of beef and dairy cattle in that area.
(AQW 7079/08)
Ms M Gildernew: You may be already aware that my Department proposes to establish a network of DARD Direct offices across the North, within a reasonable distance of customers’ businesses. No decisions have been taken yet on the location of these offices, with the exception of Inishkeen House, Enniskillen, as it already has been modified to test the DARD Direct service delivery model.
I have asked my Department to prepare an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) document for the roll-out of DARD Direct. This is now at an advanced development stage and will hopefully progress for consideration by the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee in June. A public consultation on the EQIA will follow. This exercise will provide everyone with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the proposals and to feed their views and concerns into the process. It will be after the findings of the public consultation have been fully considered that a decision on the final locations of the DARD Direct offices will be made.
Organic Food
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what incentives her Department is offering for the production of organic food.
(AQW 7104/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Under the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 I will offer a new Organic Farming Scheme to assist farmers who wish to convert from conventional to organic production.
The new Scheme will provide increased levels of support for the organic livestock sector, with additional support for organic cereal and horticulture production. The following amounts will be paid to farmers to cover the first five years of conversion to organic production:
Horticulture (including top fruit) - £670
Arable - £570
Other Improved Land - £470
These payments are on a ‘per hectare’ basis, and will be apportioned over the five years.
I will also offer an ongoing post-conversion payment of £30 per hectare per year for certified organic land under the Organic Option in the new Countryside Management Scheme.
In addition, a number of Schemes are open, or are planned to open, to assist organic and conventional producers under NIRDP 2007-13. In December 2007 I launched the Agricultural and Forestry Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme providing up to 40% financial assistance towards capital costs for producers and processors involved or wishing to become involved in processing and marketing. In addition, the Agricultural and Forestry Marketing and Development Grant Scheme and the Supply Chain Development Programme, both due to be launched in 2008, will provide financial assistance to farmers and processors to enhance their marketing capability.
DARD has also offered funding under the NI Regional Food Programme towards the set up of an organic guide and web facility for producers and consumers.
Additionally, DARD provides a great deal of support to organic farmers. Supply Chain Development advisers provide advice and skills development to individual producers and groups of producers on market led activities, and CAFRE (Greenmount Campus) continues to provide education, advice and ongoing support in relation to organic farming. It also develops and tests new technologies appropriate to the local organic sector. Through funding for the Organic Action Plan Group, DARD also sponsored organic study visits for local producers to England in August 2006 and March 2008, and to the South in October 2007, and funded items including a consumer information leaflet, educational material for schools, an organic market study and an Organic Supply Chain Conference.
Organic Food
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many hectares of agricultural land was used for organic produce in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 7105/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Organic production in the North has increased steadily over the past three years.
In 2005, there were 9,058 hectares of agricultural land either fully converted to organic production, or in conversion. This figure rose to 9,127 hectares in 2006, and to 11,104 hectares in 2007.
I believe that my introduction of a new Organic Farming Scheme will provide valuable support to the sector, and further encourage a greater uptake of organic farming methods.
Producers and Retailers
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what her Department is doing to connect producers and retailers.
(AQW 7107/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Supply Chain Development Branch within DARD work to strengthening linkages between producers and retailers, both directly and indirectly through food processors, and has instigated a number of initiatives leading to improved communication and co-operation within local supply chains. Many of these initiatives are targeted at supporting farmers’ groups, encouraging collaboration and co-operation in the supply base, but they also provide support and advice to individual farmers wishing to improve or develop supply chain linkages.
Current examples include facilitation of discussions on the Marks & Spencer Price Pledge for sheep producers wishing to supply Rissington Lamb, and between cut flower and foliage growers with retail florists and wholesalers through the NI Lily Group and the Cut Flower and Foliage Development Group.
Since 2003, DARD has delivered the Supply Chain Awareness Programme organising farmer visits to retail outlets with discussions between producers and retailers. This has allowed both parties to increase their knowledge of each others businesses and explore ways in which they can expand the local supply base. To date 1090 producers have participated in the programme with 231 of these going on to study examples of supply chain linkages operating outside NI. In addition, DARD brought representatives of the major retailers to a farm-based presentation allowing farmers to promote the benefits of a local supply chain.
Evolving out of this programme my Department has developed and successfully piloted the Supply Chain Development Programme. This programme and the Agriculture and Forestry Marketing and Development Grant Scheme, will provide finance and facilitation support to groups of farmers wishing to build new supply chain relationships or further develop existing arrangements. Both schemes will be launched later in 2008 as part of the NI Rural Development Programme.
New Crops
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action her Department is taking to introduce new crops.
(AQW 7109/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department, through the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at the Loughry Campus, currently has 30 hectares dedicated to developing and demonstrating the potential of non-food crops within the North of Ireland. The farming community are informed of this potential through open days and training programmes. Presentations are also made at farming meetings. During 2007/08 over 1400 farmers were made aware of the opportunities from the non-food crops.
My Department also continues to support the establishment of Short Rotation Coppice Willow as a crop for producing energy and is sponsoring research at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), which aims to assess the potential of Miscanthus (Elephant Grass) as a bioenergy crop.
AFBI continues to be proactive in seeking out new crops for the local industry and in conducting underpinning research, which either enables their use to assist the profitability of the existing farming enterprises or provides new diversification opportunities. A recent example has been the AFBI research that assisted the significant uptake in the use of Forage Maize by the grass-based animal sector. AFBI, also, provide sound specialist advice to the industry on the suitability, or otherwise, of new crops for our changing climatic conditions and the industry’s utilisation needs.
Bluetongue Disease
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether she has sought derogation from the European Union for on-farm burial of farm animals should flocks or herds have to be put down because of Bluetongue disease.
(AQW 7122/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I must explain that the management of Bluetongue disease is very different from diseases such as Foot and Mouth, which require slaughter and disposal of carcases. Mass culling will not be introduced for Bluetongue.
If we discovered an imported animal with Bluetongue we may cull it and any associated high risk animals. This is consistent with the action we took in the North Antrim case, where animals imported from Holland were subsequently discovered to have Bluetongue infection.
However, once we confirm that disease is circulating between animals and the midge vector population we will no longer cull animals as a method of disease control. In England in 2007, only 5 animals were culled before that position was reached.
As there will not be any mass culling of animals for Bluetongue disease any derogation from the burial ban under the Animal By-Products Regulations (NI) 2003 will not be required.
Bluetongue Disease
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans are in place for the removal of carcases should flocks or herds fall victim to Bluetongue disease.
(AQW 7123/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I must explain that the management of Bluetongue disease is very different from diseases such as Foot and Mouth, which require slaughter and disposal of carcases. Mass culling will not be introduced for Bluetongue.
If we discovered an imported animal with Bluetongue we may cull it and any associated high risk animals. However, once we confirm that disease is circulating between animals and the midge vector population we may no longer cull animals as a method of disease control. In England in 2007, only 5 animals were culled before that position was reached.
In the event of an incursion of Bluetongue here it is not expected, given the experience in northern European countries including England, that there will be any significant levels of mortality in the first year, by which time ample vaccine supplies should be available.
As there will not be any mass culling of animals for Bluetongue disease, nor are high levels of mortality anticipated, special plans are not being developed for removal of carcases should flocks or herds fall victim to Bluetongue disease.
Bluetongue Disease
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the event of an outbreak of Bluetongue Disease if her Department will meet the full cost of disposing of carcases.
(AQW 7124/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As I have explained, the management of Bluetongue disease is very different from diseases such as Foot and Mouth, which require slaughter and disposal of carcases. Mass culling will not be introduced for Bluetongue.
Also, in the event of an incursion of Bluetongue here it is not expected, given experience in northern European countries including England, that there will be any significant levels of mortality in the first year, by which time ample vaccine supplies should be available.
As there will not be any mass culling of animals for Bluetongue disease, nor are high levels of mortality anticipated, it will not be necessary to consider meeting the cost of carcase disposal from the public finances.
Veterinary Service's Portal Inspection Branch
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what are the arrangements in place at airports and ports to enable persons entering Northern Ireland to report to departmental officials following visits to farms in other countries or arriving directly from farm holdings.
(AQW 7125/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Department officials of Veterinary Service`s Portal Inspection Branch are present on a permanent and full time basis at the ports of Belfast, Larne and Warrenpoint and at Belfast International, George Best Belfast City and City of Derry airports. They provide an inspection service for all livestock, pet and animal product imports, and their work includes provision of specific advice on relevant precautions to people who have visited farms.
Potato Industry
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what special promotions she is undertaking on behalf of the potato industry, given that the United Nations has designated 2008 as the International Year of the Potato.
(AQW 7126/08)
Ms M Gildernew: This autumn, DARD plans to host a special Potato event to celebrate the International Year of the Potato. The event will demonstrate the contribution that DARD initiatives and services make to the potato industry and the benefits that positive partnerships between DARD and our local potato industry bring to Agriculture in the North.
In addition, there are a number of ongoing initiatives being undertaken in partnership with the potato industry. The “Chip Initiative” has an overall aim of maximising the use of locally grown potato varieties in the fresh chip market and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) provides assistance to the potato sector through a variety of programmes. These include: training courses for growers; benchmarking for potato businesses; and the Knowledge and Technology Transfer programme.
Tuberculosis in Badgers
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many of the tuberculosis outbreaks in the last three years were due to badgers.
(AQW 7139/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Whilst it is established that there is a link between TB in badgers and TB in cattle, the role of the badger and the significance of that role in causing TB in cattle herds in the North is not clear. It is therefore not possible to state with absolute certainty that the badger is the cause of any of the TB breakdowns in the last three years.
Blackwater Regional Partnership
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when and where the Blackwater Regional Partnership will commence and what is the role of her Department.
(AQW 7141/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Previously known as the Blackwater Catchment Scheme, the Blackwater Regional Partnership (BRP) was formed in 1994. It is divided between three administrative authorities – Armagh City and District Council, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and Monaghan County Council. The BRP has its offices in Caledon, Co Tyrone.
In relation to the role of the Department, the BRP has developed a number of projects and one of these is the Transboundary River Basin Action for Community and Environment (TRACE) Project, which aims to improve water quality in the River Blackwater catchment by best management practices. My Department was represented on the TRACE Project management steering group since it began in 2004, providing advice on nutrient loss from farmyard and farm activities. The project ended in February 2008.
Also, officials in the Department’s Forest Service have met with stakeholders including the Blackwater Regional Partnership to take forward the development of eco-trails on Forest Service land at Parkanaur Forest in County Tyrone and Gosford Forest Park in County Armagh. This project is in the final stages of development and will become operational in June 2008.
Departmental Staff with Disabilities
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many staff in her Department have a disability.
(AQW 7142/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The total number of staff in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and its agencies with a disability is 282, of which 260 are non-industrial staff and 22 are industrials.
Rural College in Draperstown
Mr McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why she intends to cease funding to the Rural College, Draperstown.
(AQW 7153/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My department has a current Letter of Offer with the Rural College, Draperstown for the delivery of a part-time MSc in Rural Development until June 2009. The department will not be commissioning the delivery of any new educational or training services until a Departmental Education and Training Policy has been developed. I have asked that the rural development aspect of this should be available in advance of the overall departmental policy. Any such new services will be subject to an open procurement process which the rural college, along with others, will be able to bid for delivery.
Average Age of Agricultural Workers
Mr McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for the average age of people who cite agriculture as their employment.
(AQW 7157/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Information on the age of farmers and farm workers is collected by DARD every two to three years as part of the European Union Farm Structure Survey. T he average (median) age of farmers recorded in the 2007 Survey was 57 years. The average (median) age of all farm owners and workers recorded in the 2005 survey was 50 years.
Lisbon Treaty Referendum
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment she has made of the consequences for Northern Ireland agriculture should the Republic of Ireland deliver a ‘Yes’ vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.
(AQW 7158/08)
Ms M Gildernew: If there is a “yes” vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum and it is ratified by all EU Member States, it will come into effect from 1 January 2009. The main consequence for agriculture will arise from granting co-decision making powers to the European Parliament in relation to future reforms (after 1 January 2009) to the Common Agricultural Policy. This could mean that the decision making process will take longer but it is not possible at this stage to say how the European Parliament might influence the direction of future EU agricultural policy decisions.
My party and I also feel that under Article 188 of the Lisbon Treaty the livelihoods of farmers would be put at risk by giving the EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson even more power and removing the Irish Governments right to veto bad trade deals in the future.
Lisbon Treaty Referendum
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment she has made of the consequences for Northern Ireland agriculture should the Republic of Ireland deliver a ‘No’ vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.
(AQW 7159/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The main impact on agriculture in the North of Ireland arising from the Lisbon Treaty concerns decision-making within the EU and, in particular, with regard to the Common Agricultural Policy. In the event of the South of Ireland delivering a ‘No’ vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum, then the Treaty cannot be ratified and, consequently, will not come into effect. The existing EU Treaties will continue to apply (unless and until a new treaty is agreed and ratified) and, therefore, the status quo will prevail.
Rural Development Programme
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the monetary value and the percentage of the first £50 million to be allocated to each of the seven clusters appointed to administer the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
(AQW 7160/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Officials within the Department recently issued financial allocations for the first £50m of Axis 3 of the NIRDP to the seven council clusters. These allocations were incorrect and based on an erroneous application by officials of the methodology for calculating deprivation. This was brought to my attention by a statement issued by Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson, Francie Brolly and Pat Doherty. I have asked the senior DARD official concerned to apologise for this mistake to the lead council in each of the seven cluster and to ensure that the allocations are calculated correctly and brought to my attention for authorisation as soon as possible.
Slaughter Schemes for Closed Herds
Mr Buchanan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will consider introducing a Slaughter Scheme for bull calves of closed herds to help relieve farmers' financial hardships.
(AQW 7192/08)
Ms M Gildernew: At present, I have no plans to introduce a Slaughter Scheme for bull calves of closed herds in the North.
Animal disease compensation is paid for animals slaughtered as a result of TB and Brucellosis. The compensation arrangements for animals slaughtered as a result of TB and Brucellosis are set out in the Diseases of Animals (NI) Order 1981, the TB Control Order (NI) 1999 (as amended) and the Brucellosis Control Order (NI) 2004. There are no provisions in the legislation for compensation to be paid for loss of earnings incurred as a consequence of movement restrictions being imposed.
Pork Prices
Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why there is a lack of parity between the price of pork in Northern Ireland compared to that in Great Britain; and what action will be taken to remedy this situation.
(AQW 7211/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The price of pork in Britain compared with the price in the North is dictated by market forces. Under the NI Act 1998 competition issues are a reserved matter and are therefore the responsibility of the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Office of Fair Trading.
I can assure you that my Department continues to support the intensive production sector. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise provides a comprehensive range of education and training programmes for producers and processors. The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute supports the sector through research and development work, which provides an important science and expertise base to support industry development.
I have no direct influence over retail prices but do believe that I have a role to encourage and facilitate dialogue to increase understanding about issues. I have therefore met with the main supermarkets with a view to encouraging them to work with the industry, recognising the economic pressures on producers. I hope that this will bring some improvement.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Ulster-Scots Agency
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the membership of the board of the Ulster-Scots Agency; and (ii) the annual salaries of board members.
(AQW 5619/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): A list of all the new Boards, including Chairpersons and vice-chairpersons was placed in the Assembly library on 17 December 2007 following a North South Ministerial Council institutional format meeting. The remuneration amounts agreed were as follows - Chairperson €14,000/ £ 9,250 per annum; Vice-chairperson €11,500/ £7,820 per annum and Member €9,000 /£6,120 per annum. The membership of the board of the Ulster-Scots Agency consists of the following members Mark Thompson Chair; Dr Ian Adamson; Dr Aileen Douglas; Angela Graham; William Humphrey; William Leathem; Jacqui Reed and Dr William Roulston.
The Arts Council and Ulster-Scots Agency Funding
Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding that has been awarded to bands through (i) the Ulster-Scots Agency; and (ii) the Arts Council, in each of the last three years, (a) in total; (b) broken down by council area; and (c) broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 6638/08)
Mr E Poots:
The funding awarded to bands for the years 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 by the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Arts Council is shown in the following tables:
Total Amounts Paid |
||
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
Arts Council |
2005/06 |
£6,223 |
£64,540 |
2006/07 |
£9,954 (i) |
£174,835 |
2007/08 |
£68,838 (ii) |
£203,490 |
(i) Excludes £1,446 paid to bands in the Republic of Ireland
(ii) Excludes £1,863 paid to bands in the Republic of Ireland.
Arts Council Payments by Council Areas |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Antrim |
£5,000 |
- |
£5,000 |
Ards |
- |
£3,630 |
- |
Armagh |
£7,122 |
£3,263 |
£7,795 |
Ballymena |
- |
£15,000 |
£18,690 |
Ballymoney |
- |
£9,890 |
£4,525 |
Banbridge |
- |
£4,594 |
£5,000 |
Belfast |
- |
£10,585 |
£4,605 |
Carrickfergus |
- |
- |
- |
Castlereagh |
- |
- |
£3,438 |
Coleraine |
- |
£6,000 |
£4,999 |
Cookstown |
£9,540 |
£7,465 |
£15,450 |
Craigavon |
£3,950 |
£2,957 |
£8,320 |
Derry |
£1,102 |
£8,320 |
£5,000 |
Down |
- |
£6,298 |
- |
Dungannon |
£5,611 |
£9,984 |
£24,082 |
Fermanagh |
£8,390 |
£35,633 |
£21,041 |
Larne |
- |
£5,000 |
£4,000 |
Limavady |
£5,000 |
£6,750 |
- |
Lisburn |
£11,657 |
£3,500 |
£24,621 |
Magherafelt |
- |
£8,000 |
£20,010 |
Moyle |
- |
- |
£4,013 |
Newry & Mourne |
£7,168 |
£8,773 |
£3,000 |
Newtownabbey |
- |
- |
£5,000 |
North Down |
- |
- |
- |
Omagh |
- |
£14,193 |
£9,901 |
Strabane |
- |
£5,000 |
£5,000 |
TOTAL |
£64,540 |
£174,835 |
£203,490 |
Ulster-Scots Agency Payments by Council Areas |
|||
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Antrim |
- |
- |
- |
Antrim |
- |
- |
- |
Ards |
- |
- |
- |
Armagh |
- |
- |
£1,762 |
Ballymena |
- |
- |
£3,600 |
Ballymoney |
- |
- |
£10,360 |
Banbridge |
£1,700 |
£450 |
£4,412 |
Belfast |
- |
- |
- |
Carrickfergus |
- |
- |
- |
Castlereagh |
- |
- |
- |
Coleraine |
- |
- |
- |
Cookstown |
- |
- |
£2,739 |
Craigavon |
- |
- |
- |
Derry |
- |
- |
£700 |
Down |
£975 |
- |
- |
Dungannon |
£1,298 |
£3,325 |
£14,272 |
Fermanagh |
£1,200 |
£390 |
£7,050 |
Larne |
- |
- |
- |
Limavady |
- |
- |
- |
Lisburn |
- |
£2,750 |
£2,377 |
Magherafelt |
- |
- |
£7,447 |
Moyle |
- |
- |
- |
Newry & Mourne |
- |
£294 |
£7,369 |
Newtownabbey |
- |
- |
- |
North Down |
- |
- |
- |
Omagh |
£1,050 |
£1,595 |
£2,175 |
Strabane |
- |
£1,150 |
£4575 |
TOTAL |
£6,223 |
£9,954 |
£68,838 |
Arts Council Payments by Parliamentary Constituency |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Antrim, East |
- |
£5,000 |
£4,000 |
Antrim, North |
- |
£24,890 |
£27,228 |
Antrim, South |
£5,000 |
- |
£5,000 |
Belfast , East |
- |
- |
£3,438 |
Belfast , North |
- |
£7,000 |
£9,605 |
Belfast , South |
- |
£3,585 |
- |
Belfast , West |
- |
- |
- |
Down, North |
- |
- |
- |
Down, South |
- |
£10,071 |
£8,000 |
East Londonderry |
£5,000 |
£12,750 |
£4,999 |
Fermanagh & South Tyrone |
£14,001 |
£45,617 |
£31,135 |
Foyle |
£1,102 |
£8,320 |
£5,000 |
Lagan Valley |
£11,635 |
£3,500 |
£24,621 |
Mid-Ulster |
£9,540 |
£15,465 |
£49,448 |
Newry & Armagh |
£14,290 |
£8,263 |
£7,795 |
Strangford |
- |
£3,630 |
- |
Upper Bann |
£3,950 |
£7,551 |
£8,320 |
West Tyrone |
- |
£19,193 |
£14,901 |
TOTAL |
£64,540 |
£174,835 |
£203,490 |
Ulster-Scots Agency Payments by Parliamentary Constituency |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Antrim, East |
- |
- |
- |
Antrim, North |
- |
- |
£13,960 |
Antrim, South |
- |
- |
- |
Belfast , East |
- |
- |
- |
Belfast , North |
- |
- |
- |
Belfast , South |
- |
- |
- |
Belfast , West |
- |
- |
- |
Down, North |
- |
- |
- |
Down, South |
£975 |
- |
£10,181 |
East Londonderry |
- |
- |
- |
Fermanagh & South Tyrone |
£2,498 |
£3715 |
£22,583 |
Foyle |
- |
- |
£700 |
Lagan Valley |
£1,700 |
£2,950 |
£3,977 |
Mid-Ulster |
- |
£250 |
£7,899 |
Newry & Armagh |
- |
£294 |
£1,762 |
Strangford |
- |
- |
- |
West Tyrone |
£1,050 |
£2,745 |
£7,776 |
Upper Bann |
- |
- |
- |
TOTALS |
£6,223 |
£9,954 |
£68,838 |
Awards for All Funding
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many groups have received 'Awards for All' funding in the North Down constituency over the last 12 months; and what amount has been paid to each.
(AQW 6876/08)
Mr E Poots:
During the period May 2007 to May 2008, 27 projects in North Down Constituency received funding from Awards for All totalling £177,559.
These are as follows:
Organisation |
Project name |
Amount awarded |
|---|---|---|
North Down Over 50's Forum |
Residential, health event, equipment and social events |
£10,000 |
Guide Association of Ulster - Girlguiding Ulster Peer Educators |
4ward, 4self and 4others |
£3,264 |
North Down Borough Council |
Art on the Seafront |
£10,000 |
Golden Camel Association |
Golden Camel Awards |
£4,154 |
Donaghadee Male Voice Choir |
Trailer, trollies, VAT |
£8,095 |
Kilcooley Community Forum |
10yr Anniversary Celebration |
£6,460 |
Bangor Drama Festival |
Drama Festival |
£800 |
Holywood Music Festival |
Festival costs |
£2,500 |
North Down Volleyball Club |
Belfast Urban Tour |
£5,650 |
Irish Deaf Bowling |
Bowling Across Borders |
£6,885 |
Redburn Youth Group |
Travel, training, photography |
£7,627 |
Bloomfield Community Association |
Strategy Programme |
£5,375 |
Sullivan Upper School Fencing Club |
Protective fencing clothing, scoring equipment |
£9,739 |
Bryansburn Rangers Football Club |
Upgrade of ground premises |
£8,149 |
North Down & Ards Women's Aid |
Strategic Planning Day |
£1,090 |
Seacourt Print Workshop Ltd |
Print Knowledge Exchange |
£9,953 |
Drumaroad Community Regeneration |
Community Consultation & Development Plan |
£9,360 |
Oi Yin Women's Group |
Tools for Democracy and Empowerment |
£7,926 |
Holywood Boys Football Club |
Development programme for girls and boys |
£3,850 |
Ballygrainey Rural Development Association |
Community Involvement at Ballygrainey |
£9,994 |
Bangor Operatic Society |
A week long performance of Carousel |
£5,000 |
Tiny Toons Playgroup |
Our Summer Activity |
£10,000 |
Groomsport Football Club |
Improvements at Meadow Playing Field/ Coaching Project |
£1,000 |
Crawfordsburn Playgroup |
Educational toys and computer equipment. |
£5,284 |
The Percy French Society |
The Jarvey Project |
£9,835 |
St Malachy's Primary School, Bangor |
Outdoor Adventure Playground |
£9,569 |
Castle Juniors Football Club |
IFA Coaching courses |
£6,000 |
Library Services
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to improve library services.
(AQW 6963/08)
Mr E Poots: I am committed to the modernisation and improvement of public library services. My vision for the public library service is:
‘To provide a flexible and responsive library service which provides a dynamic focal point in the community and assists people to fulfil their potential’.
The main elements of my plan to improve the Library service are:
- Delivering a major programme of capital investment;
- Driving service improvement in line with the Public Library Standards; and
- Restructuring the library service into a single service for all Northern Ireland, managed and delivered by a new body, the Library Authority.
I have secured substantial capital resources to improve and modernise the library estate. £31 million pounds is available over the next 3 years with a further £107 million available in the following 7 years.
I will also work to improve services provided by our public libraries, which includes improving access and increasing the books and materials available.
Finally, I have worked to establish the Northern Ireland Library Authority which will deal solely with the library service and provide a dedicated focus on libraries. This will improve the quality of service through transmission of best practice to all, lead to coherent planning across the region, and produce efficiencies in administration.
Sports Stadium Development
Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding is available for sports stadium development.
(AQW 7063/08)
Mr E Poots: Primary responsibility for making funding available for the development of sports stadia rests with the owners of such venues. There is also a role for the relevant governing body. The recently announced capital budget for sport is £111.6m over the next 3 years. Sport Northern Ireland , which is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding, is currently considering how these funds can be allocated across sport.
Funding for Ulster-Scots Language Society
Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, further to AQW 5905/08 (i) what funding was provided to the Ulster-Scots Language Society by his Department or by the Ulster-Scots Agency, in each financial year from 2002-2003; and (ii) when was he last provided with an annual report and audited accounts by the Ulster-Scots Language Society.
(AQW 7074/08)
Mr E Poots: My Department does not provide direct funding to the Ulster-Scots Language Society.
The Ulster-Scots Agency has provided the following funding to the Ulster-Scots Language Society since 2003-:
2003 |
£7,435.83 |
2004 |
£38,349.53 |
2005 |
£38,137.71 |
2006 |
£26,630.80 |
2007 |
£24,962.33 |
2008 (to date) |
£632.00 |
The Ulster-Scots Agency received a copy of the 2007 Ulster-Scots Language Society Audited Accounts in April 2008; they do not receive an Annual report from the Language Society.
Awards For All Funding
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding was given by 'Awards for All', broken down by parliamentary constituency, for each of the last five years.
(AQW 7117/08)
Mr E Poots: The table below details the total amount of funding given by Awards for All broken down by parliamentary constituency for each of the last 5 years.
Funding by Constituency
Constituency |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Belfast East |
96,885 |
123,160 |
149,118 |
160,683 |
86,709 |
Belfast North |
123,492 |
206,594 |
212,707 |
324,671 |
302,716 |
Belfast South |
163,591 |
187,643 |
190,490 |
289,359 |
275,507 |
Belfast West |
119,699 |
101,533 |
181,403 |
182,876 |
143,883 |
East Antrim |
120,307 |
108,402 |
147,396 |
132,181 |
116,736 |
East Londonderry |
121,069 |
151,437 |
192,016 |
178,298 |
178,471 |
Fermanagh & South Tyrone |
215,376 |
134,629 |
274,797 |
276,479 |
282,769 |
Foyle |
142,921 |
184,101 |
232,296 |
352,812 |
355,103 |
Lagan Valley |
127,587 |
133,126 |
127,640 |
151,959 |
166,023 |
Mid-Ulster |
187,008 |
218,387 |
260,169 |
375,651 |
336,250 |
Newry & Armagh |
175,521 |
171,547 |
268,483 |
352,969 |
280,020 |
North Antrim |
178,325 |
143,316 |
175,494 |
199,588 |
213,431 |
North Down |
94,615 |
87,314 |
98,172 |
107,044 |
167,980 |
South Antrim |
108,560 |
140,122 |
189,659 |
251,515 |
140,218 |
South Down |
208,795 |
141,731 |
164,228 |
375,079 |
250,445 |
Strangford |
74,957 |
119,653 |
77,719 |
106,806 |
88,753 |
Upper Bann |
199,945 |
150,463 |
169,850 |
274,722 |
196,617 |
West Tyrone |
158,348 |
144,024 |
153,982 |
264,590 |
213,899 |
Music Royalties
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with the Music Royalties and Performing Rights Society to address anomalies with royalties for local song writers.
(AQW 7140/08)
Mr E Poots: I have met with representatives of the Northern Ireland Music Rights Society on two occasions and I have requested further information on the feasibility of the proposal before I can progress discussions with them and other stakeholders.
Music Royalties
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if and when he will bring forward legislation to support a Music Royalties Society.
(AQW 7176/08)
Mr E Poots: I have requested further information on the feasibility of the proposal and will determine the need for further action when this has been considered.
Bookstart Scheme
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is the contribution, per parliamentary constituency, to the Bookstart Scheme and the libraries taking part in this scheme.
(AQW 7177/08)
Mr E Poots: My Department allocated a total of £312k towards the Bookstart scheme in 2007/2008. This was used to purchase 20,000 Bookstart Baby packs and 23,310 Treasure Chests of which each of the five Education and Library Board received a notional allocation of 20%. Each Board administers the scheme throughout their respective area solely on the basis of need. Bookstart packs are allocated to geographical areas on the basis of the number of children of the appropriate age within that area. It is not possible to provide details of the contribution per parliamentary constituency.
Public Record Office
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when construction on the new Public Record Office of Northern Ireland at the Titanic Quarter will commence; and when it will be completed.
(AQW 7179/08)
Mr E Poots: The construction of the new Public Record Office of Northern Ireland at the Titanic Quarter, Belfast is programmed to commence in August 2008. The building is scheduled for completion in April 2010 and will be open to the public in August 2010.
Northern Ireland Film Industry
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what was achieved on his trip to the USA; and what feedback he has received on promotion of the Northern Ireland film industry.
(AQW 7214/08)
Mr E Poots: During my visit to the USA I had a series of meetings with senior executives from a number of major production companies and I briefed them of the many factors that make Northern Ireland an attractive place to make films.
Since the visit I have had a telephone conference with UK Film Council representatives in the US, the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington and Northern Ireland Screen to develop the contacts made. Initial feedback is positive and Northern Ireland Screen will be following up on these leads.
Northern Ireland Languages Strategy
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what input his Department (i) has had; and (ii) will have, into the Northern Ireland Languages Strategy currently being conducted by the Department of Education.
(AQW 7241/08)
Mr E Poots: Officials from my Department have attended three stakeholder events hosted by the Queen’s University and University of Ulster Joint Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies, who have been commissioned by DE to make recommendations on a languages strategy for Northern Ireland, in relation to promoting language learning here.
At the most recent stakeholder meeting in February 2008, my officials highlighted the need to ensure that the strategy for language education and the cross-departmental indigenous minority languages strategy in relation to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages work together to complement each others goals. To this end, my Department has contacted the Joint Subject Centre and requested a meeting, to include the appropriate DE officials, to discuss the remit of the languages strategy and the likely recommendations.
My Department has also brought the matter to the attention of the Cross-Departmental Group responsible for implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in Northern Ireland.
Education
Area Based Planning
Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the terms of reference of the representative central group for area based planning.
(AQW 4870/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Tá na dréacht-théarmaí tagartha do na grúpaí lárnacha agus limistéir á bplé ag na comhlachtaí rannpháirteacha sna grúpaí pleanála limistéir .
The draft terms of reference for both the central and area groups are under consideration by participating bodies in the area planning groups.
I will make the terms of reference available when they have been finalised.
Youth Services in the Western Education and Library Board Area
Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail how the additional budgetary allocation for youth services will impact on delivering youth services in the Western Education and Library Board area in the 2008/2009 financial year.
(AQW 6168/08)
Ms C Ruane: Déanann an Roinn maoiniú a leithdháileadh ar gach ceann de na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne i gcomhair seirbhísí óige. Tá gach Bord freagrach as dáileadh an mhaoinithe de réir riachtanas na ndaoine óga ina gceantar áitiúil.
The Department allocates funding to each of the five Education and Library Boards for youth services. Each Board is responsible for the distribution of the funding according to the needs of the young people in voluntary and statutory youth clubs in their local area.
In 2007/2008 the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) was allocated a core budget of £3.406 million. In 2008/2009 the WELB has been allocated a core budget of £3.498 million, an increase of £92,000. The Chief Executive of the WELB has provided a breakdown for the provision of youth services, both core and additional earmarked amounts, summarised as follows:
Western Education and Library Board
|
2007 – 2008 (000’s) |
2008 – 2009 (000’s) |
Increase
(000’s) |
Funding used for |
Core Recurrent |
3,406 |
3,498 |
92 |
Increases in staff costs, across the voluntary and controlled sectors, Inflationary increase will be applied to all budget units block grants, additional 2.5% will be applied to all major units for fuel costs, expected increases in rent and rates will be met in full, proposed that part-time leadership rates will rise by inflation.
|
Additional for Outreach Initiative |
200 |
223 |
23 |
A proposal to establish five outreach posts, was passed at the recent Joint Youth Committee. The areas to be covered by the posts are: Fermanagh South; Fermanagh North; Limavady/Rural Foyle; Rural Strabane; Young Traveller’s Group – based in Derry.
|
Additional for Child Protection |
25 |
45 |
20 |
WELB Youth Service is currently in the process of recruiting a full-time Child Protection Officer, based in WELB Headquarters, covering the Board area.
|
Additional for Youth Intervention |
60 |
50 |
|
An initial, earmarked, allocation of £50,000 has been received from DE to “engage young people in meaningful activities during the summer months and other holiday periods to reduce tensions in interface areas”. Officers on a five Board basis are developing a scheme to attract applications for this funding.
|
Additional for Youth Information Website |
60 |
61 |
1 |
Maintain existing services to young people |
Grammar Schools
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to advise what representation voluntary grammar schools have on the central area based group.
(AQW 6850/08)
Ms C Ruane: Déanfaidh ainmnithe ó Chumann na gComhlachtaí Rialaithe agus Iontaobhaithe ón earnáil bhainistíochta Chaitliceach ionadaíocht thar cheann na scoileanna gramadaí deonacha ar an ngrúpa lárnach bunaithe ar limistéir.
The voluntary grammar schools will be represented on the central area based group by nominees from The Governing Bodies Association and the Trustees of the Catholic managed sector.
Primary School Funding
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to increase funding for primary schools to a level comparable with funding for secondary schools.
(AQW 7029/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am committed to ensuring that all our children and young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through quality education services, and have signalled my intention, within available resources, to improving the balance of funding between primary and post-primary schools.
As outlined in my announcement of 12 February 2008 on Education funding, provision has been made to increase the proportion of funding made available to primary schools under the delegated Local Management of Schools funding formula, alongside additional funding outside of the formula in support of primary schools.
Under the delegated funding formula I have increased the primary Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) which is the main funding factor in the formula. This means that, on average, additional primary per pupil increases in 2008/09 are higher than those for post primary schools. I have also signalled my intentions to increase further the primary AWPU weighting over the next two years of this budget period.
Sna trí bliana amach romhainn tá maoiniú breise ar luach £12 milliún nach mór curtha in áirithe agam chun cabhrú le príomhoidí bunscoile atá ag múineadh, agus £32 milliún breise a chabhróidh le bunscoileanna an Bhonn chéim den churaclam athbhreithnithe a sheachadadh.
Over the next three years, I have been able to secure additional funding of almost £12 million to help primary school teaching principals and a further £32 million to support primary schools with the delivery of the Foundation Stage of the revised curriculum. Additional provision is also planned, over the next three years, for Literacy and Numeracy measures, implementation of the Special Education Needs and Inclusion Review, an Emotional Health and Wellbeing programme in primary and special education, and additional Early Years provision.
Primary School Funding
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how the funding allocated to primary schools, per pupil, as a percentage of funding per secondary school pupil, compares to other parts of the United Kingdom.
(AQW 7030/08)
Ms C Ruane: Is deacair comparáid fhiúntach a dhéanamh idir leibhéil mhaoinithe i gcomhair scoileanna anseo agus i réigiúin eile i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag ar chúiseanna éagsúla, lena n-áirítear na socruithe éagsúla maoinithe agus struchtúracha a bhíonn i gceist.
It is difficult to make meaningful comparisons between the levels of funding here and in other regions for schools in England, Scotland and Wales for a variety of reasons including the different funding and structural arrangements that apply.
The Department of Education does not hold the information in the format requested. However, it is the intention of the Department to take forward a programme of work to provide for comparisons of funding levels between schools here and those in the other Administrations.
As outlined in my earlier answer to AWQ 7029/08 the department is directing more of the available budget share towards the primary sector.
Gransha Boys High School in Bangor
Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for the empty site at the former Gransha Boys High School in Bangor.
(AQW 7097/08)
Ms C Ruane: Aithníodh cuid den láthair dí-áitithe mar shuíomh oiriúnach do scoil nua do Scoil Ghramadaí Bheannchair. Choinneodh Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Iardheiscirt an fuílleach chun cuspóra oideachais.
Part of the vacated site has been identified as a suitable location for a replacement school for Bangor Grammar School. The remainder would be being retained by the South Eastern Education and Library Board for educational use.
Pupil Profiles
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what additional funding will be made available to primary schools to assist with the development of pupil profiles.
(AQW 7110/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Pupil Profile provides a standardised format for the annual report all schools are already required to provide to parents. It will ensure that parents receive consistent information regardless of the school their child attends, in a format they recognise. Manageability for teachers has been a key consideration in the development of the Pupil Profile.
Níor chóir gurb aon ualach breise ar scoileanna an tuarascáil bhliantúil ar Phróifíl na nDaltaí a chomhlánú, agus mar sin ní gá go mbeadh maoiniú breise de dhíth air .
Completing the Pupil Profile annual report should not create an additional burden for schools, and therefore should not require additional funding. Other support is being provided for its phased implementation, including training for teachers. An electronic report writer is available for teachers to use, if they so wish, in completing the Pupil Profile and teachers have been offered separate training in the use of this tool. Guidance and support materials continue to be available on the revised curriculum website.
Free School Meals
Mr Butler asked the Minister of Education (i) how many pupils are currently entitled to free school meals; and (ii) the percentage of the school population that this figure represents, for each primary school in the (a) North Belfast; and (b) West Belfast constituencies.
(AQW 7292/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table:
Free school meal entitlement in primary 1 schools in the North Belfast constituency area 2007/08
DENI Ref |
School name |
Total pupils entitled to free meal |
Total enrolment |
% entitled to free meal |
1010063 |
CURRIE PS |
83 |
123 |
67.5 |
1010266 |
SEAVIEW PS |
73 |
281 |
26.0 |
1010282 |
CARR'S GLEN PS |
55 |
314 |
17.5 |
1010283 |
GROVE PS |
44 |
94 |
46.8 |
1010296 |
BALLYGOLAN PS |
59 |
125 |
47.2 |
1010323 |
EDENBROOKE PS |
109 |
180 |
60.6 |
1010325 |
LIGONIEL PS |
30 |
112 |
26.8 |
1010831 |
CAVEHILL PS |
28 |
349 |
8.0 |
1016076 |
BALLYSILLAN PS |
57 |
135 |
42.2 |
1016483 |
CLIFTONVILLE PS |
60 |
171 |
35.1 |
1016485 |
GLENWOOD PS |
237 |
447 |
53.0 |
1016532 |
WHEATFIELD PS |
79 |
179 |
44.1 |
1016537 |
LOWWOOD PS |
76 |
227 |
33.5 |
1016647 |
BUNSCOIL MHIC REACHTAIN |
38 |
71 |
53.5 |
1030194 |
HOLY CROSS BOYS' PS |
175 |
344 |
50.9 |
1030313 |
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PS |
28 |
626 |
4.5 |
1030326 |
OUR LADY'S GIRLS' PS |
140 |
311 |
45.0 |
1030329 |
EDMUND RICE (CB) PS |
153 |
317 |
48.3 |
1030331 |
HOLY CROSS GIRLS' PS |
94 |
149 |
63.1 |
1036041 |
MERCY PS |
91 |
225 |
40.4 |
1036042 |
ST VINCENT DE PAUL PS |
118 |
212 |
55.7 |
1036048 |
ST MARY'S STAR OF THE SEA PS |
56 |
163 |
34.4 |
1036132 |
ST THERESE OF LISIEUX PS |
29 |
446 |
6.5 |
1036464 |
STAR OF THE SEA GIRLS' PS |
148 |
298 |
49.7 |
1036471 |
SACRED HEART PS |
104 |
224 |
46.4 |
1036566 |
HOLY FAMILY PS |
159 |
384 |
41.4 |
1046596 |
BUNSCOIL BHEANN MHADAGAIN |
37 |
119 |
31.1 |
1066531 |
HAZELWOOD PS |
118 |
455 |
25.9 |
1620028 |
BEN MADIGAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL |
0 |
176 |
0.0 |
3010827 |
WHITEHOUSE PS |
79 |
375 |
21.1 |
3010862 |
ABBOTS CROSS PS |
84 |
287 |
29.3 |
3010895 |
RATHCOOLE PS |
73 |
183 |
39.9 |
4036635 |
ST MARY'S PS |
92 |
384 |
24.0 |
Free school meal entitlement in primary 1 schools in the West Belfast constituency area 2007/08
DENI Ref |
School name |
Total pupils entitled to free meal |
Total enrolment |
% entitled to free meal |
1010205 |
FORTH RIVER PS |
56 |
200 |
28.0 |
1010221 |
SPRINGFIELD PS |
30 |
67 |
44.8 |
1010307 |
SPRINGHILL PS |
82 |
268 |
30.6 |
1010321 |
VERE FOSTER PS |
56 |
81 |
69.1 |
1010863 |
SUFFOLK PS |
34 |
92 |
37.0 |
1016059 |
BLACKMOUNTAIN PS |
68 |
111 |
61.3 |
1016498 |
MALVERN PS |
76 |
116 |
65.5 |
1016604 |
HARMONY PS |
110 |
207 |
53.1 |
1030316 |
ST AIDAN'S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS PS |
119 |
176 |
67.6 |
1030317 |
ST BERNADETTE'S PS |
121 |
186 |
65.1 |
1036091 |
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST GIRLS' PS |
59 |
287 |
20.6 |
1036092 |
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST BOYS' PS |
65 |
321 |
20.2 |
1036388 |
ST MARY'S PS |
92 |
116 |
79.3 |
1036565 |
ST KEVIN'S PS |
149 |
451 |
33.0 |
1036576 |
HOLY CHILD PS |
120 |
523 |
22.9 |
1036589 |
ST TERESA'S PS |
85 |
392 |
21.7 |
1036602 |
ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PS |
224 |
593 |
37.8 |
1036620 |
ST PETER'S PS |
163 |
299 |
54.5 |
1036621 |
ST JOSEPH'S PS |
108 |
239 |
45.2 |
1036623 |
HOLY TRINITY PS |
298 |
620 |
48.1 |
1036624 |
ST PAUL 'S PS |
105 |
252 |
41.7 |
1036630 |
ST CLARE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL |
167 |
456 |
36.6 |
1046501 |
BUNSCOIL PHOBAL FEIRSTE |
39 |
294 |
13.3 |
1046571 |
GAELSCOIL NA BHFAL |
77 |
211 |
36.5 |
1046593 |
BUNSCOIL AN TSLEIBHE DHUIBH |
57 |
168 |
33.9 |
1046654 |
GAELSCOIL AN DAMBA |
15 |
29 |
51.7 |
1046671 |
GAELSCOIL NA MONA |
31 |
72 |
43.1 |
1046672 |
GAELSCOIL AN LONNAIN |
22 |
44 |
50.0 |
4036081 |
ST LUKE'S PS |
163 |
222 |
73.4 |
4036134 |
ST MARK'S PS |
243 |
480 |
50.6 |
4036285 |
THE GOOD SHEPHERD PS |
209 |
348 |
60.1 |
4036480 |
ST KIERAN'S PS |
284 |
387 |
73.4 |
4036591 |
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PS |
54 |
383 |
14.1 |
4046600 |
SCOIL NA FUISEOIGE |
67 |
133 |
50.4 |
Source: NI school census 2007/08
Note 1: Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes
English as a Second Language
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many pupils are currently being taught English as a second language in the North Down constituency, broken down by each primary and post-primary school.
(AQW 7328/08)
Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.
The information requested is detailed in the attached table:
EAL 1 pupils at primary 2 and post primary schools in the North Down constituency – 2007/08
DENI Ref |
School name |
School type |
No. of EAL pupils |
Total enrolment |
4011265 |
BALLYVESTER PS |
Primary |
0 |
67 |
4011631 |
HOLYWOOD PS |
Primary |
5 |
332 |
4011645 |
CRAWFORDSBURN PS |
Primary |
* |
188 |
4011650 |
BALLYHOLME PS |
Primary |
* |
600 |
4011654 |
DONAGHADEE PS |
Primary |
* |
418 |
4011670 |
CLANDEBOYE PS |
Primary |
* |
188 |
4011681 |
MILLISLE PS |
Primary |
* |
146 |
4011688 |
REDBURN PS |
Primary |
5 |
83 |
4013023 |
BLOOMFIELD ROAD PS |
Primary |
* |
307 |
4013032 |
CONLIG PS |
Primary |
0 |
43 |
4013045 |
GRANGE PARK PS |
Primary |
0 |
364 |
4016002 |
KILCOOLEY PS |
Primary |
0 |
127 |
4016067 |
RATHMORE PS |
Primary |
* |
482 |
4016111 |
TOWERVIEW PS |
Primary |
* |
385 |
4016192 |
KILMAINE PS |
Primary |
* |
654 |
4016430 |
BALLYMAGEE PS |
Primary |
* |
404 |
4031628 |
ST PATRICK'S PS |
Primary |
8 |
237 |
4033008 |
ST ANNE'S PS |
Primary |
12 |
34 |
4036146 |
ST COMGALL'S PS |
Primary |
8 |
286 |
4036148 |
ST MALACHY'S PS |
Primary |
16 |
321 |
4051680 |
BANGOR CENTRAL PS |
Primary |
24 |
562 |
4053020 |
GLENCRAIG PS |
Primary |
0 |
228 |
4610097 |
GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE PREP. DEPT. |
Prep dept |
0 |
76 |
4620015 |
BANGOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL PREP. DEPT. |
Prep dept |
0 |
137 |
4620044 |
SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL PREP. DEPT. |
Prep dept |
0 |
184 |
4210031 |
DONAGHADEE HIGH SCHOOL |
Secondary |
0 |
213 |
4210296 |
BANGOR ACADEMY AND 6TH FORM COLLEGE |
Secondary |
10 |
1,289 |
4230107 |
ST COLUMBANUS' COLLEGE |
Secondary |
5 |
545 |
4250024 |
PRIORY COLLEGE |
Secondary |
* |
423 |
4410097 |
GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE |
Grammar |
18 |
1,073 |
4420015 |
BANGOR GS |
Grammar |
9 |
894 |
4420044 |
SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL |
Grammar |
0 |
1,061 |
|
|
Total |
143 |
12,351 |
Source: NI school census 2007/08
Note 1: A child with English as an additional language is defined as one for whom English is not their first language and who has significant difficulty with the English language and requires assistance.
Note 2: Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.
‘*’ denotes fewer than 5 pupils.
Employment and Learning
Brunswick Street Further Education Campus
Mr Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has for Brunswick Street Further Education Campus following the construction of the new campus on Titanic Quarter.
(AQW 7232/08)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey):
Belfast Metropolitan College are in the process of procuring a new campus at Titanic Quarter to replace the Brunswick St and College Sq East Campuses. When the new accommodation becomes available, still subject to contract but expected sometime around the end of 2010, the sites at College Sq East and Brunswick St will become surplus to requirements. BMC are planning to sell the sites on the open market at that time and to use the proceeds to offset the cost of the new accommodation.
Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland
Mr Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many of Northern Ireland's top 100 companies are formally engaged with his Department in addressing the skills needs as identified in the Regional Forecasts (2006), Occupational Forecasts and Replacement Demand Analysis for Northern Ireland, 2005-2015.
(AQW 7234/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Success through Skills, the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland, aims to identify current and future skills needs both at a regional and local level and seek appropriate interventions. This demand led system facilitates the articulation of employers’ skills needs through the Skills Expert Group, Workforce Development Forums and Sector Skills Councils.
Work by Regional Forecasts (2006) predicted strong growth in demand for a wide range of occupations including professional, managerial and personal service occupations.
From the top 100 companies listed in the Belfast Telegraph in 2008, 37 have participated in the Department's Management Development Programmes and five have members on the Skills Expert Group. A further 12 are directly represented on their local Workforce Development Forum and 22 are recognised Investors in People, through the NI Quality Centre (This does not include those multinationals that may be recognised through other IiP Centres). Ninety-two of Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies are currently engaged, or have engaged in the past, with the Department’s Employment Service to fill their job vacancies. Seventy of the companies are engaged with the Further Education colleges to deliver a wide range of training. In addition many of the companies listed engage with third party organisations that are contracted by the Department to provide support, through provision such as Training for Success and Essential Skills.
Southern Regional College
Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when he will make a decision on the release of the pension fund for the eight remaining managers being made redundant from the Southern Regional College.
(AQW 7306/08)
Sir Reg Empey:
My Department is doing everything possible to assist Further Education Colleges to facilitate outstanding redundancies under the Teachers’ Premature Retirement Scheme. A business case has been submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) in order to support the substantial public expenditure required and discussions are ongoing between the two departments.
The Department has emphasised the urgency of the situation, but, in the meantime, no further redundancies can be progressed until the outcome of the business case is known.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Inward Investment in Belfast
Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the inward investment from all sources secured for Belfast; and to outline (i) the companies and developers involved; and (ii) a geographical breakdown of this investment.
(AQW 6177/08)
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): Table 1 presents a geographical analysis (in terms of distance from Belfast city centre) of the amount of assistance offered by Invest NI towards planned inward investment projects, during the six years 2002/03-2007/08. To aid interpretation, Figure 1 highlights the location of announced projects on a map of Belfast District Council Area. This clearly demonstrates that inward investment in Belfast is concentrated within a three mile radius of the city centre, and because of this accessible central location provides employment opportunities for all who live in Belfast, and further afield. The mobility of labour is illustrated by the fact that 74% of those who work in South Belfast live in other areas.
Table 1
INVEST NI INWARD INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN BELFAST DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA BY DISTANCE FROM BELFAST CITY HALL (2002/03 - 2007/08)
Distance from Belfast City Hall |
Total Assistance Offered (£m) |
% Cumulative Assistance Offered |
Planned Investment (£m) |
% Cumulative Investment |
Less than 1 mile |
36.2 |
38 |
231.3 |
49 |
1 to 3 miles |
55.0 |
96 |
226.8 |
97 |
3 to 5 miles |
4.0 |
100 |
13.0 |
100 |
TOTAL |
95.2 |
|
471.1 |
|
NOTES:
1. 2007/08 figures are provisional and subject to change.
2. Planned investment includes assistance offered, and relates to the year in which it was reported.
3 . Figures include both first time inward investments and reinvestments by existing clients.
4. Table totals may not add due to rounding.
Figure 1
INVEST NI ANNOUNCED INWARD INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN BELFAST CITY COUNCIL 2002-03 TO 2007-08
Table 2 provides a listing of those inward-investment projects, which have been announced by Invest NI in Belfast DCA. The total planned investment in Table 2 will not equal that in Table 1, as projects that have not been announced have been excluded to protect the commercial interests of the companies involved.
Table 2
INVEST NI ANNOUNCED INWARD INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN BELFAST BY DISTANCE FROM BELFAST CITY HALL (2002/03 - 2007/08)
DISTANCE FROM CITY HALL |
COMPANY NAME |
PLANNED INVESTMENT (£) |
COUNTRY OF OWNERSHIP |
Less than 1 Mile |
3PARDATA INC |
9,309,000 |
USA |
|
ABBEY NATIONAL |
5,500,000 |
GB |
|
AEPONA LTD |
8,060,000 |
ROI |
|
AFA SYSTEMS (NI) LIMITED |
35,000 |
GB |
|
ALLEN SYSTEMS GROUP INC |
3,629,000 |
USA |
|
AXA INSURANCE LIMITED |
2,165,000 |
FRANCE |
|
BANK OF IRELAND SECURITIES SERVICES |
10,734,693 |
ROI |
|
BORLAND SOFTWARE INC |
1,975,000 |
USA |
|
BRITISH AIRWAYS PLC |
650,000 |
GB |
|
CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LIMITED |
17,690,000 |
USA |
|
DANSKE BANK (NORTHERN BANK LTD) |
268,554 |
DENMARK |
|
FIGHTING BULL BROADCAST TECHNOLOGIES LTD |
1,149,316 |
USA |
|
FIRS TSOURCE SOLUTIONS UK LTD |
12,099,782 |
INDIA |
|
INDEPENDENT NEWS AND MEDIA PLC |
25,078,000 |
ROI |
|
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE BELFAST LTD |
657,480 |
SPAIN |
|
LATENS SYSTEMS LTD |
2,461,000 |
GB |
|
LIBERTY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LTD |
10,655,163 |
USA |
|
M&M SOFTWARE |
52,740 |
GERMANY |
|
MFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC |
15,700,000 |
USA |
|
MICROSOFT IRELAND |
677,613 |
ROI |
|
MOBILE COHESION LIMITED |
2,795,500 |
GB |
|
MODERN EYEWEAR |
119,973 |
GB |
|
NORTHBROOK TECHNOLOGY NI LTD |
55,655,111 |
USA |
|
ORACLE IRELAND |
1,143,216 |
ROI |
|
PAYZENE LTD |
391,352 |
ROI |
|
REED MANAGED SERVICES |
9,968,000 |
GB |
|
SWAN LABS LIMITED |
986,000 |
USA |
|
TECH MAHINDRA LIMITED |
14,080,000 |
INDIA |
|
WOMBAT FINANCIAL SOFTWARE EUROPE LIMITED |
6,058,000 |
USA |
|
YELL GROUP PLC |
2,263,338 |
GB |
Total |
|
222,007,831 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 to 3 Miles |
|
|
|
|
ABF GRAIN PRODUCTS LTD |
800,000 |
GB |
|
AUDIO PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY LTD |
40,000 |
GB |
|
BIANCAMED LIMITED |
856,875 |
ROI |
|
BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE -SHORTS |
114,724,950 |
CANADA |
|
BRITISH BAKERIES LTD |
7,767,000 |
GB |
|
BROADSOFT INTERNATIONAL, INC |
427,659 |
USA |
|
CITIBANK INTERNATIONAL PLC |
27,386,371 |
USA |
DISTANCE FROM CITY HALL |
COMPANY NAME |
PLANNED INVESTMENT (£) |
COUNTRY OF OWNERSHIP |
|
FIDESSA PLC |
678,119 |
GB |
|
FUJITSU SERVICES LIMITED |
8,439,976 |
JAPAN |
|
HCL TECHNOLOGIES BPO SERVICES NI |
15,222,000 |
INDIA |
|
HOWDEN POWER LTD |
794,219 |
GB |
|
LBM HOLDINGS LTD |
21,350,000 |
GB |
|
MORSON PROJECTS LTD |
2,516,426 |
GB |
|
POLARIS SOFTWARE LAB LIMITED UK |
7,424,566 |
INDIA |
|
R F INTEGRATION LIMITED |
241,000 |
USA |
Total |
|
208,669,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 to 5 Miles |
ASSYSTEM UK LIMITED |
2,740,000 |
GB |
|
ICEMOS TECHNOLOGY LTD |
9,600,000 |
USA |
|
NEWELL & BUDGE LTD |
647,000 |
GB |
Total |
|
12,987,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total |
|
443,663,992 |
|
NOTES:
1. 2007/08 figures are provisional and subject to change.
2. Figures include both first time inward investments and reinvestments by existing clients.
3. Some clients offered assistance during this period may have since ceased trading.
These figures relate to Invest NI’s externally-owned client companies, which are in the export-oriented manufacturing and tradeable service sectors. Therefore, they do not include inward investment in the retail and distribution, and other sectors, which primarily serve the local marketplace.
Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas. Although we are able to influence the location decisions of some inward-investment projects, assistance patterns are demand-led by businesses wishing to improve their competitiveness and gain a larger share of international markets. Most new inward investment, which is primarily service based, locate in the two main cities where skilled labour supply is more accessible. In the case of established businesses, reinvestment patterns will usually be determined by the existing location of the business.
Further information and analysis on Invest NI support of inward investment is available in the Invest NI Performance Information Report which was published at the end of January 2008 (http://www.investni.com/performancereport0203-0607.pdf)
Economic Investment Conference
Mr Easton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the Economic Investment Conference and its effectiveness in attracting investment over the next two to three years.
(AQW 7132/08)
Mr N Dodds:
The US/NI Investment conference was a significant example of the Northern Ireland Executive working together to seize the opportunity to deliver a better future for all.
My assessment is that the US/NI Investment Conference which took place between the 7 th and 9th May was enormously successful. Initial feedback from the delegates is very positive with follow-up meetings about potential projects already taking place.
The results flowing from the Conference may take some time to come to fruition. Projects can often take 18 to 24 months to fully complete.
Invest NI
Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the work of Invest NI in promoting the West during the recent visit by American Investors.
(AQW 7250/08)
Mr N Dodds:
The US/NI Investment Conference explored the high-level Northern Ireland business proposition and sought to position Northern Ireland as a regional entity that is highly competitive against alternative regions of the British Isles and Western Europe.
Invest Northern Ireland showcased all of Northern Ireland in the presentation at Blackstaff Studios and at the various exhibitions.
The Conference Exhibition, in particular, used material and images from District Councils from all areas of Northern Ireland, including the West.
Sustainable Energy Market
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans his Department has to take forward initiatives to develop the Sustainable Energy Market, particularly to develop Renewable Energy Sources.
(AQW 7349/08)
Mr N Dodds: The development of renewable sources of energy is an important element of current energy policy and will continue to be so in view of the strategic importance for Northern Ireland to address security of supply and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. We have a target that by 2012, 12% of electricity consumed will be from indigenous renewable sources and from 2007 overall consumption of electricity within Northern Ireland will be reduced by 1% per annum until 2012. In addition, the forthcoming EU Directive on Renewable Energy sets a target of 20% of the EU’s energy consumption to come from renewables by 2020. The proposed target for the UK is 15% of total energy consumption across electricity, heat and transport.
The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) is the Government’s key initiative in support of renewables development in Northern Ireland. Since its introduction in 2005 it has proved very successful and electricity generated from renewable sources increased by 60%. On 19 May 2008, DETI issued a preliminary consultation on proposals to enhance the NIRO by offering higher levels of support to encourage the greater use of less well developed technologies such as marine renewables and microgeneration.
The all-island electrical Grid Study which was completed in January 2008 is a comprehensive assessment of the ability of the electrical power system and the transmission network (the grid) to absorb large amounts of electricity produced from renewable energy sources. The study has highlighted the need for significant grid strengthening to accommodate increased levels of renewable energy, and wind in particular. Further specific work relating to Northern Ireland will be required going forward.
DETI also commissioned a study earlier this year into the potential for a sustainable bioenergy sector in Northern Ireland, the results of which will inform the development of a cross departmental strategy later in 2008-09.
A review of the Sustainable Energy Market in Northern Ireland which completed in December 2007 made various recommendations outlining how best to drive this market forward. It examined all sectors of the Sustainable Energy Market - domestic, industrial, commercial, voluntary and community sector and the public sector - and looked at large scale renewables, small scale renewables and energy efficiency. DETI is currently examining the high level recommendations emerging from this report, in particular in terms of cost and economic viability and in consultation with key stakeholders.
A UK wide consultation on a Renewable Energy Strategy is planned for the summer and NI will play a part in this prior to the development of an updated Strategic Energy Framework later in the year.
Social Entrepreneur Programme
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what funding Invest NI will commit to a new Social Entrepreneur Programme; and how does this compare with the existing programme.
(AQW 7350/08)
Mr N Dodds: Invest NI’s Social Entrepreneurship Programme offers a range of assistance to help new and existing social economy enterprises to develop and grow into sustainable and viable businesses. An evaluation of the programme has been commissioned and the interim findings are very positive stating the programme to be "the right product at the right time". The report also confirms that there is a case for a future programme noting that the "precise form that it should take is less clear".
Invest NI have committed that support for social entrepreneurship will continue across the Corporate Plan period (with an increasing focus on business growth) and, at this stage in the planning process, options are being appraised around a new programme specification and the costings thereof. An indicative budget allocation of £400,000 is reflected across each of the three Corporate Plan years.
The level of Invest NI spend on the programme in 07/08 was £240,000
Environment
Departmental Costs
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment, in the case of ref G/NAT/03/17, to detail the total costs incurred by her Department in using external consultants, including arboriculturalists.
(AQW 6942/08)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): I am unable to provide the costs for this case, as the Department considers this information to be commercially sensitive.
Single Housing in the Countryside
Mr McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment when a new rural planning strategy for single houses in the countryside will be available.
(AQW 7155/08)
Mrs A Foster: I expect to submit a revised draft PPS 14 to the Executive shortly with a view to issuing for public consultation.
Planning Policies in the Countryside
Mr McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm whether any new planning policy will make provision for single houses in the countryside beyond that of farming, replacement, barn conversion and restrictive infill.
(AQW 7156/08)
Mrs A Foster: Work is continuing on the revision of draft PPS 14 and it would not be appropriate to comment at this stage on specific aspects of it.
George Best Belfast City Airport
Mr Weir asked the Minister of the Environment if she has any plans for a public inquiry into the restrictions placed on George Best Belfast City Airport.
(AQW 7199/08)
Mrs A Foster: The restrictions placed on George Best Belfast City Airport are included in the 1997 Planning Agreement which is currently the subject of a review. As part of the review an Examination in Public (EiP) was held and the EiP Panel recommendations are currently being implemented. A revised draft Planning Agreement issue on 22 May 2008 to the local councils and the Airport Forum Group
I have no plans to hold an additional Public Inquiry on this matter. The need for a Public Inquiry in relation to any further application including the proposed runway extension will be considered on its merits at the appropriate time.
Listed Buildings in North Down
Mr Easton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the names of the listed buildings in the North Down constituency.
(AQW 7219/08)
Mrs A Foster: The information sought for this area and all of Northern Ireland may be found on Environment and Heritage Service’s website at: www.ehsni.gov.uk/other-index/content-databases/content-databases-build.htm
Ards and Down Area Plan
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment when the Planning Service will publish a statement with the adopted plan, outlining the decisions that it has reached, in relation to the Ards and Down Area Plan.
(AQW 7238/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Department has now received the PAC report on the Ards and Down Area Plan Public Inquiry. Planning Service is currently considering the implications of the report and will shortly provide guidance on a possible date for adoption. We cannot provide a firm indication on timescales at this stage but our intention is to complete the adoption stage and publish a Statement outlining the decisions reached as quickly as possible.
Northern Ireland Electricity
Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any correspondence her Department has had with Northern Ireland Electricity, in relation to the new North-South Interconnector.
(AQW 7248/08)
Mrs A Foster: Planning Service staff met NIE representatives during October 2005, February 2006, June 2007, September 2007 and February 2008. The meetings dealt with the need for an Environmental Statement to accompany a planning application and scoping advice as to the content of the environmental statement.
NIE wrote to the Planning Service on 10 th and 19 th July 2007 seeking comments as to the content of the Environmental Statement being prepared for the scheme. After consulting widely, Planning Service responded on 7 th September 2006 providing advice as to the issues to be addressed within the Environmental Statement for the proposed Electricity Interconnector – Tyrone to Cavan.
Officials in the Environment and Heritage Service have not had any direct contact with NIE about the new North-South Interconnector. They have however provided information to Faber Maunsell/Aecom, the consultants appointed by NIE, on various aspects such as cultural heritage, potential sites of land contamination and designated sites within the general vicinity of the proposed route.
Planning Applications
Mr Storey asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning applications have been deferred until the outcome of the review of Planning Policy Statement 14, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 7259/08)
Mrs A Foster: The numbers of planning applications deferred until the outcome of the review of Planning Policy Statement 14, broken down by district council area, are detailed in the table below:
NUMBER OF DEFERRED APPLICATIONS SINCE PPS 14 |
||
Division |
District |
Number of deferrals |
Omagh |
Dungannon |
89 |
|
Omagh |
179 |
|
Strabane |
60 |
|
Cookstown |
56 |
|
Fermanagh |
243 |
Total |
|
627 |
Northern |
Ballymoney |
46 |
|
Moyle |
27 |
|
Coleraine |
30 |
|
Limavady |
52 |
|
Derry |
44 |
Total |
|
199 |
Craigavon |
Banbridge |
27 |
|
Craigavon |
31 |
|
Armagh |
199 |
|
Newry & Mourne |
170 |
Total |
|
427 |
Downpatrick |
Ards |
20 |
|
Down |
22 |
|
Lisburn |
16 |
|
North Down |
1 |
Total |
|
59 |
Ballymena |
Ballymena |
60 |
|
Antrim |
32 |
|
Magherafelt |
50 |
|
Larne |
15 |
|
Carrickfergus |
1 |
Total |
|
158 |
Belfast |
Castlereagh |
3 |
|
Newtownabbey |
8 |
|
Belfast |
0 |
Total |
|
11 |
Overall Total |
|
1481 |
|
|
|
Strategic Planning Unit
Mr Storey asked the Minister of the Environment what consideration is given by planning officials to the economic merits of a planning application going through the Strategic Planning Unit; and who do the planning officials consult when determining the economic merit of such a proposal.
(AQW 7274/08)
Mrs A Foster: The economic merits of a planning application constitute a material consideration and as such are given full and careful consideration during the processing of the application – balanced, of course, against other factors including the potential impacts of the particular proposal on the environment.
In terms of the consideration of economic benefits associated with a particular application which is being dealt with by the Strategic Projects Team, my officials can, if deemed necessary, consult a range of experts such as, the Department for Regional Development’s Economics Unit, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Industry or commission consultants to carry out an independent economic appraisal.
Road Improvement Schemes
Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her Department's objections to planning application Y/2000/0704/F, which was for a comprehensive road improvement scheme to include alterations to Saintfield Road, Purdysburn Road, Beechill Road and Primrose Hill.
(AQW 7379/08)
Mrs A Foster: This planning application for the comprehensive road improvement scheme was to facilitate access to a major retail proposal (applications Y/1999/0209 and Y/1998/0410). In respect of both applications, planning permission was refused following a Public Inquiry, which was held in June 2000. Decision notices to refuse both applications were issued in May and November 2004. This scheme is therefore not necessary to facilitate any extant permission.
Road Safety Improvements
Mr Lunn asked the Minister of the Environment what additional funds she plans to use to improve road safety.
(AQO 3626/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department’s budget for road safety for 2008/2009 is approximately £59 million. This comprises allocations of £5 million for Road Safety Division and £54 million for the Driver Vehicle Agency. This does not take account of any income.
Additional funding for Road Safety Division, which was approved in the last Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), amounted to approximately £500k in 2008/09, £1.2m in 2009/10 and £1.6m in 2010/11.
West Tyrone Area Plan
Mr McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment what is the current status of the West Tyrone Area Plan.
(AQO 3658/08)
Mrs A Foster: As you may be aware, my Department has recently been involved in legal proceedings related to the judicial challenge of the Environmental Reports which accompanied the draft Northern and Magherafelt Area Plans. The judgment of the High Court in this particular case raised a number of issues regarding the role of the Department in the strategic environmental assessment of area plans. Following careful consideration of the case, my Department has lodged an appeal against certain aspects of the Court judgment.
In light of the judgement and the ongoing legal proceedings it would not be appropriate to continue work on the draft West Tyrone Area Plan until the outcome of the appeal is known. I very much regret that as a result, for a temporary period, my Department has ceased to carry out any further substantive work on the preparation of the plan. I am unable therefore to provide a timetable for the completion of the West Tyrone Area Plan at this point in time.
I will, of course, review the position again once I have had the opportunity to consider the judgment handed down following the appeal proceedings.
I remain c ommitted to the preparation of development plans as expeditiously as possible within the framework set out by European Directives and the Regional Development Strategy.
Strangford Lough Ecological Change Investigation
Mr McNarry asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the key findings of the Strangford Lough Ecological Change Investigation.
(AQO 3604/08)
Mrs A Foster: The key findings of the Strangford Lough Ecological Change Investigation (SLECI) indicated a severe decline in horse mussel (Modiolus) biogenic reefs and changes in their associated communities due to habitat disturbance by mobile bottom fishing gear, although the investigation suggests that other factors may be preventing their recovery. From the SLECI report, my officials have determined that the biogenic reefs in Strangford Lough are not in favourable condition.
Environmental Protection Agency
Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made on the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency.
(AQO 3633/08)
Mrs A Foster: In my Environmental Governance statement this morning I outlined the steps my Department will take to further modernise its regulatory and enforcement system and to deploy its resources to greater effect. Central to this is the Better Regulation Programme; an agenda of action through which we will make our regulatory system more risk-based, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted. It will maximise the environmental benefit and minimise the cost to business.
I also explained that we will ensure that appropriate structures are in place to drive this work forward.
Climate Impact Assessment
Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment if her departmental policies are subject to a Climate Impact Assessment.
(AQO 3638/08)
Mrs A Foster: As I stated in a previous answer (AQW 5927/08) there is no stand alone climate impact assessment tool that is applicable to government policy.
Built Heritage
Mr Spratt asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking to help promote the Built Heritage.
(AQO 3610/08)
Mrs A Foster: I recently launched a conference aimed at raising the awareness of key opinion formers on the potential of our built heritage to increase social and economic regeneration. This is the first in a number of events that should follow over the next year or so to increase public awareness of the historic built environment in general.
During the major conference last week I announced a number of initiatives, including a new and more comprehensive grant aid scheme for ‘listed’ buildings. This has extended assistance to almost all listed buildings for the first time since the mid 1980’s. In other words, all secular listed buildings graded at B2 are now also eligible for grant aid. In addition the percentage of grant-aid has been increased from a ‘norm’ of 20% to a very significantly enhanced 35%.
In support of this new scheme the budget has been increased this year from £2.2m to almost £4m. These initiatives and financial increase should have a major and visible impact upon the promotion of our built heritage - particularly when these conservation schemes start on site.
As part of the overall review of grant-aid I also launched a scheme aimed at supporting charities that want to acquire buildings at risk with a view to securing their long-term sustainable future. This is part of a wider programme to help increase public awareness of this issue and to encourage direct action to tackle the repair and development of a positive sustainable future for these buildings.
I also announced the establishment of a Ministerial Forum with a broad range of representatives to consider strategic policy issues affecting the historic heritage.
I also announced the creation of an opportunity for owners – including BPTs – to meet with the Department from time to time to discuss key issues of concern.
Finally, I also announced a review of Traditional Building Craft Skills throughout the construction industry in Northern Ireland and in partnership with the Republic of Ireland.
These initiatives will build on other EHS events including the European Heritage Open Days that attracted 48,000 visitors last year alone.
Severance Packages for Councillors
Mr Weir asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on her plans to introduce severance packages for councillors and the likely introductory date for these packages.
(AQO 3621/08)
Mrs A Foster: As I said in my statement to the Assembly on 31 March 2008, I intend to introduce a severance scheme to recognise the contribution of long-standing councillors who opt not to stand for re-election. In order to do so I need to bring forward legislation to give my Department the power to make a severance scheme. I intend to do so in a forthcoming Bill on local government finance which would enable the necessary power to be in place in mid 2010. In the meantime I have asked my officials to begin work on outline policy proposals for a severance scheme using the recommendations of the Councillors’ Remuneration Working Group as a starting point.
Town Centre Boundary in Portadown
Mr Simpson asked the Minister of the Environment when the decision will be made on the town centre boundary for Portadown.
(AQO 3622/08)
Mrs A Foster: My Department is currently preparing the Craigavon Town Centre Boundaries and Designations Plan 2010 for adoption. The designation of a town centre boundary for Portadown will be an integral part of the final plan. The work on the adoption process is well advanced and whilst I am not as yet in a position to provide a specific publication date it is anticipated that the launch will be prior to the end of June.
Environmental Protection Agency
Dr Farry asked the Minister of the Environment what action she has taken to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency following the motion passed by the Assembly on 25 September 2007.
(AQO 3625/08)
Mrs A Foster: In my Environmental Governance statement this morning I outlined the steps my Department will take to further modernise its regulatory and enforcement system and to deploy its resources to greater effect. Central to this is the Better Regulation Programme; an agenda of action through which we will make our regulatory system more risk-based, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted. It will maximise the environmental benefit and minimise the cost to business.
I also explained that we will ensure that appropriate structures are in place to drive this work forward.
Building Sites
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment, in light of the fact that she has no plans for legislation, what action she will take to ensure that developers keep building sites in good order.
(AQO 3608/08)
Mrs A Foster: There are no legal mechanisms available to my Department to regulate the condition of building sites. I therefore have no powers in this respect and as previously stated have no plans to bring forward legislative changes in relation to this matter.
Vehicle Testing
Mrs O'Neill asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking to reduce the backlog for vehicle tests carried out by the Road Safety and Vehicle Standards Division.
(AQO 3651/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Driver & Vehicle Agency is responsible for the delivery of vehicle tests. The Agency’s Ministerial target is 85% of vehicle test applications will be appointed within 21 days or at a later date requested by the customer. At 10 May the Agency was achieving 88% for the current operating year. The average waiting time for a vehicle test across Northern Ireland was 17 days. The number of applications received from 1 April to 10 May increased by 20% on the same period last year. The Agency continually recruits staff in response to the demand for tests. A recruitment competition for additional staff is in its final stage and new staff will take up post over the next few months.
Climate Change Unit
Mr Bresland asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the role, responsibilities and actions of the Climate Change Unit.
(AQO 3599/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Climate Change Unit plays a key role in informing the Northern Ireland policy position on climate change. The remit of the unit stems from the Programme for Government Key Goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2025 and the associated Public Service Agreement 22 to take forward strategic action to reduce our carbon footprint.
The Unit is taking forward the UK Climate Change Bill within Northern Ireland, including the legislative consent motion approved by the Assembly on 10 December 2007. The unit has specific responsibility to develop policy for the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Reduction Commitment. Both these “cap and trade” schemes aim to deliver absolute carbon emission reductions.
However, the unit also contributes policy advice to government departments and public bodies on other climate change policy, programmes and actions.
A key area for the unit is to assist with the UK publication of Greenhouse Gas Inventories. These are key to understanding whether targets for greenhouse gas emissions are being met. The Climate Change Unit is leading a research project with the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) to provide a method to assess Northern Ireland’s emission projections to 2025
The unit also looks at other carbon policies such as neutrality and offsetting. Work has been ongoing with the Sustainable Development Commission, Defra and the other Devolved Administrations.
Adaptation to climate change is a growing area of focus for the unit. It is working with England, Scotland and Wales to develop a UK Adaptation Framework. It produced a report “Preparing for a Changing Climate in Northern Ireland” in January 2007 providing an assessment of risk posed by climate change. The unit also supports the Northern Ireland Climate Change Impacts Partnership in improving knowledge and understanding on the issue of climate change.
Finance and Personnel
Infringements in Competition Law in the Construction Industry
Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail, for each of the last 5 years, (i) the projects that have been carried out for the Northern Ireland public sector by any of the companies listed in the Office of Fair Trading investigation into widespread infringements of competition law in the construction industry; and (ii) the cost of each project.
(AQW 6556/08)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson):
The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) has advised that two Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts, Omagh College and the East Tyrone College, have been awarded to Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) Belfast Educational Services (Omagh) Limited and Belfast Educational Services (Dungannon) Limited. Interserve PFI Holdings, an investment partner and facilities management provider to the SPVs, is a subsidiary of Interserve PLC. Interserve PLC together with another subsidiary, Interserve Project Services Limited, have been listed in the OFT investigation. The DEL PPP contracts which were signed in September 2003, are for a period of 30 years and each has a capital value of £16m. The value of the Interserve element is unknown.
All other Departments have reported that none of the companies listed in the OFT investigation have carried out work for them, their Agencies or NDPBs during the last 5 years.
Infringements of Competiton Law in the Construction Industry
Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm if (i) his department has been kept informed of the Office of Fair Trading investigation into widespread infringements of competition law in the construction industry; and (ii) these abuses extend to public sector contracts.
(AQW 6574/08)
Mr P Robinson:
The Department of Finance and Personnel has been kept informed of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation into alleged infringements of competition law in the construction industry in England.
Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) has drawn the OFT ‘Information Note’ and associated OFT / Office of Government Commerce guidance on mitigating the risks of anti-competitive behaviour to the attention of all Centres of Procurement Expertise.
The alleged infringements of competition law being investigated by OFT extend to both the private and public sectors in the East Midlands, neighbouring areas of Yorkshire and Humberside and elsewhere in England.
Civil Service Industrial and Non-Industrial Staff
Ms Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the actual and percentage composition of Northern Ireland Civil Service Non-industrial and Industrial staff by each Grade Level within each Department/Agency, annually between January 2003 and January 2008 inclusive, by reference to total number and broken down by (i) gender; (ii) community background (including non-determined); (iii) ethnic background; and (iv) disability.
(AQW 6597/08)
Mr P Robinson: The information requested has been placed in the Library.
Energy Performance Certificates
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of people qualified to issue Energy Performance Certificates in each parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 6768/08)
Mr P Robinson: The information requested is not held by the Department and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. Properly trained and accredited local Domestic Energy Assessors may operate anywhere within Northern Ireland and England & Wales.
Energy Performance Scheme
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide a timescale within which an Energy Performance Scheme for Northern Ireland will be introduced.
(AQW 6804/08)
Mr P Robinson:
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2008 (SR 2008 No.170) sets out the implementation date for the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) as follows:
Date |
Extent of EPC requirement |
30 June 2008 |
Sale of existing dwellings |
30 September 2008 |
Construction of all buildings |
30 December 2008 |
Rental of all buildings Sale of existing non-domestic buildings |
Land Registry Office
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if the Land Registry Office has a customer service charter with commitments in relation to standards of service.
(AQW 6925/08)
Mr P Robinson:
Land Registry, as part of Land and Property Services, adheres to the Northern Ireland Customer Service Standards in terms of replying to correspondence, answering telephones and meeting customers.
However, given the unique nature of some of its work, Land Registry also has specific targets for average processing times (provided all the necessary information has been supplied). These include:
• Land Registry - 20 working days
• Registry of Deeds - 6 working days
• Statutory Charges Registry - 15 working days
• Compulsory First Registration - 60 working days
• Land Information Services - 4 working days.
Land Registry Requests
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many Land Registry requests were processed in (i) 3 months; (ii) 6 months; (iii) 12 months; (iv) 18 months; (v) 24 months; (vi) 36 months; and (vii) 60 months.
(AQW 6927/08)
Mr P Robinson:
The response is contained in the attached table.
Year |
2002 Requests Processed |
2003 Requests Processed |
2004 Requests Processed |
2005 Requests Processed |
2006 Requests Processed |
2007 Requests Processed |
3 months or less |
115708 |
200422 |
301843 |
402167 |
501895 |
564794 |
3-6 months |
4596
|
4614 |
5635 |
6283 |
5047 |
6132 |
6-12 months |
6519 |
5672 |
7231 |
7869 |
5091 |
4894 |
12 -18 months |
3120 |
3579 |
3901 |
3751 |
2662 |
1847 |
18-24 months |
515 |
1815 |
2400 |
2037 |
1425 |
961 |
24-36 months |
50 |
739 |
1541 |
1743 |
1106 |
922 |
36-60 months. |
3 |
20 |
95 |
338 |
407 |
375 |
Land Registry Requests
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the average length of time it takes to process Land Registry requests.
(AQW 6928/08)
Mr P Robinson:
The average time taken to process a Land Registry request in the 2007/08 financial year was 15.12 days
Not For Profit Community Organisations
Mr Campbell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will consider permitting rating relief for 'not for profit' community based organisations operating industrial premises, rating relief where they have short term vacancies in units for which they must currently pay rates.
(AQW 6966/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Member will be aware that I and my Ministerial colleagues consider economic growth to be the key priority for this Executive. In keeping with this vision, one of the measures I took to the Executive and this Assembly in my first year in office was to hold rates for manufacturing at 30%. Therefore I can confirm that all undertakings engaged primarily in manufacturing, are entitled to 70% relief. This includes ‘not for profit’ community based organisations and firms that occupy industrial premises provided by ‘not for profit’ community based organisations.
Turning to unoccupied properties, if any property is a “qualifying industrial property”, then it is free from all rating liability while it remains vacant. To qualify for exemption from empty property rates, the property in question must have been constructed or adapted for use as a factory. It is worth noting that vacant factories are now rateable in England from April this year but I have decided not to introduce such a measure here at this time.
Furthermore, my Department introduced new Regulations which came into operation last year specifically for other types of buildings provided by local enterprise agencies and which are liable for empty property rates. This change was made in recognition of the fact that they operate in special circumstances, building flexible multi purpose space on a speculative basis and on a large scale, often in disadvantaged areas, where void periods are part and parcel of their activities
The Regulations provide an extended initial exemption period of 12 months instead of the normal 3. It applies to companies limited by guarantee within the meaning of Article 12(2) of the Companies ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986. To my knowledge most, if not all, ‘not for profit’ community based organisations who provide industrial space are set up in this way, including those affiliated to Enterprise NI and others which are not (such as Mayfair and Brownlow). This measure was introduced as a direct consequence of approaches made to my Department from Enterprise NI.
The property in question must also provide accommodation and support services for a trade or business and be funded in respect of its capital costs, in whole or in part, by a public body. After the 12 month period has elapsed the unoccupied property rate becomes payable and that is at 50% liability of the normal rates.
All of the provisions described above are unique to Northern Ireland and do not exist elsewhere in the UK.
Peace III Programme
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how much money will be available for rural communities through the new Peace III programme.
(AQW 7041/08)
Mr P Robinson:
The PEACE III Programme is worth €333 million and is intended to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region. Whilst rural communities are not specifically targeted in the Programme they can still apply for funding where it is clearly demonstrated that the objectives of the Programme are being met.
Peace III Programme
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the projects, whose Peace II funding is due to run out at the end of June and August 2008, that have been notified on whether or not they have been successful in securing Peace III funding.
(AQW 7052/08)
Mr P Robinson:
No Letters of Offer have yet been issued in respect of the PEACE III Programme. Sixty-four applications to PEACE III have been received to date. Eight, as listed below, have been approved by PEACE III Steering Committees, and are now subject to final appraisal.
Theme 1.1 (local)
Belfast Peace Plan - Belfast City Council
North East Cluster - Ballymena Borough Council
North West Cluster - Derry City Council
Theme 1.1 (regional)
Conflict Transformation from the Bottom Up - Coiste na n-Iarchimí
Irish Peace Centres - Co-operation Ireland
Theme 2.1
River Foyle Foot and Cycle Bridge - Ilex
Clones / Erne East Community Sports Partnership - Monaghan County Council
Oasis - Omagh District Council
All the lead partners in these eight projects have received support under the PEACE II Programme. However, the new PEACE III projects would be substantially different in nature and scale to the type of project funded under PEACE II. It is expected that Letters of Offer will begin to issue from June 2008. No currently live PEACE II project has applied as a lead partner to PEACE III. Some organisations with live PEACE II projects are involved within the sixty-four applications received .
Current Quangos in Operation
Mr McLaughlin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to list, by department, the quangos in operation.
(AQW 7059/08)
Mr P Robinson: The latest information on all the public bodies sponsored by Northern Ireland departments is contained in the ‘Public Bodies Report 2007’ and can be accessed through the following link:
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/public_bodies_2007.pdf
Public and Private Sector Pay Levels
Mr O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm whether, in addressing, the wage differential between the public and private sectors, he will seek to maintain pay parity across the United Kingdom in those areas of the public sector where parity exists.
(AQW 7167/08)
Mr P Robinson:
The Executive agreed in May 2007 to adopt HM Treasury pay policy. The implementation of HM Treasury pay policy guarantees a link with national agreements when there is a clear contractual entitlement. However, it should be acknowledged that, where appropriate, there is a need to take account of local labour market conditions in the determination of public sector pay awards.
Realignment of Local Councils
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the potential longer term efficiencies in relation to overall public expenditure that could arise from a realignment of the current local authority clusters.
(AQW 7204/08)
Mr P Robinson:
My officials are continuing to work closely with their DOE counterparts and the local government sector to fully evaluate the potential efficiencies and savings that could arise from the realignment of local councils. Our best estimate at this stage is in the order of £15 million per year.
Workplace 2010
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is the impact on the scheduling of Workplace 2010 given the current drop in property values and the credit crunch.
(AQO 3644/08)
Mr P Robinson: The impact on the Workplace 2010 bids will become clearer when the BaFO bids, which will be submitted to the Authority in June, are evaluated over the following weeks.
Due to the long term nature of the Workplace 2010 deal short term fluctuations in property values are not expected to have a significant impact on the Workplace 2010 deal. However, market conditions may result in lower valuations for buildings which may be disposed of the in the early part of the contract.
Certainly it is true to say that the current credit crunch has caused debt to be more expensive, nevertheless, I still consider Workplace 2010 to be an attractive deal in the current market due to the strong covenant that government tenancy creates.
The Workplace 2010 contract will still be subject to a vigorous business case assessment before any decision is made to progress to the preferred bidder stage of the procurement.
Regional Economic Strategy
Mr Lunn asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to report on preparations for a Regional Economic Strategy.
(AQO 3630/08)
Mr P Robinson: Now that the second Varney review has concluded my officials will commence work on creating a new, devolved Regional Economic Strategy – the previous draft Regional Economic Strategy was very much a direct rule document which reflected the rather limited aspirations of that administration.
The conclusions and recommendations from the second Varney Review will provide a useful starting point for developing the Regional Economic Strategy as it helpfully provides a comprehensive policy analysis of the Northern Ireland economy.
My officials will liaise with other Government departments and key stakeholders in drafting the Regional Economic Strategy. The aim will be to have an agreed Strategy in place in time to assist in the formulation of priorities for the next Executive Budget.
Number of Senior Civil Servants
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether there are any targets in place to reduce the number of senior civil servants.
(AQO 3589/08)
Mr P Robinson: “Fit for Purpose” set stretching targets for reductions in Senior Civil Service (SCS) posts (7.2%) to be achieved between April 2004 and March 2008. The target reduction of 14 has been achieved.
I will be considering with my officials the possibility of setting reduction targets for the NICS, including the Senior Civil Service for the Budget period 2008 – 11.
Sale of Public Sector Assets
Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the Prime Minister's recent commitment to increase the Executive's share of asset sales for £1bn to £2bn.
(AQO 3661/08)
Mr P Robinson: The commitment announced by the Prime Minister on the 8 th of May is that receipts generated from the sale of public sector assets over the next three years can be retained by the NI Executive in full, up to a new limit of £2.2 billion.
The previous limit of £1.1 billion was based on the Executive’s forecast of what was achievable over the CSR period, as set out in the draft Budget document last October.
The subsequent work of the Capital Realisation Taskforce identified further potential for asset sales and these, together with other options identified by Departments, were factored into our final Budget plans. Under existing rules, we would only need to go back to the Treasury in the event that we might exceed these by more than 20%.
In the context of the current property market, achieving our published plans for the sale of assets, let alone exceeding them, will be a significant challenge.
Overall, therefore, the new limit is not of material significance in terms of delivering on the Executive’s investment strategy.
Steel Commission
Mr McLaughlin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what are the potential implications for Northern Ireland of the conclusions of the Steel Commission that advocates greater fiscal controls and powers for the Scottish devolved administration.
(AQO 3605/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Steel Commission was established by the Scottish Liberal Democrat party rather than the UK Government or the Scottish Executive. Therefore the conclusions and recommendations set out in its 2006 Final Report do not have any direct implications for Northern Ireland.
I await with interest the findings and recommendations from the cross-party Commission, chaired by Professor Sir Kenneth Calman, which is currently reviewing the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998, in light of the experience over the past 10 years.
I understand that the Steel Commission has been reconvened to provide input into the Calman Commission.
Review of the Competitiveness of Northern Ireland
Mr Cree asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the recently published Review of the Competitiveness of Northern Ireland by Sir David Varney.
(AQO 3657/08)
Mr P Robinson: I am not surprised at the outcome of the Varney 2 Report.
I welcome the fact that this second Report has endorsed the Programme for Government’s focus on economic development - it confirms that the Executive is prioritising resources in the right policy areas.
It also provides an objective and robust analysis of the Northern Ireland economy and it highlights the many positive strengths and opportunities that exist to increase economic growth and prosperity.
Sir David emphasises that increasing productivity is a key driver for a successful economy in Northern Ireland.
With respect to tax credits, Sir David made several observations, namely that: a dispensation for Northern Ireland would be legally difficult; and it would also be inefficient in terms of generating deadweight costs. He also argues that a grant-based scheme, which is already within the Executive’s remit, would be more effective and more easily administered.
I am currently engaging with Executive colleagues on this second Varney study and I intend to collate views into a consolidated Executive paper that I will submit to the Chief Secretary in due course.
Varney 2 Report
Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he has taken to ensure that the Central Procurement Directorate puts the tackling of social and economic disadvantage at the centre of any public procurement contracts or tenders.
(AQO 3666/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Procurement Board, which I chair, has produced guidance - aimed at policy makers and procurement professionals - on how to more effectively integrate equality and sustainable development, which includes social, economic and environmental considerations, into Public Sector Procurement.
The guidance, which was drafted by Central Procurement Directorate and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, encourages policy makers and procurement practitioners to work together to identify equality and sustainable development outcomes early on in the procurement process.
The guidance will be launched on 29 May 2008 and will be supported by training to be delivered to all procurement staff by March 2009. Central Procurement Directorate will be in the lead on delivering this training.
Varney 2 Report
Mr Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his response to the refusal of Sir David Varney to create enhanced research and development credits and training credits.
(AQO 3619/08)
Mr P Robinson: I am not surprised at the outcome of the Varney 2 Report.
I welcome the fact that this second Report has endorsed the Programme for Government’s focus on economic development - it confirms that the Executive is prioritising resources in the right policy areas.
It also provides an objective and robust analysis of the Northern Ireland economy and it highlights the many positive strengths and opportunities that exist to increase economic growth and prosperity.
Sir David emphasises that increasing productivity is a key driver for a successful economy in Northern Ireland.
With respect to tax credits, Sir David made several observations, namely that: a dispensation for Northern Ireland would be legally difficult; and it would also be inefficient in terms of generating deadweight costs. He also argues that a grant-based scheme, which is already within the Executive’s remit, would be more effective and more easily administered.
I am currently engaging with Executive colleagues on this second Varney study and I intend to collate views into a consolidated Executive paper that I will submit to the Chief Secretary in due course.
Performance and Delivery Unit
Mr Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if the Performance and Delivery Unit's remit covers the energy efficiency and performance of public buildings.
(AQO 3655/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Buildings Standards Branch is directly responsible for the energy efficiency and performance of Public Buildings and, with it being located within my own Department, its work would not be beyond the remit of PEDU .
Varney 2 Report
Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of Sir David Varney's second report.
(AQO 3582/08)
Mr P Robinson: I am not surprised at the outcome of the Varney 2 Report.
I welcome the fact that this second Report has endorsed the Programme for Government’s focus on economic development - it confirms that the Executive is prioritising resources in the right policy areas.
It also provides an objective and robust analysis of the Northern Ireland economy and it highlights the many positive strengths and opportunities that exist to increase economic growth and prosperity.
Sir David emphasises that increasing productivity is a key driver for a successful economy in Northern Ireland.
With respect to tax credits, Sir David made several observations, namely that: a dispensation for Northern Ireland would be legally difficult; and it would also be inefficient in terms of generating deadweight costs. He also argues that a grant-based scheme, which is already within the Executive’s remit, would be more effective and more easily administered.
I am currently engaging with Executive colleagues on this second Varney study and I intend to collate views into a consolidated Executive paper that I will submit to the Chief Secretary in due course.
Central Procurement Directorate
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to introduce further guidelines for local food procurement within the Central Procurement Directorate.
(AQO 3656/08)
Mr P Robinson:
Central Procurement Directorate has, in cooperation with officials in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, produced new guidance for procurers, to encourage them to develop specifications which will deliver fresh, seasonal produce and for which local food producers can compete. This guidance will be published shortly.
Varney 2 Report
Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to make a Ministerial Statement on the Varney 2 Report.
(AQO 3632/08)
Mr P Robinson:
I am not surprised at the outcome of the Varney 2 Report.
I welcome the fact that this second Report has endorsed the Programme for Government’s focus on economic development - it confirms that the Executive is prioritising resources in the right policy areas.
It also provides an objective and robust analysis of the Northern Ireland economy and it highlights the many positive strengths and opportunities that exist to increase economic growth and prosperity.
Sir David emphasises that increasing productivity is a key driver for a successful economy in Northern Ireland.
With respect to tax credits, Sir David made several observations, namely that: a dispensation for Northern Ireland would be legally difficult; and it would also be inefficient in terms of generating deadweight costs. He also argues that a grant-based scheme, which is already within the Executive’s remit, would be more effective and more easily administered.
I am currently engaging with Executive colleagues on this second Varney study and I intend to collate views into a consolidated Executive paper that I will submit to the Chief Secretary in due course.
Varney 2 Report
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to report on the outcome of the Varney 2 Report.
(AQO 3629/08)
Mr P Robinson: I am not surprised at the outcome of the Varney 2 Report.
I welcome the fact that this second Report has endorsed the Programme for Government’s focus on economic development - it confirms that the Executive is prioritising resources in the right policy areas.
It also provides an objective and robust analysis of the Northern Ireland economy and it highlights the many positive strengths and opportunities that exist to increase economic growth and prosperity.
Sir David emphasises that increasing productivity is a key driver for a successful economy in Northern Ireland.
With respect to tax credits, Sir David made several observations, namely that: a dispensation for Northern Ireland would be legally difficult; and it would also be inefficient in terms of generating deadweight costs. He also argues that a grant-based scheme, which is already within the Executive’s remit, would be more effective and more easily administered.
I am currently engaging with Executive colleagues on this second Varney study and I intend to collate views into a consolidated Executive paper that I will submit to the Chief Secretary in due course.
2009-10 Budget
Mr Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans are in place for 2009-10 budget process.
(AQO 3670/08)
Mr P Robinson: In January 2008 the Assembly approved the Executive’s expenditure plans for 2008-11, which sets out firm spending allocations to NI departments for that period.
In light of the fact that there will not be a national Spending Review in 2008, and thus the clear expectation that there will not be significant additional resources available to the Executive beyond those already allocated in Budget 2008-11, the Executive agreed in March that there should not be a formal Budget process this year. Instead, there will be a short strategic stocktake of the expenditure plans for 2009-10 and 2010-11, which is due to take place in the autumn.
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Service Vehicles
Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the number of (i) fire engines; and (ii) ambulances, attacked or vandalised in each of the last three years, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 6958/08)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): The information is not available in the form requested.
Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Service Vehicles
Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the cost of repairing or replacing (i) fire engines; and (ii) ambulances, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 6960/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
The information is shown in the tables below. Separate information on the repair and maintenance of fire engines (as distinct from other fire and rescue vehicles) is not available.
(a) Fire and Rescue Service
|
2005/06 (£) |
2006/07 (£) |
2007/08 (£) |
Repairs and maintenance (all vehicles) |
852,526 |
1,036,516 |
948,219 |
Replacement Appliances |
2,012,857 |
1,691,689 |
2,596,119 |
(b) Ambulance Service
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Repairs and maintenance |
1,299,000 |
1,258,000 |
1,394,000 |
Replacement Vehicles |
121,000 |
216,000 |
481,000 |
Stress-Related Illness
Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many working days were lost by his Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.
(AQW 6983/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is outlined below. It should be noted that the information provided includes absences which are purely stated or recorded as stress. The Department has no way of identifying other conditions which may or may not be stress-related.
MONTH |
NO OF WORKING DAYS LOST |
MONTH |
NO OF WORKING DAYS LOST |
May 2006 |
94 |
May 2007 |
52 |
June 2006 |
125 |
June 2007 |
84 |
July 2006 |
112 |
July 2007 |
95 |
August 2006 |
140 |
August 2007 |
110 |
September 2006 |
95 |
September 2007 |
128 |
October 2006 |
108 |
October 2007 |
172 |
November 2006 |
83 |
November 2007 |
143 |
December 2006 |
78 |
December 2007 |
113 |
January 2007 |
72 |
January 2008 |
77 |
February 2007 |
83 |
February 2008 |
71 |
March 2007 |
46 |
March 2008 |
80 |
April 2007 |
21 |
April 2008 |
83 |
New Fire Station in Ballymena
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the provision of a new fire station in Ballymena.
(AQW 7000/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
The planned replacement of fire stations across Northern Ireland is primarily a matter for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The need for a new fire station for Ballymena has been identified by the Fire and Rescue Service, subject to availability of land and matching funding.
Investment in Fire Stations
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the planned investment for fire stations located in (i) Ballymoney; (ii) Ballycastle; and (iii) Ballymena, for (a) 2008-09; (b) 2009-10; and (c) 2010-11.
(AQW 7002/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply to your Written Assembly Question AQW 7002/08, by the 27 May 2008. I will reply as soon as possible.
Investment in Fire Stations
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the investment in fire stations located in (i) Ballymoney; (ii) Ballycastle; and (iii) Ballymena, for each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 7003/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply to your Written Assembly Question AQW 7003/08, by the 27 May 2008. I will reply as soon as possible.
Underage Drinking
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what support his Department is giving to children and young people groups that are working towards reducing the level of underage drinking and street drinking.
(AQW 7021/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (NSD), which was launched in 2006, identified addressing underage and binge drinking as key priorities – and addressing underage drinking was also identified as a key priority in the allocation of the additional funding received for public health through the comprehensive spending review (CSR) process.
At the local level, in support of the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs, the four Health Board-based Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Teams commission and fund a range of services, initiatives and programmes in support of their own local action plans. These provide support to children and young people's groups that are working directly and/or indirectly towards reducing the level of underage drinking and street drinking.
Support is also provided to children and young people's groups that are working directly and/or indirectly towards reducing the level of underage drinking and street drinking in some local areas through local small grants schemes, Investing for Health Funding and Children Services Planning.
The Health Boards also commission comprehensive Addictions Treatment Services within secondary care (community and inpatient) which are open and accessible to all residents including young people aged over 18. All residents (including children and young people) also have access to generic primary/secondary care services who will meet other physical/mental health needs that may arise because of the misuse of alcohol.
Millstone Mountain
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what costs were incurred by the emergency services following the fire on Millstone Mountain in the high Mournes mountain range.
(AQW 7046/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has advised that the fire on 8 May in the Mournes mountain range was at Donard rather than Millstone. The total cost incurred by NIFRS for attending the incident is estimated at £17,590. There will also have been costs incurred from other emergency services and agencies which are outside the remit of my Department, not to mention the environmental cost in terms of damage to wildlife and the countryside in one of Northern Ireland’s best known national heritage areas.
Underage Drinking
Mr Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many underage drinkers have been admitted to hospital for alcohol related conditions in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 7057/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
The number of admissions for people aged 17 years and under, to Health and Social Care Hospitals in Northern Ireland, with a diagnosis of an alcohol related illness/condition is shown in the table below:
Year |
No. of Admissions |
2002/2003 |
262 |
2003/2004 |
230 |
2004/2005 |
251 |
2005/2006 |
211 |
2006/2007 |
224 |
Source: Hospital Inpatient System/Hospital Episode Records System
Foster Carer Figures
Mr McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that he is committed to increasing foster carer numbers by 300 by March 2010, as outlined in Priorities for Action; and to provide a baseline breakdown by Health and Social Care Trust.
(AQW 7068/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I can confirm I am committed to increasing the number of foster carers by 300 by March 2010 compared with the baseline at 31 March 2006. The intention is to provide spare capacity in the foster care system so that children can be matched with foster carers. This should increase the stability of foster care placements.
By 31 March 2008 179 additional foster carers had been recruited above the baseline of 31 March 2006, details are given below.
Name of Trust |
Baseline @ 31 March 2006 |
Position @ 31 March 2008 |
Belfast |
396 |
454 |
Northern |
398 |
421 |
South Eastern |
275 |
308 |
Southern |
217 |
250 |
Western |
242 |
274 |
Regional |
1528 |
1707 |
Upgrading of the Ulster Hospital's Infrastructure
Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to upgrade the Ulster Hospital's infrastructure.
(AQW 7086/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: A major redevelopment programme has been ongoing at the Ulster Hospital over recent years to upgrade the hospital’s clinical facilities and site infrastructure. This initial phase of redevelopment includes a new Renal Unit, Maternity Unit and terraced car park. Work on the multi-storey Critical Care Complex is underway and is expected to be completed in 2010. In addition, the refurbishment of the Care of the Elderly building will be completed later this year and will provide enhanced wards for Elderly medicine, a Dementia Assessment Unit and an In-Patient Psychiatric Unit. All of these projects involve a capital investment of £100 million.
The Trust is working closely with my Department to develop a business case for further redevelopment work to be carried out at the Ulster Hospital. Proposals include development of the main ward, including A&E, outpatients, radiology, treatment centre, children’s unit and main entrance. A decision on these projects cannot be given until the business case has been appraised and approved by the Department.
In light of the constraints on funding I will obviously need to carefully consider any future investment proposals alongside many others, in terms of priorities, when determining final allocations of capital investment funding.
Renal Dialysis Unit at The Causeway Hospital
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the provision of a new Renal Dialysis Unit for the Causeway hospital.
(AQW 7087/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Plans to establish dialysis capacity for the Northern Ireland population are based on the Renal Services Review 2002, which addresses estimated demand to 2010.
One recommendation of the Review was to create two new renal Units, one at Causeway Hospital and a second in the east of the Province. The proposed renal unit at Causeway is to be considered once expansion of stations at existing units (Altnagelvin, Antrim, Belfast City, Daisy Hill, Tyrone County, and Ulster Hospitals) is complete.
Haemodialysis Patients
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many haemodialysis patients there are from each council area, and the locations where these patients can receive treatment.
(AQW 7088/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The estimated number of people obtaining haemodialysis treatment during 2006/07, at Health and Social Care Hospitals in Northern Ireland, by Local Government District is shown below:
Local Government District |
Number of |
Antrim |
26 |
Ards |
34 |
Armagh |
22 |
Ballymena |
31 |
Ballymoney |
12 |
Banbridge |
10 |
Belfast |
147 |
Carrickfergus |
34 |
Castlereagh |
51 |
Coleraine |
24 |
Cookstown |
14 |
Craigavon |
32 |
Derry |
39 |
Down |
35 |
Dungannon |
8 |
Fermanagh |
16 |
Larne |
13 |
Limavady |
10 |
Lisburn |
46 |
Magherafelt |
20 |
Moyle |
7 |
Newry & Mourne |
34 |
Newtownabbey |
35 |
North Down |
28 |
Omagh |
14 |
Strabane |
4 |
Non NI Postcode |
30 |
Total |
776 |
Source: Hospital Inpatient System
There are currently six hospitals carrying out haemodialysis treatment in Northern Ireland, they are Belfast City, Ulster, Antrim, Daisy Hill, Altnagelvin and Tyrone County. In addition to those treated in a hospital setting, there are 14 patients receiving haemodialysis treatment at home.
Health Prescription Charges
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to the motion passed in the Assembly on 15 May 2007 in relation to Health Prescription Charges, what progress has been made on the review of the list of conditions that currently entitle patients to free prescriptions.
(AQW 7112/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I established the cost and benefit review of prescription charges as promised in the Assembly debate on this issue in May last year. The review group have completed their analysis of the current system of prescription charging and sent their report to me, which I am currently considering. In the interim, and in recognition of the fact that I am still considering my options, I have frozen prescription charges for 2008/2009.
Renal Services Review 2002
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the implementation of the recommendations from the Renal Services Review 2002.
(AQW 7150/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Recommendations for 6 of the 7 key areas identidied to sustain the renal service as set out in the 2002 Renal Services Review have been implemented. These are:
- Opening of a new renal unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in December 2005
- Expansion of dialysis capacity at Antrim, Daisy Hill (Newry), Tyrone County, Altnagelvin and Belfast City hospitals. A sixth unit opened at the Ulster Hospital in November 2006
- Implementation of a prevention strategy
- Further expansion of the consultant surgical capacity
- Recruitment and training of additional renal physicians
- Recruitment and training of additional renal nursing, technical and support staff
A remaining key recommendation concerns the development of a new renal unit at Causeway Hospital and I would refer the member to my answer to AQW 7087/08 which deals with this issue.
Causeway Angina Services
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the findings of the Northern Trust Working Group on Causeway Angina Services.
(AQW 7151/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Causeway Angina service has received very positive evaluation with patients reporting improved quality of life and reduced symptoms from their cardiac disease. Other outcome measures have also shown improvement with reductions in blood pressure and reductions in lipid and obesity levels.
Hospital admissions have also been reduced.
The Agenda for Change
Mr McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps are being taken to ensure that, under the Agenda for Change, no individual employee will suffer financial detriment as a result of delays in pay bandings, particularly in the Speech, Language Therapy and Pharmacy professions.
(AQW 7154/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: It is important that in the interest of equality the same rules are applied to all Health and Social Care staff moving to the Agenda for Change rates of pay. This Agreement provides for pay protection for up to four years at 1 April 2005 rates where an individual received a higher rate of pay under the old arrangements. Increases in pay above the agreed Agenda for Change rates payable at 1 April 2005 must be recouped in order to avoid a loss to the taxpayer. The process of recouping excess payments is governed by the Government Accounting (NI) Rules and applies to all public bodies. Health and Social Care e mployers are bound by these rules and must seek to recoup any excess payments in an equitable way. There are some considerations that the employer may take into account when recouping an excess payment. This must be considered on a case by case basis and includes any relevant personal circumstances of the employee or the cost-effectiveness of recovery action.
Mental Health Facilities
Mr Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm if an acute mental health facility can safely operate independently without the back-up of acute medicine either on-site, or in close proximity to the facility.
(AQW 7189/08)
Mr M McGimpsey:
The purpose of acute mental health facilities is to provide care and treatment for people with acute mental health problems. If these patients have other medical conditions, either on admission, or emerging during admission, there should be appropriate liaison arrangements in place with acute medical services to provide either support, or in extreme cases, transfer to an acute medical facility if required. At any rate, all patients in an acute mental health hospital setting should have the same access to acute medical facilities as he/she would have in the surrounding community.
Dental Services
Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why delays are occurring in the treatment of patients requiring specialist care in the restorative department of the School of Dentistry; to confirm if the appropriate staff are spending their time actively treating patients; what actions his Department is taking to improve the service; and what investment there is to train staff in the primary care sector to treat routine cases, allowing prioritisation of resources, similar to the provision of orthodontic services.
(AQW 7208/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The restorative department of the School of Dentistry has two functions; it delivers a service to patients on a referral basis and provides a teaching function to the undergraduate dental students. 6 consultant restorative dentists have a dual role of service delivery and teaching provision; while a further 2 full time health service consultants provide services for the Belfast Trust and also outside the Belfast Trust area. These staff spend their time treating patients and teaching dental students as their contracts dictate.
An analysis of the patients referred to the restorative department has revealed that a significant number of these referrals are inappropriate and could be treated in a primary care setting. The School of Dentistry is taking steps to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals. A new consultant has recently been appointed and a further 3 trainees are due to complete their training soon. The measures taken to ensure appropriate referrals coupled with the increased staffing should reduce any delays experienced. The dental service within the Belfast Trust has met all access targets to date and will continue to do so.
Dental graduates are trained to treat routine restorative cases in the primary care setting. I have recently provided additional funding to the School of Dentistry to train an extra 5 dental students per year to meet the needs of the service and I provided an additional £7.9 million for primary care dentistry in the last financial year to further support this sector.
Home-Help in Strabane
Mrs McGill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reduction in Home Helps for the elderly in the Strabane District Council area; how many clients will be affected by this reduction; and what steps he is taking to address this reduction.
(AQW 7239/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Western Health and Social Care Trust has advised that there has been no reduction in the allocation of resources for Home Help in the Strabane District Council area. All clients in the area are assessed for Home Help services using Access Criteria for Domiciliary Care with services provided according to assessed need.
Regional Development
Assembly Questions
Mr Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the delays; and (ii) the costs incurred by his department, in translating answers to written Assembly questions into Irish.
(AQW 5398/08)
The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy):
My Department has not translated any answers to written Assembly Questions into Irish.
The Department is currently reviewing its policies towards the use and promotion of the Irish language.
Free Travel for Over 60s
Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a timescale within which (i) the forms for free travel for the over-60's will be issued; and (ii) the first passes will be issued.
(AQW 5463/08)
Mr C Murphy:
Subject to the outcome of the policy consultation and consultation on the equality impact assessment, I intend that the application process will commence in July with passes issued in time for the scheme to commence in October.
Abandoned and Disused Culverts
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of abandoned or disused culverts in North Down parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 6819/08)
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 the North Down parliamentary constituency.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Rivers Agency has also advised me that there are no designated culverted watercourses in the North Down constituency that have been abandoned or are disused.
Traffic Lights
Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Regional Development for the number and location of traffic lights in Derry/Londonderry with a facility to alert vision impaired pedestrians that it is safe to cross.
(AQW 6939/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 6939/08, my Department’s Roads Service has advised that there are 46 traffic signal and pelican crossing installations in Derry with facilities to alert vision impaired pedestrians that it is safe to cross. They are sited at the following locations:
Drumahoe Pelican Crossing;
Woodburn / Dungiven Road Junction;
Bond’s Hill / Limavady Road / Glendermott Road;
Clooney Terrace;
Bond’s Hill Pelican;
Duke Street / Craigavon Bridge;
Foyle Road / Lower Deck;
John Street Pelican;
Abercorn Road / Bishop Street / Barrack Street;
Water Street / Harbour Square;
Water Street / Orchard Street / Foyle Street;
Orchard Street Pelican;
Ferryquay Street Pelican Crossing;
Guildhall Square;
Creggan X Signals;
Northland Rd at Asylum Rd Pelican;
Duncreggan Road / Northland Road Junction;
Strand Road / Rock Road Junction;
Buncrana Road / Racecourse Road Junction;
Culmore Road / Greenhaw Road Junction;
Culmore Road / Garden City Junction;
Limavady Road / Nelson Drive Junction;
Northland Road Pelican at Magee College;
Glenshane Road / Belt Road Junction (Altnagelvin);
Meadowbank Avenue / Strand Road / Sainsbury’s Access;
Madam’s Bank Road Pelican;
Buncrana Road Pelican;
Carlisle Road Pelican;
Guildhall Pelican;
Racecourse Road Pelican;
Abercorn Road Pelican;
Glengalliagh Road at St Brigid’s;
Glengalliagh Road at Northside Toucan;
Crescent Link at Kinghtsbridge Toucan;
Creggan Road at Kylemore Park Pelican;
Creggan Road at Grangemore Pelican;
Culmore Road Pelican at Magnet Bar;
Crescent Link at Retail Park Toucan;
Strand Road Pelican Crossing;
Lonemoor Road at Blighs Lane Pelican;
Rock Road Pelican;
Rosemount Pelican;
Crescent Link at Kilfennan Toucan;
Queens Quay Pelican;
Claudy Main Street Pelican; and
Skeoge Link Toucan.
With regard to AQW 6940/08, the number of traffic signal and pelican crossing installations in each Roads Service Division, with facilities to alert vision impaired pedestrians that it is safe to cross and the percentage they represent in terms of overall traffic signal provision in each Division, is as follows:
Roads Service Division |
Number of Traffic Signal Installations with Facilities for the Visually Impaired |
Percentage in Terms of Total Traffic Signal Installations in Division |
Northern |
94 |
77.7% |
Western |
73 |
98.6% |
Southern |
135 |
85.4% |
Eastern |
512 |
95.7% |
Traffic Lights
Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) for the number of traffic lights in each of (a) Northern Division; (b) Western Division; (c) Southern Division and (d) Eastern Division, with a facility to alert vision impaired pedestrians that it is safe to cross; and (ii) the percentage these figures represent in terms of the overall traffic lights in each division.
(AQW 6940/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 6939/08, my Department’s Roads Service has advised that there are 46 traffic signal and pelican crossing installations in Derry with facilities to alert vision impaired pedestrians that it is safe to cross. They are sited at the following locations:
Drumahoe Pelican Crossing;
Woodburn / Dungiven Road Junction;
Bond’s Hill / Limavady Road / Glendermott Road;
Clooney Terrace;
Bond’s Hill Pelican;
Duke Street / Craigavon Bridge;
Foyle Road / Lower Deck;
John Street Pelican;
Abercorn Road / Bishop Street / Barrack Street;
Water Street / Harbour Square;
Water Street / Orchard Street / Foyle Street;
Orchard Street Pelican;
Ferryquay Street Pelican Crossing;
Guildhall Square;
Creggan X Signals;
Northland Rd at Asylum Rd Pelican;
Duncreggan Road / Northland Road Junction;
Strand Road / Rock Road Junction;
Buncrana Road / Racecourse Road Junction;
Culmore Road / Greenhaw Road Junction;
Culmore Road / Garden City Junction;
Limavady Road / Nelson Drive Junction;
Northland Road Pelican at Magee College;
Glenshane Road / Belt Road Junction (Altnagelvin);
Meadowbank Avenue / Strand Road / Sainsbury’s Access;
Madam’s Bank Road Pelican;
Buncrana Road Pelican;
Carlisle Road Pelican;
Guildhall Pelican;
Racecourse Road Pelican;
Abercorn Road Pelican;
Glengalliagh Road at St Brigid’s;
Glengalliagh Road at Northside Toucan;
Crescent Link at Kinghtsbridge Toucan;
Creggan Road at Kylemore Park Pelican;
Creggan Road at Grangemore Pelican;
Culmore Road Pelican at Magnet Bar;
Crescent Link at Retail Park Toucan;
Strand Road Pelican Crossing;
Lonemoor Road at Blighs Lane Pelican;
Rock Road Pelican;
Rosemount Pelican;
Crescent Link at Kilfennan Toucan;
Queens Quay Pelican;
Claudy Main Street Pelican; and
Skeoge Link Toucan.
With regard to AQW 6940/08, the number of traffic signal and pelican crossing installations in each Roads Service Division, with facilities to alert vision impaired pedestrians that it is safe to cross and the percentage they represent in terms of overall traffic signal provision in each Division, is as follows:
Roads Service Division |
Number of Traffic Signal Installations with Facilities for the Visually Impaired |
Percentage in Terms of Total Traffic Signal Installations in Division |
Northern |
94 |
77.7% |
Western |
73 |
98.6% |
Southern |
135 |
85.4% |
Eastern |
512 |
95.7% |
Larne Railway Lines
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the number of passenger journeys on the Larne rail line, broken down by station of origin.
(AQW 6970/08)
Mr C Murphy:
The total number of rail passenger journeys on the Larne line for each of the last 3 years was:
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Passenger Journey Numbers (‘000s) |
1,478
|
1,720 |
1,905 |
The following table provides information on the number of passengers, purchasing single and return tickets by station of origin on the Larne line, for the last three years:
Station Name |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
BELFAST YORKGATE |
26,069 |
39,355 |
44,120 |
WHITEABBEY |
41,113 |
81,274 |
100,941 |
JORDANSTOWN |
51,118 |
90,218 |
100,822 |
GREENISLAND |
29,714 |
72,469 |
89,310 |
TROOPERSLANE |
1,763 |
6,989 |
7,858 |
CLIPPERSTOWN |
14,593 |
54,887 |
67,913 |
CARRICKFERGUS |
95,157 |
282,132 |
332,126 |
DOWNSHIRE |
154,895 |
67,618 |
83,730 |
WHITEHEAD |
86,095 |
133,487 |
153,117 |
BALLYCARRY |
7,139 |
19,132 |
17,956 |
MAGHERAMORNE |
745 |
2,339 |
2,475 |
GLYNN |
630 |
3,322 |
3,881 |
LARNE |
52,270 |
89,776 |
107,865 |
LARNE HARBOUR |
732 |
1,897 |
4,785 |
TOTAL |
562,033 |
944,895 |
1,116,899 |
The figures do not include significant numbers of pre-paid ticket types, i.e. schools, commuters, or any other type of ticket which does not go through the railway ticketing system, i.e. Freedom of Northern Ireland, Day Tickets, Family Tickets.
The figures include cross-border tickets sold from Larne line stations to cross-border stations.
The figures only include tickets sold from the Larne line stations, i.e. if a return ticket is bought from Central Station to Carrickfergus, for example, it will not be shown, as the station of origin was Central Station.
There is distortion in the 2005/06 figures due to the Larne Line re-lay programme when bus substitution was in operation. Downshire results were particularly affected to the detriment of Carrickfergus as Downshire was used as a key hub for the bus substitution.
Resurfacing of the B7
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to repair and resurface the stretch of the B7 between the village of Mayobridge and the Newry and Mourne district council's landfill site at Aughnagon.
(AQW 6979/08)
Mr C Murphy:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that, at present, there are no plans to re-surface this section of the B7 Chapel Hill Road, Mayobridge.
However, in accordance with the Roads Maintenance Standards for Safety, Roads Service will continue to inspect the Chapel Hill Road during routine inspection cycles and any defects found will be repaired within established time scales.
Parking on Pavements
Mr Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development what responsibility he has for tackling the problem of motor vehicles parking on pavements.
(AQW 6997/08)
Mr C Murphy: Officials in my Department’s Roads Service have advised that within current road traffic legislation, there is no general prohibition on parking on footways. However, if marked parking restrictions are present on the adjacent carriageway, the restrictions will generally also apply to the footway.
These restrictions are enforceable by Roads Service through its contractor, NCP Services Ltd. H owever, if footway parking is creating a problem of obstruction in areas where there are no marked parking restrictions on the carriageway, then that is a matter that should be referred to and dealt with by the PSNI.
Residents' Parking Scheme in Belfast
Mr Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 6509/08, what are the estimated costs of consultants involved in the process of bringing about residents' parking schemes in Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and Markets (West).
(AQW 6999/08)
Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 6999/08, the estimated consultancy costs for the three named schemes are approximately £25,500.
As regards AQW 7001/08, my Department’s Roads Service has, in response to numerous and on-going requests from residents and their elected representatives, established a policy to allow the introduction of residents’ parking schemes to address the problems associated with all-day commuter car parking in the worst-affected residential areas.
I would hope that the residents in at least some of the first five areas already consulted about scheme designs for their areas, will recognise the benefits that these schemes can bring to them so that we may make progress. However, I do not intend to carry on with scheme development and implementation in individual areas where local communities do not support them. My officials in Roads Service are actively working on preliminary scheme designs for a number of other areas where a need has been identified – and indeed have a list of other areas awaiting survey and assessment. Should residents in any of the first five areas reject the proposals, it would be with regret, but Roads Service would have to move on to these other areas.
The only practical way to deal with all-day commuter parking in residential areas is through residents’ parking schemes. There is no workable alternative. I would be happy to proceed with schemes in all five of the areas consulted on to date, as long as they have the support of the local communities. Without that support, my Department’s resources will regrettably be deployed elsewhere.
Ulsterbus Services on Bangor Routes
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development how many passengers used Ulsterbus Services on Bangor routes (not including the Bangor-Belfast route), in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 7026/08)
Mr C Murphy:
The information is not available in the format requested. Translink records the number of trips undertaken rather than the number of passengers. The number of passenger trips on Ulsterbus services on Bangor routes (not including the Belfast –Bangor route) for the last five years is as follows:-
Route
|
April 2003 – March 2004 |
April 2004 – March 2005 |
April 2005 – March 2006 |
April 2006 – March 2007 |
April 2007 – March 2008 |
Town Services |
732,195 |
693,252 |
712,201 |
705,648 |
703,357 |
3. Bangor - Donaghadee |
137,450 |
139,561 |
139,707 |
134,019 |
123,444 |
6. Bangor - Newtownards |
360,578 |
349,102 |
352,459 |
354,924 |
353,612 |
301. Bangor – Holywood Exchange |
16,013 |
5,588 |
6,406 |
6,650 |
7,096 |
301B Bangor – Dundonald Hospital |
8,275 |
9,221 |
10,904 |
10,295 |
11,100 |
301D – Bangor - Craigantlet |
- |
- |
725 |
785 |
682 |
B11/B12 Bangor – Holywood Town Service |
8,293 |
20,210 |
18,213 |
17,969 |
14,978 |
BE1 Easibus Route 1 |
15,574 |
16,195 |
14,253 |
13,217 |
14,032 |
BE2 Easibus Route 2 |
8,807
|
9,959 |
10,503 |
11,456 |
13,266 |
BE3 Easibus Route 3 |
18,532 |
19,019 |
18,389 |
19,275 |
20,494 |
BE4 Easibus Route 4 |
9,693 |
9,382 |
9,361 |
9,011 |
9,144 |
Please note:-
- The above figures include Town Service journeys to Bangor schools but not Education & Library Board pupils with passes.
- Service 3 and 6 are jointly operated by Bangor and Newtownards depots.
Belfast to Bangor Ulsterbus Service
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development how many passengers used the Ulsterbus service between Bangor and Belfast, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 7028/08)
Mr C Murphy: The information is not available in the format requested. Translink records the number of trips undertaken rather than the number of passengers. The number of passenger trips on the Ulsterbus service between Bangor and Belfast for the last five years is as follows:-
Route
|
April 2003 – March 2004 |
April 2004 – March 2005 |
April 2005 – March 2006 |
April 2006 – March 2007 |
April 2007 – March 2008 |
203 Donaghadee – Belfast express via Bangor |
29,769 |
32,852 |
40,722 |
39,892 |
34,349 |
B1/B2/502 Bangor - Belfast |
547,776 |
515,001 |
470,794 |
441,690 |
414,963 |
Please note that figures for service 203 contain some Donaghadee to Bangor only passengers.
Residents' Parking Schemes in North Down
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to extend residents parking schemes to North Down parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 7118/08)
Mr C Murphy: I recently launched the informal consultation process for the introduction of residents’ parking schemes in five areas of inner Belfast. Until the outcome of this consultation and the resolution of problems associated with implementation and operation have been dealt with, it is not intended to commence any further schemes.
However, in relation to the North Down parliamentary constituency, the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan 2015 (BMTP) sets out my Department’s parking policy across the Belfast Metropolitan Area during the Plan period. For the North Down area, the Plan proposes that on-street parking controls are introduced in the urban centre of Bangor, along with more effective enforcement.
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it intends to commence initial parking surveys within residential areas in the centre of Bangor later this year. The areas surveyed will then be prioritised and considered, along with others, for possible inclusion in future residents’ parking schemes.
At present, there are no specific plans to develop residents’ parking schemes elsewhere in the North Down area. However, if there is a specific location that you wish to be considered for a residents parking scheme, officials from my Department’s Roads Service would be happy to include it within a list of areas awaiting preliminary surveys.
Ballyhenry Park and Ride Scheme
Mr Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the Ballyhenry Park and Ride scheme.
(AQW 7130/08)
Mr C Murphy: As the Member will be aware from my reply to his previous question on this issue (AQW 3753/08), my Department has submitted a planning application for a 92 space Park & Ride facility at Ballyhenry Road. I understand that Planning Service presented this planning application to Newtownabbey Borough Council on 6 May 2008 and that the Council requested a decision be deferred pending a response from me to concerns that had been expressed by the Mayor on behalf of the Council.
I can confirm that a response issued on 19 May 2008, advising the Council that my Department remains of the opinion that there is a strong case for the provision of a Park-and-Ride facility at Ballyhenry.
Safety on the Hillhead Road
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what action he is taking to deal with the worsening fissures on the Hillhead Road, Newry and adjoining residential properties, to ensure the safety of those who live there.
(AQW 7147/08)
Mr C Murphy: Further to my answer to the Member’s previous Assembly Question (AQW 3859/08), officials from my Department’s Roads Service have had a number of discussions with local residents affected by the road closure at Hillhead Road.
As you are aware, the upper section of the roadway has been closed to the general public and the condition of the road is being closely monitored. I understand that there have been concerns, expressed in the past few days, that the condition of this section of road may be worsening. I have asked my officials to take advice on this and to discuss it further with residents.
I can also advise that I wrote to the owners of the Drumalane Quarry, on 29 April 2008, asking them to outline urgently how they intend to re-instate full traffic flow on the Hillhead Road and to deal with access to all the properties. I am awaiting their response to this request.
Disabled Access on Buses
Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what priority is given by Translink to people with disabilities and mobility impairments to access spaces made available for wheelchairs on Translink bus services, particularly when these spaces are already occupied by other people or luggage.
(AQW 7170/08)
Mr C Murphy: Translink has been working closely with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), in order to maximise awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and mobility impairments, and in particular, the importance of access to priority seating and wheelchair space. This work includes revising Translink signage to advise passengers clearly of the requirement to vacate easy access space to give preference to wheelchair users.
George Best Belfast City Airport
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans for a public enquiry into the restrictions placed on George Best Belfast City Airport.
(AQW 7198/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have no statutory locus in relation to the restrictions imposed under the Planning Agreement between the Department of the Environment and George Best Belfast City Airport. Therefore, I have no plans for such a public inquiry.
Contracts for Major Road Schemes
Mr Gallagher asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) how many major road schemes were carried out by his Department; and (ii) to list the firms awarded contracts for these schemes in (a) 2004-05; (b) 2005-06; (c) 2006-07; and (d) 2007-08.
(AQW 7249/08)
Mr C Murphy: In total 20 major roads schemes were carried out my Department’s Roads Service in the years specified. Details of these schemes are provided in the table below, which includes the start and completion dates, as well the name of the awarded contractor.
Scheme Name |
Start Date |
Completion Date |
Awarded Contractor |
A8 Belfast to Larne Road – Doagh to Hillhead Road |
24/02/2003 |
27/07/2004 |
John Graham (Dromore) Ltd. |
M1 Blacks Road to Stockmans Lane |
11/08/2003 |
10/08/2004 |
F P McCann |
Foyle Bridge, Londonderry - Strengthening |
22/09/2003 |
31/12/2004 |
Farrens (Construction) Ltd. |
A1 Loughbrickland to Beech Hill |
15/03/2004 |
21/10/2006 |
Whitemountain Quarries Ltd. |
A8 Belfast to Larne Road, Ballynure |
05/04/2004 |
15/03/2005 |
John Graham (Dromore) Ltd. |
A1 Underpass at Hillsborough Road Junction, Dromore |
19/07/2004 |
28/06/2005 |
John Graham (Dromore) Ltd. |
A5 Omagh throughpass – Stage 3 |
26/07/2004 |
13/10/2006 |
Deane Public Works and Gerald Love Contracts |
Bann River Bridge , Portadown - Strengthening |
10/01/2005 |
28/02/2006 |
Farrens (Construction) Ltd. |
A1 Newry to Dundalk Link Road (NI Section) |
01/02/2005 |
02/08/2007 |
SIAC-Ferrovial Joint Venture |
M1/Westlink improvements |
27/02/2006 |
ongoing |
Highway Management (City) Ltd. |
M2 Crosskennan – slip roads at Antrim Hospital |
12/06/2006 |
25/07/2007 |
Highway Management (City) Ltd. |
M2 Widening (Sandyknowes to Greencastle) |
01/03/2007 |
ongoing |
Highway Management (City) Ltd. |
Skeoge Link, Londonderry |
23/04/2007 |
20/03/2008 |
Whitemountain Quarries Ltd. |
A514 Crescent Link, Londonderry |
23/04/2007 |
10/01/2008 |
F P McCann Ltd. |
A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue |
19/12/2007 |
ongoing |
Amey Lagan Roads |
A4 Dungannon to Ballygawley |
13/02/2008 |
ongoing |
Amey Lagan Roads |
A4/A5 Improvements (A4 Annaghilla and Tullyvar) |
13/02/2008 |
ongoing |
Amey Lagan Roads |
A1 Junction Improvements |
01/03/2008 |
ongoing |
Amey Lagan Roads |
A4 Henry Street / Sligo Road |
03/03/2008 |
ongoing |
Lagan Construction |
A20 Newtownards Southern Distributor |
31/03/2008 |
ongoing |
Gibson Bros. |
Schedule of Blasting on the A1
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the schedule of blasting on the A1 up until 1 July 2008.
(AQW 7253/08)
Mr C Murphy: The Contractor undertaking this work has provided Roads Service with the schedule below, detailing blasting operations at Cloghogue between May and the end of June 2008.
Roads Service Design Build Finance Operate Package 2 : Scheme 1 - Beech Hill to Cloghogue
|
||
Schedule of Planned Rock Blasting at Cloghogue - May and June 2008
|
||
Day |
Date |
Comment |
Wednesday |
21 May 2008 |
Road expected to be closed for up to 20 minutes between 11.00am and 3.00pm - delays expected
Road expected to be closed for up to 20 minutes between 11.00am and 3.00pm - delays expected
|
Friday |
23 May 2008 |
|
Monday |
26 May 2008 |
|
Wednesday |
28 May 2008 |
|
Friday |
30 May 2008 |
|
Monday |
02 June 2008 |
|
Wednesday |
04 June 2008 |
|
Friday |
06 June 2008 |
|
Monday |
09 June 2008 |
|
Wednesday |
11 June 2008 |
|
Friday |
13 June 2008 |
|
Monday |
16 June 2008 |
|
Wednesday |
18 June 2008 |
|
Friday |
20 June 2008 |
|
Monday |
23 June 2008 |
|
Wednesday |
25 June 2008 |
|
Friday |
27 June 2008 |
|
Monday |
30 June 2008 |
|
Note - Rock blasting remote from traffic on the A1 Newry Bypass, i.e. in the Derrybeg Lane area, may also take place on any day from Monday-Friday inclusive. |
||
Ballycastle to Rathlin Island Ferry Service
Mr Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the tender for the Ballycastle to Rathlin ferry service.
(AQW 7272/08)
Mr C Murphy: The tender process has been completed. A six-year contract to provide an improved ferry service was awarded to Rathlin Island Ferry Limited on 18 April. With the agreement of the Department, the new operator has arranged with the existing operator, Rathlin Ferries Limited, to take over the service from 1 July 2008.
Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water
Mr Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total amount of the severance package offered to the Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water, on the announcement of her resignation on 20 May 2008.
(AQW 7278/08)
Mr C Murphy: The total amount of the severance package was £266,217.65. (This figure was made up of entitlements of one year’s salary, six months’ pay in lieu of notice and six months’ employer’s pension contribution in lieu of notice under the terms of the NICS Compensation Scheme.)
Residents' Parking Permits
Mr Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development if the proposed cost of £40 for a residents' parking permit in Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets (West) will be fixed for a specific period of time or subject to ongoing review.
(AQW 7284/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service reviews the charges for its on-street and off-street parking facilities on an annual basis and submits any recommendations for changes to me, for consideration. It is intended that the charges for Residents’ Parking Schemes will be considered in future reviews.
Social Development
Contracts for Consultancy Services
Mr Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Development to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services her Department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.
(AQW 6941/08)
The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The consultancy services information for 2005/06 and 2006/07 expands upon consultancy expenditure details provided to the Public Accounts Committee in October 2007. It relates to the Department for Social Development including Agencies.
Number of contracts DSD |
Brief description of contract |
Value of contract |
Consultancy Firm |
|
2004/05 |
NIL |
|
|
|
2005/06 |
3 |
Appointment of an independent member of an Assessment Panel for Foyle Street, Derry, development |
£3160 |
Geoff Wright Aims Ltd |
Urban Regeneration – potential Study – Impact of development/regeneration projects within Belfast City Centre and capacity for future development. |
£50,000 |
GVA Grimley |
||
To prepare additional Economic Appraisals for 3 Community Empowerment partnerships |
£7922 |
Williamson Consulting |
||
2006/07 |
3 |
Strategic Management Consultancy for Northern Ireland Tenants Action project |
£500 |
Redsocks Consulting Ltd |
Anti-Poverty Unit – Strategic Business Review |
£140,000 |
Deloitte MCS Limited |
||
Evaluation of work - North Belfast Community Action Unit |
£20,251 |
Richard Mackenzie |
||
2007/08 |
1 |
Development of a self evaluation model, incorporating information technology for the Community Investment Programme |
£70,500 |
CMB Ltd |
Stress-Related Illness
Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development how many working days were lost by her Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.
(AQW 6985/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is contained in the table and covers the 24 months from April 2006 to March 2008. This information has been provided using data from the NICS Human Resource Management System (HRMS).
MONTH |
DAYS LOST DUE TO STRESS RELATED ILLNESS |
April 2006 |
579 |
May 2006 |
1,190 |
June 2006 |
1,643 |
July 2006 |
1,827 |
August 2006 |
2,309 |
September 2006 |
2,285 |
October 2006 |
2,540 |
November 2006 |
2,385 |
December 2006 |
1,840 |
January 2007 |
1,980 |
February 2007 |
1,822 |
March 2007 |
1,711 |
April 2007 |
1,548 |
May 2007 |
1,957 |
June 2007 |
1,894 |
July 2007 |
1,837 |
August 2007 |
2,181 |
September 2007 |
2,144 |
October 2007 |
2,419 |
November 2007 |
2,583 |
December 2007 |
2,429 |
January 2008 |
2,464 |
February 2008 |
2,081 |
March 2008 |
1,503 |
Citizen's Advice Bureaux
Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, for each of the last 3 years, her Department's funding of Citizen's Advise Bureaux, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 7004/08)
Ms M Ritchie: DSD funding allocated to Citizens Advice Bureaux including the Regional Office and Local Bureaux for 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008 totals £6,408,619. It has been broken down into Council Area and has been detailed in an excel spreadsheet with data table notes in the Assembly Library.
Publicity and Advertising
Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development how much she spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-2008.
(AQW 7013/08)
Ms M Ritchie:
There was a total of £303,061.18 spent on publicity and advertising by the Department for Social Development in 2007-2008 .
Bonfires in Donaghadee
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons why £10,000 has been withdrawn for cleaning up after bonfires in the Ards area, particularly in Donaghadee.
(AQW 7019/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive has not yet received a formal application for funding for the bonfire scheme from Ards Borough Council.
Housing Assocations in North Down
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how many new homes are planned to be built by housing associations in the North Down constituency.
(AQW 7020/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This information is not available by constituency. However, I can say that in 2008/09, housing associations plan to start 200 dwellings in the North Down Borough Council area. I have placed a copy of the full five year Social Housing Development Programme in the Assembly Library.
Women's Centres Regional Partnership
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what processes were used by the Women's Centres Regional Partnership to select Women's Centres; and how open was any competition used in the process.
(AQW 7069/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Women’s Centres Regional Partnership was not involved in the selection of women’s centres. The Women’s Centres Regional Partnership was only established in 2006 the women’s centres supported by my Department had been identified by the Review Group in September 2005.
Women's Centres Regional Partnership
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what processes were used to select directors for the Women's Centres Regional Partnership.
(AQW 7070/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My Department received a funding proposal in early 2006, from four organisations, to deliver support to women’s centres as described in the 2005 Review of Women’s Organisations Delivering Support and Services to Disadvantaged Communities. The Directors of the Women's Centres Regional Partnership are drawn from these four organisations.
Women's Centres Regional Partnership
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Social Development why women's policy groups, women's specialist groups and women's education groups were excluded from the Women's Centres Regional Partnership.
(AQW 7071/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Women's Centres Regional Partnership was established to provide support and advice to 14 women’s centres identified in the 2005 Review of Women’s Organisations Delivering Support and Services to Disadvantaged Communities. In early 2006 my Department received a funding proposal from four organisations to deliver support to women’s centres as described in the 2005 Review of Women’s Organisations Delivering Support and Services to Disadvantaged Communities.
The Review Group did not consider it appropriate for my Department to provide funding for policy groups, specialist groups or education groups where the lead policy responsibility lies with another department.
Women's Centres Regional Partnership
Mr Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to review the governance arrangements for the Women's Centres Regional Partnership.
(AQW 7072/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The governance arrangements for the Women's Centres Regional Partnership will be reviewed later this year.
Multiple Occupations in Houses and Apartments
Mr Campbell asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to deal with the problems associated with apartments and homes in multiple occupation given their impact on permanent home dwellers on the north coast.
(AQO 3579/08)
Ms M Ritchie: While my De partment is responsible for the legislation relating to the management of Houses In Multiple Occupation, the De partment of the Environment, Planning Service also has a role. The Planning (Use Classes) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2004 requires all new proposals for Houses In Multiple Occupation to have planning permission.
The De partment of the Environment has been considering introducing a Houses In Multiple Occupation Subject Plan for Coleraine similar to that introduced for Belfast which caps the development of Houses In Multiple Occupation in an area. However due to legal challenges on Environmental reports for the Northern Area Plan, it is currently not possible to progress the proposal.
Rathgill Housing Estate in Bangor
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how much money is being invested in Rathgill Housing Estate, Bangor to improve housing over the next three years.
(AQW 7099/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive’s proposed capital works programme in Rathgill Estate is as follows:
Scheme |
Dwellings |
Programmed start date |
Scheme value |
2008/09 |
|
|
|
RATHGILL ZONES 4&5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT |
85 |
Feb 2009 |
£136,400 |
|
|
|
|
2009/10 |
|
|
|
RATHGILL ZONE 5 MULTI ELEMENT IMPROVEMENT |
161 |
April 2009 |
£526,142 |
|
|
|
|
2010/11
|
|
|
|
RATHGILL Zone 6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT |
|
April 2010 |
£300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
£962,542 |
In addition normal response and planned maintenance work will be carried out as required.
Breezemount Housing Estate in Bangor
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how much money is being invested in Breezemount Housing Estate, Bangor to improve housing over the next three years.
(AQW 7100/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive has no current plans to carry out capital works to its property in Breezemount Estate over this period as major works totalling some £1.5 million have just been completed. Normal routine and planned maintenance work will continue as required.
Kilcooley Housing Estate in Bangor
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how much money is being invested in Kilcooley Housing Estate, Bangor to improve housing over the next three years.
(AQW 7101/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The table below details the Housing Executive’s proposed capital work programme in Kilcooley Estate for the period requested.
Scheme |
Dwellings |
Programmed start date |
Scheme value |
2008/09 |
|
|
|
KILCOOLEY ZONE 3 HEAT REPLACEMENT |
91 |
01/04/08 |
£331,546 |
KILCOOLEY HEAT ZONE 4 HEAT REPLACEMENT |
35 |
08/03/09 |
£154,000 |
|
|
|
£485,546 |
2009/10 |
|
|
|
KILCOOLEY HEAT ZONE 6 HEAT REPLACEMENT |
61 |
01/04/09 |
£268,400 |
KILCOOLEY ZONE 5(FLATS) MULTI ELEMENT IMPROVEMENT |
18 |
01/10/09 |
£540,000 |
KILCOOLEY 1B MULTI ELEMENT IMPROVEMENT |
20 |
01/11/09 |
£958,000 |
KILCOOLEY ZONE 2 EXTERNAL CYCLICAL MAINTENANCE |
95 |
01/04/09 |
Not yet available |
|
|
|
£1,766,400 |
Total |
|
|
£2,251,946 |
In addition normal response and planned maintenance work will be carried out as required.
New Housing for Markets Area Residents
Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development (i) how many residents in the Markets area have been offered housing or transfer to the new build on the site of the old Cricket Ground on the Lower Ormeau Rd; (ii) how many of those have accepted; and (iii) how many have refused.
(AQW 7128/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Of the 79 properties in Phase 1 of the Clanmil Housing Association scheme at the North Cricket Ground site, 11 offers were made to people in the Markets area. Seven were accepted and 4 were refused.
Neighbourhood Renewal
Ms Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development if the decision to cease funding for Neighbourhood Renewal posts in Derry/Londonderry was a local decision taken by the North West Development Office or a regional decision.
(AQW 7134/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Individual decisions about Neighbourhood Renewal funding in Derry are taken by the North West Development Office in consultation with the relevant Neighbourhood Partnerships and statutory bodies.
Neighbourhood Renewal
Ms Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development if the Post Project Evaluation influenced the decision to cease funding for Neighbourhood Renewal posts in Derry/Londonderry.
(AQW 7135/08)
Ms M Ritchie: In order to determine future funding after 31 March 2008, it was necessary to undertake an evaluation of each project. Decisions were informed by a review of each project including the Post Project Evaluation along with engagement with the Neighbourhood Partnerships and other Government Departments.
Neighbourhood Renewal
Ms Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development why some groups in Derry/Londonderry who are not deemed eligible for Neighbourhood Renewal funding have been told that they would be given at least one year's funding so that alternative sources of revenue could be found.
(AQW 7136/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Department agreed to continue to fund groups delivering Neighbourhood Renewal services and activities which fall under another Department’s statutory responsibility for up to one year whilst officials seek clarification with the relevant statutory body on long-term funding.
The Department is not funding any project or groups in Derry/Londonderry which are deemed ineligible for Neighbourhood Renewal funding.
Neighbourhood Renewal
Ms Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development to clarify what service her Department will fund for family support, early years, youth and community education services following the decision to cease funding for Neighbourhood Renewal posts in Derry/Londonderry.
(AQW 7137/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Department will be offering up to three year contracts to those groups directly delivering on Neighbourhood Renewal priorities. The services mentioned fall under the statutory responsibility of other Government Departments.
Neighbourhood Renewal
Ms Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development to clarify where the underspend in the allocated Neighbourhood Renewal budget will be allocated following the decision to cease funding for Neighbourhood Renewal posts in Derry/Londonderry.
(AQW 7138/08)
Ms M Ritchie:
Special Transitional Allowance
Mrs Long asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions she has held with her counterpart in the United Kingdom Government to address the issue of widows and widowers being denied access to benefits, including the Special Transitional Allowance, previously available to them as part of a married couple.
(AQW 7186/08)
Ms M Ritchie:
Under the previous Supplementary Benefit scheme, a person’s benefit may have included an additional amount of £10 or more to meet the cost of essential private domestic help needed because of, for example, old age or ill health. When the Income Support scheme replaced Supplementary Benefit in April 1988, a Special Transitional Addition was awarded to protect the person’s rate of benefit when they moved from Supplementary Benefit to the Income Support scheme.
A Special Transitional Addition was not awarded to a person claiming Income Support following the death of a partner who had been the Supplementary Benefit recipient. The provisions for Special Transitional Additions correspond to those in Great Britain.
With the exception of the Special Transitional Addition, widows and widowers are not denied access to benefit.
Neighbourhood Renewal
Mr Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Development what financial support her Department has provided to the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme in West Armagh over the last five years.
(AQW 7190/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Over the last five financial years my Department has provided funding of £656,330.94 to support projects in Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area.
Homeless Figures
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how many people are estimated to be homeless.
(AQW 7218/08)
Ms M Ritchie:
At the end of April 2008 a total of 9,863 applicants on the Housing Executive’s waiting list were unintentionally homeless and in priority need for re-housing.
Housing Benefit
Mr McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development to state the qualifying period for someone to receive Housing Benefit when they are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit.
(AQW 7235/08)
Ms M Ritchie: There is no qu alifying period for someone to receive Housing Benefit.
Good Morning North West Project
Mr McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development if she will reconsider her decision to withdraw all support from Good Morning North West given the impact that it will have on the pensioners who avail of its services; and to ask the Minister if she accepts the deep concern in the Foyle constituency about the loss of vital services in areas of multiple deprivation.
(AQW 7237/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Following extensive local consultation with the statutory health authorities, Departmental officials have decided not to continue to fund the Good Morning North West project in the long term. The Department has been funding this health project for three years and I have agreed to continue to provide funding of approximately £60,000 until 31 August 2008 to allow the organisation to make alternative funding arrangements. Furthermore, I am providing around £54,000 to the project promoters, Galliagh Community Development Group for their future work. Therefore, it is inaccurate to suggest that the Department has withdrawn all support for the project. Neighbourhood Renewal is the Executive’s main vehicle for tackling deprivation and disadvantage and is not solely the responsibility of the Department for Social Development.
Street Drinking
Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development if she has any plans to introduce tougher legislation to tackle street drinking.
(AQW 7265/08)
Ms M Ritchie: New powers relating to the public consumption of alcohol have been included in the Criminal Justice ( Northern Ireland) Order 2008 which completed its Parliamentary stages on 7 May 2008. The measures in the Order, which will replace the drinking in public bye-laws, are intended to ensure that problematic drinking can be tackled on the spot in a focused and targeted way . Councils will continue to designate areas where disorder or public nuisance is associated with public drinking. The new provisions will come into effect when councils designate areas under the Order.
Strategic Business Review
Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development how the Strategic Business Review will be implemented in light of the Review of the Policy on Location of Public Sector Jobs.
(AQW 7273/08)
Ms M Ritchie:
The Strategic Business Review (SBR) Project has developed a number of service delivery options, for economic assessment in an Outline Business Case (OBC), in order to identify a preferred option. In developing the options, the Project has taken account of the Executive’s guiding principles on the Location of Public Sector jobs, met with the Bain Review Team and is awaiting the Review report. The preferred option has not yet been approved by DFP and may be subject to change due to a number of other factors including the Bain Review and outcome of public consultation.
Unemployment in the Beechfield Estate in Donaghadee
Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how many people are unemployed and receiving benefits in the Beechfield Estate, Donaghadee.
(AQW 7295/08)
Ms M Ritchie:
This information is not available as relevant details are only held at individual ward level.
Fuel Prices
Ms J McCann asked the Minister for Social Development what recommendations she will make to the Executive to ensure that people on benefits and low income families are given the financial support they need, given the recent rises in fuel costs, and the cost of living in general.
(AQW 7351/08)
Ms M Ritchie: In response to the ever increasing cost of fuel, I have focused work across Government and the wider energy sector in a Task Force on fuel poverty to produce proposals by the end of the summer. These will be aimed at helping those in greatest need during the winter. It is my intention to secure Executive support for a package of appropriate measures. Furthermore, I shall soon be launching a new benefit take-up campaign designed to ensure that the most vulnerable receive their full entitlement to benefit.
CORRIGENDA
Written Answer Booklet of 16 May 2008
(Volume 30, No WA3)
In page WA240, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQW 6078/08) with;
It is not possible to measure directly the impact of PC 03/07, on applications for apartments and other high density developments, which provides the basis for the assessment of all such planning applications, including those which are approved and others which are refused. Good quality developments, which meet the policy requirements, are approved whilst those which do not are either amended during processing of the application, to comply with the requirements of the circular, or refused if they fail to meet the relevant policy tests.
In the consideration of these applications Planning Service ensures that they are assessed against all existing and emerging plans and policies and all other material considerations; applications may be either approved or refused for a variety of reasons including those matters referred to specifically in PC 03/07.
Planning Service development control staff are fully aware of the contents of planning circular PC 03/07 and use this in the assessment of applications for apartments and other high density developments.
Written Answer Booklet of 23 May 2008
(Volume 30, No WA4)
In page WA363, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 6833/08) with;
The requested information is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
NIAS is a regional service and in the event of vehicle non-starts or breakdowns will deploy reserve vehicles held in ambulance stations or the nearest available operational ambulance as appropriate.