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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.

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
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Assembly Commission

Monday 04 August 2008

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Hate Crime
Mr Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action the department is taking to reduce the incidents of hate crime.

(AQW 4967/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): The Executive is committed to tackling hate crimes wherever and however they occur.

While criminal justice matters remain to be transferred, we will work closely with the police service and criminal justice agencies to tackle all aspects of hate crime.

We are engaged with a wide range of partners to tackle hate crime and its causes. We support actions including promoting respect for rights for people with disabilities, youth projects, community bonfire initiatives, flags protocols, conflict resolution, research and reducing sectarian and racist tensions by summer diversionary actions, maintenance of mobile phone network for interface workers. We also support groups working to help minority ethnic people and migrant workers integrate with host communities. We are also currently working on a strategy to deal with discrimination and hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation.

We will shortly bring forward detailed proposals for the "Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future' which was detailed in the PfG. At the core of these proposals will be action primarily to tackle sectarianism, racism and intolerance. The programme will build on some of the excellent work, particularly at the local level, to address the challenges which local communities are facing.

Sexual Orientation Strategy
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the development of a sexual orientation strategy.

(AQW 8237/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Officials are currently working on a draft Equal Opportunity and Anti-discrimination Strategy on Sexual Orientation to be presented to Ministers and the Assembly Committee for consideration in Autumn 2008.

Sexual Orientation Strategy
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to link the sexual orientation strategy with the programme for cohesion, sharing and integration.

(AQW 8238/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness:

The Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) is currently being considered by Ministers and we plan to present our proposals in the near future. The CSI strategy for a shared and better future will deal primarily with sectarianism and racism. The strategy will however cover all groups in our society with an overarching aim to achieve a shared and secure future for all.

Post-Primary Transfer Arrangements
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of whether matters relating to the issue of post-primary transfer arrangements are significant and controversial in accordance with Article 2.4 of the Ministerial Code.

(AQW 8317/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: In relation to whether matters relating to the issue of post-primary transfer arrangements are significant and controversial in accordance with Article 2.4 of the Ministerial Code, we would refer you to the provisions of Assembly Standing Order 19(3).

In addition, the Minister of Education brought a paper to the Executive on a range of issues relating to post-primary transfer for consideration at its meeting on 15 May 2008. The Executive has not yet taken a decision on these issues.

Post-Primary Transfer Arrangements
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what aspects of post-primary transfer arrangements need to be considered and agreed by the Executive, on the basis of Article 2.4(v) of the Ministerial Code, given that the issue was not addressed within the Programme for Government.

(AQW 8318/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: In relation to whether matters relating to the issue of post-primary transfer arrangements are significant and controversial in accordance with Article 2.4 of the Ministerial Code, we would refer you to the provisions of Assembly Standing Order 19(3).

In addition, the Minister of Education brought a paper to the Executive on a range of issues relating to post-primary transfer for consideration at its meeting on 15 May 2008. The Executive has not yet taken a decision on these issues.

Employment Opportunities for People with Learning Disabilities
Ms S Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to ensure that Departments and public bodies are providing equality of employment opportunity to people with learning disabilities.

(AQW 8397/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness:

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995, as amended), requires all public authorities when carrying out its functions to have due regard to the need to:

The DDA 1995, as amended, further required all public authorities, by 30 June 2007, to submit to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) a Disability Action Plan showing how it proposed to fulfil these duties in relation to its functions. In support of this, each public authority is required to report on progress achieved to date (July 2007 to March 2008). ECNI has requested that this should be done via the Section 75 Annual Progress Report. This is currently being completed by all designated public authorities.

Further, Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 places a statutory obligation on all designated public authorities to ensure that they carry out their various functions having due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across 9 social categories, including: persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation; men and women generally; persons with a disability and persons without; and persons with dependants and persons without.

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is required to keep under review the effectiveness of the duties imposed by Section 75, including the requirement to investigate complaints of failure to comply with Section 75; and, in certain circumstances, to make referrals to the Secretary of State.

As an employer, the Northern Ireland Civil Service is subject to the DDA 1995. In addition to its statutory objectives, it regularly reviews its employment policies and practices to ensure they provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement to all, including those with a disability. Departments make reasonable adjustments across the range of employment practices including recruitment and selection, training and development, and working arrangements, to ensure people with disabilities are not disadvantaged compared to non-disabled people. Such adjustments are agreed on a case by case basis to meet the specific needs of individuals, including those with learning disabilities.

Representation in EU Structures
Mrs Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the level and nature of representation of Northern Ireland within the various structures of the European Union, in addition to the 3 MEPs; and the level of engagement of Ministers of the Executive with the European Union in the last 6 months.

(AQW 8530/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness:

Northern Ireland’s representation, excluding MEPs, within the European Union is:

European Body

Northern Ireland Representatives

Committee of the Regions

Councillor Edwin Poots MLA

Councillor Lord Morrow MLA

Councillor Sue Ramsey MLA*

Councillor Bernice Swift

European Economic and Social Committee

Jane Morrice

Michael Smyth

* Sue Ramsey has been nominated to replace Conor Murphy MP, MLA

The level of engagement of Executive Ministers with the European Union over the last six months is:

Date
Details
10 January Minister Gildernew met with Commissioner Fischer Boel and President Barroso in Brussels.
14 March Minister Gildernew met with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels.
1 April Minister Gildernew met with Commissioner Joe Borg in Brussels.
23 June Minister Gildernew attended an Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Luxembourg and met with Commissioner Vassilou.
24 January Minister Dodds attended a reception to promote Aerospace NI in Brussels.
14 April Minister Robinson and Commissioner Hübner launched the 2007-13 European Regional Development Fund Programmes in Belfast.
23 April Minister Empey addressed the European Commission’s Employment and Social Policy Seminar in Belfast.
5 June Minister Empey delivered the opening address at the 5th Annual Anti-Discrimination Conference "Communicating Equality and Non-Discrimination in the EU" in Belfast.
9/10 January

First Minister and deputy First Minister met with President Barroso in Brussels to discuss the Commission’s Northern Ireland Task Force. The visit also included meetings with Commissioners Hübner and Fischer Boel.

14 April Commissioner Hübner formally launched the Northern Ireland Report of the Task Force in Belfast with the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
28 April The First Minister and deputy First Minister in conjunction with the European Economic and Social Committee paid tribute to the PEACE Programme founders in the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. This event preceded an evidence gathering session by the EESC for an ‘own initiative opinion’ on the PEACE Programmes.

In addition, the Junior Ministers within OFMDFM have engaged with the European Union as follows:

9/10 January Both Junior Ministers accompanied the First Minister and deputy First Minister when meeting President Barroso and Commissioners Hübner and Fischer Boel in Brussels.
14 March Junior Minister Donaldson accompanied Minister Gildernew when meeting Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels.
2 April Both Junior Ministers met with Commissioner Hübner in advance of the publication of the Barosso Taskforce report
14 April

Both Junior Ministers attended the formal launch of the Northern Ireland Report of the Task Force in Belfast with Commissioner Hübner.

Definition of Cohesion
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what is its understanding of the concept of 'cohesion' within the context of the forthcoming programme for cohesion, sharing and integration.

(AQW 8531/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government’s overarching aim is ‘to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life now and in years to come’.

In support of this aim one of PfG’s cross cutting themes is ‘A shared and better future for all with equality, fairness, inclusion and the promotion of good relations’ as the watchwords for policies and programmes across government. The Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) will be the overarching strategy to provide a good relations, good race relations and racial equality policy context to achieve the aim.

Development of the CSI Programme is at an advanced stage and will be published for consultation as soon as possible. It will explain in more detail what we mean by the terms ‘cohesion’, ‘sharing’ and ‘integration’. This Strategy aims to build on very significant work, which has been ongoing for a long time, to develop cohesion within and between communities to enhance the already growing mutual respect and to foster integration of new communities.

The terms are used in a manner fully consistent with their dictionary definition.

Definition of Sharing
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what is its understanding of the concept of 'sharing' within the context of the forthcoming programme for cohesion, sharing and integration.

(AQW 8532/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government’s overarching aim is ‘to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life now and in years to come’.

In support of this aim one of PfG’s cross cutting themes is ‘A shared and better future for all with equality, fairness, inclusion and the promotion of good relations’ as the watchwords for policies and programmes across government. The Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) will be the overarching strategy to provide a good relations, good race relations and racial equality policy context to achieve the aim.

Development of the CSI Programme is at an advanced stage and will be published for consultation as soon as possible. It will explain in more detail what we mean by the terms ‘cohesion’, ‘sharing’ and ‘integration’. This Strategy aims to build on very significant work, which has been ongoing for a long time, to develop cohesion within and between communities to enhance the already growing mutual respect and to foster integration of new communities.

The terms are used in a manner fully consistent with their dictionary definition.

Definition of Integration
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what is its understanding of the concept of 'integration' within the context of the forthcoming programme for cohesion, sharing and integration.

(AQW 8533/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government’s overarching aim is ‘to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life now and in years to come’.

In support of this aim one of PfG’s cross cutting themes is ‘A shared and better future for all with equality, fairness, inclusion and the promotion of good relations’ as the watchwords for policies and programmes across government. The Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) will be the overarching strategy to provide a good relations, good race relations and racial equality policy context to achieve the aim.

Development of the CSI Programme is at an advanced stage and will be published for consultation as soon as possible. It will explain in more detail what we mean by the terms ‘cohesion’, ‘sharing’ and ‘integration’. This Strategy aims to build on very significant work, which has been ongoing for a long time, to develop cohesion within and between communities to enhance the already growing mutual respect and to foster integration of new communities.

The terms are used in a manner fully consistent with their dictionary definition.

Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what factors have contributed to the delay in publishing a draft report of the programme for cohesion, sharing and integration.

(AQW 8534/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness:

We are now at an advanced stage of development of the detailed proposals for a ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future’, which was signalled in the Programme for Government. The specific objective (PSA 7.5) commits us to implement the programme during this current year 08/09.

OFMDFM officials briefed the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on the position regarding development of the proposed Programme in early April. The consultation document will be put to the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister shortly.

The new programme will tackle the complex and longstanding issue of sectarianism as well as the more recent issue of racism which is affecting both the established communities as well as new arrivals. It will build on 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. As this policy is pivotal to achieving ‘a peaceful, fair and prosperous society with respect for the rule of law’ we are ensuring that the Programme proposals will contribute to this aim.

We have repeatedly stated our commitment to working towards building a society at ease with itself – a society that is integrated, cohesive and where everyone who lives here is regarded as of equal status and is treated as such – the new programme will work towards this.

Painting of Flags and Kerbstones
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the proliferation of flags and kerbstone painting during the summer on attracting investment to (i) Northern Ireland as a whole; and (ii) particular localities where the displays occur.

(AQW 8709/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Reports on the nature and quantum of flag flying in the summers of 2006 and 2007 were published by OFMDFM in January 2007 and March 2008 respectively. The research is currently being conducted on behalf of OFMDFM, by Queen’s University of Belfast, for July and September of this year. The initial findings should be available in November 2008.

The public display of flags and emblems remains a very widespread issue. However, it is not possible to fully quantify the potential impact that the proliferation of flags and kerbstones painted during the summer has on the economy, or in particular localities where displays occur.

Deprivation and Segregation Linkage in Society
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the correlation between high levels of deprivation and poverty, and high levels of sectarian tensions and segregation in society.

(AQW 8743/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government recognises that continuing evidence of sectarianism; racism and intolerance are blights on our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society. In order to achieve the PfG aim of "a peaceful, fair and prosperous society" it is the goal that "everyone can enjoy a better quality of life now and in years to come"

OFMDFM continues to be committed to addressing the issues of deprivation and poverty and of sectarian tension and segregation. The forthcoming Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration will set out proposals for good relations and good race relations

In addition, in line with the statutory commitment under Section 28 E of Northern Ireland Act 1998 the Executive Committee will shortly consider and agree the adoption of an overall strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need.

Relocation of Revenue and Customs Jobs
Mr McGlone asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what representation has been made to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in relation to the proposed downsizing and relocation of jobs from their offices in Craigavon, Newry and Banbridge.

(AQW 8801/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Changes to the HMRC estate are an internal matter for HM Revenue and Customs. However, following representations from local HMRC employees we have written to the Treasury Minister, the Rt Hon Jane Kennedy MP, raising their concerns.

Halloween Bonfire Complaints
Mr Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many complaints it has received in relation to the possible adverse effect on community relations of Halloween bonfires in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8807/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has no record of any complaints relating to the possible adverse effect on community relations of Halloween bonfires.

Equality Legislation and the Right to Religious Expression
Mr Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to his answer to AQO 4118/08, if it will consider amending all existing equality legislation to include guaranteeing the right to religious expression.

(AQW 8823/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: There are no plans to amend current equality legislation to provide for such a right. The Human Rights Act 1998 provides certain rights in relation to freedom of religion and freedom of expression. In addition, considerable anti-discrimination legislation currently protects the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of religious belief.

Planning Appeals Commission
Mr Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many cases were submitted to the Planning Appeals Commission on the grounds of non-determination in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8828/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness:

The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non-Departmental Public Body. Given its independent tribunal status, it is appropriate for its Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you, and we understand she has written to you in the following terms:

"I have provided in the table below, figures for the intake of appeals which were submitted to the Planning Appeals Commission on the grounds of non-determination in each of the last five financial years.

 

Year

03/04

04/05

05/06

06/07

07/08

Appeals received

111

261

250

416

35

I would be happy to provide any further information you require arising out of this response or to meet with you to discuss the matter if that would be more suitable."

Changing Times Stormont Magazine

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how much money has been spent on the Changing Times Stormont magazine.

(AQW 8848/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Executive Information Service has not incurred any expenditure in relation to this document to date. However the indication is that the cost of the preparatory work is likely to be between £7,000 and £8,000. The exact figure has yet to be agreed with the service provider and we will be invoiced accordingly.

2008 Belfast Gay Pride Parade
Mr Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how much funding it is allocating to the 2008 Belfast Gay Pride Parade.

(AQW 8860/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSO) has contributed to the 2007 and 2008 Belfast Gay Pride Parade, awarding £5,750 and £5,000 respectively, from a short term fund of £230,000 which was awarded by the previous Direct Rule administration.

The broad purposes of the fund include improving community relations, helping build capacity, and helping others understand the issues faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people, such as social exclusion and marginalisation. The Fund is administered by the Coalition on Sexual Orientation, an umbrella group for the sector.

Emerald Fund
Mr O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it is encouraging Departments and their Agencies to seek funding from the Emerald Fund.

(AQW 8907/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: While we very much welcome the creation of the Fund, it is important to note that it would not be an additional source of funds that Departments can simply access to top-up public expenditure allocations contained in the Budget.

The precise operation of the Emerald Fund is still under development, but we understand that this could also include areas of infrastructure provision that fall within the private sector such as energy and telecommunications.

Emerald Fund
Mr O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if the Executive has taken a decision on the merits of Departments bidding for additional resources from the Emerald Fund.

(AQW 8908/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: While we very much welcome the creation of the Fund, it is important to note that it would not be an additional source of funds that Departments can simply access to top-up public expenditure allocations contained in the Budget.

The precise operation of the Emerald Fund is still under development, but we understand that this could also include areas of infrastructure provision that fall within the private sector such as energy and telecommunications.

Emerald Fund
Mr O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it has issued guidelines to other Departments in relation to bidding for additional resources from the Emerald fund.

(AQW 8909/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: While we very much welcome the creation of the Fund, it is important to note that it would not be an additional source of funds that Departments can simply access to top-up public expenditure allocations contained in the Budget.

The precise operation of the Emerald Fund is still under development, but we understand that this could also include areas of infrastructure provision that fall within the private sector such as energy and telecommunications.

Planning Appeals

Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking to expedite extensions and dwelling applications for disabled people, referred to the Planning Appeals Commission, to ensure that these cases are dealt with as soon as possible.

(AQW 8927/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non-Departmental Public Body. Given its independent tribunal status it is appropriate for its Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you, and we understand she has written to you in the following terms:

"I have been asked to provide you with information requested in the above Assembly Question.

The Planning Appeals Commission deals with appeals in the order in which they are received. By adopting this approach it ensures that all appellants are treated equally and fairly. The procedures used by the Planning Appeals Commission are available via the Commissions website at www.pacni.gov.uk.

I would be happy to provide any further information you require arising out of this response or to meet with you to discuss the matter if that would be more suitable "

Cost of Living Sub-Committee

Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the role a Cost of Living Sub-Committee would play in eradicating child poverty.

(AQW 8931/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: We recognise that recent, well publicised increases in fuel and energy costs are having an impact on the cost of living for all of us. We also recognise that it is to be expected that those most vulnerable and less well-off in our society will feel the effects of these price increases more acutely.

The Executive will soon consider proposals in respect of its adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion and patterns of deprivation, in line with its statutory obligation. These considerations will take account of the recommendations of the OFMDFM Committee following its inquiry into child poverty here.

The proposals include the establishment of an Executive Sub-Committee to agree and monitor key actions in relation to poverty. These actions will be taken forward in a co-ordinated way across Departments to deliver our commitments within the Programme for Government, to eliminate poverty.

Within its considerations the Executive will look at any proposals to establish a sub-committee.

Mixed Workplaces

Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister the proportion of (i) Protestants; and (ii) people from mixed or other backgrounds, who would avoid working or applying for a job in an area perceived as Catholic/Nationalist, based on the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey and other reports.

(AQW 8951/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: In the results of the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, 9% of Protestants said that, if applying for a job they would definitely avoid workplaces situated in a mainly Catholic area and a further 20% said that they would probably avoid such workplaces. The figures for Catholics who said that they would avoid workplaces situated in a mainly Protestant area were 9% (definitely) and 25% (probably).

It is not possible to provide figures for the second part of either of these questions because firstly, the number of respondents falling into the mixed or other background is too small for meaningful analysis.

Figures are available for those respondents who described themselves as having no religion; 3% within this group said that when applying for a job they would definitely avoid workplaces situated in a mainly Catholic area and a further 16% said that they would probably avoid such workplaces. The equivalent figures for workplaces situated in a mainly Protestant area were 3% and 5%, respectively.

We are unaware of any other reports that have specifically investigated the likelihood of the general public to avoid working or applying for a job in areas that are perceived to be Protestant/Unionist or Catholic/Nationalist.

Mixed Workplaces
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister the proportion of (i) Catholics; and (ii) people from mixed or other backgrounds, who would avoid working or applying for a job in an area perceived as Protestant/Unionist, based on the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey and other reports.

(AQW 8952/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: In the results of the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, 9% of Protestants said that, if applying for a job they would definitely avoid workplaces situated in a mainly Catholic area and a further 20% said that they would probably avoid such workplaces. The figures for Catholics who said that they would avoid workplaces situated in a mainly Protestant area were 9% (definitely) and 25% (probably).

It is not possible to provide figures for the second part of either of these questions because firstly, the number of respondents falling into the mixed or other background is too small for meaningful analysis.

Figures are available for those respondents who described themselves as having no religion; 3% within this group said that when applying for a job they would definitely avoid workplaces situated in a mainly Catholic area and a further 16% said that they would probably avoid such workplaces. The equivalent figures for workplaces situated in a mainly Protestant area were 3% and 5%, respectively.

We are unaware of any other reports that have specifically investigated the likelihood of the general public to avoid working or applying for a job in areas that are perceived to be Protestant/Unionist or Catholic/Nationalist.

Mixed Workplaces
Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the desire for mixed workplaces, based on the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey and other reports.

(AQW 8953/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: The Programme for Government commits us to "A shared and better future for all". It also makes the commitment that "equality, fairness, inclusion and the promotion of good relations will be watchwords for all of our policies and programmes across Government". It is our policy to promote a society that is integrated and one that is based on tolerance and respect for cultural diversity. Successful integration in the workplace would go someway toward achieving such a society.

Land and Property Vested at the Maze Site
Mr Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail all the land vested in 1941 and 1942 by the Secretary of State for Air and administered by the then Northern Ireland Ministry of Finance, to build the airfield at Long Kesh/Maze, including (i) names of the previous owners; (ii) acreages vested; (iii) details and references of the land registry folios; (iv) the date of vesting; and (v) the compensation paid in each case.

(AQW 8976/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Only limited information is available within the Department in relation to the land and property vested at the Maze/Long Kesh site. The majority of the detailed information requested is held at the Land Registry Office (LRO).

Folio No 28613 County Down contains the details of all registered and unregistered land vested between 7 October 1941 and 18 November 1942 to create the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Details of the previous owners, acreage vested, and compensation paid is held on the Land Certificates and Transfer Deeds which are available from the Land Registry Office (LRO) at a small cost. There were 48 vestings and upward of 56 transfer deeds involved in the process.

Concerning land vested after 1942, Folio No 29420 County Down and Folio No 30155 County Down respectively contains details of a north western corner of the site acquired by the Ministry of Supply on 16 November 1950 and two very small pieces of land acquired by the Ministry of Supply in 1951.

All buildings and structures currently on the site form part of the vested property.

Some of the original land vested has been resold and Folio Numbers DN 62786, 29420 and 30155 County Down specify the current land holding for the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Land and Property Vested at the Maze Site
Mr Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail all the previously unregistered land vested in 1941 and 1942 by the Secretary of State for Air and administered by the then Northern Ireland Ministry of Finance, to build the airfield at Long Kesh/Maze, including (i) names of the previous owners; (ii) acreages vested; (iii) details and references of the land registry folios; (iv) the date of vesting; and (v) the compensation paid in each case.

(AQW 8977/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Only limited information is available within the Department in relation to the land and property vested at the Maze/Long Kesh site. The majority of the detailed information requested is held at the Land Registry Office (LRO).

Folio No 28613 County Down contains the details of all registered and unregistered land vested between 7 October 1941 and 18 November 1942 to create the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Details of the previous owners, acreage vested, and compensation paid is held on the Land Certificates and Transfer Deeds which are available from the Land Registry Office (LRO) at a small cost. There were 48 vestings and upward of 56 transfer deeds involved in the process.

Concerning land vested after 1942, Folio No 29420 County Down and Folio No 30155 County Down respectively contains details of a north western corner of the site acquired by the Ministry of Supply on 16 November 1950 and two very small pieces of land acquired by the Ministry of Supply in 1951.

All buildings and structures currently on the site form part of the vested property.

Some of the original land vested has been resold and Folio Numbers DN 62786, 29420 and 30155 County Down specify the current land holding for the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Land and Property Vested at the Maze Site
Mr Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any land vested by any Northern Ireland or Whitehall Government Department, subsequent to 1942, which was incorporated into the Long Kesh/Maze site, including (i) names of the previous owners; (ii) acreages vested; (iii) details and references of the land registry folios; (iv) the date of vesting; and (v) the compensation paid in each case.

(AQW 8978/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Only limited information is available within the Department in relation to the land and property vested at the Maze/Long Kesh site. The majority of the detailed information requested is held at the Land Registry Office (LRO).

Folio No 28613 County Down contains the details of all registered and unregistered land vested between 7 October 1941 and 18 November 1942 to create the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Details of the previous owners, acreage vested, and compensation paid is held on the Land Certificates and Transfer Deeds which are available from the Land Registry Office (LRO) at a small cost. There were 48 vestings and upward of 56 transfer deeds involved in the process.

Concerning land vested after 1942, Folio No 29420 County Down and Folio No 30155 County Down respectively contains details of a north western corner of the site acquired by the Ministry of Supply on 16 November 1950 and two very small pieces of land acquired by the Ministry of Supply in 1951.

All buildings and structures currently on the site form part of the vested property.

Some of the original land vested has been resold and Folio Numbers DN 62786, 29420 and 30155 County Down specify the current land holding for the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Land and Property Vested at the Maze Site
Mr Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail all properties, with relevant folio references, which make up the entirety of the Long Kesh/Maze site.

(AQW 8979/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Only limited information is available within the Department in relation to the land and property vested at the Maze/Long Kesh site. The majority of the detailed information requested is held at the Land Registry Office (LRO).

Folio No 28613 County Down contains the details of all registered and unregistered land vested between 7 October 1941 and 18 November 1942 to create the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Details of the previous owners, acreage vested, and compensation paid is held on the Land Certificates and Transfer Deeds which are available from the Land Registry Office (LRO) at a small cost. There were 48 vestings and upward of 56 transfer deeds involved in the process.

Concerning land vested after 1942, Folio No 29420 County Down and Folio No 30155 County Down respectively contains details of a north western corner of the site acquired by the Ministry of Supply on 16 November 1950 and two very small pieces of land acquired by the Ministry of Supply in 1951.

All buildings and structures currently on the site form part of the vested property.

Some of the original land vested has been resold and Folio Numbers DN 62786, 29420 and 30155 County Down specify the current land holding for the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Land and Property Vested at the Maze Site
Mr Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any facilities vested in 1941 and 1942 by the Secretary of State for Air and administered by the then Northern Ireland Ministry of Finance, to build the airfield at Long Kesh/Maze.

(AQW 8982/08)

Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness: Only limited information is available within the Department in relation to the land and property vested at the Maze/Long Kesh site. The majority of the detailed information requested is held at the Land Registry Office (LRO).

Folio No 28613 County Down contains the details of all registered and unregistered land vested between 7 October 1941 and 18 November 1942 to create the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Details of the previous owners, acreage vested, and compensation paid is held on the Land Certificates and Transfer Deeds which are available from the Land Registry Office (LRO) at a small cost. There were 48 vestings and upward of 56 transfer deeds involved in the process.

Concerning land vested after 1942, Folio No 29420 County Down and Folio No 30155 County Down respectively contains details of a north western corner of the site acquired by the Ministry of Supply on 16 November 1950 and two very small pieces of land acquired by the Ministry of Supply in 1951.

All buildings and structures currently on the site form part of the vested property.

Some of the original land vested has been resold and Folio Numbers DN 62786, 29420 and 30155 County Down specify the current land holding for the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Bio-Fuel Production
Mr Gardiner asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what acreage of the total agricultural land available is under cultivation for bio-fuels and what does this represent as a percentage of the total available agricultural land.

(AQW 8582/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): In relation to liquid bio-fuel production, agriculture within the North is predominantly grass based, with only 3 per cent devoted to cereal and oilseed crops in 2007. However, areas of both cropping and oilseed rape have been considerably higher in the past than at present.

The last two Farm Census Surveys indicate that 470 hectares of oilseed rape was planted in June 2006 and this dropped slightly to 397 hectares in June 2007. A very small proportion of this will have been used for the production of bio-fuel and mainly used to fuel on farm vehicles.

Current market conditions are more attractive to the arable sector for the growing of cereal crops rather than energy crops.

In the absence of any significant change in land use patterns, the quantities of cereals and oilseeds grown in the North could not support significant biodiesel/bio-ethanol production.

In relation to biomass production, DARD estimates that in the region of 800 hectares of SRC willow have been established. This represents less that 0.1% of the total available agricultural land.

Flood Defence Programme
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her flood defence programme; how the programme will be extended over the next ten years; on what evidence her plans are based; and what budgetary provision she has made, or plans to make, to meet these obligations.

(AQW 8596/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Rivers Agency’s Flood defence programme within its current Business Plan includes the following main activities:-

The Agency has a detailed 5 year programme of Capital expenditure, with current funding at £6m, per year which contains projects associated with the main elements mentioned above. The Agency has a prioritised programme of capital works schemes which comprise River and Coastal Flood Defence, Drainage infrastructure and Repair Schemes.

The Agency’s programme also encompasses broader Flood Management – the requirement for more sustainable approaches to managing flood risk. These include production of strategic Flood Mapping for use in the identification of areas at risk from flooding and, as a consultee of DOE Planning Service, the prevention of development taking place in such areas.

The EU Directive on the Assessment and Management of Floods (Floods Directive) has been adopted and is creating a significant impact and new obligations for Rivers Agency as the competent authority under the Directive as transposed in Northern Ireland. These include assessment of areas at risk of flooding, mapping and the production of Management Plans by 2015. This Directive is key to the future direction of the Agency’s management of flooding and its constituent parts. Appropriate budgetary provision will be made to meet these obligations.

Environmental protection and adaptation to climate change are also important issues for the Agency in taking forward its flood defence programme.

Rural White Paper

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when will she initiate the Rural White Paper and when will the consultation process be completed.

(AQW 8668/08)

Ms M Gildernew: On 24 April, the Executive agreed my proposal to develop a Rural White Paper. I am in the process of establishing a Rural Policy Committee, chaired by myself and made up of senior officials from all Departments, to develop the Rural White Paper. A new team is also being established in DARD to progress this important piece of work. I am also currently considering how best to involve stakeholders in the development of this paper.

Preparation of the paper will take time if we are to aim for a meaningful outcome, and it is my intention to produce initial proposals for the Executive by the end of 2008. If agreed, these proposals will then be developed during 2009 into a wide ranging Rural White Paper with subsequent full public consultation on the document.

Cycle Trail at Cairn Wood

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if the Forestry Service allows access to cyclists at Cairn Wood near Bangor.

(AQW 8671/08)

Ms M Gildernew: No access is permitted at Cairn Wood for cyclists. This is a small area of forest that has not been developed for cycling. Cairn Wood has not been considered suitable for development for cycling due to its small size, existing levels of public access, steep slopes and limited infrastructure.

Cycle Trail at Cairn Wood

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will direct the Forestry Service to investigate the possibility of providing a family cycle trail at Cairn Wood near Bangor.

(AQW 8672/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Considerable work has already been undertaken by interested parties and government agencies, including Forest Service, to establish a strategic approach to the development of off- road cycling, including the provision of family cycle trails.

This work has considered a wide range of factors relating to the suitability of sites for development. Family cycle trails have been constructed within three of the Department’s forests, taking account of these factors, which offered sufficient scope to accommodate a suitable trail of reasonable length, whilst avoiding safety issues arising from steep slopes. Cairn Wood, due to its size and topography and lack of general infrastructure, is considered to be not suitable and Forest Service has no further plans for such provision.

Rural Childcare Opportunities in Northern Ireland

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that rural childcare opportunities are widely available across Northern Ireland.

(AQW 8678/08)

Ms M Gildernew: In July 2007 I initiated the Rural Childcare Stakeholder Group and was pleased to present its report "Rural Childcare, Investing in the Future" to the Ministerial Sub Committee on Children and Young People in March 2008. This Sub-Committee is considering the cross cutting recommendations of this report.

My officials are developing a Rural Childcare Programme to be open for applications before the end of 2008. This will be funded from the Department’s budget for Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Measures.

Further childcare funding opportunities will be available from the NI Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013 under Axis 3 "quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy" measures. It will be open to the Local Action Groups in developing strategies for their areas to propose appropriate childcare measures.

Local Postal Services

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration has been given and what progress has been made by her Department to utilise the Post Office as a source, agency or outlet for the delivery of its services as outlined in the May 2008 report of the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee, 'Report of the Committee’s Consideration of, and Proposals for, Partnership that could Enhance the Economic Case for Viable Local Postal Services'.

(AQW 8690/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Ad Hoc Committee on Local Postal Services’ Report made a number of recommendations to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) concerning the future of Postal Services and the Post Office network.Junior Minister Donaldson and Junior Minister Kelly wrote to Executive Ministers on 21 April asking them to consider whether any further public services could be delivered through post offices.

Within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development we have been unable to identify any services that could be delivered through Post Offices. We will continue to look at opportunities as they arise to consider whether any new public service could be delivered through the Post Office although these would be subject to the appropriate NI procurement policy.

Grants to Assist the Farming Community

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (i) for an inventory of grants which are available from the Department to assist the farming community; and (ii) the purposes, objectives and eligibility criteria for these grants.

(AQW 8802/08)

Ms M Gildernew: A table listing the grants available to assist the farming community has been placed in the Assembly Library (subsidy schemes have been excluded from this information).

Safety on Farms

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with Farmers' Unions to improve safety on farms.

(AQW 8827/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have not had specific discussions with the Farmers’ Unions regarding the improvement of safety on farms, because responsibility for farm safety lies with the Health and Safety Executive for NI within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

I am however, very conscious of the risks and dangers faced by farmers as they carry out their work. Improving safety and preventing accidents on farm is included as an integral component of the further and higher education programmes delivered by my Department through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, (CAFRE).

Students enrolled on these programmes receive training in the safe use and operation of farm machinery, safe movement and handling of livestock, safe use of pesticides, emergency first aid procedures and safe lifting techniques.

CAFRE also offers a similar range of health and safety related training courses for farmers and family farm members. These courses are delivered at the CAFRE Campuses and at local outreach centres throughout the North.

Development Service of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what strategies she is considering to encourage young people to stay at work on the farm.

(AQW 8890/08)

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

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

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

As well as its considerable education programme, my Department offers financial assistance to new entrants to the farming industry. The New Entrants Scheme is open to young farmers under 40 who possess adequate competence and are setting up as head of holding for the first time. The scheme provides an interest rate subsidy on loans for eligible projects that add value and make a positive impact on the farming industry and the NI rural economy.

There are also a number of measures within the NIRDP which are designed to support farmers who wish to stay at work on the farm. For example, benchmarking, focus farms, and supply chain measures, as well as the reskilling/upskilling measure which has been aligned with the NIRDP.

Damage to Wind Turbines
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many wind turbines have broken and caused damage; and what steps she is taking to prevent further damage and possible injury.

(AQW 8901/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department provided financial assistance to 26 applicants to the Wind Energy for Rural Business scheme under the E.U. Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity. I am very concerned that serious problems have occurred, primarily with regards to the make of turbine supplied to 11 of these applicants. It is my understanding that when damage to property was reported, the manufacturers of the machines in question immediately requested that all 11 applicants with these turbines cease to operate them until the problems were rectified.

I further understand that the manufacturer has committed to resolving the problems under warranty and that a test turbine has been installed with the aim of identifying and rolling out modifications, to all problem turbines. This has, regrettably become a protracted process.

While my Department has no legal standing in the contractual relationship between the supplier/manufacturer and the rural businesses, it is nevertheless keen to assist further, if possible, in helping to bring about a satisfactory resolution to this situation. To that end, a review has been commissioned, by the Department, to investigate the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the scheme, with the intention of identifying potential options for resolution.

As part of the review a professional engineer will be employed to assess technical aspects of the project, the compliance of parties to their contract obligations, and to provide advice on whether these turbines can be made operational.


It is intended that the review will report in September.

Sale of Crossnacreevy site
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she intends to proceed with the sale of the Crossnacreevy site, in light of its much reduced value.

(AQW 8929/08)

Ms M Gildernew: No final decision has yet been taken regarding the possible sale of the Crossnacreevy site. That decision will be guided by an overall assessment of the costs and benefits of re-locating the AFBI functions currently undertaken at Crossnacreevy, AFBI’s future estate needs across its entire business and the possible proceeds from the disposal of the Crossnacreevy site. AFBI is currently developing a business case that will inform this assessment.

Crossnacreevy Site Devaluation
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what effect the reduced value of the Crossnacreevy site will have on her budgetary plans.

(AQW 8930/08)

Ms M Gildernew: DFP has been advised that the sale of the Crossnacreevy site would be unlikely to generate a receipt of £200m in 2010/11 but there has been no amendment to the Department’s budgetary plans to date. An assessment of the position of Departments in relation to Capital requirements and receipt targets is to be carried out in the context of a Strategic Stocktake in the autumn. This will consider the position at NI Block level and take into account the ten year ISNI programme of some £1,900m.

Crossnacreevy Site Valuation and Farmers' Grants
Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development will there be any affect on the delivery of promised grants to farmers as a result of the devaluation of the Crossnacreevy site.

(AQW 8932/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There are no indications at this stage that there will be any effect on the delivery of grants to farmers. DFP has been advised that the sale of the Crossnacreevy site would be unlikely to generate a receipt of £200m in 2010/11 but there has been no amendment to the Department’s budgetary plans. An assessment of the position of Departments in relation to Capital requirements and receipt targets is to be carried out in the context of a Strategic Stocktake in the autumn. This will consider the position at NI Block level and take into account the ten year ISNI programme of some £1,900m.

Pig Producers
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many pig producers were operating in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 8954/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Number of Pig Farms operating in the last 3 years

Year Number of Pig Farms
2005 438
2006 452
2007 490

 

 

 

 

As most pig farmers only have one pig holding, the number of farms is a good approximation to the number of pig producers.

Pig Meat Imports

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much pig meat was imported in each of the last three years.

(AQW 8955/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development does not maintain this information centrally. Pig meat of EU origin can move freely between Member States. Information does exist in relation to imports from a Third Country direct to here. However, information does not exist in relation to indirect importations. This is due to the fact that once imports from countries outside the European Union enter through the Border Inspection Post (BIP) in any Member State, they are issued with a Common Veterinary Entry Document which permits them to move freely within the EU. Under EU Trade rules, these products are permitted to move freely within the EU.

Table A below details the imports of pig meat directly from Third Countries to here.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board maintain figures for pig meat imports into the UK as a whole. These figures are detailed in Table B below.

TABLE A- PIG MEAT IMPORTED DIRECT FROM THIRD COUNTRIES.
(‘000 Tonnes) 2005 2006 2007 Jan-June 2008
  23.9 0.0 0.0 0.0
TABLE B- UK PIG MEAT IMPORTS
(‘000 tonnes) 2005 2006

2007

Jan-April 2008
  432.0 458.8 465.1 147.3

Source: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Red Meat Imports
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much red meat was imported in each of the last three years.

(AQW 8956/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development does not maintain this information centrally. Red meat of EU origin can move freely between Member States. Information does exist in relation to imports from a Third Country direct to here. However, information does not exist in relation to indirect importations. This is due to the fact that once imports from countries outside the European Union enter through the Border Inspection Post (BIP) in any Member State; they are issued with a Common Veterinary Entry Document which permits them to move freely within the EU. Under EU Trade rules, these products are permitted to move freely within the EU.

Table A details the imports of red meat directly from Third Countries to here.

The Livestock and Meat Commission monitor and maintain figures of beef imports to the UK. Similarly the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board maintain figures for lamb imports into the UK as a whole. The composite figures are detailed in Table B and C below respectively.

TABLE A –RED MEAT IMPORTED DIRECTLY FROM THIRD COUNTRIES
(‘000 Tonnes) 2005 2006 2007 Jan-June 2008
Lamb 2391.2 550.1 1,450.4 543.4
Beef 0.0 49.6 124.5 73.1
Venison 0.0 28.6 0.0 16.7
TABLE B- UK BEEF IMPORTS
(‘000 tonnes) 2005 2006

2007

Jan-April 2008
         
Total imports 239.9 235.7 238.3 79.2
         
from EU-27 176.4 180.1 184.8 62.9
from non EU-27 63.5 55.5 53.5 16.3
         
Main Sources  
ROI 136.5 145.0 145.9 48.7
Brazil 32.2 28.6 25.9 5.5
         
Other Sources  
Germany 9.2 11.0 12.9 3.9
The Netherlands 12.7 12.8 15.3 5.1
Uruguay 7.0 7.6 9.3 6.6
Australia 4.7 6.2 4.0 0.9
Namibia 5.9 3.5 4.8 **
Botswana 3.5 2.4 3.9 **
Argentina 9.1 5.0 3.5 1.7

Source: Meat and Livestock Commission

** No figures available

TABLE C-UK LAMB IMPORTS

(‘000 tonnes) 2005 2006

2007

Jan-April 2008
Lamb 110.1 113.8 114.1 44.7

Source: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Sale of Red Meat
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what percentage of total meat sales has red meat sales represented in each of the last three years, and what steps are being taken to increase the sale of red meat.

(AQW 8957/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The most up to date information which DARD has available on meat sales relates to 2005. I can therefore provide the figures for 2005 and the two previous years. The value of red meat sold in the North as a percentage of the total value of all meat sold here in 2003, 2004 and 2005 was 58.5%, 57.3% and 58.7% respectively.

With regard to your point about increasing red meat sales, you should note that EU State Aid Rules place severe constraints on the use of Government funds for promotional activities, therefore DARD cannot provide direct funding for marketing or advertising of red meat in the North of Ireland.

The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is responsible for the promotion of red meat in the domestic and export markets. Promotional activities aimed at the domestic market include; a press and television campaign highlighting the importance of red meat as part of a balanced diet; provision of advertising posters for butchers’ shops and promoting Farm Quality Assured beef.

For the export market, the LMC is heavily involved in major international red meat trade shows, such as ANUGA in Germany and SIAL in France.

I understand also that Invest NI has developed a focused export trade model to target specific export markets and facilitate trade visits by red meat processing companies. Invest NI work closely with the LMC in delivering this initiative and have arranged trade missions to Italy, Sweden, Norway and Spain.

Loughs Agency Employees
Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action her Department is taking to bring about a resolution to the current industrial action which has been undertaken by Loughs Agency field staff.

(AQW 8984/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Loughs Agency has advised that it has provided two proposals to Field Staff to address issues related to the current industrial action and met union officials on Tuesday 8th July 2008 to discuss these.

At that meeting it was agreed that the Agency would write to each of the field staff detailing these proposals and their impact on each individual to enable full consideration to be given to them.

The Agency and the representatives of the field staff have agreed to meet again when the Trade Unions have consulted further with their members.

Loughs Agency Employees
Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if Loughs Agency field staff are entitled to pay and conditions similar to those of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

(AQW 8987/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The staff of the Agency are not NI Civil Servants and the Conditions of employment are different from those of the NI Civil Service.

At a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission Sector Meeting on 5th July 2000 it was confirmed that the pay of the staff of the Loughs Agency would continue to be linked to the appropriate pay scales in the NI Civil Service.

The July 2000 decision also confirmed the maintenance of the then conditions of employment, but agreed that these could be reviewed on completion of a staff review. The review of staffing was undertaken and implementation was completed in early 2007. At this point a review of the conditions of service of the Loughs Agency was implemented.

Loughs Agency Employees
Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will include fisheries officers in the Loughs Agency on the list of employees who are entitled to an all hours worked allowance.

(AQW 8988/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The proposals which the Loughs Agency has made to recognise the unsocial hours worked by staff will apply to all of their field staff.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Paramilitary Murals
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what finance the Arts Council has made available to assist in the removal of paramilitary murals in estates in 2008.

(AQW 8437/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr G Campbell): On 10 July 2006 the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure launched the Re-imaging Communities Programme. The objective of the initiative was to help people feel part of and pride in the communities in which they live by enhancing the physical and natural environment and removing displays of sectarian aggression and intimidation from the public realm.

The Arts Council has allocated £750k from its Lottery budget to the Re-imaging Communities programme in the 2008/09 financial year. The funds are not simply for the removal of paramilitary murals, but include the replacement of these with artworks which express community pride and aspirations.

Paramilitary Murals
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money the Arts Council set aside for the removal of paramilitary murals in the last 3 years.

(AQW 8438/08)

Mr G Campbell: The value of the Re-Imaging Communities programme is £3.3m over 3 years, 2006 to 2009. It includes a Lottery allocation of £750k from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The Arts Council allocation will be awarded in full in July 2008.

The funds are not simply for the removal of paramilitary murals, but include the replacement of these with artworks which express community pride and aspirations.

Promoting Interest in Genealogy
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to promote interest in genealogy, especially for people from the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

(AQW 8439/08)

Mr G Campbell: A major project the Electronic Catalogue for Northern Ireland [eCATNI], to make the detailed catalogues of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) available and searchable on-line will be available by the end of this year; this will open up PRONI’s archives to a world-wide audience and particularly for genealogical research.

In addition, PRONI has re-designed its website which now includes specific pages on genealogy to guide the overseas visitor to the archives available in PRONI for genealogical research as well as lots of helpful advice to potential customers wanting to use the archives in PRONI.

In addition, PRONI has re-designed its website (launched in January 2008) which now includes specific pages on genealogy to guide the overseas visitor to the archives available in PRONI for genealogical research. It also has lots of helpful advice to potential customers wanting to use the archives in PRONI as well as details of our enquiry service which makes PRONI more accessible to overseas enquirers.

PRONI’s Public Service Agreement targets include the production of databases to a wide range of archives that will assist overseas customers to access the wealth of archival resources held in PRONI.

A number of overseas engagements in recent times have provided unique opportunities to promote interest in genealogy including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC last year.

Bookstart Scheme
Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure the percentage uptake of the Bookstart Scheme to date; what plans his Department has to improve the uptake of the scheme; and how the scheme can play a role in raising literacy standards.

(AQW 8557/08)

Mr G Campbell: My Department provided additional funding of £312k in March 2008 for the marketing, support and distribution of Bookstart packs. The Education and Library Boards purchased enough Baby packs and Bookstart Treasure Chests to enable 100% coverage across Northern Ireland in 2008/09 for both schemes. I understand that Bookstart Plus is delivered in partnership with Surestart, in selected areas, with Surestart funding.

I understand that DE is currently reviewing its literacy and numeracy strategies which will include the promotion of reading materials for pre-school children. DCAL can make a positive contribution to improving pre-school children’s literacy through its network of public libraries and will continue to support the Department of Education, as lead Department, in progressing this aim.

Research evidence shows children who have been introduced to books from an early age attain higher literacy standards by the time they reach school age. The Bookstart scheme promotes early language development and a love of books by encouraging parents to share books with their children.

Northern Ireland Events Company
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2449/08, when his department was made aware of discrepancies in PAYE, National Insurance, and VAT payments at the Northern Ireland Events Company; and to outline what action officials took as a result.

(AQW 8619/08)

Mr G Campbell: The draft independent review report of the circumstances involved in the deficit at the Northern Ireland Events Company contains a number of matters of some public concern. Although, there is no specific reference to discrepancies in PAYE, National Insurance and VAT payments within the Company, reference is made to a then ongoing VAT inspection and the requirement by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to clarify certain information. The Department has only subsequently been made aware of possible VAT issues within the Company.

Northern Ireland Events Company
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2452/08, what the extent of the Northern Ireland Events Company overspend was at the end of the 2005-06 financial year; and to outline what action was taken by departmental officials as a result of that overspend.

(AQW 8620/08)

Mr G Campbell: In November 2006, the Department received Northern Ireland Events Company accounts for 2005-2006 showing net current liabilities at 30 March 2006 of £88,763. This figure was arrived at by deducting the amount owed to creditors (£631,302) from current assets (stated as £542,211). Departmental officials examined the accounts and no action was deemed to be necessary.

KPMG were commissioned by the Department to carry out a comprehensive review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Company. This review has identified a different deficit figure for that period. As these are matters of a sensitive legal and financial nature, I am unable to comment further in order to avoid prejudicing further investigations.

Northern Ireland Events Company
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2410/08, to provide full details of the work undertaken by accountants Finnegan and Gibson during their visit to the offices of the Northern Ireland Events Company for a period of three days, and then for a further period of five days, during the 2006-07 financial year.

(AQW 8621/08)

Mr G Campbell: I have been informed by the Northern Ireland Events Company that its accountants, Finegan Gibson, visited its premises during 2006-2007 to carry out fieldwork on the audit of the Company’s accounts for year ending 31 March 2007.

KPMG were commissioned by the Department to carry out a comprehensive review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Company. This report contains matters of a sensitive legal and financial nature. I am unable to comment further on this matter in order to avoid prejudicing further investigations.

Appointment of the Chairman for Sport NI
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when he intends to announce the appointment of the Chairman for Sport NI.

(AQW 8684/08)

Mr G Campbell: The appointment process for the position of Chair of Sport Northern Ireland is ongoing and I would hope to make an announcement in the near future.

Windsor Park
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if future Northern Ireland soccer matches are to be played at a venue other than Windsor Park; what are the consequences for the agreement between the Irish Football Association and Linfield Football Club; and who would be responsible for any financial compensation to Linfield Football Club.

(AQW 8685/08)

Mr G Campbell: The Irish Football Association (IFA) is responsible for determining the venue at which Northern Ireland home international soccer matches are to be played. The consequences for the agreement between the IFA and Linfield FC over the staging of such matches at a venue other than Windsor Park are for the IFA and Linfield to decide in the first instance. The question of financial compensation to Linfield FC, if due, would be a matter for the IFA in the first instance.

2012 Olympics
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if any of the existing Irish League soccer grounds meet the criteria to host the 2012 Olympics soccer games.

(AQW 8686/08)

Mr G Campbell: No existing Irish League soccer grounds meet the criteria set by the International Olympic Committee to host soccer games at the 2012 Olympics.

2012 Olympics
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what assessment he has made of the financial viability of bringing an Irish League Club ground up to the standard to meet the criteria for hosting soccer games in the 2012 Olympics.

(AQW 8687/08)

Mr G Campbell: The only stadium which is presently under consideration for hosting soccer games in the 2012 Olympics is the proposed multi-sports stadium. No assessment has therefore been made of the financial viability of bringing other grounds up to the standard required for the 2012 Olympics.

Local Postal Services
Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration has been given and what progress has been made by his Department to utilise the Post Office as a source, agency or outlet for the delivery of its services as outlined in the May 2008 report of the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee, 'Report of the Committee’s Consideration of, and Proposals for, Partnership that could Enhance the Economic Case for Viable Local Postal Services'.

(AQW 8691/08)

Mr G Campbell: The Ad Hoc Committee on Local Postal Services’ Report made a number of recommendations to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) concerning the future of Postal Services and the Post Office network. Junior Minister Donaldson and Junior Minister Kelly wrote to Executive Ministers on 21 April asking them to consider whether any further public services could be delivered through post offices.

DCAL indicated that it currently sells angling permits through a distribution network including fishing tackle shops, hotels and tourist information outlets. While there are no obstacles to Post Offices selling DCAL permits or FCB and Loughs Agency angling licences, to replace the current distribution network would require careful consideration and planning. It may be more appropriate to strategically identify where there are geographical gaps in the current distribution network and consider distributing permits and licenses through Post Offices in those areas. The planned transfer of the FCB functions to the Department (early 2009) will provide an opportunity to review the distribution systems with regards to both licenses and permits.

Ulster Scots Academy

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what financial assistance has been provided to the Ulster Scots Academy in each of the last three financial years.

(AQW 8734/08)

Mr G Campbell: Funding granted to the Ulster Scots Academy is as listed below:

2005/06: £134,413

2006/07: £392,412

2007/08: £405,189

Departmental Funding to Sports Clubs
Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what financial assistance has been provided to Cricket, the Gaelic Athletic Association, Hockey and Football in each of the last three financial years, broken down by (i) district council area; and (ii) club.

(AQW 8735/08)

Mr G Campbell: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. The tables below detail the amount of exchequer and lottery funding awarded to Cricket, the Gaelic Athletic Association, Hockey and Football in each of the last three financial years broken down by district council area and club.

2005/2006
CLUB AWARD AMOUNT (£) DISTRICT / COUNCIL SPORT FUNDING PROGRAMMES
St John's GAC

108,183

Down Gaelic Sports Lottery\Capital\Club Sport
Steelstown GAC

225,000

Derry Gaelic Sports Lottery\Capital\Building Sport
Cliftonville FC

800,000

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Stadia Safety Programme
2006 / 2007
CLUB AWARD AMOUNT (£) DISTRICT / COUNCIL SPORT FUNDING PROGRAMMES
Ballymena United FC

168,326

Ballymena Association Football Facilities\Stadia Safety Programme
Ards FC

458

Ards Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Cliftonville FC

4,023

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Armagh City FC

3,365

Armagh Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Glentoran FC

11,706

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Newry City FC

2,179

Newry & Mourne Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Dungannon Swifts FC

2,402

Dungannon Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Portadown FC

4,995

Armagh Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Linfield FC

11,628

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Enniskillen Gaels GAA

407,572

Fermanagh Gaelic Sports Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Donegal Celtic FC

3,150

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Crusaders FC

2,134

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
2007 / 2008
CLUB AWARD AMOUNT (£) DISTRICT / COUNCIL SPORT FUNDING PROGRAMMES
Kickhams Creggan GAC

240,000

Antrim Gaelic Sports Lottery\Capital\Building Sport
Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC

220,000

Fermanagh Gaelic Sports Lottery\Capital\Building Sport
Bready Cricket Club

1,817,451

Strabane Cricket Lottery\Capital\Building Sport
St Mary's GAC

235,000

Derry Gaelic Sports Lottery\Capital\Building Sport
Portadown FC

800,900

Craigavon Association Football Facilities\Stadia Safety Programme
Linfield FC

4,425

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Cliftonville FC

900

>Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Donegal Celtic FC

938

Belfast Association Football Facilities\Safety Management Programme
Na Magha Hurling Club

238,274

Derry Gaelic Sports Lottery\Capital\Building Sport
Newry Olympic Hockey Club

200,000

Newry & Mourne Hockey Exchequer\Capital\Building Sport
St Colmcille's GAC

245,000

Armagh Gaelic Sports Exchequer\Capital\Building Sport
Waringstown Cricket Club

40,000

Craigavon Cricket Exchequer\Capital\Building Sport
St Colm's GAC

100,000

Derry Gaelic Sports Exchequer\Capital\Building Sport
O'Brien's GAC

245,000

Derry Gaelic Sports Exchequer\Capital\Building Sport
Northern Ireland Athletes
Mr Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has held, or intends to hold, with the Great Britain Olympics Organisation to ensure that athletes from Northern Ireland can compete with the British team at the Olympic Games.

(AQW 8750/08)

Mr G Campbell: Responsibility for ensuring Northern Ireland athletes can compete for the Great Britain team rests, in the first instance, with the relevant sports governing bodies and the British Olympic Association (BOA). I would support any opportunities provided by the relevant sports governing bodies and the BOA to assist Northern Ireland athletes in qualifying and competing for the Great Britain Team at the Olympic Games.

Sports Events in Northern Ireland
Mr Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action his Department has taken to attract sporting events to Northern Ireland, given the impact that this would have on tourism.

(AQW 8776/08)

Mr G Campbell: The promotion of sporting events is primarily the responsibility of the governing bodies of sport. However, it is consistent with the commitment of Government, through the draft Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation 2008-2018 produced by the Department and Sport Northern Ireland, to establish Northern Ireland as a world class venue for sporting events. The contribution to tourism of sport, including sporting events, emerged as an important issue in the development of the draft Strategy.

The Department’s Events Unit operates two grant funding programmes for events which: impact positively on the image of Northern Ireland, in particular its external image, create opportunity for social cohesion and bring direct and indirect benefits to Northern Ireland.

2008 Belfast Gay Pride Parade
Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much funding his Department is allocating to the 2008 Belfast Gay Pride Parade.

(AQW 8861/08)

Mr G Campbell: My Department has not allocated any funding to the 2008 Belfast Pride Parade.

From 1 April 2008 the delivery of the Community Festivals Fund was devolved to Local Authorities and festival organisers may apply to their local council for support.

The Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation 2007-2017
Dr Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his assessment of the desire for mixed leisure and sporting activities, based upon the Northern Ireland Life and Times Surveys and other reports.

(AQW 8866/08)

Mr G Campbell: The findings of the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey in respect of the desire for mixed leisure and sporting activities is consistent with the proposals for the future development of sport and physical recreation in Northern Ireland set out within the recently published draft of "The Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation, 2007-2017". This draft Strategy was developed by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland. It contains a number of proposals that are designed to promote and encourage community cohesion and community integration in sport and physical recreation in Northern Ireland.

Halloween Bonfires
Mr Moutray asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many complaints his Department has received in relation to the negative contribution to cultural expression of Halloween bonfires, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8906/08)

Mr G Campbell: The Department has received no complaints in relation to the negative contribution to cultural expression of Halloween bonfires in each of the last five years.

Ulster Grand Prix

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his assessment of the success of the Ulster Grand Prix and the value of the funding provided from his Department.

(AQW 8945/08)

Mr G Campbell: I recognise that the Ulster Grand Prix annual road race is one of the most important road races in the Northern Ireland motor sports’ road race calendar. Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI has provided the Ulster Grand Prix, via the 2 & 4 Wheel Motor Sport Steering Group Ltd, with an Exchequer award of £10,186. This will assist the organisers of the race implement essential safety improvements for the 2008 event.

The Ulster Grand Prix submitted an application to the Major Events Fund requesting £70,000. The application was assessed by DCAL Events Unit. The event scored 43.7% exceeding the required 40% threshold to permit funding. The Ulster Grand Prix submitted a detailed development plan prepared in partnership with Lisburn City Council. The internal assessment of the potential economic benefit of the event was estimated at £5.13 to every £1 of public sector investment.

The Grant Approval Panel, comprising two senior Departmental officials and an independent member from the NI Tourist Board met on the 18th June and agreed that an offer of £40,000 on a revenue basis to support specific costs related to the preparation of the venue and the marketing of the event.

Architecture and the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group
Mr Newton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the remit of the Architecture and the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group in terms of planning applications; and if it is within the remit of the advisory group to offer advice to Planning Service on planning applications.

(AQW 8989/08)

Mr G Campbell: The policy on ‘Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland’ (A+BE policy) published in June 2006 made provision for the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) to advise the Minister of Culture, Arts and leisure on the implementation and development of the A+BE policy. In August 2007 the Minister announced the appointment of the chair and eight members of MAG. The A+BE policy provides MAG with the remit to offer advice to Planning Service on planning applications. It is also written into the Terms of Appointment that MAG shall review design aspects of significant projects including projects referred by Planning Service for comment.

Architecture and the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group
Mr Newton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many members of the Architecture and the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group were invited to the meeting of the group on 18 April 2008; how members were notified of the meeting; and why less than half of the members of the group were present at the meeting.

(AQW 8990/08)

Mr G Campbell: The purpose of the meeting on 18 April 2008 was to carry out design reviews of two separate applications for planning approval. The first, a tall building proposal was reported to MAG members in December 2007. In February 2008 MAG members agreed to set up a subgroup to consider that scheme and to make a request to view the plans for a second scheme involving another tall building and to consider it alongside the first. The intention was that the subgroup should form the panel that would review the design of both schemes. Initially the proposed panel consisted of five, the chair and four members of MAG. The date was agreed and an open invitation issued to the three remaining MAG members but none accepted (At that time there was one vacancy in the MAG membership). Subsequently, one member of the proposed panel declared a conflict of interest in relation to one scheme which resulted in that member not attending either of the two reviews. As a result the chair and three members of MAG attended the meeting on 18 April 2008.

Architecture and the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group
Mr Newton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure under what guidelines or constitution the Architecture and the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group operates.

(AQW 8991/08)

Mr G Campbell: The MAG operates within a mandate which is detailed in the Terms of Appointment (TOA). The TOA specifies the terms of appointment for the chair and members of MAG. The TOA incorporates procedures and operational guidelines as well as advice on public service standards of conduct and behaviour. A copy of the TOA is attached for the Member’s convenience.

APPENDIX A

ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR NORTHERN IRELAND MINISTERIAL ADVISORY GROUP

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

      1. Mandate The Architecture and the Built Environment - Ministerial Advisory Group for (A+BE MAG) shall:
    1. Advise the Ministerial Design Champion and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) on the implementation and development of the policy on Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland (A+BENI) published in June 2006. DCAL is the sponsor Department;
    2. Champion good design in all sectors of the built environment and challenge accepted guidance, policy and standards relevant to design, which are considered to fall short of expectations;
    3. Collaborate with key stakeholders in the development of knowledge and skills concerning design of the built environment. Facilitate good design by disseminating research evidence, information and advice to those in the public and private sectors who have a role in the procurement and delivery of construction projects;
    4. Help give effect to A+BENI policy objectives in the public interest whilst working within the policy and statutory framework and acting with professional integrity;
    5. Review design aspects of significant projects including projects referred by the Planning Service for comment; and
    6. Review the implementation of A+ BENI policy objectives. Through consultation with stakeholders assess its impact on design quality. Produce an annual report which incorporates evidence of progress and other relevant findings.

2.0 Aspirations The A+BE MAG shall seek to:

    1. Establish a reputation as a respected source of advice on architecture and built environment issues pertinent to Northern Ireland;
    2. Win recognition as a champion for good design whilst encouraging developers and policy makers to raise design standards in an ongoing way;
  1. Membership and Appointments
      1. The A+BE MAG shall consist of a Chair and up to 8 members appointed by the Minister for DCAL in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice.
    1. Appointments shall be for a term of 3 years with an option - dependent on satisfactory performance - for a further term of no greater than 3 years which shall be specified at the time of reappointment.
    2. The post requires an average input of up to 2 days per month depending on business needs.
    3. Appointments to fill interim vacancies shall be for the unexpired portion of the vacant post.
    4. The Chair shall receive an annual fee of £6,000 from the Department.
    5. The posts of member of the A+BE MAG are unremunerated.
    6. Departmental procedures for appraising the performance of appointees apply.
    7. Reasonable travelling and subsistence expenses incurred through carrying out official duties and certain dependant carer expenses determined in accordance with the Northern Ireland Civil Service Handbook shall be reimbursed by the Department.
  1. Procedures and Operational Guidelines
    1. The A+BE MAG shall meet quarterly. In the absence of the Chair the members of the Group shall agree for one of the members to deputise as Chair as a temporary measure. If the Chair or a member does not attend 2 consecutive meetings, his/her appointment shall be reviewed by the Department.
    1. Design Review panels shall be chaired by either Chair or member of the A+BE MAG. The proceedings and recommendations shall be recorded.
    1. Procedures are built into the appointments process to identify, discuss and record any real or perceived conflict of interest. Thereafter each member must declare any personal or business interests including any private, voluntary, charitable or political interest which might be material and relevant to the work of the A+BE MAG and which may, or may be perceived to, influence their judgement in performing their functions. Any conflict of interest whether real or perceived must be dealt with appropriately. These interests shall be recorded in a register of interests maintained and kept up-to-date by the A&BE MAG. Such procedures apply routinely to Design Review sessions and likewise any conflict of interest real or perceived shall be dealt with appropriately and documented.
    2. Task groups chaired by members of the A+BE MAG shall provide advice in specific areas for example public housing, sustainable development or urban regeneration. Individuals with specialist expertise and experience drawn from a Call-off List shall support and contribute to the work of the A+BE MAG.
    3. All formal meetings including sub-committee meetings are required to have an agenda and shall be recorded to include where appropriate review of action items, those responsible and the date action is completed. Design Review sessions shall be recorded to include all relevant issues, opinion and recommendations.
    4. The Chair shall report regularly or on request to the Department.
    5. The Department’s Press office will be available to assist the
    6. A+BE MAG in all requests for press statements and media interviews.

    7. Where authorised by the Department, costs associated with the activities of A+BE MAG will be paid by the Department.
  1. Public Service Standards of Conduct and Behaviour
    1. The Chair and members must be seen to act in the public interest at all times. Their conduct and behaviour must be beyond reproach. The Chair and members must be committed to the principles defined in the first report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life published in 1995.
    1. Compliance with these principles requires holders of public office to:
    1. Selflessness Take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends;
    2. Integrity Not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties;
    3. Objectivity In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, make choices on merit;
    4. Accountability Submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their post because they are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions;
    5. Openness Be as open as possible in the decisions they make and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands;
    6. Honesty Because they have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties, take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest; and
    7. Leadership Promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
    1. The requirement for probity applies equally to the Chair and Members of the A+BE MAG as well as those who are drawn from the Call-off List when participating in Design Review panels or contributing to the work of task groups.

Education

Ballywalter Primary School
Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which the replacement of Ballywalter Primary School will commence.

(AQW 6065/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Following a request from the South Eastern Education and Library Board, a site visit was undertaken by the Department’s technical advisors in 2007 and Ballywalter Primary was identified as having significant accommodation deficiencies. Earlier this month, the Department agreed the appraisal submitted by the South Eastern Education and Library Board for a new school on an alternative site.

De bharr nach bhfuil aon dáta leagtha síos don chéad fhógra eile i dtaobh cistiú caipitil, níl aon amscála ann ag an phointe seo maidir le leanúint ar aghaidh leis an scéim seo.

As there is currently no date set for the next capital funding announcement, there is no timescale at this stage for proceeding with this scheme.

Use of School Facilities by the Local Community
Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each parliamentary constituency, (i) the number of schools that make their facilities available for (a) sporting clubs; and (b) community organisations, out of school hours; and (ii) the proportion of the total number of schools that this represents.

(AQW 6591/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not collect information on the use of school premises outside of school hours.

Under Article 140 of the 1989 Education Order schools are encouraged to make premises available (when not required by or in connection with the school) for use by members of the community.

Through the Department’s Extended School programme almost 400 of our most socially disadvantaged schools have been identified for funding.

Our policy seeks to establish each extended school as the hub of its local community engaging positively and actively with neighbouring schools, statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations in an effort to meet the needs of the pupils in the school. As part of the process of preparing their Action Plans schools were asked to consult with local community and statutory organisations to establish if there are particular community needs which could be met by the school.

Ar ndóigh, ní féidir linn bheith ag súil le scoileanna bheith ábalta freagra dearfach a thabhairt ar gach iarratas ach tá naisc níos deise idir an scoil agus a pobal mar phríomheilimint den pholasaí, eilimint a bhfuilimid ag iarraidh forbairt a dhéanamh uirthi.

Of course we cannot expect schools to be able to respond positively to all requests but closer links between the school and its community is a key element of the policy and one which we are seeking to develop.

Funding for Irish Language

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding available to promote Irish language schools and Irish language education, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6800/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information is not readily available by Parliamentary constituency and an exercise to obtain it would result in disproportionate costs.

Under Article 89 of the Education Order 1998 the Department of Education funds the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta to encourage the development of Irish medium education in the north of Ireland. The Comhairle’s budget for 2008/09 is £581,000.

Sa bhliain airgeadais 2007-2008, ba é £7.9m an maoiniú a leithdháileadh ar Ghaelscoileanna neamhspleácha faoin Fhoirmle Chomh-mhaoinithe. Leithdháileadh Caipiteal £487,000 chomh maith.

In the 2007- 2008 financial year, funding allocated to free standing Irish medium schools under the Common Funding Formula was £7.9m. Capital amounting to £487,000 was also allocated.

Criterion Changes to Extended Schools Budget Allocations

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education what consultation was carried out on changes to the criterion for the extended schools budget allocations.

(AQW 7113/08)

Ms C Ruane: The main difference to the criteria has been the move to more accurate, post-code based data for special and primary schools which draw over half their pupils from Neighbourhood Renewal Areas (NRA). It was always our intention to use that more accurate data once it became available. We have, additionally and necessarily, targeted the available resources directly at schools serving the most socially disadvantaged communities. This is in line with the aim of the Extended Schools programme.

B’ábhar pléite le Painéal Idirbhoird na Scoileanna Forleathnaithe agus le CSCC na critéir cháilitheachta agus na leithdháiltí buiséid faoi seach.

The eligibility criteria and respective budget allocations were the subject of discussions with the Inter-Board Extended Schools Panel and CCMS.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr Campbell asked the Minister of Education when the Extended Schools Programme began; and how long it was envisaged to last.

(AQW 7187/08)

Ms C Ruane: Seoladh na Scoileanna Sínte i Meitheamh 2006 mar pháirt den Phacáiste Maoinithe i gcomhair Páistí agus Daoine Óga; cuireadh £10m ar fáil i ngach ceann de na blianta airgeadais, 2006/07 agus 2007/08.

The Extended Schools was launched in June 2006 as part of the Children and Young People Funding Package with £10m made available in each of the 2006/07 and 2007/08 financial years.

It was envisaged that the programme would be a key vehicle for contributing to the strands across the Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People and accordingly our understanding was that when funding was allocated to DE during direct rule that it was to be mainstreamed i.e. a baseline allocation and not a short term programme. However contrary to that understanding the funding for the programme was removed from the DE baseline from 2008-09 onwards and as a consequence I have only been able to continue funding at 60% of the level available to schools over the last two years meaning a substantial reduction from £10m to £5.8m.

I have raised the difficulties and registered most strongly my concerns, as far back as 20 September 2007 in a meeting with the Finance Minister and through correspondence on 8 separate occasions since, that the shortfall in funding presents. I will continue to press at every available opportunity during the year for additional resources, given the endorsement by the Assembly during the motion on 20 May, to restore this important programme.

Use of School Premises for the Local Community

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to make school premises available for use as community facilities outside of school hours.

(AQW 7225/08)

Ms C Ruane: Under Article 140 of the 1989 Education Order schools are encouraged to make premises available (when not required by or in connection with the school) for use by members of the community.

Through the Department’s Extended School programme almost 400 of our most socially disadvantaged schools have been identified for funding.

Our policy seeks to establish each extended school as the hub of its local community engaging positively and actively with neighbouring schools, statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations in an effort to meet the needs of the pupils in the school. As part of the process of preparing their Action Plans schools were asked to consult with local community and statutory organisations to establish if there are particular community needs which could be met by the school.

Ar ndóigh ní thig linn a bheith ag súil go mbeidh scoileanna in ann freagairt go dearfach do gach iarratas ach is príomhghné den bheartas naisc níos dlúithe idir an scoil agus a pobal agus is gné í atáimid ag iarraidh a fhorbairt.

Of course we cannot expect schools to be able to respond positively to all requests but closer links between the school and its community is a key element of the policy and one which we are seeking to develop.

Playboard

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the outcome of discussions with Playboard for frontline children's services.

(AQW 7304/08)

Ms C Ruane: Playboard were advised by my officials that the Department of Education had no responsibility for these projects which are currently funded by DHSSPS. OFMDFM has organised further meetings with DE and DHSSPS to discuss the future funding of these services. DE officials are due to meet with OFMDFM on 5 August 2008.

Integrated Development Funding

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Education what Integrated Development Funding was received by each primary school in (i) North Belfast; and (ii) West Belfast, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 7331/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Details are also provided for the West Belfast Greater Shankill Taskforce Initiative which was also funded from IDF resources.

School Name

Renewing Communities Funding

2006/07 (£)

Renewing Communities Funding

2007/08 (£)

Ballygolan PS

6,445
9,137

Ballysillan PS

24,740
29,306

Carr's Glen PS

27,600
29,125

Cavehill PS

5,000
5,000

Cliftonville PS

25,855
21,948

Currie PS

27,392
39,053

Edenbrooke PS

48,590
52,869

Glenwood PS

59,870
68,080

Grove PS

17,780
17,953

Ligoniel PS

16,885
22,235

Lowwood PS

22,235
26,234

Seaview PS

25,060
31,900

Wheatfield PS

29,235
45,323

Hazelwood Integrated PS

1,200
0

Blackmountain PS

20,480
22,347

Forth River PS

21,125
25,528

Harmony PS

29,235
37,285

Malvern PS

29,030
32,107

Springfield PS

15,500
17,500

Springhill PS

25,755
29,670

Suffolk PS

800
2,400

Totals

479,812
565,001
Colin IDF project

School Name

2007/08 (£)

St Kieran’s PS

8,620

Good Shepherd PS

8,620

St Luke’s PS

8,620

Scoil na Fuiseoige

8,620

St Mark’s PS

8,620

Our Lady Queen of Peace PS

8,620

Christ the Redeemer PS

8,620

Totals

60,340

Departmental Grants

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education for the details of all grants available through her Department.

(AQW 7360/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá roinnt cineálacha éagsúla deontais a leithdháiltear trí mo Roinn agus tá siad seo liostaithe thíos.

There are a number of different types of grants allocated through my Department and these are listed below.

Grant-in-aid to provide general support to each of the Department’s Arms Length Bodies

The Belfast Education and Library Board

The North-Eastern Education and Library Board

The South-Eastern Education and Library Board

The Southern Education and Library Board

The Western Education and Library Board

The Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

The Staff Commission

Middletown Centre for Autism Limited

Middletown Centre for Autism (Holdings) Limited

Boards of Governors of Grant Maintained Integrated Schools

Boards of Governors of Voluntary Grammar Schools

Current grant provided for specific purposes

Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta

NI Council for Integrated Education

Prince’s Trust XL Programme

KidsStop after Schools Club

Millennium Volunteers

Bytes Project

Barnardo’s

Save The Children

Include Youth

NSPCC/Childline

The Gaelic Athletic Association

The Irish Football Association

Music for Youth

The Queen’s University, Belfast

Amnesty International

The University of Ulster

Early Years, The Organisation for Children

NI Child Minding Association

Northern Health and Social Services Board

Southern Health and Social Services Board

Eastern Health and Social Services Board

Western Health and Social Services Board

Charter Work Experience

Foyle Schools and Employer Connections

Business Education Partnerships

Sentinus

Young Enterprise Northern Ireland

Capital Grants for approved Capital Works

Trustees of Voluntary Grammar Schools

Trustees of Grant Maintained Integrated Schools

Community Relations Core Funding Scheme

Belfast YMCA

Bytes Project - Community Relations

Childrens Project

Community Relations in Schools

Co-operation Ireland

Corrymeela

Creggan Education & Research Services

Forthspring Inter-Community Group

Harmony Community Trust

Kilcranny House

National Trust

Nerve Centre (The)

Childrens Enterprise

Childrens Holidays Scheme

NUS/USI (National Union of Students

Panarts

Public Achievement

REACT

St Patrick’s Centre

Spirit of Enniskillen Trust

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Verbal Arts Centre (NI) Ltd.

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust

Youth Link

Voluntary Youth Projects – Capital Grants

St Columbanus College, Bangor

St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Club, Belfast

St Bronagh’s Youth Club, Rostrevor

Clonard Monastery Youth Centre

Patrician Youth Centre

St Joseph’s Youth Club

Ogras Club

St Mary’s Youth Centre

Corpus Christi Youth Centre

Boys’ Brigade Belfast Battalion

Corrymeela Community

Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid

Share Discovery ‘80’ Ltd

Downpatrick Group Scouting Ireland

Scout Council

WAVE Trauma Centre

Ederney Youth Club

Trillick & District YFC

Goalline Youth Centre

Belfast Circus School

Long Tower Youth & Community Centre

Pennyburn Youth Club

Scouting Ireland/Down & Connor Scouts

St Macartan’s Guide Unit

All Saints Youth Club

St John Bosco Youth Club

Seagoe Youth Group

Rosario Youth Club

St Mary’s Youth Club

YMCA -Lurgan

Challenge for Youth

Greenhill YMCA

St Oliver Plunkett Youth Club

1st Warrenpoint Scouts Group

Lisburn YMCA

The Scout Association

Darkley Clubhouse/Crossfire Trust

St John’s Scouts

Ebrington Church Youth Council

St John Vianney Youth Centre

RNIB Northern Ireland

The 6th Belfast Scout Group

Girlguiding Ulster

Belfast Activity Centre

Artibility (NI) Ltd

Youthcom

Langley Youth Club

Portstewart Guides

Donaghadee High School

Mr Cree asked the Minister of Education if she still intends to close Donaghadee High School, given the current provision for secondary school places in the North Down constituency.

(AQW 7634/08)

Ms C Ruane: Cuireadh deireadh leis an tréimhse chomhairliúcháin ar 30 Meitheamh; tréimhse comhairliúcháin a bhain leis an Togra Fhorbartha le dúnadh na scoile a cheadú. Agus an cinneadh á dhéanamh agam, cuirfidh mé na fachtóirí cuí uile san áireamh, lena n-áirítear leibhéal na bunscolaíochta a sholáthraítear sa cheantar.

The consultation period for the Development Proposal to allow for the closure of the school ended on 30 June. In making my decision I will take all relevant factors into account, including the level of post-primary provision in the area.

Siting of Schools Near Power Lines

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to ensure that during the proposed future school building programme new schools will not be sited close to overhead power lines.

(AQW 7664/08)

Ms C Ruane: The department has not had any consultations with the British Government or other devolved administrations in relation to the siting of schools near overhead power lines.

Tá roinnt rudaí le meas a dhéanamh orthu nuair a bhítear ag cuartú suímh do scoil nua, ceann acu seo is ea a chóngaraí is atá línte cumhachta don suíomh. Má bhíonn aon líne cumhachta ann cóngarach do shuíomh atá molta fá choinne scoile úir lorgaíonn an fhoireann deartha atá freagrach as pleanáil na scoile comhairle ó Leictreachas Thuaisceart Éireann agus más gá déantar na línte cumhachta a chlaonadh nó a chur faoi thalamh.

There are a number of factors to be considered when identifying a site for a new school of which the proximity of power lines to the site is one. If there are any power lines near the site of a proposed new school, the design team responsible for the planning of the school seek advice from NIE and if required the power lines are either diverted or buried underground.

Employment of Retired Teachers

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education how many retired teachers have been employed in (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary schools, in the last 12 months.

(AQW 7695/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Primary
Post-Primary
Both
Primary
Nursery
Grammar
Secondary
Peripatetic*
Special*
975
90
157
738
18
186
1065
895
204

* Peripatetic and Special Schools can be either primary or post-primary schools

Schools Near Overhead Power Lines

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education what consultations her Department has had with the UK Government and other devolved administrations in relation to the siting of new schools near overhead power lines.

(AQW 7701/08)

Ms C Ruane: The department has not had any consultations with the British Government or other devolved administrations in relation to the siting of schools near overhead power lines.

Tá roinnt rudaí le meas a dhéanamh orthu nuair a bhítear ag cuartú suímh do scoil nua, ceann acu seo is ea a chóngaraí is atá línte cumhachta don suíomh. Má bhíonn aon líne cumhachta ann cóngarach do shuíomh atá molta fá choinne scoile úir lorgaíonn an fhoireann deartha atá freagrach as pleanáil na scoile comhairle ó Leictreachas Thuaisceart Éireann agus más gá déantar na línte cumhachta a chlaonadh nó a chur faoi thalamh.

There are a number of factors to be considered when identifying a site for a new school of which the proximity of power lines to the site is one. If there are any power lines near the site of a proposed new school, the design team responsible for the planning of the school seek advice from NIE and if required the power lines are either diverted or buried underground.

Reading Recovery Programme

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education (i) for her assessment of the effectiveness of the Reading Recovery programme and its ability to take children, particularly boys, out of underachievement; and what plans she has to reinstate funding for this programme.

(AQW 7734/08)

Ms C Ruane: Dearbhaíonn measúnuithe a rinneadh ar Bhreith ar an Léitheoireacht anseo agus in áiteanna eile araon gur idirghabháil éifeachtach í Breith ar an Léitheoireacht ag páistí óga a bhfuil deacrachtaí léitheoireachta acu.

Evaluations of Reading Recovery both here and elsewhere confirm that Reading Recovery is an effective intervention for young children with reading difficulties.

The arrangements for the future funding and delivery of Reading Recovery are tied into the literacy and numeracy strategy which issued for consultation in June 2008. The strategy recognises the importance of identifying problems in literacy and numeracy at an early stage and taking steps to resolve these. We envisage Reading Recovery as one of a number of approaches which will be supported once the strategy is finalised. In the meantime, the Literacy Steering Group has been asked to consider the arrangements for Reading Recovery as part of the process of drawing up the Regional Action Plan for Literacy from September 2008 and which is expected to be submitted shortly.

Car Park at Derryboye Primary School

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education when the building work will start on the car park at Derryboye Primary School; and what date will the car park be completed.

(AQW 7736/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé beartaithe ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt tús a chur leis an obair ar charrchlós Bhunscoil Dhoire Bhuí san fhómhar agus táthar ag súil go gcríochnófar an obair faoi mhí an Mhárta 2009.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board is planning to start work on the Derryboye Primary School car park in the autumn and it is anticipated that work will be completed by March 2009.

Review of Community Relations Policy

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what are the terms of reference of the working group set up to review the community relations policy.

(AQW 7808/08)

Ms C Ruane: Shocraigh mé go gcuirfí cóip de na Téarmaí Tagartha i Leabharlann an Tionóil.

I have arranged to have a copy of the Terms of Reference placed in the Assembly Library.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the reduction in the amount of Extended Schools funding for primary schools in the Colin area; which schools will have a reduction in their Extended Schools funding; and whether the 'carry forward' funding for these schools will be withdrawn from their budgets.

(AQW 7810/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

DENI Ref
School name
Ward name
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09

4036134

ST MARK'S PS

TWINBROOK

£35,972

£35,294

£21,070

4036285

THE GOOD SHEPHERD PS

POLEGLASS

£32,028

£31,223

£18,508

4046600

SCOIL NA FUISEOIGE

TWINBROOK

£18,314

£17,883

£11,186

Totals

£86,314

£84,400

£50,764

In respect of Extended School ‘ carry forward’ funding, all schools with underspends from 2007/08 will have full access to this funding in 2008/09.

In light of the very positive indications given by the Finance Minister to the Assembly on June Monitoring about the importance of the Extended Schools programme to the Executive I am very hopeful that additional in year resources will be allocated for the programme which will allow the Department to widen the eligibility criteria and restore previous funding levels.

Permanent Teaching Posts
Mr Savage asked the Minister of Education how many teachers, qualified within the last 5 years, are still without a full-time permanent teaching post.

(AQW 7841/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not employ teachers nor does it hold this information. However, the General Teaching Council has been registering initial teacher education graduates on an annual basis since April 2004. The Council also seeks information, annually, from all grant-aided schools on teachers employed on a permanent or significant temporary nature (i.e. excluding supply/substitute teachers). The Council has provided the following information:

 

(1)

2003/04

(1)

2004/05

(1)

2005/06

(1)

2006/07

(1)

2007/08

NI Graduate Records

705

792

816

807

801

Currently Registered

635

672

671

708

683

Currently Employed

(see note 2)

535

490

413

337

187

Notes:

1. The years stated refer to the GTC Registration Year, i.e. 1 April to

31 March.

2. "Currently Employed" includes teachers who are employed on a permanent or significant temporary basis (i.e. excludes substitute/supply teachers).

Tá iarrtha agam ar mo Roinn tuilleadh oibre a dhéanamh ar phatrúin fostaíochta mhac léinn ag baint céime amach as oideachas tosaigh múinteoireachta.

 I have asked my Department to undertake further work on the employment patterns of students graduating from initial teacher education.

New Senior High School in Lurgan
Mr Moutray asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to build a new senior high school in Lurgan.

(AQW 7905/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá scéim chaipitil fhaofa ann do Choláiste an Lorgain. Bhí gá le Breithmheas Eacnamaíochta de bharr gur moladh athruithe ar na bunphleananna; chuir Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Deiscirt an cháipéis sin faoi bhráid na Roinne ní ba luaithe i mbliana agus tá comhairleoirí gairmiúla na Roinne á bhreithniú faoi láthair.

There is an approved capital scheme for Lurgan College. A revised Economic Appraisal was necessary due to proposed changes to the original plans, and this was submitted by the Southern Education and Library Board earlier this year and is currently with the Department’s professional advisers for consideration.

Special Educational Needs

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education what level of funding is provided to pupils of primary schools where the pupil has (i) no statement of educational need; and (ii) a statement of special educational need.

(AQW 8040/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is not available.

Average funding in primary schools under the delegated formula funding arrangements in 2008/09 was £2,646 per pupil. Primary schools budgets may include funding for nursery class pupils as well as funding for pupils with statements of educational need within mainstream class and special unit settings.

Eisíonn Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ráiteas de Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais chun soláthar speisialta oideachais a chur ar fáil bhunaithe ar mheastachán riachtanais. Déantar an soláthar seo a chomhoiriúnú le riachtanais aonaracha an dalta, ar féidir leo a bheith an-éagsúil maidir leis an chineál soláthair atá de dhíth agus costas an tsoláthair sin, agus níl aon mheánchostas nó costas tipiciúil ann. Níl costais iomlána daltaí ar ráiteas, i suímh speisialta agus i bpríomhshuímh araon, ar fáil ar leithligh óna chéile don bhunoideachas agus don iarbhunoideachas.

A statement of Special Educational Needs is issued by an Education and Library Board to make special educational provision based on an assessment of need. This provision is matched to the individual needs of a pupil, which can vary widely in the nature of provision required and the cost of that provision, and there is no average or typical cost. The overall costs for statemented pupils, both in special and mainstream settings, are not available separately for primary and post-primary.

Capital Development Proposals

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) new build capital development proposals; and (ii) capital development proposals, currently with her Department, for which valid economic appraisals have been accepted; the length of time they have been with her Department; and how many site meetings were granted by her officials as part of the process towards the submission of valid economic appraisals, in relation to all capital development proposals in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 8045/08)

Ms C Ruane: All capital schemes which have been announced for funding have agreed economic appraisals. In all cases they were preceded by a site visit to the school and in the case of a potential amalgamation on a new site or relocation to a new site, a visit to the proposed new site.

Tá eolas faighte ag an Roinn ar 80 scéim chaipitil atá beartaithe faoi láthair; fuair an Roinn an t-eolas sin ón údarás oideachais chuí. Tá breithmheas eacnamaíochta ag ceithre scéim is fiche faoi láthair; tá 5 cinn acu ceadaithe ag an Roinn.

There are currently 80 proposed capital schemes which have been identified to the department by the relevant education authority. Twenty-four of these currently have economic appraisals, 5 of which have been approved by the Department. Of the 5 one was approved in October 2006, one June 2007, one January 2008 and two in June 2008. All of these schemes were the subject of site visits which are requested by the relevant authority in advance of the appraisal work.

The number of site visits in each of the past 5 years was as follows:

Year

Number of Visits

2003/04

15

2004/05

44

2005/06

29

2006/07

2

2007/08

2

Ballywalter Primary School

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education how long Ballywalter Primary School has been listed as a priority scheme by her Department; when her Department accepted the findings of the economic appraisal submitted by the South Eastern Education and Library Board; and the timescale for completion of this scheme.

(AQW 8050/08)

Ms C Ruane: Following a request from the South Eastern Education and Library Board, a site visit was undertaken by the Department’s technical advisors in 2007 and Ballywalter Primary was identified as having significant accommodation deficiencies. Earlier this month, the Department agreed the appraisal submitted by the South Eastern Education and Library Board for a new school on an alternative site.

De bharr nach bhfuil aon dáta leagtha síos don chéad fhógra eile i dtaobh cistiú caipitil, níl aon amscála ann ag an phointe seo maidir le leanúint ar aghaidh leis an scéim seo.

As there is currently no date set for the next capital funding announcement, there is no timescale at this stage for proceeding with this scheme.

Ballywalter Primary School

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Education when she expects to bring forward a capital build programme that includes a replacement school building for Ballywalter Primary school.

(AQW 8055/08)

Ms C Ruane: Following a request from the South Eastern Education and Library Board, a site visit to Ballywalter Primary School was undertaken by the Department’s technical advisors in 2007.

An mhí seo caite, thug an Roinn breithmheas eacnamaíochta chun réitigh; ba é Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt a chuir isteach é. Ní dhearnadh aon chinneadh go fóill ar thráthúlacht an chéad fhógra eile i dtaobh cistiú caipitil.

Last month, the Department agreed an economic appraisal submitted by the South Eastern Education and Library Board. No decision has been made on the timing of the next capital funding announcement.

New Build Project at Academy Primary, Saintfield
Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Education what plans there are for a new build project at Academy Primary in Saintfield and what is the timescale for any proposal.

(AQW 8056/08)

Ms C Ruane: Following a request from the South Eastern Education and Library Board for a site visit to this school in May 2008, the Department has requested further information on the accommodation at the school to help inform the consideration of the necessity for a capital scheme. This information will be assessed by the Department on receipt and, if necessary, a site visit will be arranged.

Go dtí go gcomhaontaítear riachtanas le scéim chaipitil leis an Bhord ní féidir cur in iúl cá huair a rachadh tionscadal do Bhunscoil an Acadaimh ar aghaidh.

Until a need for a capital scheme has been agreed with the Board, it is not possible to give any indication as to when a project for Academy Primary School would proceed.

Entry to Controlled Nursery Schools

Mr O'Loan asked the Minister of Education whether a controlled nursery school can give entry preference to children who have an older brother or sister currently attending, or has previously attended, the school; and what is her assessment of the discriminatory impact of this criterion on (i) a child who is the eldest in a family; and (ii) the parents in terms of age.

(AQW 8078/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Pre-School Education in Schools (Admissions Criteria) Regulations 1999 apply to the admissions criteria used by nursery schools and nursery classes in primary schools. These Regulations state that priority must be given, in the following order, to:

  1. children from socially disadvantaged circumstances who will be aged 4 before September in their final pre-school year
  2. children from socially disadvantaged circumstances who will be aged 3 before September in their final pre-school year
  3. children not falling within i. or ii. who will be aged 4 before 1 September in their final pre-school year
  4. children not falling within i. or ii. who will be aged 3 before 1 September in their final pre-school year.

These Regulations also require that further criteria be set to reflect the Board of Governors’ priorities for admission to each school. Responsibility for drawing up these criteria rests entirely with the Board of Governors of each school. If the Governors’ wish to give entry preference to children who have an older brother or sister currently attending, or has previously attended, that is entirely a matter for the Board of Governors.

Nuair a chuirtear critéir iontrála i bhfeidhm mar is ceart, bíonn rogha le déanamh idir iarratasóirí áirithe thar iarratasóirí eile. Dá thairbhe sin, b’fhéidir go mbraithfeadh na daoine úd nár éirigh leo gur caitheadh go leatromach leo ar dhóigh éigin

The application of admissions criteria by definition involves the prioritisation of some applicants above others, and as such this may be perceived by those who are unsuccessful as being in some way discriminatory. However, provided the criteria employed are not in breach of either education or other relevant law, this should not be the case.

Capital Works Schemes

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to outline the capital schemes that have been approved by her Department and the start date for each, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 8099/08)

Ms C Ruane: Léiríonn Tábla A thíos na mórscéimeanna oibreacha caipitiúla a ceadaíodh agus na háiteanna ina bhfuil obair thógála á déanamh faoi láthair.

Table A below identifies major capital works schemes which have been approved and where construction is currently underway.

TABLE A

PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY
SCHOOL
DETAILS OF PROJECT
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE

Belfast West

La Salle Boys’ S.S. Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

Apr-09

Belfast West

St Dominic’s H.S. Belfast

Extension & Refurbishment

Jan-10

East Derry

Burnfoot/Dungiven/Largy P.S.

New replacement school on existing site

Aug-08

Fermanagh & South Tyrone

Mount Lourdes G.S. Enniskillen

Extension & Refurbishment

Jun-08

Lagan Valley

Ballymacrickett P.S.

New replacement school on extended site

Nov-08

Lagan Valley

Brookefield Special School, Moira

New replacement school on existing site

Feb-09

Lagan Valley

Ballinderry P.S.

New replacement school on existing site

Feb-09

Lagan Valley

Pond Park P.S. Lisburn

New replacement school on extended site

Apr-09

Newry & Armagh

St Colman’s College, Newry

Extension & Refurbishment

Feb-09

Newry & Armagh

St Peter’s P.S. Cloughreagh

New replacement school on existing site

Sep-09

Newry & Armagh

Abbey G.S. Newry

New replacement school on new site

Nov-09

North Antrim

Moorfields P.S. Ballymena

New replacement school on existing site

Aug-08

North Down

Bangor Academy

New replacement school on existing site

Jun-08

North Down

Towerview P.S. Bangor

New replacement school on existing site

Jul-09

South Down

St Patrick’s P.S. Saul

New replacement school on new site

Jul-08

South Down

Assumption G.S. Ballynahinch

Extension & Refurbishment

Dec-09

Strangford

Victoria P.S. Ballyhalbert

New replacement school on extended site

Sep-08

Upper Bann

Waringstown P.S.

Extension & Refurbishment

Sep-08

West Tyrone

Holy Cross College, Strabane

New replacement school on existing site

Jul-08

West Tyrone

Drumragh Integrated College. Omagh

New replacement school on new site

Apr-09

There are also major capital schemes that have been approved which are currently at various stages of the planning process prior to the construction stage. The details of these projects are listed in Table B. These projects are being progressed with the relevant education authorities and the estimated timescales for doing so will be subject to all statutory approvals being achieved, the necessary planning and building processes being completed satisfactorily, and the availability of resources in any particular year.

TABLE B

PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY
SCHOOL
DETAILS OF PROJECT
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE

Belfast East

Glendhu NS, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2008/09

Belfast East

Ravenscroft NS, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2008/09

Belfast East

Strathearn GS, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

Belfast East

Knockbreda HS, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

Belfast East

Strand / Sydenham P.S.

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Belfast East

Strandtown PS, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

Belfast East

Mitchell House Special School

New replacement school on new site

2011/12

Belfast East

Greenwood Assessment Centre

New replacement school on new site

2011/12

Belfast East

Ashfield Girls H.S. Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Belfast East

Grosvenor G.S. Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Belfast East

Orangefield P.S. Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Belfast East

Lagan College, Belfast

Extension & refurbishment

2010/11

Belfast East

Our Lady & St Patrick’s College, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Belfast North

Whitehouse PS, N'Abbey

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Belfast North

Little Flower Girls S.S, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

Belfast North

Belfast Boys Model School

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Belfast North

Belfast Model School for Girls

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Belfast South

Victoria College, Belfast

Extension & refurbishment

2012/13

Belfast South

Methodist College, Belfast

Extension & refurbishment

2013/14

Belfast South

Taughmonagh P.S. Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Belfast West

Scoil Na Fuiseoige P.S, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Belfast West

Colaiste Feirste, Belfast

Extension & refurbishment

2010/11

Belfast West

Springhill P.S. Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Belfast West

Glenwood P.S./Edenderry NS, Belfast

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

East Derry

BallyKelly PS, Limavady

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

East Derry

Limegrove / Glasvey Special School

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

Fermanagh & South Tyrone

Lisbellaw P.S.

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Fermanagh & South Tyrone

Coranny & Cornagague P.S.

New replacement school on new site

2009/10

Fermanagh & South Tyrone

St Pat's Boys/Girls Acad, Dgnon

New replacement school on existing site

2012/13

Fermanagh & South Tyrone

Enniskillen Model PS

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Fermanagh & South Tyrone

St Paul's P.S. Irvinestown

New replacement school on new site

2011/12

Fermanagh & South Tyrone

Devenish College

New replacement school on new site

2011/12

Foyle

Lisnagelvin P.S.

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Foyle

New Buildings PS, Derry

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Foyle

Eglinton PS, Derry

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Foyle

Ebrington PS, L'Derry

New replacement school on new site

2010/11

Foyle

Foyle & Londonderry College

New replacement school on new site

2012/13

Foyle

Belmont Special School

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

Foyle

St Cecilia’s College, Derry (PPP)

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Foyle

St Mary’s College, Derry (PPP)

New replacement school on new site

2009/10

Lagan Valley

St Colman's P.S. Lambeg

New replacement school on extended site

2009/10

Lagan Valley

Dromore Central P.S.

New replacement school on new site

2010/11

Mid Ulster

St Columba's P.S, Straw, Draperstown

New replacement school on new site

2009/10

Mid Ulster

Magherafelt HS

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Mid Ulster

Magherafelt P.S.

New replacement school on new site

2009/10

Mid Ulster

Edendork P.S

New replacement school on new site

2010/11

Mid Ulster

Holy Family PS, Magherafelt

New replacement school on extended site

2011/12

Mid Ulster

Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Mid Ulster

Holy Trinity College, Cookstown

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

Newry & Armagh

St Joseph's P.S Madden, Armagh

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Newry & Armagh

St Catherine's College, Armagh

Extension to Irish medium unit

2008/09

Newry & Armagh

St Clare’s Abbey PS Newry

New replacement school on extended site

2010/11

Newry & Armagh

St Oliver Plunkett P.S. Forkhill

New replacement school on new site

2010/11

Newry & Armagh

Dromintee P.S.

New replacement school on extended site

2009/10

Newry & Armagh

St Joseph's Convent PS, Newry

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Newry & Armagh

St Patrick's G.S. Armagh

Extension & refurbishment

2012/13

North Antrim

St Patrick’s & St Brigid's P.S. B'castle

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

North Antrim

Ballymoney H.S.

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

North Antrim

St Mary’s P.S. Portglenone (PPP)

New replacement school on extended site

2009/10

North Down

Bangor Grammar

New replacement school on new site

2011/12

North Down

St Columbanus College, Bangor

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

North Down

Priory College, Holywood

New replacement school on new site

2011/12

North Down

Holywood PS

New replacement school on new site

2012/13

South Antrim

Templepatrick PS

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

South Antrim

Parkhall College, Antrim

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

South Down

Carrick P.S. Warrenpoint

New replacement school on extended site

2009/10

South Down

St Mary's P.S, Newcastle

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

South Down

St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

South Down

Knockevin Spec School, Downpatrick

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

South Down

St Bronagh's P.S (Conv of Mercy/St Mary's Boys P.S) Rostrevor

New replacement school on extended site

2010/11

South Down

The High School, Ballynahinch

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

South Down

St Patrick’s G.S. Downpatrick (PPP)

New replacement school on existing site

2009/10

Strangford

Glastry College, Ballyhalbert

New replacement school on extended site

2011/12

Strangford

S Joseph’s P.S. Carryduff (PPP)

New replacement school on extended site

2009/10

Strangford

Tor Bank Special School, Dundonald (PPP)

New replacement school on new site

2010/11

Upper Bann

Banbridge Academy

Extension & refurbishment

2011/12

Upper Bann

St Teresa's PS, Lurgan

New replacement school on extended site

2009/10

Upper Bann

Tannaghmore P.S, Lurgan

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Upper Bann

St Patrick's College, Banbridge

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Upper Bann

St Mary's P.S, Banbridge

New replacement school on existing site

2010/11

Upper Bann

Lurgan College

New replacement school on existing site

2012/13

Upper Bann

Portadown College

New replacement school on existing site

2012/13

West Tyrone

St Columbkille's P.S. Carrickmore

New replacement school on extended site

2010/11

West Tyrone

Artigarvan PS, Strabane

New replacement school on new site

2010/11

West Tyrone

St Conor's P.S, Omagh

New replacement school on extended site

2010/11

West Tyrone

Omagh IPS

New replacement school on new site

2010/11

West Tyrone

Dean Maguirc College, Carrickmore

New replacement school on new site

2011/12

West Tyrone

Cranny Special School, Omagh

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

West Tyrone

Arvalee Spec School, Omagh

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12

West Tyrone

Loreto College, Omagh

New replacement school on existing site

2011/12
Funding Initiatives

Mr Attwood asked the Minister of Education what level of funding has been earmarked for major initiatives such as (i) children and young people's funding; (ii) Extended Schools; and (iii) Renewing Communities, in 2008-09; and how this compares with the level of funding in 2007-08.

(AQW 8155/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Projects

2007/08 Allocation

£k

2008/09 Allocation

£k

Projects / activities formerly funded under the Children and Young People Funding Package

24,252

18,824

Renewing Communities

1,840

310

In addition to the above, for 2008-09, mainstream funding of £16.1 million has been provided within schools delegated budgets in line with the funding which was allocated direct to schools from the Children and Young People Funding Package in 2007/08.

In relation to the extended schools programme funded under the Children and Young People Funding Package, I wanted to continue funding at previous levels but with the resources available was unable to do so. I have only been able to continue funding at 60% of the level available to schools over the last two years meaning a massive cut from £10m to £5.8m.

I have raised the difficulties and registered most strongly my concerns, as far back as 20 September 2007 in a meeting with the Finance Minister and through correspondence on 8 separate occasions since, that the shortfall in funding presents.

Leanfaidh mé, gach deis atá ar fáil le linn na bliana, de bheith ag iarraidh tuilleadh acmhainní, ó thacaigh an Tionól le linn rún 20 Bealtaine, le hathbhunú an chláir thábhachtaigh seo.

I will continue to press at every available opportunity during the year for additional resources, given the endorsement by the Assembly during the motion on 20 May, to restore funding levels for this important programme.

You may have seen Nigel Dodds’ statement to the Assembly on 24 June regarding June Monitoring and it looks hopeful that additional resources will be made available for the programme.

Educational Psychologists

Mr Attwood asked the Minister of Education how many children were waiting to see an educational psychologist on 1 December 2007, in each of the Education and Library Board areas.

(AQW 8156/08)

Ms C Ruane: Chuir Príomh-Fheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne in iúl dom go raibh an líon seo páistí a leanas ag feitheamh le síceolaí oideachasúil a fheiceáil ar 1 Nollaig 2007.

I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that the following numbers of children were waiting to see an educational psychologist on 1 December 2007.

BELB

564

NEELB

499

SEELB

600

SELB

218

WELB

88

These figures are in regard to children with a variety of need, including Stage 3 (non-statutory assessments) and Stage 4 (statutory assessments) of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, reviews at Stage 3 and Stage 5 of the Code of Practice, special testing at transfer stage between primary and post-primary, pre-school and examination arrangements.

Class Sizes

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education the current maximum permissable class sizes for (i) P1 - P3 classes; (ii) P4 - P7 classes; and (iii) composite classes; and what plans her Department has to reduce pupil-teacher ratios.

(AQW 8184/08)

Ms C Ruane: The current maximum permissible class size for P1 – P4 classes (including composite classes) is 30. The Department has not set a maximum permissible class size in relation to P5 – P7 classes (including composite classes).

Creidim go bhfuil sé thar a bheith tábhachtach líon na ndaltaí a bhíonn i ranganna a laghdú; bheadh infheistíocht shubstaintiúil ón Choiste Fheidhmiúcháin de dhíth leis an sprioc sin a bhaint amach. Ar an ábhar go bhfuil ardchostas i gceist, breithneoidh an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin an plean taobh lena chuid tosaíochtaí eile.

I believe it is very important to reduce class sizes and this would require substantial investment by the Executive. It will therefore have to be considered alongside its other priorities.

St. Colman's Primary School, Shinn

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the Health and Safety risk associated with the overcrowding at St. Colman's Primary School, Shinn.

(AQW 8210/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am very aware of the accommodation issues at St Colman’s, having visited the school on 2 May 2008. I was very impressed by the commitment and dedication of the teachers and pupils.

Bhí measúnú á dhéanamh ag Roinn s'agamsa ar an chóiríocht ag an scoil agus rachaimid i dteagmháil leis an scoil arís roimh i bhfad maidir leis an dóigh a bhfuil cúrsaí.

My Department has been assessing the accommodation at the school and will be in contact with the school again shortly on the position.

Primary School Pupils Receiving School Transport

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many pupils attending (i) State Controlled primary schools; (ii) Catholic Maintained primary schools; (iii) Integrated primary schools; and (iv) Irish Medium primary schools, used school transport during the 2007-08 academic year, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board; and (ii) school.

(AQW 8220/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá dearbhaithe ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne go raibh an líon daltaí a leanas ag freastal ar na h-earnálacha bunscoile liostaithe agus ag fáil iompar scoile in 2007/08:

The Education and Library Boards have confirmed that the following number of pupils were attending the primary school sectors listed and receiving school transport in 2007/08:

 
Controlled
Catholic Maintained
Integrated*
Irish Medium
TOTAL

BELB

79

0

157

3

239

NEELB

1,540

1,471

253

5

3,269

SEELB

1,178

491

127

5

1,801

SELB

1,985

2,780

159

16

4,940

WELB

2,408

3,215

352

125

6,100

* This category includes both Grant Maintained and Controlled Integrated schools.

Broken down by individual school as follows:

(i) Controlled Primary Schools:

Belfast Board:

Ballygolan Primary School

29

Botanic Primary School

2

Cregagh Primary School

2

Down High School (Prep)

2

Elmgrove Primary School

1

Euston Street Primary School

1

Glenwood Primary School

2

Knockbreda Primary School

3

Orangefield Primary School

1

Taughmonagh Primary School

35

Vere Foster Primary School

1

North-Eastern Board:

Antrim Primary School

2

Armoy Primary School

3

Ballyclare Primary School

5

Ballykeel Primary School

1

Ballymena Primary School

6

Ballymoney Model Primary School

3

Ballynure Primary School

22

Ballysally Primary School

6

Ballytober Primary School

6

Balnamore Primary School

7

Broughshane Primary School

44

Buick Memorial Primary School

74

Bushmills Primary School

4

Bushvalley Primary School

68

Cairncastle Primary School

15

Carnaghts Primary School

28

Carnalbanagh Primary School

27

Carrickfergus Central Primary School

1

Carrowreagh Primary School

22

Castleroe Primary School

1

Clough Primary School

83

Cloughmills Primary School

5

Creavery Primary School

5

Cregagh Primary School

1

Crumlin Primary School

111

Cullycapple Primary School

2

D H Christie Memorial Primary School

2

D H Christie Memorial Primary School,

Special Unit

62

Dromara Primary School

1

Drumachose Primary School

1

Drumard Primary School

19

Duneane Primary School

4

Dunseverick Primary School

93

Earlview Primary School

1

Eden Primary School, Ballymoney

14

Fairview Primary School

1

Garvagh Primary School

37

Gorran Primary School

51

Gracehill Primary School

13

Greenisland Primary School

1

Groggan Primary School

61

Harpur's Hill Primary School

2

Hazelbank Primary School

29

Hezlett Primary School

32

Kells & Connor Primary School

17

Kilbride Central Primary School

1

Kilrea Primary School

38

Kilross Primary School

6

Knockahollet Primary School

34

Knockloughrim Primary School

24

Larne & Inver Primary School

6

Leaney Primary School

4

Limavady Central Primary School

1

Longstone Primary School

31

Macosquin Primary School

20

Maghera Primary School

8

Magherafelt Primary School

16

Millburn Primary School

1

Moneymore Primary School

8

Moorfields Primary School

104

Mossley Primary School

3

Moyle Primary School

1

Mullaghdubh Primary School

1

Oakfield Primary School

1

Pond Park Primary School

1

Portglenone Primary School

24

Portstewart Primary School

3

Randalstown Central Primary School

19

Rasharkin Primary School

37

Straid Primary School

26

Straidbilly Primary School

7

Straidhavern Primary School

41

Templepatrick Primary School

7

The Diamond Primary School

9

The Irish Society's Primary School

2

The Thompson Primary School

2

Tildarg Primary School

16

Toreagh Primary School

4

Upper Ballyboley Primary School

22

Victoria Primary School

1

Whitehouse Primary School

2

Woodburn Primary School

2

Woods Primary School

14

South-Eastern Board:

Abbey Primary School

2

Academy Primary School

41

Alexander Dickson Primary School

1

Anahilt Primary School

34

Andrews Memorial Primary School

6

Ballinderry Primary School

53

Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School

74

Ballycloughan Primary School

1

Ballygolan Primary School

1

Ballyholme Primary School

3

Ballykeigle Primary School

10

Ballymacash Primary School

2

Ballymagee Primary School

5

Ballynahinch Primary School

1

Ballywalter Primary School

3

Belvoir Park Primary School

36

Bloomfield Road Primary School

13

Braniel Primary School

2

Brooklands Primary School

6

Brownlee Primary School

1

Cairnshill Primary School

3

Carrowdore Primary School

1

Castle Gardens Primary School

2

Castlewellan Primary School

28

Clandeboye Primary School

9

Comber Primary School

1

Crawfordsburn Primary School

3

Cregagh Primary School

5

Crumlin Primary School

13

Cumran Primary School

101

Donaghadee Primary School

5

Down High Preparatory

3

Downpatrick Primary School

60

Downshire Primary School

18

Dromara Primary School

28

Dromore Central Primary School

1

Dundonald Primary School

4

Dunmurry Primary School

1

Gilnahirk Primary School

2

Grange Park Primary School

1

Harmony Hill Primary School

1

Holywood Primary School

7

Kilcooley Primary School

1

Killinchy Primary School

114

Killowen Primary School

4

Kilmaine Primary School

2

Kirkistown Primary School

26

Knockbreda Primary School

17

Knockmore Primary School

56

Largymore Primary School

4

Leadhill Primary School

2

Lisburn Central Primary School

1

Lisnasharragh Primary School

4

Loughries Primary School

1

Maghaberry Primary School

16

McKinney Primary School

39

Meadow Bridge Primary School

140

Millisle Primary School

1

Moira Primary School

5

Moneyrea Primary School

2

Newcastle Primary School

6

Newtownards Model Primary School

5

Newtownbreda Primary School

1

Old Warren Primary School

2

Pond Park Primary School

5

Portavogie Primary School

1

Rathmore Primary School

3

Redburn Primary School

1

Riverdale Primary School

26

Seymour Hill Primary School

18

Spa Primary School

33

Strandtown Primary School

1

Taughmonagh Primary School

2

Towerview Primary School

14

Victoria Primary School (Ballyhalbert)

18

Victoria Primary School (Newtownards)

4

West Winds Primary School

11

Southern Board:

Abercorn Primary School

1

Augher Central Primary School

18

Aughnacloy Primary School

58

Ballinderry Primary School

2

Ballydown Primary School

46

Ballytrea Primary School

61

Benburb Primary School

14

Birches Primary School

54

Brackenagh West Primary School

162

Bronte Primary School

9

Bush Primary School

35

Carntall Primary School

79

Carrick Primary School, Lurgan

36

Churchill Primary School

37

Clare Primary School

38

Clogher Regional Primary School

1

Cookstown Primary School

6

Cortamlet Primary School

55

Donaghey Primary School

28

Donaghmore Primary School

23

Dromore Central Primary School

37

Drumadonnell Primary School

35

Drumhillery Primary School

47

Dungannon Primary School

2

Edenderry Primary School, Banbridge

2

Fair Hill Primary School

28

Fivemiletown Primary School

9

Hamiltonsbawn Primary School

20

Hardy Memorial Primary School

52

Howard Primary School

1

Iveagh Primary School

37

Kilkeel Primary School

37

Killylea Primary School

6

Killyman Primary School

1

Kingsmills Primary School

17

Lisfearty Primary School

25

Lisnadill Primary School

1

Markethill Primary School

112

Minterburn Primary School

6

Mountnorris Primary School

48

Moy Regional Primary School

4

Newmills Primary School

15

Newtownhamilton Primary School

36

Omagh County Primary School

1

Orchard County Primary School

60

Orritor Primary School

90

Poyntzpass Primary School

36

Queen Elizabeth II Primary School

22

Richmond Primary School

70

Richmount Primary School

184

Scarva Primary School

18

Stewartstown Primary School

6

Tamnamore Primary School

6

Tandragee Primary School

2

The Armstrong Primary School

1

The Cope Primary School

112

Walker Memorial Primary School

36

Western Board:

Aghadrumsee Primary School

45

Ardstraw Primary School

22

Artigarvan Primary School

71

Ashlea Primary School

3

Ballinamallard Primary School

5

Ballykelly Primary School

65

Bellarena Primary School

28

Belleek No 2 Primary School

33

Bready Jubilee Primary School

70

Bridgehill Primary School

36

Brookeborough Primary School

24

Burnfoot Primary School

19

Cooley Primary School

98

Cumber Claudy Primary School

82

Denamona Primary School

51

Derrygonnelly Primary School

34

Donemana Primary School

75

Dromore Primary School

34

Drumachose Primary School

27

Drumahoe Primary School

20

Drumlegagh Primary School

25

Dunmullan Primary School

33

Ebrington Primary School

1

Edwards Primary School

57

Eglinton Primary School

24

Enniskillen Model Primary School

106

Erganagh Primary School

21

Fivemiletown Primary School

45

Florencecourt Primary School

82

Gibson Primary School

93

Gillygooley Primary School

38

Gortin Primary School

35

Hezlett Primary School

2

Irvinestown Primary School

70

Jones Memorial Primary School

88

Kesh Primary School

96

Killen Primary School

11

Lack Primary School

37

Langfield Primary School

22

Largy Primary School

12

Limavady Central Primary School

48

Lisbellaw Primary School

125

Lisnagelvin Primary School

2

Londonderry Model Primary School

2

Maguiresbridge Primary School

33

McClintock Primary School

55

Moat Primary School

50

Newbuildings Primary School

2

Newtownbutler Primary School

29

Newtownstewart Model Primary School

19

Omagh County Primary School

60

Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, Kilskeery

23

Shanmullagh Primary School

7

Sion Mills Primary School

26

Strabane Primary School

99

Tempo No 1 Primary School

76

Trillick Primary School

12

(ii) Maintained Primary Schools:

North-Eastern Board:

Altayeskey Primary School

6

Anahorish Primary School

4

Ballyhackett Primary School

27

Barnish Primary School

27

Braid Primary School

10

Creggan Primary School

3

Crossroads Primary School

68

Glenravel Primary School

43

Holy Family Primary School

1

Holy Trinity Primary School

1

Knocknagin Primary School

1

Millquarter Primary School

26

Moneynick Primary School

7

Mount St Michael's Primary School

29

New Row Primary School

1

Sacred Heart Boys Primary School

1

Seaview Primary School

52

St Anne's Primary School

36

St Anthony's Primary School

3

St Bernard's Primary School

6

St Brigid's Primary School, Ballymoney

12

St Brigid's Primary School, Cloughmills

24

St Brigid's Primary School, Magherafelt

53

St Brigid's Primary School, Mountjoy

1

St Brigid's Primary School, Tirkane

69

St Ciaran's Primary School

1

St Colmcille's Primary School

6

St Colmcilles Primary School, Ballymena

12

St Columba's Primary School, Draperstown

14

St Columba's Primary School, Garvagh

68

St Columba's Primary School, Kilrea

9

St Columb's Primary School, Desertmartin

17

St Eoghan's Primary School

8

St Francis' Primary School, Lurgan

1

St James' Primary School, Newtownabbey

1

St John Bosco Primary School, Ballynease

2

St John's Primary School, Carnlough

4

St John's Primary School, Coleraine

2

St John's Primary School, Swatragh

29

St Joseph's Primary School, Ahoghill

2

St Joseph's Primary School, Crumlin

63

St Joseph's Primary School, Dunloy

64

St MacNissi's Primary School, Newtownabbey

3

St MacNissius' Primary School

4

St Malachy's Primary School

1

St Mary's Primary School, Ballymena

13

St Mary's Primary School, Belfast

16

St Mary's Primary School, Cushendall

4

St Mary's Primary School, Draperstown

16

St Mary's Primary School, Glenview

4

St Mary's Primary School, Greenlough

18

St Mary's Primary School, Portglenone

69

St Mary's PS Special Unit, Glenview

25

St Mary's Star of the Sea Primary School

1

St Nicholas' Primary School

20

St Olcan's Primary School

8

St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School

6

St Patrick's & St Brigid's Primary School

21

St Patrick's & St Joseph's Primary School

104

St Patrick's Primary School, Ahoghill

2

St Patrick's Primary School, Glenariff

12

St Patrick's Primary School, Loughgiel

96

St Patrick's Primary School, Loup

3

St Patrick's Primary School, Maghera

99

St Patrick's Primary School, Portrush

2

St Patrick's Primary School, Rasharkin

109

St Trea's Primary School

1

South-Eastern Board:

Ballymacrickett Primary School

61

Ballymacward Primary School

32

Christ the King Primary School, Drumaness

2

Convent of Mercy Primary School

1

Holy Family Primary School

18

Holy Trinity Primary School

9

Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School

1

St Aloysius Primary School

8

St Anne's Primary School

1

St Bernard's Primary School

3

St Colman's Primary School, Lambeg

24

St Colman's Primary School, Moira

12

St Colmcille's Primary School

11

St Comgall's Primary School

5

St Finian's Primary School

2

St Francis' Primary School, Drumaroad

5

St Ita's Primary School

1

St Joseph's Primary School, Carryduff

2

St Joseph's Primary School, Crumlin

1

St Joseph's Primary School, Holland Dr

2

St Joseph's Primary School, Lisburn

2

St Joseph's Primary School, Strangford

14

St Joseph's Primary School, Tyrella

5

St Kieran's Primary School

6

St Luke's Primary School

1

St Macartan's Primary School

39

St Malachy's Primary School, Bangor

23

St Malachy's Primary School, Castlewellan

20

St Malachy's Primary School, Kilclief

2

St Malachy's Primary School, Kilcoo

22

St Mark's Primary School

2

St Mary's Primary School, Derrymore

1

St Mary's Primary School, Killyleagh

1

St Mary's Primary School, Kircubbin

63

St Mary's Primary School, Newcastle

2

St Mary's Primary School, Portaferry

8

St Michael's Primary School, Finnis

22

St Nicholas' Primary School

4

St Patrick's Primary School, Ballygalget

20

St Patrick's Primary School, Ballynahinch

1

St Patrick's Primary School, Derrynaseer

4

St Patrick's Primary School, Downpatrick

5

St Patrick's Primary School, Holywood

1

St Patrick's Primary School, Legamaddy

20

St Patrick's Primary School, Saul

2

Southern Board:

Aughamullan Primary School

50

Ballyholland Primary School

123

Ballymacrickett Primary School

1

Blessed Patrick O'Loughran Primary School

34

Clintyclay Primary School

5

Clonalig Primary School

73

Crievagh Primary School

18

Derrylatinee St Francis Primary School

75

Edendork Primary School

48

Holy Trinity Primary School

5

Laghey Primary School

15

Moneydarragh Primary School

12

Our Lady's & St Mochua's Primary School

61

Primate Dixon Primary School

17

Roan St Patrick's Primary School

30

Sacred Heart Primary School

113

St Brendan's Primary School

1

St Brigid's Primary School, Augher

1

St Brigid's Primary School, Drumilly

39

St Brigid's Primary School, Glassdrummond

123

St Brigid's Primary School, Mountjoy

64

St Clare's Convent Primary School

5

St Colman's Abbey Primary School

1

St Colman's Primary School, Annaclone

59

St Colman's Primary School, Bann

2

St Colman's Primary School, Dromore

17

St Colman's Primary School, Saval

96

St Francis' Primary School, Aghaderg

22

St James' Primary School, Drumatee

16

St Jarlath's Primary School, Blackwatertown

33

St John's Primary School, Eglish

45

St John's Primary School, Kingsisland

13

St John's Primary School, Middletown

53

St John's Primary School, Moy

25

St Joseph's and St James's Primary School

73

St Joseph's Convent Primary School

40

St Joseph's Primary School, Caledon

14

St Joseph's Primary School, Crumlin

1

St Joseph's Primary School, Galbally

93

St Joseph's Primary School, Killeenan

58

St Laurence O'Toole Primary School

15

St MacCartan's Convent Primary School

28

St Malachy's Primary School, Ballymoyer

72

St Malachy's Primary School, Drummullan

8

St Malachy's Primary School, Glencull

13

St Mary's Primary School, Aughnacloy

22

St Mary's Primary School, Ballygawley

25

St Mary's Primary School, Cabra

120

St Mary's Primary School, Derrymore

17

St Mary's Primary School, Dunamore

114

St Mary's Primary School, Glassdrumman

34

St Mary's Primary School, Maghery

74

St Mary's Primary School, Mullaghbawn

135

St Mary's Primary School, Pomeroy

80

St Mary's Primary School, Stewartstown

20

St Michael's Primary School, Finnis

22

St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Ballyhegan

32

St Patrick's Primary School, Aghacommon

30

St Patrick's Primary School, Annaghmore

49

St Patrick's Primary School, Crossmaglen

55

St Patrick's Primary School, Donaghmore

28

St Patrick's Primary School, Dungannon

6

St Patrick's Primary School, Loup

33

St Patrick's Primary School, Mayobridge

43

St Patrick's Primary School, Mullinahoe

92

St Ronan's Primary School, Newry

1

St Teresa's Primary School Tullyherron

38

Western Board:

All Saint's Primary School, Tattysallagh

11

Altishane Primary School

12

Barrack Street Boys' Primary School

8

Broadbridge Primary School

33

Chapel Road Primary School

1

Christ the King Primary School

2

Cornagague Primary School

45

Corranny Primary School

58

Craigbrack Primary School

6

Drumduff Primary School

31

Drumnabey Primary School

5

Envagh Primary School

22

Evish Primary School

21

Faughanvale Primary School

22

Glendermott Primary School

7

Good Shepherd Primary School

2

Gortnagarn Primary School

13

Hollybush Primary School

1

Holy Child Primary School

1

Holy Family Primary School

3

Holy Trinity Primary School

94

Killyhommon Primary School

44

Knocknagor Primary School

25

Listress Primary School

15

Longtower Primary School

1

Loughash Primary School

29

Magheralough Primary School

23

Mullabuoy Primary School

8

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Greencastle

92

Recarson Primary School

1

Roscavey Primary School

12

St Aidan's Primary School, Magilligan

10

St Anne's Primary School, Derry

11

St Anne's Primary School, Strabane

12

St Anthony's Primary School, Limavady

20

St Brigid's Primary School, Altamuskin

52

St Brigid's Primary School, Carnhill

1

St Brigid's Primary School, Cranagh

23

St Brigid's Primary School, Mountfield

5

St Caireall's Primary School

82

St Canice Primary School, Dungiven

45

St Canice's Primary School, Feeny

10

St Colmcille's Primary School, Claudy

88

St Colmcille's Primary School, Omagh

3

St Columban's Primary School, Belcoo

75

St Columba's Primary School, Clady

16

St Columba's Primary School, Dromore

3

St Columba's Primary School, Newbuildings

1

St Columbkille's Primary School, Carrickmore

130

St Conor's Primary School, Omagh

13

St Davog's Primary School, Belleek

30

St Davog's Primary School, Scraghey

11

St Dympna's Primary School, Dromore

12

St Eithne's Primary School, Derry

1

St Eugene's Primary School, Knocks

9

St Eugene's Primary School, Tircur

23

St Eugene's Primary School, Victoria Bridge

20

St John the Baptist Primary School, Roscor

59

St John's Primary School, Bligh's Lane

1

St Joseph's Primary School, Donagh

36

St Joseph's Primary School, Drumquin

63

St Joseph's Primary School, Ederney

61

St Joseph's Primary School, Glenmornan

8

St Lawrence's Primary School, Fintona

92

St Macartan's Primary School

6

St Martin's Primary School, Garrison

62

St Mary's Boys' Primary School, Strabane

3

St Mary's Primary School, Fivemiletown

10

St Mary's Primary School, Altinure

96

St Mary's Primary School, Brookeborough

49

St Mary's Primary School, Cloughcor

60

St Mary's Primary School, Killesher

39

St Mary's Primary School, Killyclogher

6

St Mary's Primary School, Maguiresbridge

41

St Mary's Primary School, Mullymesker

61

St Mary's Primary School, Newtownbutler

63

St Mary's Primary School, Teemore

33

St Mary's Primary School, Tempo No 2

56

St Matthew's Primary School, Drumsurn

18

St Matthew's Primary School, Garvaghey

21

St Naile's Primary School

72

St Ninnidh's Primary School

48

St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Beragh

32

St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Strathfoyle

1

St Patrick's Primary School, Castlederg

42

St Patrick's Primary School, Creggan

25

St Patrick's Primary School, Derrygonnelly

58

St Patrick's Primary School, Dunamanagh

19

St Patrick's Primary School, Eskra

23

St Patrick's Primary School, Gortin

41

St Patrick's Primary School, Mullanaskea

65

St Patrick's Primary School, Newtownstewart

31

St Patrick's Primary School, Pennyburn

6

St Patrick's Primary School, Seskinore

7

St Paul's Primary School, Irvinestown

42

St Peter's & St Paul's Primary School

14

St Peter's Primary School, Plumbridge

61

St Ronan's Primary School, Lisnaskea

60

St Scire's Primary School

45

St Teresa's Primary School, Loughmacrory

76

St Theresa's Primary School, Glebe

5

St Therese Primary School, Lenamore

1

St Tierney's Primary School, Roslea

38

Tattygar Primary School

25

Termoncanice Primary School

53

Trench Road Primary School

3

Tummery Primary School

24

(iii) Integrated Primary Schools

Belfast Board:

Cranmore Integrated Primary School

47

Forge Integrated Primary School

9

Hazelwood Primary School

94

Loughview Integrated Primary School

7

North-Eastern Board:

Acorn Integrated Primary School

23

Ballycastle Controlled Integrated Primary School

8

Braidside Integrated Primary School

89

Carhill Integrated Primary School

34

Carnlough Integrated Primary School

2

Corran Integrated Primary School

12

Glengormley Integrated Primary School

5

Hazelwood Primary School

40

Mill Strand Integrated Primary School

22

Rathenraw Integrated Primary School, Special Unit

9

Roundtower Integrated Primary School

8

Spires Integrated Primary School

1

South-Eastern Board:

All Children's Integrated Primary School

31

Annsborough Integrated Primary School

15

Bangor Central Integrated Primary School

4

Cranmore Integrated Primary School

2

Kircubbin Integrated Primary School

37

Lough View Integrated Primary School

29

Millennium Integrated Primary School

2

Oakwood Integrated Primary School

4

Portadown Integrated Primary School

1

Portaferry Integrated Primary School

2

Southern Board:

All Children's Integrated Primary School

2

Bridge Primary School

36

Portadown Integrated Primary School

59

Saints and Scholars Primary School

62

Western Board:

Enniskillen Integrated Primary School

78

Groarty Integrated Primary School

2

Oakgrove Integrated Primary School

156

Omagh Integrated Primary School

114

Roe Valley Integrated Primary School

2

(iv) Irish-Medium Primary Schools

Belfast Board:

Bunscoil Phobal Feirste

3

North-Eastern Board:

Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain

2

Bunscoil Phobal Feirste

2

Gaelscoil Na Speiriní

1

South-Eastern Board:

Bunscoil Phobal Feirste

5

Southern Board:

Gaelscoil Ui Neill

16

Western Board:

Bunscoil Cholmcille, Carrickmore

53

Bunscoil Cholmcille, Derry

37

Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Derry

33

Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane

2

Post-Primary Pupils Receiving School Transport

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many pupils attending (i) State Controlled post-primary schools; (ii) Catholic Maintained post-primary schools; (iii) Integrated post-primary schools; and (iv) Irish Medium post-primary schools, used school transport during the 2007-08 academic year, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board; and (ii) school.

(AQW 8221/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá dearbhaithe ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne go raibh an líon daltaí a leanas ag freastal ar na h-earnálacha iar-bhunscoile liostaithe agus ag fáil iompar scoile in 2007/08:

The Education and Library Boards have confirmed that the following number of pupils were attending the post-primary school sectors listed and receiving school transport in 2007/08:

 

Controlled

Catholic Maintained

Integrated*

Irish Medium

TOTAL

BELB

124

24

942

69

1,159

NEELB

5,025

2,937

1,301

12

9,275

SEELB

4,195

1,872

1,658

102

7,827

SELB

5,159

5,697

962

27

11,845

WELB

3,977

4,179

1,472

18

9,646

* This category includes both Grant Maintained and Controlled Integrated schools.

Broken down by individual school as follows:

(i) Controlled Post-Primary Schools:

Belfast Board:

Antrim Grammar School

2

Ashfield Boys' High School

3

Ashfield Girls' High School

2

Ballyclare High School

2

Ballynahinch High School

1

Balmoral High School

4

Bangor Academy

3

Belfast Boys’ Model School

11

Belfast Model School for Girls

3

Castle High School

2

Downshire School

1

Dundonald High School

3

Dunmurry High School

34

Glengormley High School

3

Grosvenor Grammar School

9

Knockbreda High School

4

Lisnagarvey High School

1

Lisnasharragh High School

1

Monkstown Community School

3

Nendrum College

2

Newtownbreda High School

9

Orangefield High School

7

Wellington College

14

North-Eastern Board:

Antrim Grammar School

305

Ashfield Girls' High School

1

Ballee Community High School

97

Ballycastle High School

254

Ballyclare High School

632

Ballyclare Secondary School

320

Ballymoney High School

274

Ballymoney HS Special Unit

12

Balmoral High School

1

Bangor Academy & Sixth Form College

1

Belfast Model School for Girls

2

Cambridge House Grammar School

672

Carrickfergus College

109

Carrickfergus Grammar School

80

Coleraine College

89

Coleraine College Special Unit

13

Coleraine High School

389

Cullybackey High School

394

Downshire School

193

Dunclug College

277

Dunluce School

247

Garvagh High School

90

Glengormley High School

41

Knockbreda High School

1

Larne High School

56

Larne High School Special Unit

7

Limavady Grammar School

15

Limavady High School

23

Maghera High School

78

Maghera High School Special Unit

20

Magherafelt High School

203

Monkstown Community High School

11

Monkstown Community HS Special Unit

5

Newtownabbey Community High School

10

Parkhall College

101

Wellington College

2

South-Eastern Board:

Antrim Grammar School

12

Ashfield Boys' High School

3

Ashfield Girls' High School

20

Ballynahinch High School

198

Banbridge Academy

26

Banbridge High School

3

Bangor Academy & Sixth Form College

95

Belfast Boys' Model School

1

Carrickfergus College

1

Carrickfergus Grammar School

1

Castle High School

1

Craigavon Senior High School, Lurgan

24

Donaghadee High School

81

Down High School

851

Dromore High School

249

Dundonald High School

28

Dunmurry High School

6

Glastry College

418

Glenlola Collegiate

148

Grosvenor Grammar School

393

Kilkeel High School

44

Knockbreda High School

13

Laurelhill Community College

172

Lisnagarvey High School

24

Lisnasharragh High School

5

Lurgan College

65

Lurgan Junior High School

123

Movilla High School

12

Nendrum College

47

Newtownbreda High School

42

Orangefield High School

10

Parkhall College

4

Rathfriland High School

12

Regent House

588

Saintfield High School

191

Wellington College

284

Southern Board:

Aughnacloy College

120

Ballynahinch High School

12

Banbridge Academy

740

Banbridge High School

197

City of Armagh High School

188

Clounagh Junior High School

179

Collegiate Grammar School

14

Cookstown High School

505

Craigavon Senior High School, Lurgan

54

Craigavon Senior High School, Portadown

195

Devenish College, Enniskillen

1

Down High School

5

Dromore High School

217

Drumglass High School

290

Fivemiletown College

190

Kilkeel High School

308

Killicomaine Junior High School

42

Laurelhill Community College

3

Lisnagarvey High School

3

Lurgan College

188

Lurgan Junior High School

108

Magherafelt High School

25

Markethill High School

514

Newry High School

227

Newtownhamilton High School

252

Omagh Academy Grammar School

28

Omagh High School

2

Portadown College

341

Rathfriland High School

122

Tandragee Junior High

86

Wellington College

3

Western Board:

Castlederg High School

330

Coleraine College

4

Coleraine High School

9

Collegiate Grammar School

399

Devenish College, Enniskillen

545

Fivemiletown HS & Community College

180

Limavady Grammar School

469

Limavady High School

314

Lisnaskea High School

146

Lisneal College

331

Omagh Academy Grammar School

429

Omagh High School

256

Strabane Grammar School

337

Strabane High School

228

(ii) Maintained Post-Primary Schools:

Belfast Board:

Christian Brothers' School

1

Edmund Rice College

3

Little Flower Girls’ School

1

Our Lady of Mercy Girls' School

1

St Colman's High School, Ballynahinch

4

St Columbanus' College, Bangor

2

St Gabriel's College, Belfast

1

St Joseph's College, Belfast

6

St Louise's Comprehensive College, Belfast

2

St Patrick's College

3

North-Eastern Board:

Christian Brothers Secondary School

2

Cross & Passion College

289

De La Salle Boys' School

18

Edmund Rice College

22

Holy Trinity College

4

La Salle Boys' Junior School

1

Little Flower Girls' School

209

Our Lady of Lourdes High School

139

Our Lady of Lourdes HS Special Unit

18

Our Lady of Mercy Girls’ School

36

St Aloysius' High School

46

St Benedict's College

334

St Brigid's College

1

St Colm's High School, Draperstown

135

St Colm's High School, Twinbrook

1

St Comgall's College

38

St Gemma's High School

2

St Genevieve’s High School

16

St Joseph's College, Belfast

1

St Joseph's College, Coleraine

135

St Louise's Comprehensive College

69

St Mary's College

154

St Mary's High School, Limavady

2

St Mary's High School, Lurgan

1

St Patrick's College, Ballymena

165

St Patrick's College, Bearnageeha

15

St Patrick's College, Maghera

592

St Patrick's College Special Unit, Maghera

15

St Patrick's High School, Lisburn

28

St Paul's College

197

St Paul's High School, Lurgan

2

St Pius X College

244

St Rose's High School

6

South-Eastern Board:

Christian Brothers’ Secondary School

10

Corpus Christi College

2

De La Salle High School

143

La Salle Boys' School

28

Lismore Comprehensive School

8

St Colman's High School

127

St Colmcille's High School

295

St Colm's High School

1

St Columban's College

1

St Columbanus' College

194

St Columba's College

114

St Genevieve's High School

11

St Joseph's College

38

St Louise's Comprehensive College

46

St Malachy's High School

486

St Mary's High School, Downpatrick

237

St Mary's High School, Lurgan

21

St Patrick's College, Banbridge

2

St Patrick's High School, Lisburn

94

St Paul's Junior High School

9

St Rose's High School

5

Southern Board:

Dean Maguirc College

3

Drumcree College

41

Holy Trinity College

475

Lismore Comprehensive School

227

Sacred Heart College

1

St Brigid's High School, Armagh

83

St Catherine's College

448

St Ciaran's High School

550

St Colman's High School

7

St Colm's High School, Draperstown

4

St Columban's College

108

St Genevieve's High School

1

St Joseph's Boys' High School, Newry

106

St Joseph's College, Coalisland

149

St Joseph's High School, Crossmaglen

473

St Louise's Comprehensive College

1

St Malachy's High School, Castlewellan

344

St Mark's High School, Warrenpoint

470

St Mary's High School, Downpatrick

1

St Mary's High School, Lurgan

137

St Mary's High School, Newry

152

St Patrick's College, Maghera

4

St Patrick's College, Banbridge

192

St Patrick's College, Dungannon

310

St Patrick's High School, Keady

482

St Patrick's High School, Lisburn

1

St Paul's High School, Bessbrook

559

St Paul's High School, Lurgan

95

St Pius X College

273

Western Board:

Dean Maguirc College

387

Holy Cross College

393

Immaculate Conception College

36

Sacred Heart College

428

St Aidan's High School, Derrylin

146

St Brigid's College

30

St Cecilia's College

370

St Ciaran's High School

184

St Colms HS, Draperstown

16

St Comhghall's College

159

St Eugene's College, Roslea

177

St Eugene's High School, Castlederg

87

St Fanchea's College

190

St John's Business and Enterprise College

116

St Joseph's Boys' High School, Creggan

26

St Joseph's College, Enniskillen

160

St Mary's College, Irvinestown

101

St Mary's College, Londonderry

35

St Mary's High School, Brollagh

137

St Mary's Secondary School, Limavady

441

St Patrick's & St Brigid's College

219

St Patrick's College, Dungiven

120

St Patrick's College, Maghera

208

St Peter's High School

13

(iii) Integrated Post-Primary Schools:

Belfast Board:

Fort Hill Integrated College

39

Hazelwood Integrated College

299

Lagan College

291

Malone College

257

Priory College

55

Ulidia Integrated College

1

North-Eastern Board:

Crumlin Integrated College

111

Fort Hill Integrated College

2

Hazelwood Integrated College

115

Lagan College

6

Malone College

17

North Coast Integrated College

169

Priory College

1

Slemish Integrated College

476

Sperrin Integrated College

171

Ulidia Integrated College

223

South-Eastern Board:

Crumlin Integrated College

68

Down Academy

191

Fort Hill Integrated College

136

Hazelwood Integrated College

5

Lagan College

369

Malone College

45

New-Bridge Integrated College

2

Priory College

191

Shimna College

192

Strangford College

459

Southern Board:

Armagh Integrated College

52

Brownlow College

97

Crumlin Integrated College

2

Drumragh Integrated College

6

Fort Hill Integrated College

11

Integrated College, Dungannon

246

Lagan College

2

Malone College

4

New-Bridge Integrated College

367

Shimna Integrated College

100

Sperrin Integrated College

75

Western Board:

Drumragh Integrated College

355

Erne Integrated College

241

North Coast Integrated College

2

Oakgrove Integrated College

874

(iv) Irish-Medium Post-Primary Schools:

Belfast Board:

Coláiste Feirste

69

North-Eastern Board:

Coláiste Feirste

12

South-Eastern Board:

Coláiste Feirste

102

Southern Board:

Coláiste Feirste

1

St Catherine’s College, Irish Medium Unit

26

Western Board:

Coláiste Bhride (St Brigid's College)

18

Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme

Mr Attwood asked the Minister of Education for an update on the working group on Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme, particularly in relation to the issue of 'hard charging' schools for teachers' added years; and what plans she has to respond to the issue.

(AQW 8249/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme (PRCS) Review Group was established for consultation with key stakeholders on the arrangements for compensating teachers retiring prematurely from April 2009 onwards. The Review Group comprises representatives of the Department, employers and teacher unions in both the schools and FE sectors. Its remit is to bring forward options for managing the costs of the PRCS in future.

The group met on 26 February 2008, 7 April 2008 and 25 June 2008. At the meeting on 25 June it was agreed that my Department would amend existing legislation to bring provisions for compensating teachers for premature retirement broadly into line with arrangements under the corresponding schemes in Scotland and in England and Wales. The Review Group will in the meantime continue to consider how such provisions may be applied consistently for the benefit of teachers and employers, and in the interests of economy and efficiency.

Tá beart déanta cheana lena chinntiú, ón bhliain airgeadais seo amach, go mbeidh na daoine sin atá freagrach as a shocrú go mbronnfar cúiteamh méadaithe as scor roimh am ("blianta breise"), freagrach fosta as na costais.

Action has already been taken to ensure that, from the current financial year, those who are responsible for decisions to award enhanced compensation for premature retirement ("added years") are also accountable for the costs. In the corresponding scheme in England and Wales, responsibility for the cost of added years was transferred to teachers’ employers in 1991. In 1997 employers became liable for all the costs associated with the scheme, including the additional cost of early payment of unreduced pension benefits.

Sports Facilities at Schools

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to give her assessment of sports facilities in (i) Primary Schools; and (ii) Post Primary Schools.

(AQW 8250/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are no plans to carry out an audit of sports facilities in all schools.

Cuirtear áiseanna spóirt ar fáil ag scoileanna chun tacú le soláthar an churaclaim agus ar chomhairle na Cigireachta Oideachais agus Oiliúna.

Sports facilities are provided at schools to support the delivery of the curriculum and on the advice of the Education and Training Inspectorate.

Sports Facilities at Schools

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education if she will carry out an audit of sports facilities in all schools.

(AQW 8251/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are no plans to carry out an audit of sports facilities in all schools.

Cuirtear áiseanna spóirt ar fáil ag scoileanna chun tacú le soláthar an churaclaim agus ar chomhairle na Cigireachta Oideachais agus Oiliúna.

Sports facilities are provided at schools to support the delivery of the curriculum and on the advice of the Education and Training Inspectorate.

School Buses Provided by Translink

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many buses are provided by Translink on a daily basis for the purpose of transporting pupils attending (i) State Controlled primary schools; (ii) Catholic Maintained primary schools; (iii) Integrated primary schools; and (iv) Irish Medium primary schools, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board; and (b) school.

(AQW 8268/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have been informed by Translink that it does not hold the information in the format requested. Translink does not have a dedicated schools fleet but rather incorporates school transport provision into its stage carriage network.

Iompraíonn Translink tuairim is ar 65,000 dalta go dtí an scoil agus ar ais ar bhonn laethúil, agus cuirtear ar fáil 2,600 turas breise ar bharr ghnáthsheirbhísí amchláir le seo a chomhlíonadh.

Translink carries some 65,000 pupils to and from school on a daily basis, and 2,600 extra journeys are provided in addition to normal timetabled services to fulfil this.

School Buses Provided by Translink

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many buses are provided by Translink on a daily basis for the purpose of transporting pupils attending (i) State Controlled post-primary schools; (ii) Catholic Maintained post-primary schools; (iii) Integrated post-primary schools; and (iv) Irish Medium post-primary schools, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board; and (b) school.

(AQW 8269/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have been informed by Translink that it does not hold the information in the format requested. Translink does not have a dedicated schools fleet but rather incorporates school transport provision into its stage carriage network.

Iompraíonn Translink tuairim is ar 65,000 dalta go dtí an scoil agus ar ais ar bhonn laethúil, agus cuirtear ar fáil 2,600 turas breise ar bharr ghnáthsheirbhísí amchláir le seo a chomhlíonadh.

Translink carries some 65,000 pupils to and from school on a daily basis, and 2,600 extra journeys are provided in addition to normal timetabled services to fulfil this.

School Closures
Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Education how many school closures have been announced since devolution; and in how many cases at primary and post-primary level, has the school cited difficulties in delivering the revised curriculum among the reasons for closure.

(AQW 8286/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ón chineachadh, fógraíodh druidim ocht scoil agus aon aonad bunscoile. Níor luaigh ceann ar bit de na scoileanna deacrachtaí i soláthar an churaclaim athbhreithnithe ar an cúiseanna le druidim.

Closures of eight schools and one unit of a primary school have been announced since devolution. None of the schools cited difficulties in delivering the revised curriculum among the reasons for closure.

Movilla High School

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for maintaining and improving facilities at Movilla High School.

(AQW 8294/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt freagrach as cothabháil agus soláthar na n-oibreacha caipitiúla ag Ardscoil Mhaigh Bhile. Thug an Bord le fios dom gur cuireadh coire úr isteach le gairid; chosain an coire tuairim is £29,000 agus soláthróidh sé teas don halla spóirt. Tá sé de rún ag an Bhord na háiseanna a fheabhsú trí uasghrádú a dhéanamh ar na seomraí a úsáidtear le haghaidh eacnamaíocht bhaile; samhradh 2009 an sprioc-am atá i gceist.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board has responsibility for maintenance and the provision of capital works at Movilla High School. The Board has advised that a new boiler to serve the sports hall has just been installed at a cost of approximately £29,000. The Board plans to improve the facilities with an upgrade of the home economics accommodation, with a target date of summer 2009.

Statements of Special Educational Needs

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education how many pupils are currently awaiting a statement of special educational need.

(AQO 4020/08)

Ms C Ruane: Thug Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mbord oideachais agus leabharlainne eolas dom faoin líon daltaí a ndearnadh measúnú reachtúil ar a riachtanais speisialta oideachais, faoin líon a measann na Boird ráiteas riachtanas speisialta oideachais a bheith de dhíth orthu, agus faoin líon atá ag fanacht lena ráiteas a bheith réidh. Seo leanas an líon:

I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the education and library boards that the number of pupils who have undergone a statutory assessment of their special educational needs, are considered by the Boards to require a statement of special educational needs, and who are currently awaiting completion of their statement is as follows:-

1. Belfast Education and Library Board - 21

2. North-Eastern Education and Library Board - 45

3. South-Eastern Education and Library Board - 42

4. Southern Education and Library Board - 124

5. Western Education and Library Board - 34

These figures represent those pupils on whom a statutory assessment of their special educational needs has been completed and who are currently awaiting either a proposed or final statement of special education needs.

Education and Library Board Underspend

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to detail the underspend of each of the Education and Library Boards in the last three financial years.

(AQW 8312/08)

Ms C Ruane: The amount of resources which remained unspent for each of the Education and Library Boards in the last three financial years, are detailed in the table below. These include unspent resources in the Education & Library Boards themselves, schools and youth services.

£000s

 
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08

Education & Library Board

Resource

Capital

Resource

Capital

Resource

Capital

BELB

2,251

757

7,858

2,245

6,785

1,902

NEELB

5,725

3

14,900

61

5,887

209

SEELB

2,071

21

6,963

95

7,349

97

SELB

7,878

1,191

17,852

2,425

7,572

1,030

WELB

9,432

378

20,680

870

6,857

479

TOTAL

D’aontaigh an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin socruithe Solúbthachta Dheireadh na Bliana in Aibreán 2008; cinntíonn na socruithe sin nach n-úsáidfear na hacmhainní seo ach i gcomhair oideachais sna blianta amach romhainn.

It should be noted that under the End Year Flexibility arrangements, agreed by the Executive in April 2008, these resources remain committed to education for use in subsequent years.

Teachers’ Added Years Scheme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what are the effects of the changes in resourcing of the teachers’ added years scheme on the implementation of Sustainable Schools’ Policy.

(AQW 8338/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní bhaineann na hathruithe a rinneadh le gairid ar an Scéim Chúitimh le haghaidh Múinteoirí a Scoireann Roimh Am (PRCS) leis an Pholasaí um Scoileanna Inmharthana

Recent changes to the administration of the Teachers’ Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme (PRCS) are unconnected to Sustainable Schools Policy. Action has been taken to ensure that, from the current financial year, those who are responsible for decisions to award teachers enhanced compensation for premature retirement ("added years") are also accountable for the costs. In taking this action my Department is seeking to ensure that in future the level of discretionary compensation awarded to teachers is both affordable and appropriate in light of criticism by the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts of the generous nature of the PRCS. While it is a matter for employing authorities to determine what compensation they are prepared to offer, the guiding principle should be the maximum economy consistent with effectiveness.

Permanent Teaching Posts

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Education how many qualified teachers who completed their training last year have yet to obtain a permanent teaching post in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 8339/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not employ teachers nor does it hold this information. However, the General Teaching Council has been registering initial teacher education graduates on an annual basis since April 2004. The Council also seeks information, annually, from all grant-aided schools on teachers employed on a permanent or significant temporary nature (i.e. excluding supply/substitute teachers). The Council has provided the following information:

 

(1)

2007/08

Graduate Records

801

Currently Registered

683

Currently Employed

(see note 2)

187

Notes:

1. The year stated refers to the GTC Registration Year, i.e. 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.

2. "Currently Employed" includes teachers who are employed on a permanent or significant temporary basis (i.e. excludes substitute/supply teachers).

Tá iarrtha agam ar mo Roinn tuilleadh oibre a dhéanamh ar phatrúin fostaíochta mhac léinn ag baint céime amach as oideachas tosaigh múinteoireachta.

I have asked my Department to undertake further work on the employment patterns of students graduating from initial teacher education.

Permanent Teaching Posts

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Education how many qualified teachers who completed their training in each of the last five years have yet to obtain a permanent teaching post in Northern Ireland six months after qualification.

(AQW 8340/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not employ teachers nor does it hold this information. However, the General Teaching Council has been registering initial teacher education graduates on an annual basis since April 2004. The Council also seeks information, annually, from all grant-aided schools on teachers employed on a permanent or significant temporary nature (i.e. excluding supply/substitute teachers). The Council has provided the following information:

 

(1)

2003/04

(1)

2004/05

(1)

2005/06

(1)

2006/07

(1)

2007/08

Graduate Records

705

792

816

807

801

Currently Registered

635

672

671

708

683

Currently Employed

(see note 2)

535

490

413

337

187

Notes:

1. The years stated refer to the GTC Registration Year, i.e. 1 April to

31 March.

2. "Currently Employed" includes teachers who are employed on a permanent or significant temporary basis (i.e. excludes substitute/supply teachers).

Tá iarrtha agam ar mo Roinn tuilleadh oibre a dhéanamh ar phatrúin fostaíochta mhac léinn ag baint céime amach as oideachas tosaigh múinteoireachta.

 I have asked my Department to undertake further work on the employment patterns of students graduating from initial teacher education.

Capital Scheme for Ballymacash Primary School

Mr Poots asked the Minister of Education what plans her Department has to provide a new teaching block at Ballymacash Primary School, Lisburn, and to remove the mobiles currently on site.

(AQW 8355/08)

Ms C Ruane: Baineann pleanáil eastát rialaithe na scoileanna le Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt ar an chéad dul síos. Níl aon phlean ann faoi láthair chun scéim chaipitil a bheith ann do Bhunscoil Ballymacash.

The planning of the controlled schools’ estate is a matter for the South Eastern Education and Library Board in the first instance. There are currently no plans for a capital scheme for Ballymacash Primary School.

Educational Provision and Facilities in Dromore, Co Down

Mr Poots asked the Minister of Education what plans her Department has to enhance the educational provision and facilities in Dromore, Co Down, to meet the needs of (i) pre-school; (ii) primary school; and (iii) post-primary school, education for children and young people aged between 3 and 18.

(AQW 8357/08)

  1. Ms C Ruane: Pre-School

The Southern Education and Library Board are currently reviewing pre-school provision across the Board area, but has no specific plans relating to the Dromore area at this time.

(ii) Primary and (iii) Post Primary

There are no current major works proposals from the maintained or voluntary grammar sectors for the Dromore area.

Maidir leis an earnáil rialaithe, tá dhá scéim chaipitil á bpleanáil faoi láthair i gcomhair áitribh úra a thógáil do Lár-Bhunscoil an Droma Mhóir agus Ardscoil an Droma Mhóir.

In regard to the controlled sector, there are two capital schemes currently in planning for new school builds for Dromore Central Primary School and Dromore High School. A new school on a new site was approved for Dromore Central Primary School. The SELB has advised that the scheme is now progressing in planning, after some delay in acquiring the site. A capital scheme for Dromore High School is at Economic Appraisal stage. An appraisal was submitted to the Department in January 2008 and comments on the appraisal were provided to the SELB at the end of June.

Primary School Pupil Funding

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education the average amount spent per primary school pupil in each year since 2001-02.

(AQW 8375/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below sets out the average funding per-pupil delegated to schools under Local Management of Schools arrangements in each of the last seven years. Further funding is allocated directly to Funding Authorities for a wide range of services, some which benefit all pupils while others are more specifically targeted.

Dá réir sin ní thig an maoiniú sin a chur i láthair ar bhonn dalta aonair.

Accordingly it is not possible to present that funding accurately on a per-pupil basis.

Primary School Sector
2001/02
2002/03
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
Average amount Per Capita £
£1,890
£1,964
£2,126
£2,228
£2,442
£2,620
£2,741
Complaints Against Teachers

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what mechanisms are in place to address complaints against teachers making inappropriate remarks related to prejudice.

(AQW 8428/08)

Ms C Ruane: Príomhoide agus Bord Gobharnóirí na scoile atá i gceist a bíos freagrach as fiosrú gearán in éadan múinteoirí.

Complaints against teachers are a matter for investigation by the Principal and Board of Governors of the school concerned. Following a preliminary investigation, if the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the Disciplinary Procedure for Teachers may be invoked. The Procedure was agreed by the employing authorities and the teacher unions through the Teacher Negotiating Committee to provide a fair, consistent process for dealing with alleged misconduct.

Post-Primary School Places

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education further to her answers to AQO 3975/08 and AQW 7582/08, to clarify and reconcile the differing figures in relation to the number of children from the North Down constituency who are without a suitable place in a post-primary school for the forthcoming academic year.

(AQW 8429/08)

Ms C Ruane: The reason for the difference between the figures given in response to these two questions is essentially because the questions have been understood as asking about two different definitions of the area concerned: the "North Down" and the smaller "North Down Constituency". In AQO 3975/08 Peter Weir MLA asked me what action my Department was taking to ensure adequate provision for the intake of new pupils at secondary level "in North Down" in September 2008. In my answer I stated that there were, at that time, 45 unplaced children resident "in the area". These 45 unplaced children did not all reside in the North Down constituency: for example, included in their number were unplaced children residing in Newtownards and Dundonald (Strangford constituency) who were seeking admission to schools in North Down. This reflects a long tradition of children from the Strangford constituency attending schools in North Down and vice versa.

In Question AQW 7582/08 you asked me (i) how many; and (ii) what percentage of, P7 children attending schools specifically in the North Down constituency have not been allocated a place at a post-primary school for the 2008-09 academic year. In my answer I quoted a figure of 30 children (which equates to 3%). This figure is lower than the 45 figure previously given because it excludes those children resident outside the North Down constituency but who were included in the figure of 45 given for the number of unplaced children resident "in North Down".

Tá áit glactha ag cuid de na 45 pháiste i scoileanna malartacha anois; seo na páistí a bhfuil cónaí orthu i limistéar Thuaisceart an Dúin agus a liostáladh ar 10 Meitheamh 2008 mar dhaoine gan áit scoile.

Some of the 45 children resident in the North Down area who, on June 10, 2008, were counted as unplaced have now accepted places at alternative schools. The South Eastern Education and Library Board have advised the Department that the number of children resident in North Down who, on July 3, 2008, were unplaced was 11 with a further eight unplaced children resident outside the North Down constituency.

Pre-school Places in East Antrim

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Education how many pre-school places are available in nursery schools in the East Antrim constituency.

(AQW 8446/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 390 áiteanna páirtaimseartha agus 234 áiteanna lánaimseartha ar fáil i naíscoileanna agus i mbunscoileanna a bhfuil aonaid naíolainne acu i dtoghcheantar Aontroma Thoir.

There are 390 part-time places and 234 full-time places available in nursery schools and primary schools with nursery units in the East Antrim constituency.

Increasing Fuel Costs

Mrs Long asked the Minister of Education what assessment she has made of the impact of the increase in (i) fuel costs; and (ii) fuel duty, on the departmental budget and the realisation of efficiency targets; and what action she has taken to mitigate against these increased costs.

(AQW 8451/08)

Ms C Ruane: In recognition of the impact of increasing fuel costs and fuel duty on the budget for education, a bid was submitted in the June Monitoring round for £7.5 million to cover the increased energy costs in schools. This bid was unsuccessful but the pressure on school budgets will be kept under review and a further bid will be made in subsequent Monitoring rounds, if necessary. In relation to the fuel costs for the running of the Department of Education, these are paid for by the Department of Finance and Personnel and therefore any increase in costs is a matter for them to address.

Níltear ag dúil go n-oibreoidh an méadú ar chostas agus ar dhleacht breosla tionchar ar chumas na Roinne na spriocanna éifeachtúlachta a leagadh amach i bpróiseas buiséid 2007 a shroicheadh.

It is not anticipated that the increase in fuel costs and fuel duty will have an impact on the Department’s ability to achieve the efficiency targets set in the 2007 Budget process.

Primary Languages Group

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 7500/08, if she will give details of the Primary Languages Group set up to manage and monitor the Primary Languages Programme, including the members' names and the education partners they represent, as well as  their background in the two primary languages.

(AQW 8456/08)

Ms C Ruane: The regional Primary Modern Languages group consists of curricular advisors from the North-Eastern, South-Eastern, Southern and Belfast Education and Library Boards, a Field Officer from the Western Education and Library Board, an Assistant Advisor from the South-Eastern Education and Library Board and an Assistant Principal Officer from the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. The group is chaired by an Assistant Senior Education Officer from the South Eastern Education and Library Board, and representation has been sought from the Higher Education Institutions.

In terms of background, group members bring educational expertise as well as a range of linguistic experience, including in Spanish and Irish. Specific language expertise in Spanish and Irish is drawn by the group from organisations such as the Spanish Embassy, Foras na Gaelige, the Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research and Gael Linn.

Tuairiscíonn an grúpa ar bhonn rialta don Bhord Bainistíochta Páirtíochta (BBP) agus do mo Roinn. Tá an Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna fosta ag déanamh meastóireachta neamhspleáiche ar an chlár le linn na scoilbhliana 2008-09.

The group reports regularly to the Partnership Management Board (PMB) and my Department. The Education and Training Inspectorate is also carrying out an independent evaluation of the programme during the 2008-09 school year.

Pattern of Attendance

Mr Newton asked the Minister of Education how many nursery schools in the East Belfast constituency applied for additional places for the (i) 2008-09; and (ii) 2009-10, academic years; and to detail (a) the nursery schools that were refused additional places, and (b) the reasons for refusal.

(AQW 8463/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níor iarr aon naíscoil athrú sa phatrún freastail don bhliain acadúil 2008/09.

No nursery schools have requested a change in the pattern of attendance for the 2008/09 academic year.

One school, Braniel Primary School, has requested a change in pattern of attendance in their nursery unit from 1 full-time and 2 part-time classes to 2 full-time classes from 1 September 2009. This request is currently under consideration.

Independent Admissions Criteria

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education when she became aware that it is legally permissible for schools to set their own independent admissions criteria in the absence of an agreed alternative.

(AQW 8487/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá faisnéis tugtha ag oifigigh domh ar impleachtaí gach gné den reachtaíocht a bhaineann le hiontráil go scoileanna ó thús mo thréimhse oifige.

I have been briefed by officials on the implications of all aspects of legislation governing school admissions from the beginning of my term of office.

Lisnadill Primary School

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Education for an update on the proposed extension works to Lisnadill Primary School for the provision of a new assembly hall and enhanced sports facilities and the timescale for this project.

(AQW 8505/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is mionscéim oibreacha atá ann agus dá bharr sin titeann sí faoi fhreagracht tharmligthe Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Deiscirt (BOLOD).

This is a minor works scheme and as such falls within the delegated responsibility of the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB).

I understand from the Chief Executive of the SELB that preliminary design drawings for the extension, comprising a multi-purpose hall and other ancillary accommodation, have been agreed with the school principal and that an outline planning application has been made.

Biometric Systems

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many schools in each Education and Library Board area use biometric systems in the administration of (a) school meals (b) school libraries.

(AQW 8515/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

SCHOOL MEALS SCHOOL LIBRARIES

BELB 0 1

NEELB 0 0

SEELB 0 4

SELB 2 Not Available

WELB 3 Not Available1

Schools must comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 in using biometric systems. Biometric data must be treated just like any other personal data under the terms of the Act. Guidance for schools on the introduction of biometric systems is available on the Department’s website www.deni.gov.uk .

All systems are password protected and only permitted staff will have access. The majority of schools use fingerprint data, where a user has their fingerprint scanned, converted into digital data and recorded. The image of the fingerprint is not held on the system and cannot be regenerated from the digital data.

At the end of each school year, a complete upgrade is carried out when all school leavers will have all their biometric details deleted from the system and new intakes added.

Administration of School Meals

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many schools in each Education and Library Board area still use paper lunch tickets/passes in the administration of school meals.

(AQW 8516/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní choinníonn an Roinn eolas ar líon na scoileanna i ngach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann atá ag úsáid ticéid/pasanna lóin go fóill de bharr nach mbaineann an t-ábhar sin ach leis na scoileanna iad féin.

The Department does not hold information on the number of schools in each Education and Library Board who are still operating lunch tickets/passes as this is a matter for individual schools.

The Belfast Board has confirmed that paper tickets have been withdrawn from their primary schools. The North-Eastern Board no longer issue paper tickets to schools as they operate a register system, but some of their schools may be operating a pass system. The Southern Board has confirmed that there are 9 primary schools and 25 post-primary schools who still use paper lunch tickets/passes. The South-Eastern and Western Boards do not hold figures on the number of schools who are still operating paper ticketing systems.

Biometric Systems

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how the Department ensures the security of biometric information on pupils stored in schools.

(AQW 8517/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

SCHOOL MEALS SCHOOL LIBRARIES

BELB 0 1

NEELB 0 0

SEELB 0 4

SELB 2 Not Available

WELB 3 Not Available1

Schools must comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 in using biometric systems. Biometric data must be treated just like any other personal data under the terms of the Act. Guidance for schools on the introduction of biometric systems is available on the Department’s website www.deni.gov.uk .

All systems are password protected and only permitted staff will have access. The majority of schools use fingerprint data, where a user has their fingerprint scanned, converted into digital data and recorded. The image of the fingerprint is not held on the system and cannot be regenerated from the digital data.

At the end of each school year, a complete upgrade is carried out when all school leavers will have all their biometric details deleted from the system and new intakes added.

Biometric Systems

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how and when schools dispose of biometric information on pupils.

(AQW 8518/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

SCHOOL MEALS SCHOOL LIBRARIES

BELB 0 1

NEELB 0 0

SEELB 0 4

SELB 2 Not Available

WELB 3 Not Available1

Schools must comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 in using biometric systems. Biometric data must be treated just like any other personal data under the terms of the Act. Guidance for schools on the introduction of biometric systems is available on the Department’s website www.deni.gov.uk .

All systems are password protected and only permitted staff will have access. The majority of schools use fingerprint data, where a user has their fingerprint scanned, converted into digital data and recorded. The image of the fingerprint is not held on the system and cannot be regenerated from the digital data.

At the end of each school year, a complete upgrade is carried out when all school leavers will have all their biometric details deleted from the system and new intakes added.

Free School Meals

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of whether the cafeteria system in schools leads pupils on free school meals to overspend on the daily allowance.

(AQW 8519/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl aon fhianaise ag an Roinn go dtugann córas caifé ar bhonn airgead tirim ar dhaltaí atá i dteideal béilte scoile saor in aisce chun róchaithimh.

The Department has no evidence that a cash cafeteria system leads pupils entitled to free school meals to overspend. All free school meals pupils can obtain a nutritionally balanced 2 course meal in a cash cafeteria for the current free school meal allowance. It is only when they choose additional items that a charge is made.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Education how much money has been offered to each school under Extended Schools Funding for 2008-09, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and how this compares to funding allocated to each school for 2007-08.

(AQW 8559/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

In light of the very positive indications given by the Finance Minister to the Assembly on June Monitoring about the importance of the Extended Schools programme to the Executive I am very hopeful that additional in year resources will be allocated for the programme which will allow the Department to widen the eligibility criteria and restore previous funding levels.

DENI REF

SCHOOL NAME

PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

2007/08

2008/09

NURSERY SCHOOLS

1110002

MCARTHUR NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

8,200

1,270

1116074

GLENDHU NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

5,600

1,010

1116158

RAVENSCROFT NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

8,200

1,270

1116160

SANDBROOK NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

9,545

1,461

4116216

KING'S ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

9,430

1,461

4116240

CASTLEREAGH NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

8,200

1,270

1110003

EDENDERRY NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

9,430

7,112

1110007

GLENBANK NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

6,440

1,162

1110025

TUDOR LODGE NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

9,430

7,112

1110028

BREFNE NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

0

5,656

1110036

NEW LODGE NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

9,430

7,112

1116011

VICTORIA NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

6,440

5,656

1116157

STANHOPE STREET NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

8,200

1,270

1116159

OLDPARK NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

8,200

7,112

1136229

ST MARY'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

8,300

1,280

1136230

HOLY FAMILY NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

8,200

1,270

1136251

OUR LADY'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

9,430

1,461

1136360

HOLY CROSS NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

9,430

7,112

1110001

ARELLIAN NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST SOUTH

8,200

7,112

1130027

BETHLEHEM NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST SOUTH

4,100

0

1110038

SHAFTESBURY NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

1,461

1116155

HOPE NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,112

1136106

ST MARTIN'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,545

7,112

1136228

ST BERNADETTE'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,112

1136302

ST PAUL'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,056

1136314

ST TERESA'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

1,472

1136315

ST MICHAEL'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

1,461

1136316

HOLY CHILD NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

1,461

1136340

ST PETER'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,112

1136349

MATT TALBOT NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,545

7,112

1136353

ST MARIA GORETTI NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,112

1136383

ST OLIVER PLUNKETT NURSERY SCH

BELFAST WEST

8,100

7,112

1136603

THE CATHEDRAL NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,112

4136368

ST LUKE'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,168

4136481

ST KIERAN'S NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,112

4136606

ST THERESE NURSERY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

9,430

7,112

3136332

ST ANTHONY'S NURSERY SCHOOL

EAST ANTRIM

9,430

1,461

2116628

LIMAVADY NURSERY SCHOOL

EAST DERRY

9,430

1,449

3116215

KYLEMORE NURSERY SCHOOL

EAST DERRY

9,373

1,438

3116263

BALLYSALLY NURSERY SCHOOL

EAST DERRY

8,510

7,112

5116198

FIVEMILETOWN NURSERY SCHOOL

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

6,670

1,173

2116023

THE ACADEMY NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

9,603

1,484

2116232

STRATHFOYLE NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

9,545

1,461

2116266

BLIGH'S LANE NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

9,660

7,280

2116267

CARNHILL NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

9,430

1,461

2116336

GALLIAGH NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

9,430

7,224

2116345

BELMONT NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

9,545

1,484

2116348

TRENCH ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

9,430

1,461

4116018

BARBOUR NURSERY SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

8,200

1,270

4136286

GOOD SHEPHERD NURSERY SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

9,545

7,168

4136317

HOLY TRINITY NURSERY SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

9,660

1,461

3116177

MAGHERAFELT NURSERY SCHOOL

MID ULSTER

12,420

1,760

5110017

RAILWAY STREET NURSERY SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

6,555

2,828

5136342

ST MALACHY'S NURSERY SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

8,200

7,112

3110037

BALLYMENA NURSERY SCHOOL

NORTH ANTRIM

7,400

1,205

3116165

DUNCLUG NURSERY SCHOOL

NORTH ANTRIM

8,400

1,275

3116162

MOSSLEY NURSERY SCHOOL

SOUTH ANTRIM

8,200

1,270

3116220

BALLYCLARE NURSERY SCHOOL

SOUTH ANTRIM

12,363

1,765

3136183

ST JOSEPH'S NURSERY SCHOOL

SOUTH ANTRIM

9,430

1,461

4116176

DOWNPATRICK NURSERY SCHOOL

SOUTH DOWN

6,440

1,162

4136211

ST COLMCILLE'S NURSERY SCHOOL

SOUTH DOWN

9,430

1,461

4136212

ST PATRICK'S CONVENT NURSERY

SOUTH DOWN

9,430

1,461

5116197

KILKEEL NURSERY SCHOOL

SOUTH DOWN

9,430

1,461

4110035

NEWTOWNARDS NURSERY SCHOOL

STRANGFORD

8,200

1,270

4116307

GLENBROOK NURSERY SCHOOL

STRANGFORD

9,430

1,461

5116189

MILLINGTON NURSERY SCHOOL

UPPER BANN

9,545

1,472

5136217

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST NURSERY

UPPER BANN

9,430

1,461

5136631

DRUMNAMOE NURSERY SCHOOL

UPPER BANN

8,300

1,270

2116333

BALLYCOLMAN NURSERY SCHOOL

WEST TYRONE

9,430

1,438

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

1010146

EUSTON STREET PS

BELFAST EAST

26,680

16,030

1010231

STRAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

24,150

13,160

1010255

ELMGROVE PS

BELFAST EAST

33,891

20,888

1010269

AVONIEL PS

BELFAST EAST

22,540

13,706

1010271

BEECHFIELD PS

BELFAST EAST

15,813

9,800

1010289

SYDENHAM INFANTS PS

BELFAST EAST

16,503

10,892

1013018

KNOCKNAGONEY PS

BELFAST EAST

15,100

11,102

1016242

DUNDELA INFANTS SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

0

16,205

1036505

ST MATTHEW'S PS

BELFAST EAST

29,411

17,395

4011632

CREGAGH PS

BELFAST EAST

21,419

13,034

4011657

LISNASHARRAGH PS

BELFAST EAST

21,850

2,513

4013038

TULLYCARNET PS

BELFAST EAST

15,554

9,128

1010063

CURRIE PS

BELFAST NORTH

16,589

10,766

1010266

SEAVIEW PS

BELFAST NORTH

29,153

8,418

1010282

CARR'S GLEN PS

BELFAST NORTH

29,871

17,794

1010283

GROVE PS

BELFAST NORTH

15,295

9,464

1010296

BALLYGOLAN PS

BELFAST NORTH

14,800

10,850

1010323

EDENBROOKE PS

BELFAST NORTH

22,195

13,160

1010325

LIGONIEL PS

BELFAST NORTH

15,295

10,304

1010831

CAVEHILL PS

BELFAST NORTH

0

18,529

1016076

BALLYSILLAN PS

BELFAST NORTH

17,796

11,270

1016483

CLIFTONVILLE PS

BELFAST NORTH

21,074

12,782

1016485

GLENWOOD PS

BELFAST NORTH

33,753

20,587

1016532

WHEATFIELD PS

BELFAST NORTH

20,729

13,118

1016537

LOWWOOD PS

BELFAST NORTH

24,840

14,945

1016647

BUNSCOIL MHIC REACHTAIN

BELFAST NORTH

9,500

8,176

1030194

HOLY CROSS BOYS' PS

BELFAST NORTH

30,705

18,424

1030326

OUR LADY'S GIRLS' PS

BELFAST NORTH

30,360

17,731

1030329

EDMUND RICE (CB) PS

BELFAST NORTH

30,274

17,857

1030331

HOLY CROSS GIRLS' PS

BELFAST NORTH

19,435

11,858

1036041

MERCY PS

BELFAST NORTH

25,588

14,875

1036042

ST VINCENT DE PAUL PS

BELFAST NORTH

23,690

14,420

1036048

ST MARY'S STAR OF THE SEA PS

BELFAST NORTH

18,100

12,446

1036464

STAR OF THE SEA GIRLS' PS

BELFAST NORTH

29,814

17,430

1036471

SACRED HEART PS

BELFAST NORTH

26,645

14,840

1036566

HOLY FAMILY PS

BELFAST NORTH

27,375

19,264

1046596

BUNSCOIL BHEANN MHADAGAIN

BELFAST NORTH

15,550

10,598

1066531

HAZELWOOD PS

BELFAST NORTH

14,685

20,720

3010827

WHITEHOUSE PS

BELFAST NORTH

30,964

19,075

3010862

ABBOTS CROSS PS

BELFAST NORTH

28,290

17,045

3010895

RATHCOOLE PS

BELFAST NORTH

22,799

13,286

1010267

NETTLEFIELD PS

BELFAST SOUTH

27,715

16,485

1010301

TAUGHMONAGH PS

BELFAST SOUTH

19,450

13,622

1010806

FINAGHY PS

BELFAST SOUTH

13,838

0

1016060

DONEGALL ROAD PS

BELFAST SOUTH

17,800

12,362

1016205

FANE STREET PS

BELFAST SOUTH

17,425

12,866

1016207

BLYTHEFIELD PS

BELFAST SOUTH

15,400

10,724

1016499

BOTANIC PS

BELFAST SOUTH

19,375

13,622

1036466

ST MALACHY'S PS

BELFAST SOUTH

23,550

16,205

1046641

SCOIL AN DROICHID

BELFAST SOUTH

11,900

9,926

4013013

BELVOIR PARK PS

BELFAST SOUTH

24,950

17,150

1010205

FORTH RIVER PS

BELFAST WEST

23,403

14,000

1010221

SPRINGFIELD PS

BELFAST WEST

11,845

7,952

1010307

SPRINGHILL PS

BELFAST WEST

28,348

16,380

1010321

VERE FOSTER PS

BELFAST WEST

15,123

8,736

1010863

SUFFOLK PS

BELFAST WEST

0

9,352

1016059

BLACKMOUNTAIN PS

BELFAST WEST

16,158

10,262

1016498

MALVERN PS

BELFAST WEST

16,158

10,472

1016604

HARMONY PS

BELFAST WEST

23,863

14,245

1030316

ST AIDAN'S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS PS

BELFAST WEST

23,805

12,992

1030317

ST BERNADETTE'S PS

BELFAST WEST

24,265

13,412

1036091

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST GIRLS' PS

BELFAST WEST

25,725

17,045

1036092

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST BOYS' PS

BELFAST WEST

26,525

17,941

1036388

ST MARY'S PS

BELFAST WEST

17,365

10,472

1036565

ST KEVIN'S PS

BELFAST WEST

33,321

20,664

1036576

HOLY CHILD PS

BELFAST WEST

31,260

21,672

1036589

ST TERESA'S PS

BELFAST WEST

28,750

19,432

1036602

ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PS

BELFAST WEST

31,720

22,652

1036620

ST PETER'S PS

BELFAST WEST

30,073

17,465

1036621

ST JOSEPH'S PS

BELFAST WEST

26,450

15,365

1036623

HOLY TRINITY PS

BELFAST WEST

36,754

23,030

1036624

ST PAUL'S PS

BELFAST WEST

27,140

15,820

1036630

ST CLARE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

34,144

20,734

1046501

BUNSCOIL PHOBAL FEIRSTE

BELFAST WEST

24,775

16,573

1046571

GAELSCOIL NA BHFAL

BELFAST WEST

24,323

7,193

1046593

BUNSCOIL AN TSLEIBHE DHUIBH

BELFAST WEST

21,505

12,656

1046654

GAELSCOIL AN DAMBA

BELFAST WEST

6,555

5,824

1046671

GAELSCOIL NA MONA

BELFAST WEST

11,040

8,232

1046672

GAELSCOIL AN LONNAIN

BELFAST WEST

8,510

6,664

4036081

ST LUKE'S PS

BELFAST WEST

25,070

14,770

4036134

ST MARK'S PS

BELFAST WEST

35,294

21,070

4036285

THE GOOD SHEPHERD PS

BELFAST WEST

31,223

18,508

4036480

ST KIERAN'S PS

BELFAST WEST

33,264

19,327

4036591

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PS

BELFAST WEST

30,159

18,697

4046600

SCOIL NA FUISEOIGE

BELFAST WEST

17,883

11,186

3010553

CARRICKFERGUS MODEL PS

EAST ANTRIM

28,175

3,553

3010841

CARRICKFERGUS CENTRAL PS

EAST ANTRIM

19,750

2,200

3010860

SUNNYLANDS PS

EAST ANTRIM

17,950

11,984

3010870

MOYLE PS

EAST ANTRIM

27,658

3,464

3010880

KING'S PARK PS

EAST ANTRIM

30,590

3,835

3016005

SILVERSTREAM PS

EAST ANTRIM

16,300

10,976

3016038

HOLLYBANK PS

EAST ANTRIM

22,109

12,908

3016225

WOODLAWN PS

EAST ANTRIM

0

0

3030900

ST ANTHONY'S PS

EAST ANTRIM

15,726

2,056

3033317

ST JOHN'S PS

EAST ANTRIM

18,813

2,737

3036100

ST JAMES' PS

EAST ANTRIM

25,760

3,242

3036563

ST NICHOLAS' PS

EAST ANTRIM

13,450

1,803

3050519

CARNLOUGH CONTROLLED IPS

EAST ANTRIM

7,100

6,832

3066561

CORRAN INTEGRATED PS

EAST ANTRIM

22,540

2,875

2012058

LARGY PS

EAST DERRY

7,130

6,048

2012276

BURNFOOT PS

EAST DERRY

8,855

7,448

2012298

BALLYKELLY PS

EAST DERRY

0

0

2016426

LIMAVADY CENTRAL PS

EAST DERRY

35,800

4,491

2032263

ST CANICE'S PS

EAST DERRY

16,244

10,430

2032287

TERMONCANICE PS

EAST DERRY

36,214

4,584

2033706

FAUGHANVALE PS

EAST DERRY

17,193

10,934

2036085

ST PETER'S & ST PAUL'S PS

EAST DERRY

9,200

6,888

2036149

ST FINLOUGH'S PS

EAST DERRY

9,085

1,403

2036187

ST JOHN'S PS, DERNAFLAW

EAST DERRY

19,090

11,648

2036458

GORTNAGHEY PS

EAST DERRY

7,475

5,992

2066665

ROEVALLEY INTEGRATED PS

EAST DERRY

11,845

4,942

3012237

KILLOWEN PS

EAST DERRY

20,901

13,202

3012264

MILLBURN PS

EAST DERRY

32,804

19,936

3016052

HARPURS HILL PS

EAST DERRY

22,626

13,538

3016252

BALLYSALLY PS

EAST DERRY

23,403

14,175

3033709

ST JOHN'S PS

EAST DERRY

22,281

2,737

2011789

MOAT PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

16,158

2,142

2011873

AGHADRUMSEE PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

6,776

2011879

NEWTOWNBUTLER(2) PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

6,776

2016151

IRVINESTOWN PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

17,193

2,211

2031868

ST TIERNEY'S PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

9,016

2031869

ST MARY'S PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

19,004

11,774

2031886

CORRANNY PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

8,512

2031887

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

8,512

2031892

CORNAGAGUE PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

7,280

2031898

ST PAUL'S PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

24,783

14,700

2031901

ST RONAN'S PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

26,680

16,240

2036258

ST DAVOG'S PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

7,784

2036632

HOLY TRINITY PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

37,053

4,824

2046669

BUNSCOIL AN TRAONAIGH

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

5,890

2,856

5012720

DUNGANNON PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

11,675

0

5016088

FIVEMILETOWN PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

20,729

2,530

5032736

ST MARY'S PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

7,590

1,277

5036363

ST MARY'S PS, AUGHNACLOY

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

11,200

1,630

5036504

ST PATRICK'S PS DUNGANNON

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

23,786

5066554

WINDMILL INTEGRATED PS

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

24,581

3,030

2010380

LONDONDERRY MODEL PS

FOYLE

30,274

18,403

2010382

EBRINGTON CONTROLLED PS

FOYLE

32,833

20,041

2012095

BALLOUGRY PS

FOYLE

11,385

8,176

2012227

DRUMAHOE PS

FOYLE

27,255

3,198

2012261

NEWBUILDINGS PS

FOYLE

25,099

14,350

2016071

GREENHAW PS

FOYLE

27,888

17,080

2016124

ASHLEA PS

FOYLE

13,915

9,240

2016203

LISNAGELVIN PS

FOYLE

35,972

4,476

2016564

FOUNTAIN PS

FOYLE

15,985

9,352

2030364

ROSEMOUNT PS

FOYLE

28,405

16,485

2030373

NAZARETH HOUSE PS

FOYLE

30,216

17,689

2030381

HOLY CHILD PS

FOYLE

28,578

16,975

2032212

GLENDERMOTT PS

FOYLE

0

12,698

2032277

CRAIGBRACK PS

FOYLE

0

0

2033707

MULLABUOY PS

FOYLE

12,200

9,352

2036032

ST JOHN'S PS

FOYLE

36,375

22,638

2036069

ST ANNE'S PS

FOYLE

35,547

21,560

2036084

STEELSTOWN VOL MAINTAINED PS

FOYLE

35,041

21,028

2036142

ST BRIGID'S PS

FOYLE

30,561

18,319

2036143

ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PS

FOYLE

20,729

12,446

2036227

ST PAULS PS, SLIEVEMORE

FOYLE

22,109

13,076

2036247

ST COLUMBA'S PS

FOYLE

11,155

1,530

2036259

TRENCH ROAD PS

FOYLE

30,504

17,962

2036288

GOOD SHEPHERD PS AND NURSERY SCHOOL

FOYLE

33,661

20,545

2036461

ST THERESA'S PS, LENAMORE

FOYLE

32,948

19,726

2036465

CHAPEL ROAD PS

FOYLE

19,349

12,572

2036472

HOLY FAMILY PS

FOYLE

33,580

20,293

2036473

ST EITHNE'S PS

FOYLE

35,156

21,364

2036475

LONGTOWER PS

FOYLE

29,641

17,360

2036555

ST EUGENE'S PS

FOYLE

24,380

14,175

2036574

BUNSCOIL CHOLMCILLE

FOYLE

20,384

12,278

2036581

ST PATRICKS PS

FOYLE

39,733

26,404

2046646

GAELSCOIL EADAIN MHOIR

FOYLE

14,200

11,270

2052035

GROARTY INTEGRATED PS

FOYLE

0

6,104

2066558

OAKGROVE INTEGRATED PS

FOYLE

39,365

20,125

4010743

LARGYMORE PS

LAGAN VALLEY

16,450

5,719

4010762

BROWNLEE PS

LAGAN VALLEY

17,050

2,200

4010807

LISBURN CENTRAL PS

LAGAN VALLEY

20,900

2,525

4010882

SEYMOUR HILL PS

LAGAN VALLEY

10,025

0

4010885

TONAGH PS

LAGAN VALLEY

17,125

11,984

4013308

FORT HILL PS

LAGAN VALLEY

22,200

2,744

4013309

DERRIAGHY PS

LAGAN VALLEY

8,300

6,608

4013334

KNOCKMORE PS

LAGAN VALLEY

17,725

6,223

4016144

OLD WARREN PS

LAGAN VALLEY

15,025

10,514

4030897

ST JOSEPH'S PS

LAGAN VALLEY

24,200

3,050

4033306

ST ALOYSIUS PS

LAGAN VALLEY

23,700

8,243

4036618

CHRIST THE REDEEMER PS

LAGAN VALLEY

35,972

22,386

4050618

HILDEN INTEGRATED PS

LAGAN VALLEY

9,315

1,277

4066611

OAKWOOD INTEGRATED PS

LAGAN VALLEY

10,425

0

3012267

MAGHERAFELT CONTROLLED PS

MID ULSTER

30,245

3,702

3036039

ST MARY'S PS (GLENVIEW)

MID ULSTER

0

17,584

3036562

HOLY FAMILY PS

MID ULSTER

35,018

4,451

5012615

BALLYTREA PS

MID ULSTER

14,720

9,884

5012632

DONAGHMORE PS

MID ULSTER

0

7,112

5012643

STEWARTSTOWN PS

MID ULSTER

7,360

6,160

5012649

COAGH PS

MID ULSTER

10,695

1,449

5016200

QUEEN ELIZABETH II (POMEROY) PS

MID ULSTER

5,900

5,936

5032692

ST MARY'S PS

MID ULSTER

16,158

10,304

5032699

ST MARY'S PS

MID ULSTER

20,384

12,614

5032703

ST PETER'S PS

MID ULSTER

22,195

13,328

5032713

DERRYCHRIN PS

MID ULSTER

15,381

10,094

5032717

ST PATRICK'S PS

MID ULSTER

0

12,824

5036033

ST JOSEPH'S PS

MID ULSTER

0

13,118

5036047

ST PATRICK'S PS

MID ULSTER

24,610

2,990

5036057

ST MALACHY'S PS

MID ULSTER

7,935

1,254

5036108

ST JOSEPH'S PS

MID ULSTER

11,730

8,736

5036118

ST MARY'S PS

MID ULSTER

21,505

12,824

5036590

PRIMATE DIXON PS

MID ULSTER

34,397

20,944

5046637

GAELSCOIL UI NEILL

MID ULSTER

13,300

5,173

5011137

NEWTOWNHAMILTON PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

11,040

7,840

5011175

CORTAMLET PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

9,800

7,896

5011179

BESSBROOK PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

15,295

9,842

5016028

KEADY PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

5,900

1,020

5030972

ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

10,724

5030975

ST MALACHY'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

13,570

9,072

5031070

ST MICHAEL'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

10,580

7,056

5031086

CLONALIG PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

17,451

11,018

5031088

DROMINTEE PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

12,614

5031110

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

25,050

17,710

5031126

MOUNT ST CATHERINE'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

19,225

14,280

5031133

ST MALACHY'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

13,916

5031135

ST OLIVER'S PS (CARRICKROVADDY)

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

9,085

1,380

5031146

ANAMAR PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

7,935

6,104

5031148

ST PATRICK'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

28,405

17,815

5031158

ST PATRICK'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

31,108

18,655

5031163

ST BRIGID'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

12,530

5031166

ST MICHAEL'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

9,660

1,461

5031169

ST BRIGID'S (DRUMILLY) PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

8,176

5031176

ST PETER'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

25,775

17,731

5031183

ST PATRICK'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

33707

10,199

5031188

ST JOSEPH'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

13,244

5031213

ST CLARE'S CONVENT PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

24,668

14,805

5031340

ST JOSEPH'S CONVENT PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

35,363

21,602

5031576

ST COLMAN'S ABBEY PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

15,855

5036064

ST MALACHY'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

16,625

5036087

ST MARY'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

17,185

5036099

ST PATRICK'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

23,978

14,035

5036110

ST JOSEPH'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

29,699

17,962

5036122

JONESBOROUGH PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

8,904

5036130

ST LAURENCE O'TOOLE'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

7,392

5036433

ST MALACHY'S PS

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

30,015

17,689

5036610

St Francis of Assisi Primary School

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

25,990

3,091

5046241

THE DRELINCOURT INFANTS SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

5,544

5046597

BUNSCOIL AN IUIR

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

9,884

3010726

DUNSEVERICK PS

NORTH ANTRIM

0

11,480

3010781

HARRYVILLE PS

NORTH ANTRIM

17,969

10,472

3010835

KELLS & CONNOR PS

NORTH ANTRIM

0

0

3010842

THE WM PINKERTON MEMORIAL PS

NORTH ANTRIM

10,300

8,288

3010873

BUSHMILLS PS

NORTH ANTRIM

16,675

10,094

3013315

BALLYKEEL PS

NORTH ANTRIM

29,958

17,899

3013322

CAMPHILL PS

NORTH ANTRIM

29,958

3,818

3013325

LEANEY PS

NORTH ANTRIM

25,650

3,204

3016040

ARMOY PS

NORTH ANTRIM

10,005

7,000

3016063

DUNCLUG PS

NORTH ANTRIM

16,244

10,640

3016171

BALLEE PS

NORTH ANTRIM

11,615

8,288

3016594

BUSHVALLEY PS

NORTH ANTRIM

19,004

2,496

3030719

ST OLCAN'S PS

NORTH ANTRIM

9,775

7,168

3030889

ST PATRICK'S PS AUGHTERCLONEY

NORTH ANTRIM

0

0

3030898

ST ANNE'S PS

NORTH ANTRIM

11,845

1,725

3036154

ST PATRICK'S PS

NORTH ANTRIM

23,058

2,823

3036559

ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PS

NORTH ANTRIM

0

19,285

3053333

BALLYCASTLE PS

NORTH ANTRIM

14,950

10,850

4011681

MILLISLE PS

NORTH DOWN

17,538

2,297

4013023

BLOOMFIELD ROAD PS

NORTH DOWN

0

16,870

4016002

KILCOOLEY PS

NORTH DOWN

15,850

10,934

4033008

ST ANNE'S PS

NORTH DOWN

6,400

1,090

4036148

ST MALACHY'S PS

NORTH DOWN

26,400

3,094

3010558

DUNEANE PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

6,500

1,110

3010631

BALLYCLARE PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

34,811

4,338

3013301

CARNMONEY PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

26,475

3,286

3013331

BALLYCRAIGY PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

16,244

9,688

3016015

MOSSLEY PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

31,780

4,085

3016037

GREYSTONE PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

0

0

3016058

PARKHALL PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

26,105

7,928

3016249

EARLVIEW PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

16,075

11,522

3030713

CARLANE PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

7,475

1,219

3030815

MONEYNICK PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

0

0

3033303

ST OLIVER PLUNKETT'S PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

19,866

2,461

3033304

TIR-NA-NOG PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

6,900

1,219

3036026

ST JOSEPH'S PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

16,770

0

3036046

ST MARY'S ON THE HILL PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

24,350

3,038

3036050

ST JOSEPH'S PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

25,070

2,997

3056231

RATHENRAW INTEGRATED PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

14,490

8,960

3056248

ROUNDTOWER INTEGRATED PS

SOUTH ANTRIM

20,556

13,790

4016235

DOWNPATRICK PS

SOUTH DOWN

23,633

2,968

4031328

CHRIST THE KING PS

SOUTH DOWN

0

0

4031384

CONVENT OF MERCY PS

SOUTH DOWN

24,725

7,018

4031644

ST PATRICK'S BOYS' PS

SOUTH DOWN

29,469

17,626

4031671

ST PATRICK'S PS

SOUTH DOWN

7,700

1,210

4036036

ST MALACHY'S PS

SOUTH DOWN

14,350

1,915

4036182

ST COLMCILLE'S PS

SOUTH DOWN

24,208

14,560

5011649

KILKEEL PS

SOUTH DOWN

34,098

4,275

5011684

ANNALONG PS

SOUTH DOWN

17,200

12,614

5036545

ST COLMAN'S PS

SOUTH DOWN

19,300

12,740

4011345

NEWTOWNARDS MODEL PS

STRANGFORD

0

0

4011373

KIRKISTOWN PS

STRANGFORD

15,036

2,082

4011462

CASTLE GARDENS PS

STRANGFORD

26,600

3,223

4011488

VICTORIA PS (BALLYHALBERT)

STRANGFORD

18,055

2,340

4011507

PORTAVOGIE PS

STRANGFORD

21,074

2,711

4011587

DUNDONALD PS

STRANGFORD

36,053

4,591

4011588

COMBER PS

STRANGFORD

26,575

3,238

4011634

KILLYLEAGH PS

STRANGFORD

14,835

1,932

4011646

VICTORIA PS

STRANGFORD

31,310

3,995

4016004

LONDONDERRY PS

STRANGFORD

29,699

3,658

4016083

WEST WINDS PS

STRANGFORD

17,200

11,606

4016503

BROOKLANDS PS

STRANGFORD

36,490

4,525

4033017

ST FINIAN'S PS

STRANGFORD

17,193

2,211

4033036

ST MARY'S PS

STRANGFORD

17,193

2,211

4036530

ST MARY'S PS

STRANGFORD

24,898

2,983

4051601

PORTAFERRY INTEGRATED PS

STRANGFORD

12,995

1,794

5010992

LURGAN MODEL PS

UPPER BANN

22,971

13,664

5011127

CARRICK PS

UPPER BANN

31,079

3,822

5011129

HART MEMORIAL PS

UPPER BANN

28,520

16,853

5011190

TULLYGALLY PS

UPPER BANN

20,729

12,110

5011596

CRAIGAVON PS

UPPER BANN

16,503

2,099

5016007

MILLINGTON PS

UPPER BANN

35,984

4,548

5016065

DICKSON PS

UPPER BANN

18,918

2,392

5016080

DRUMGOR PS

UPPER BANN

26,450

15,575

5016117

BALLYORAN PS

UPPER BANN

27,313

16,415

5016543

MOYALLON PS

UPPER BANN

20,729

2,565

5031103

TANNAGHMORE PS

UPPER BANN

37,812

4,934

5031184

ST ANTHONY'S PS

UPPER BANN

35,317

21,826

5031669

ST JOHN'S PS

UPPER BANN

17,624

2,254

5036043

ST MARY'S PS

UPPER BANN

31,798

3,991

5036101

ST BRENDAN'S PS

UPPER BANN

31,510

19,411

5036173

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PS

UPPER BANN

31,050

19,075

5036586

PRESENTATION PS

UPPER BANN

0

11,984

5036633

ST FRANCIS PS

UPPER BANN

38,238

25,018

2012392

DRUMLEGAGH PS

WEST TYRONE

8,740

6,664

2012617

ERGANAGH PS

WEST TYRONE

10,695

7,504

2012638

EDWARDS PS

WEST TYRONE

22,281

13,622

2012641

KILLEN PS

WEST TYRONE

14,720

9,884

2012660

DENAMONA PS

WEST TYRONE

12,420

4,564

2012671

LANGFIELD PS

WEST TYRONE

8,050

6,608

2012674

BRIDGEHILL PS

WEST TYRONE

9,660

6,944

2012691

OMAGH COUNTY PS

WEST TYRONE

30,446

3,715

2012707

DROMORE PS

WEST TYRONE

0

6,664

2012708

STRABANE CONTROLLED PS

WEST TYRONE

0

15,575

2012711

DONEMANA PS

WEST TYRONE

13,300

10,052

2016068

ARTIGARVAN PS

WEST TYRONE

21,246

12,278

2016262

NEWTOWNSTEWART MODEL PS

WEST TYRONE

12,535

8,736

2016376

ARDSTRAW PS

WEST TYRONE

11,270

7,784

2016395

GORTIN PS

WEST TYRONE

0

6,888

2016442

SION MILLS PS

WEST TYRONE

28,290

16,853

2016645

BREADY JUBILEE PRIMARY SCHOOL

WEST TYRONE

14,030

9,016

2032510

BARRACK STREET BOYS' PS

WEST TYRONE

22,195

13,538

2032573

ST BRIGID'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

8,008

2032600

DRUMNABEY PS

WEST TYRONE

10,120

6,888

2032603

TUMMERY PS

WEST TYRONE

0

8,232

2032612

ST MATTHEW'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

5,992

2032628

KNOCKNAGOR PS

WEST TYRONE

0

7,448

2032631

ENVAGH PS

WEST TYRONE

5,980

1,139

2032639

DRUMDUFF PS

WEST TYRONE

0

7,056

2032662

ST BRIGID'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

6,440

2032664

ST DAVOG'S SCRAGHEY PS

WEST TYRONE

5,865

5,264

2032681

ST PATRICK'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

5,936

2032682

ST EUGENE'S PS

WEST TYRONE

9,315

7,224

2032683

ST JOSEPH'S PS

WEST TYRONE

7,360

6,048

2032684

ST LAWRENCE'S PS

WEST TYRONE

26,623

15,190

2032685

ST BRIGID'S PS

WEST TYRONE

7,130

5,936

2032687

ST MACARTAN'S PS

WEST TYRONE

7,590

5,936

2032689

ST MARY'S BOYS' PS

WEST TYRONE

32,746

19,663

2032694

ST CAIREALL'S PS

WEST TYRONE

13,800

9,016

2032700

ST JOSEPH'S PS

WEST TYRONE

13,800

9,352

2032702

EVISH PS

WEST TYRONE

10,580

7,728

2032716

ST PATRICK'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

5,152

2032722

ALTISHANE PS

WEST TYRONE

8,050

6,496

2032724

LOUGHASH PS

WEST TYRONE

7,130

6,216

2032730

ST COLUMBA'S PS

WEST TYRONE

16,071

9,968

2032731

ST TERESA'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

11,186

2032737

ST COLUMBKILLE'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

16,905

2036008

ST PATRICK'S PS

WEST TYRONE

18,573

12,320

2036094

ST PATRICK'S PS

WEST TYRONE

25,128

14,998

2036095

ST MARY'S PS

WEST TYRONE

22,540

13,748

2036096

ST MARY'S GIRLS' PS

WEST TYRONE

30,878

18,508

2036097

ST PETER'S PS

WEST TYRONE

14,260

9,632

2036186

ST DYMPNA'S PS

WEST TYRONE

0

9,128

2036387

ST PATRICK'S PS

WEST TYRONE

9,775

7,000

2036389

ST ANNE'S PS

WEST TYRONE

27,658

16,310

2036415

OUR LADY OF LOURDES PS

WEST TYRONE

0

10,136

2036449

CHRIST THE KING PS

WEST TYRONE

18,831

11,900

2036459

ST THERESA'S PS

WEST TYRONE

18,573

11,606

2036557

ALL SAINTS PS

WEST TYRONE

7,475

1,231

2046638

GAELSCOIL UI DHOCARTAIGH

WEST TYRONE

16,416

11,060

POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS

1210014

ASHFIELD GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

32,120

23,576

1210015

ASHFIELD BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

36,754

23,240

1210266

ORANGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

25,550

17,465

4210030

LISNASHARRAGH HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

19,975

2,016

1210021

BELFAST MODEL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

BELFAST NORTH

41,711

28,392

1210022

BELFAST BOYS' MODEL SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

40,641

27,636

1210258

CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

17,451

11,144

1230026

ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE

BELFAST NORTH

33,080

24,290

1230032

ST GABRIEL'S BOYS SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

16,416

2,352

1230089

LITTLE FLOWER GIRLS' SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

32,340

23,828

1230104

OUR LADY OF MERCY GIRLS' SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

33,293

20,209

1230173

ST GEMMA'S HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

27,140

15,435

1260269

HAZELWOOD COLLEGE

BELFAST NORTH

38,790

25,578

3210279

NEWTOWNABBEY COMMUNITY HS

BELFAST NORTH

29,383

15,015

1230275

ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

BELFAST SOUTH

37,237

23,464

1260294

MALONE INTEGRATED COLLEGE

BELFAST SOUTH

33,630

25,508

1230053

ST LOUISE'S COLLEGE

BELFAST WEST

49,082

36,442

1230130

ST ROSE'S HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

35,915

21,770

1230146

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS SEC SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

31,530

21,896

1230155

ST GENEVIEVE'S HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

35,870

28,686

1230182

LA SALLE BOYS' SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

37,360

30,366

1230262

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

BELFAST WEST

36,513

22,596

1240291

COLAISTE FEIRSTE

BELFAST WEST

30,030

21,434

1420021

ST MARY'S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' GS

BELFAST WEST

36,970

29,750

1420029

ST DOMINIC'S HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

35,610

28,308

4230223

ST COLM'S HIGH SCHOOL

BELFAST WEST

37,674

24,038

3210200

MONKSTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

EAST ANTRIM

37,881

24,038

3230066

ST COMGALL'S HIGH SCHOOL

EAST ANTRIM

0

0

2210302

LIMAVADY HIGH SCHOOL

EAST DERRY

16,785

0

2230077

ST MARY'S LIMAVADY

EAST DERRY

38,985

5,161

2230109

ST MARY'S COLLEGE

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

12,908

2230180

ST EUGENE'S COLLEGE

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

14,525

2230190

ST COMHGHALL'S HIGH

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

17,115

5230293

ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

35,409

4,520

2210306

LISNEAL COLLEGE

FOYLE

0

0

2230081

ST MARY'S COLLEGE

FOYLE

39,940

26,446

2230131

ST JOSEPH'S SECONDARY

FOYLE

39,986

26,726

2230181

ST PETER'S HIGH SCHOOL

FOYLE

30,590

17,255

2230188

ST CECILIA'S COLLEGE

FOYLE

40,170

26,964

2230225

ST BRIGID'S COLLEGE

FOYLE

39,273

25,536

2230254

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION COLLEGE

FOYLE

25,818

15,505

2260276

OAKGROVE INTEGRATED COLLEGE

FOYLE

39,365

26,152

2420052

THORNHILL COLLEGE

FOYLE

45,828

33,978

2420054

ST COLUMB'S COLLEGE

FOYLE

46,794

35,028

2420229

FOYLE & LONDONDERRY COLLEGE

FOYLE

0

0

2420287

LUMEN CHRISTI COLLEGE

FOYLE

0

26,250

1210288

BALMORAL HIGH SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

17,050

0

4210051

LISNAGARVEY HIGH SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

29,958

16,800

4210194

DUNMURRY HIGH SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

30,073

17,710

4230165

ST PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

29,383

3,680

3210090

MAGHERA HIGH SCHOOL

MID ULSTER

17,950

12,068

5230192

ST JOSEPH'S HIGH SCHOOL

MID ULSTER

33,730

20,706

5230278

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE

MID ULSTER

38,215

12,383

5230056

ST JOSEPH'S BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

33,408

20,587

5230108

ST MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

35,455

21,938

5230157

ST PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

33,978

5230160

ST BRIGID'S HIGH SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

0

15,155

5230167

ST JOSEPH'S HIGH SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

35,869

22,008

5420062

ST COLMAN'S COLLEGE

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

17,185

0

3210124

BALLYCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH ANTRIM

30,360

18,277

3210233

BALLEE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH ANTRIM

30,331

18,109

4210031

DONAGHADEE HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH DOWN

0

0

3210207

PARKHALL HIGH SCHOOL

SOUTH ANTRIM

0

0

3230203

EDMUND RICE COLLEGE

SOUTH ANTRIM

35,501

21,966

4230224

DE LA SALLE SECONDARY SCHOOL

SOUTH DOWN

31,510

3,771

5210016

KILKEEL HIGH SCHOOL

SOUTH DOWN

38,387

5,046

4210045

COMBER HIGH SCHOOL

STRANGFORD

0

0

4210262

DUNDONALD HIGH SCHOOL

STRANGFORD

31,481

18,172

5230088

ST PAUL'S JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

UPPER BANN

34,328

10,556

5230213

LISMORE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

UPPER BANN

41,860

29,372

5230256

DRUMCREE COLLEGE

UPPER BANN

30,648

16,660

5250216

BROWNLOW INT COLLEGE

UPPER BANN

33,293

20,377

2210065

CASTLEDERG HIGH SCHOOL

WEST TYRONE

32,718

20,314

2210164

STRABANE HIGH SCHOOL

WEST TYRONE

26,968

16,485

2230111

ST EUGENE'S HIGH SCHOOL

WEST TYRONE

18,573

11,774

2230138

DEAN BRIAN MAGUIRC COLLEGE

WEST TYRONE

0

20,762

2230148

ST JOHN'S HIGH SCHOOL

WEST TYRONE

0

12,194

2230301

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

WEST TYRONE

45,713

33,516

2410096

STRABANE GS

WEST TYRONE

32,028

19,558

2420065

LORETO GS

WEST TYRONE

0

27,188

SPECIAL SCHOOLS

1310017

GREENWOOD HSE ASSESSMENT CENTRE

BELFAST EAST

0

7,336

1316584

CLARAWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOL

BELFAST EAST

0

4,816

1310003

CEDAR LODGE SPECIAL SCHOOL

BELFAST NORTH

17,969

11,690

1310014

HARBERTON SPECIAL SCHOOL

BELFAST SOUTH

0

14,490

1316500

PARK EDUC RESOURCE CENTRE

BELFAST SOUTH

0

9,884

1316569

GLENVEAGH SPECIAL

BELFAST SOUTH

10,063

14,000

1316582

OAKWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOL

BELFAST SOUTH

9,352

1336012

ST FRANCIS DE SALES

BELFAST WEST

5,800

1,456

1336548

ST GERARD'S RESOURCE EDUCATION CENTRE

BELFAST WEST

20,750

14,385

3310018

ROSSTULLA SPECIAL SCHOOL

EAST ANTRIM

0

12,404

3316514

RODDENS VALE SPECIAL SCHOOL

EAST ANTRIM

12,420

1,783

3340002

JORDANSTOWN SPECIAL SCHOOL

EAST ANTRIM

9,600

7,504

2310007

LIMEGROVE SCHOOL

EAST DERRY

11,500

8,120

2316526

GLASVEY SPECIAL SCHOOL

EAST DERRY

6,555

5,040

3316512

SANDELFORD SPECIAL SCHOOL

EAST DERRY

16,225

11,690

2316234

ERNE SPECIAL SCHOOL

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

15,381

9,968

2316601

ELMBROOK SPECIAL SCHOOL

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

10,005

7,392

5316523

SPERRINVIEW SPECIAL SCHOOL

FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE

0

8,848

2310015

BELMONT HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL

FOYLE

22,109

12,992

2316525

FOYLEVIEW SPECIAL SCHOOL

FOYLE

16,071

10,850

4310008

BEECHLAWN SPECIAL SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

25,530

15,190

4316022

BROOKFIELD SPECIAL SCHOOL

LAGAN VALLEY

15,468

10,514

3316570

KILRONAN SPECIAL SCHOOL

MID ULSTER

10,200

1,430

5316519

RATHORE SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

12,400

5,026

5316577

LISANALLY SPECIAL SCHOOL

NEWRY AND ARMAGH

14,260

1,944

3316676

CASTLETOWER SCHOOL

NORTH ANTRIM

19,608

16,380

3316510

HILL CROFT SPECIAL SCHOOL

SOUTH ANTRIM

11,400

1,590

4310019

ARDMORE HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL

SOUTH DOWN

4,000

4,872

4316516

KNOCKEVIN SPECIAL SCHOOL

SOUTH DOWN

11,960

1,748

4310013

KILLARD HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL

STRANGFORD

20,470

2,625

4316273

LONGSTONE SPECIAL SCHOOL

STRANGFORD

18,325

6,517

5316521

CEARA SPECIAL SCHOOL

UPPER BANN

13,915

1,921

2316528

KNOCKAVOE SCHOOL AND RESOURCE CENTRE

WEST TYRONE

10,465

7,952

2316661

ARVALEE SCHOOL AND RESOURCE CENTRE

WEST TYRONE

17,796

10,892

Breakdown of funding by Parliamentary Constituency

2007/08 2008/09

Belfast East £406,485 £240,044

Belfast North £923,110 £678,916

Belfast South £284,633 £226,772

Belfast West £1,265,961 £873,121

East Antrim £335,252 £115,655

East Derry £417,509 £178,406

Fermanagh & South

Tyrone £290,001 £218,105

Foyle £1,317,010 £813,827

Lagan Valley £421,279 £157,266

Mid Ulster £404,048 £228,828

Newry & Armagh £606,631 £531,432

North Antrim £343,105 £190,776

North Down £66,188 £34,285

South Antrim £370,361 £103,693

South Down £315,270 £95,908

Strangford £433,112 £83,145

Upper Bann £653,864 £281,625

West Tyrone £825,836 £700,958

Education Targets

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6298/08, what specific action she will take to address the figures which show that young male protestants are not meeting educational achievement targets and are well below the average in both rural and urban areas.

(AQW 8563/08)

Ms C Ruane: Under-achievement is found among Protestant boys in urban and rural settings but can also be found in other groups within our community.

As stated in my previous response, I am determined to establish an education system which ensures that each and every child reaches her of his potential.

I plan to do this through: -

Tacófar leis na bearta seo trí chur chuige níos éifeachtaí i gcomhair Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais agus foilseoidh mé moltaí s’agamsa i dtaca leis an ábhar seo le linn na scoilbhliana úire.

These actions will be supported by a more effective approach to Special Educational Need and I shall be publishing my proposals for this in the new school year.

Use of the Irish Language

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6256/08, to detail the number of occasions and percentage of time spent in using the Irish language during meetings and visits since devolution; and whether the proposed post of Staff Officer - Irish language is justified by the amount of work involved.

(AQW 8564/08)

Ms C Ruane: Elements of business have been in conducted in Irish by me since devolution, but existing staff cannot provide adequate support in this aspect. It is not possible to provide the breakdown requested.

There is a pressing need for additional capacity at Staff Officer level to cope with a wide range of pressures in my Department’s Top Management Support Unit. The work will not be exclusively on Irish Language support services. There will also be responsibilities in relation to the preparation of papers and arranging meetings where North South co-operation on education matters is considered.

Tá an post-tuairisc iomlán cuimsithe i Leabhrán Eolais Iarratasóra Oifigeach Foirne (Teanga Ghaeilge) a cuireadh i Leabharlann an Tionóil.

The full job description is included in the Staff Officer (Irish Language) Candidate Information Booklet which has been placed in the Assembly Library.

Special Education Funding

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking (i) to address the number of special education needs children; and (ii) to ensure that they are given the assistance needed to access mainstream education.

(AQW 8580/08)

Ms C Ruane: Provision for special educational needs (SEN) is matched to individual needs. It may be made in a range of settings including special schools, in special units attached to mainstream schools; or in mainstream classes themselves.

Cinntíonn na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlann (BOL) leibhéal an mhaoinithe i gcomhair oideachas speisialta mar pháirt dá gcinntí bliantúla ar dháileadh a mblocdheontas. I dtaca le RSO, bheifí ag súil go gclúdódh buiséad an BOL na nithe seo a leanas:

The level of funding for special education is determined by the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) as part of their annual decisions about the allocation of their block grant. In terms of SEN, the ELB’s budget would be expected to cover:

    1. ELB support for the provision for statemented and non-statemented (stage 3) children with SEN in mainstream schools, including those in special units;
    2. special schools, including external placements; and
    3. central costs e.g. educational psychology services, SEN peripatetic teachers, special education administration.

In addition, mainstream schools are funded by means of the Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements via the Common Funding Scheme. The Targeting Social Need component, also within the Scheme, includes an educational element for SEN-related factors.

Special schools are not included in LMS arrangements. ELBs retain the major element of special school expenditure (staff salaries) as a centre cost although each school is allocated a delegated budget to cover non-staff items, eg electricity, heating.

2006/07 is the last year for which full Board outturn figures are available;

As well as funding provided through the voluntary grammar school (VGS) and grant maintained integrated (GMI) funding formulae, further amounts of £2.0m and £3.8m were provided to schools in the VGS and GMI sectors respectively in the 2006/07 financial year, to meet the costs of pupils with statements.

Arising out of the Education Order 1996 the Department issued a Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Education Needs. This provides practical guidance to parents, schools and Boards on the statementing process. The Department, in collaboration with the ELBs and the Education and Training Inspectorate, has also published guidance on various SEN including ASD, Dyslexia, Speech and Language, ADHD, Acquired Brain Injury, Deaf Friendly Schools and is currently preparing guidance on Vision Friendly Schools.

The introduction, in September 2005, of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Order (SENDO) has further strengthened the rights of children with SEN to be educated in mainstream education.

If no statement is maintained for a child he or she shall be educated in an ordinary (ie mainstream) school. If a statement is maintained for the child he or she shall be educated in an ordinary school unless that is incompatible with –

(a) the wishes of the parent, or

(b) the provision of efficient education for other children.

A Supplement to the Code of Practice has been issued by the Department as a result of SENDO. In 2004, the percentage of Statemented pupils in mainstream schools was 46.78% but this has now risen, post SENDO, to 67.6%.

It is accepted that there is a range of problems associated with the current SEN framework and in order to address these issues the Department commenced a review of SEN and Inclusion in April 2006. The review’s draft policy proposals have been approved by me and were presented to the Education Committee on 23rd May 2008. Central to the emerging recommendations are the key principles of equality of access and continuity, quality and consistency of assessment and intervention. The draft proposals have been circulated to members of the Health Committee and the Executive. Following progress through the Assembly structures, public consultation is planned for autumn 2008.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education when she will make an announcement on the future of Donaghadee High School.

(AQW 8589/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an tréimhse comhairliúcháin reachtúil 2 mhí díreach i ndiaidh críochnú ar 30 Meitheamh; cuireadh tús leis an tréimhse comhairliúcháin de bharr gur foilsíodh an Togra Forbartha le hArdscoil Dhomhnach Daoi a dhúnadh ó Lúnasa 2009. Déanfaidh mé cinneadh ar an togra chomh luath agus is féidir.

The 2-month statutory consultation period initiated by the publication of the Development Proposal to allow for the closure of Donaghadee High School from August 2009 has just ended on 30 June. I will make a decision on the proposal as soon as possible.

Increasing Fuel Costs

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education what additional funding has been provided to the Education and Library Boards to cover the additional costs resulting from rising fuel prices.

(AQW 8606/08)

Ms C Ruane: Education and Library Boards receive budgets to meet the cost of pupil to school transport under the Assessment of Relative Needs arrangements. I have recognised that there has been a significant increase in fuel costs in recent months. The Education and Library Boards have put forward details of pressures they are encountering with these increased costs and I will endeavour to consider how we can meet them.

Is féidir go dteastódh tairiscint ar bhreis acmhainní ag an chéad bhabhta foirmiúil faireacháin eile.

A bid for additional resources at the next formal monitoring round may be required.

Children of Army Personnel
Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education what changes have been made to the funding formula in relation to children of Army Personnel, and when did the changes come into effect.

(AQW 8641/08)

Ms C Ruane: From 1st April 2005, all grant-aided schools have been funded under the Common Funding Formula arrangements set out in a Common Funding Scheme, which replaced the seven separate LMS Schemes previously used to distribute funding.

Ag an am sin, cuireadh fachtóir isteach san fhoirmle úr le tacaíocht bhreise a sholáthar do scoileanna a bhíonn ag teagasc páistí phearsanra na seirbhísí slándála mar gur aithníodh go mbíonn dúshláin agus costais bhreise i gceist do na scoileanna sin, nithe nach dtugtar aghaidh orthu trí fhachtóirí maoiniúcháin eile laistigh den fhoirmle.

At that time, a factor was included within the new formula to provide additional support for schools educating children of service personnel as it was recognised that these pupils provide extra challenges and costs for schools which are not addressed via other funding factors within the formula.

This funding is intended to support schools in inducting these children during their transition to a new school and curricular environment and in designing learning programmes to bring them to the same stage as other pupils already in the school.

The current arrangements provide for schools to receive an additional 0.2 of the basic Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) cash value (equivalent to £393 in 2008/09) for each of those pupils who are children of service personnel.

As the funding support for these pupils is directly linked to the AWPU cash value, the additional support funding for these pupils changes year on year with the changes to the AWPU cash value.

Children Diagnosed with Autism

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education how many children are diagnosed with Autism, broken down by Education and Library Board.

(AQW 8642/08)

Ms C Ruane: A diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided under the auspices of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and not by the Department of Education. Provision for special educational need (SEN) does not depend upon such a diagnosis but is centred on the need of the individual child.

Chuir an Roinn ar fáil treoir do scoileanna agus do an Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne, "Taifeadadh Páistí le Sainriachtanais Oideachasúla/Recording Children with Special Educational Needs", ar mhaithe le comhordú eolais don Daonáireamh Bliantúil Scoileanna.

The Department has provided guidance to schools and the Education and Library Boards, "Recording Children with Special Educational Needs", in order to collate information for the completion of the Annual School Census. The following table, from the 2007/08 School Census, details the number of children, at Stages 1 to 5 of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of SEN, in pre-primary, primary and secondary education, whose primary SEN is ASD.

ELB

School type

BELB

WELB

NEELB

SEELB

SELB

TOTAL

Preschool centres

*

0

*

15

*

22

Nursery schools

#

5

#

14

#

45

Primary

80

98

146

294

247

865

Post primary

10

37

45

40

98

230

Special

105

129

177

259

140

810

Total

210

269

379

622

492

1,972

Source: school census

Note:

1. Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 - 7 classes.

2. Figures relate to pupils at Stage 1 - 5 of the Code fo Practice with autism recorded.

Some pupils at stages 1 and 2 of the code of Practice may have their needs recorded at a more general level.

* denotes fewer than 5 pupils.

# denotes figure suppressed due to possible identification of individual pupils.

Autism Services

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education what services, other than those provided by the Autism Centre in Middletown, are currently provided for children with Autism in each Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 8643/08)

Ms C Ruane: Thug Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlann le fios dom gur bunaíodh na seirbhísí seo a leanas i gcomhair uathachais i ngach ceann dá gcuid limistéa.:

I am advised by the Chief Executive Officers of the Education and Library Boards that the following services for Autism have been established in each of their areas.

Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB)

Children with ASD are educated in a range of settings both mainstream and special school across the education sector. The Board also supports a number of pupils currently in receipt of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) provision.

Provision available within schools in the BELB for children with ASD can include:-

South Eastern Education and Library Board

The Board provides a range of services to pupils with autism including:

North Eastern Education and Library Board

The North Eastern Board has established an ASD Support Service:

ASD Provision in Schools

Multi-disciplinary Work

Voluntary Agencies

Close links have been established with PAPA (Autism NI) and contact with the National Autism Society has recently been established. Collaborative training is regularly provided by the ASD Support Service (with Autism NI) and the members of the Support Service make themselves available to speak to parents in the evenings at the local branches.

Western Education and Library Board

As with other Boards the Western Board has established a Support Service, the Autism Spectrum Advisory Service (ASAS) based in Robin House, Omagh. The Service is managed by an Advisor and has a team of ten officers who work on a Board wide basis to provide support from Early Years to 19 yrs. The Support Service works closely with other statutory and voluntary agencies to co-ordinate training and intervention in specific cases and has also established effective links with the Western Health and Social Care Trust to enable therapy services to be provided in ASD provision. The key elements of the service are:

The ASAS provides statutory advice in relation to pupils for whom a Statement of Special Educational Need is being undertaken. The service also provides input into the Annual Review Process of pupils with Statements of Special Educational Need.

The Board also has ASD specific classes as detailed below:

(i) Special Schools

Arvalee, Elmbrook, Knockavoe, Belmont and Foyleview Schools provide KS1 autism specific classes. Each class is staffed with 1 teacher and up to 2 classroom assistants and caters for up to 8 pupils. Elmbrook and Arvalee have begun to develop autism specific classes for post-primary pupils on the basis of identified need.

(ii) Mainstream Schools

The Board has recently received DE approval to open 4 autism specific classes attached to mainstream schools at St Brigid’s PS, Carnhill, Londonderry Model PS, Omagh County PS and Holy Trinity PS, Enniskillen. Each school will provide KSI autism specific classes with effect from September 2008. Each class will be staffed with 1 teacher and up to 2 classroom assistants and will cater for up to 8 pupils.

The Board is also progressing the establishment of a pilot programme for Autism in the Post-Primary sector on the basis of identified need.

Southern Education and Library Board

The Board established an Autism Advice and Intervention Service (AAIS) which is based in Silverwood, Lurgan. This service is managed by an Adviser and has a team of 10 officers who work on a Board wide basis. This support is provided by the AAIS Service for pupils from Early Years to 19 years. In addition to working with Board services, the AAIS works closely with other statutory and voluntary agencies to co-ordinate training and interventions in specific cases. Indeed, the SELB has established effective links with the Southern Health & Social Care Trust in particular so that Therapy Services can be provided in Autism Specific Provision.

The key elements of the work of the AAIS can be summarised as follows:-

The AAIS provides statutory advice in relation to pupils for whom a Statement of Special Educational Need is being undertaken. The service also provides input into the Annual Review Process of pupils with Statements of Special Educational Need.

The SELB also has Autism Specific Classes as detailed below:-

(i) Special Schools:

Ceara, Donard, Rathore and Sperrinview provide Autism Specific Classes. Each class is staffed with one teacher and up to 2 Classroom Assistants and caters for up to 8 pupils.

(ii) Mainstream Schools:

The Southern Board has 9 Autism Specific Classes which are attached to mainstream schools. These are located at:-

Edenderry Primary School, Portadown;

St Mary’s Primary School, Banbridge;

St Joseph’s Convent Primary School, Newry;

Kilkeel Primary School;

Dungannon Primary School;

Primate Dixon Primary School, Coalisland;

Christian Brothers Primary School, Armagh;

Cookstown Primary School; and

The Armstrong Primary School, Armagh.

Each class is staffed with one teacher and up to 2 Classroom Assistants and caters for up to 8 pupils.

The Board is also progressing the establishment of a pilot programme for Autism in the Post-Primary sector on the basis of identified need.

The Inter-Board ASD Group

Utilisation of the Post Office

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Education what consideration has been given and what progress has been made by her Department to utilise the Post Office as a source, agency or outlet for the delivery of its services as outlined in the May 2008 report of the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee, 'Report of the Committee’s Consideration of, and Proposals for, Partnership that could Enhance the Economic Case for Viable Local Postal Services'.

(AQW 8692/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Ad Hoc Committee on Local Postal Services’ Report made a number of recommendations to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) concerning the future of Postal Services and the Post Office network.  Junior Minister Donaldson and Junior Minister Kelly wrote to Executive Ministers on 21 April asking them to consider whether any further public services could be delivered through post offices.

Leanfaidh Roinn s’agamsa le deiseanna a mheas de réir mar a thagann siad aníos le hoibriú amach cé acu an féidir aon seirbhís phoiblí úr a sholáthar trí Oifig an Phoist cé go mbeadh na seirbhísí sin faoi réir an pholasaí chuí soláthair.

My Department will continue to look at opportunities as they arise to consider whether any new public service could be delivered through the Post Office although these would be subject to the appropriate procurement policy.  

Re-build of Ballywalter Primary School

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to provide an estimated start date for the re-build of Ballywalter Primary School, now that the Department has accepted the option for a new school on an alternative site.

(AQW 8698/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ar an ábhar nach ndearnadh aon chinneadh ar thráthúlacht an chéad fhógra maoiniúcháin eile, ní féidir dáta tosaigh mheasta a thabhairt ag an phointe seo i dtaca le hatógáil Bhunscoil Bhaile Bháltair.

As no decision has been made on the timing of the next capital funding announcement an estimated start date for a re-build of Ballywalter Primary School cannot be provided at this time.

New Build at Braidside Integrated School, Ballymena

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education when the Braidside Integrated School in Ballymena will be provided with a new building to replace the current mobile classrooms.

(AQW 8703/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá scéim le haghaidh foirgneamh úr scoile d’Abhainn na Brád ag dul tríd na luathchéimeanna pleanála i láthair na huaire. Caithfear breithmheas eacnamaíochta bheith comhlánaithe ag an scoil agus aontaithe ag an Roinn sula mbeidh sí i dteideal an chláir chaipitil.

A scheme for a new school building for Braidside is currently in the early stages of planning. The school will need to have an economic appraisal completed and agreed by the Department before it is eligible for consideration for the capital programme.

Post-Primary School Places

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many Year 7 pupils have obtained places in post-primary education for the year 2008-2009, for each post-primary school in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, broken down by feeder primary school.

(AQW 8714/08)

Ms C Ruane: Cuireadh an t-eolas a iarradh i leabharlann an Tionóil.

The information requested has been placed in the Assembly library.

Selection of Post-Primary School Places

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the first choice of post-primary school for 2008-2009, of year 7 pupils attending primary schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, broken down by primary school.

(AQW 8715/08)

Ms C Ruane: Cuireadh an t-eolas a iarradh i leabharlann an Tionóil.

The information requested has been placed in the Assembly library.

Statements of Special Educational Needs

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQO 4020/08, to explain why the figures for the Southern Education and Library Board are much higher compared to other education and library boards.

(AQW 8761/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) that the SELB is the largest Board in terms of pupil enrolment. This may be one factor which could explain the higher number of Statements of Special Educational Needs.

The Chief Executive also reports that further to a review of the figure of 193 which was previously submitted the revised figure of 124 is now considered to be accurate. This figure decreased from 193 to 124 when officers updated the Capita System to take account of cases which had already been finalised, or where Notes in Lieu had been issued.

Maidir leis na 124 cás atá le críochnú go fóill, tá an briseadh síos seo a leanas i gceist:-

In relation to the 124 cases which have yet to be finalised the following break-down applies:-

Waiting Lists

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to (i) reduce the waiting list in the Southern Education and Library Board area; and (ii) further reduce the waiting lists in the other education and library board areas, before the school term begins in September 2008.

(AQW 8764/08)

Ms C Ruane: Bhain na figiúirí a tugadh mar fhreagra ar AQO 4020/08 leis na páistí úd, a ndearnadh measúnú reachtúil RSO orthu faoin dáta sin, agus a bhí ag fanacht lena ráitis deiridh RSO bheith críochnaithe .i. céim 4 den Chód Chleachtais maidir le Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais a Shainaithint agus a Mheas.

The figures provided in response to AQO 4020/08 were in respect of those children on whom a statutory assessment of SEN had been completed, at that date, and who were awaiting completion of their final statement of SEN i.e. stage 4 of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. I would refer to my answer to AQW 8761/08 which provides a breakdown of the figures relevant to the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

By way of further explanation I should explain that on completion of an assessment a Board has 2 weeks in which to issue a Proposed Statement or to inform the parent that they do not intend to make a Statement. If the Board issues a Proposed Statement it has a further 8 weeks in which to issue a completed Statement.

The Board will serve a Proposed Statement on the parent, who then has 15 days to make representations to the Board and to arrange a meeting to discuss any concerns they may have about the content of the Statement. After this meeting the parent then has a further 15 days to make further representations to the board. Therefore, within the statutory timeframe, there will always be a number of children whose assessment has been completed but whose final Statement has not yet been issued. Should the parent not reach agreement with the Board they may appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

Initial Teacher Intake

Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Education, in light of the importance of the Shared Futures Agenda, to give an assurance that teacher training places at the University of Ulster will not be reduced.

(AQW 8796/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have reviewed, in consultation with the Minister for Employment and Learning the overall initial teacher education intake (ITE) numbers for the 2008/09 academic year.

I have made my decision on the revised intake figures for the 2008/09 academic year in the context of: i) the overall places made available for ITE across all of the institutions here in the north; ii) the wider education reform agenda; iii) the Programme for Government key goal of increasing the number of students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; iv) the Department for Employment and Learning’s review of funding for the two University Colleges; and, v) the "Stakeholder Review" of teacher training announced by the Assembly’s Committee for Employment and Learning.

The numbers notified to the University of Ulster in February 2008 remain unchanged and, therefore, have not been reduced.

Teacher Training Places

Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Education how many teacher training places are allocated to (i) St Mary's University College; (ii) Stranmillis University College; and (iii) the University of Ulster.

(AQW 8797/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá iontrálacha ar oiliúint thosaigh do mhúinteoirí (ITE) don bhliain acadúil 2008/09 do Choláiste Ollscoile Naomh Muire, do Choláiste Ollscoile an tStutháin Mhilis; agus d’Ollscoil Uladh leagtha amach sa tábla thíos:

The 2008/09 academic year initial teacher education (ITE) intakes for St Mary’s University College, Stranmillis University College; and for the University of Ulster are set out in the table below:

ITE INSTITUTION
ITE INTAKES

(June 2008)

St Mary’s University College

152

Stranmillis University College

145

University of Ulster

145
Initial Teacher Intake

Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Education, in light of the increase in teacher training places at St Mary's and Stranmillis University Colleges, if there are plans to increase teacher training places at the University of Ulster; and if not to detail the reasons why.

(AQW 8798/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have reviewed, in consultation with the Minister for Employment and Learning the overall initial teacher education intake (ITE) numbers for the 2008/09 academic year.

I have made my decision on the revised intake figures for the 2008/09 academic year in the context of: i) the overall places made available for ITE across all of the institutions here in the north; ii) the wider education reform agenda; iii) the Programme for Government key goal of increasing the number of students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; iv) the Department for Employment and Learning’s review of funding for the two University Colleges; and, v) the "Stakeholder Review" of teacher training announced by the Assembly’s Committee for Employment and Learning.

The numbers notified to the University of Ulster in February 2008 remain unchanged and, therefore, have not been reduced.

Academic Selection

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 7869/08, to confirm that under devolution she has no power to unilaterally abolish (i) academic selection; and (ii) the Dickson Plan for education.

(AQW 8811/08)

Ms C Ruane: My powers are defined by the current legislative position, something which I have explained on a number of occasions. The legislation makes the commencement of Article 28(2) of the Education Order 2006 subject to an Assembly vote and it makes the introduction of new admissions criteria regulations contingent on resolution of the future of academic selection. Without this resolution and without these regulations there will simply be an absence of law and an unregulated system.

Chuir mé tograí faoi bhráid an Choiste Fheidhmiúcháin le plé a dhéanamh orthu agus tá mé ag iarraidh a ghabháil chun tosaigh ar bhealach a bheas comhthoilíoch agus bunaithe ar na tograí sin.

I have brought forward proposals to the Executive for discussion and I am seeking a consensual way forward based around those proposals. My proposals do not threaten the Dickson Plan structures, which are entirely compatible with my focus on age 14 as a key decision point, but I do not accept the need for academic selection as a component part of those structures.

Pattern of Attendance

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many nursery schools in the North Down constituency applied for additional places for the (i) 2008-09; and (ii) 2009-10, academic years; and to detail (a) the nursery schools that were refused additional places, and (b) the reasons for refusal.

(AQW 8825/08)

Ms C Ruane: Nursery schools and primary schools with nursery units have set numbers of places available and these numbers cannot be increased by applying for additional places. Instead, the Department considers applications for changes in pattern of attendance.

One school, Millisle Primary School, has requested a change in pattern of attendance in their nursery unit from 1 part-time class to either 2 part-time classes or 1 full-time class for 2008/09. The South-Eastern Education & Library Board’s Pre-School Education Advisory Group (PEAG) has considered this request but does not support, as statistics indicate that there is adequate provision in the Millisle and neighbouring wards. This request is currently under consideration with the Department.

Tá an t-athrú ar phatrún tinrimh don bhliain 2009/10, dá dtagraítear thuas, iarrtha ag Bunscoil Millisle fosta. Tá an t-iarratas sin á bhreithniú ag an Roinn agus ag PEAG.

Millisle Primary School has also requested the above change in pattern of attendance for 2009/10. This request is under consideration with both the Department and PEAG.

Surplus School Places

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Education how many surplus school places there are (i) in total; and (ii) as a percentage of the total number of places, in each sector.

(AQW 8826/08)

Ms C Ruane: Meastar go raibh farasbarr de 55,000 áit ann sa bhliain 2006/07.

Seo a leanas céatadán na n-áiteanna measta uile i ngach earnáil:

There were an estimated 55,000 surplus places in 2006/07. The percentage of the total estimated places in each sector was as follows:

Primary

Sector 2006/07 enrolment (A) Estimated Surplus places (B) Surplus as a % of total (A) + (B)
Controlled 76,802 17,931 18.9
Maintained 73,661 18,193 19.8
Irish-medium 1,752 378 17.7
Grant Maintained Integrated 4,805 156 3.1
Totals 157,020 36,658 18.9

Post-primary

Sector 2006/07 enrolment Estimated Surplus places Surplus as a % of total
Controlled 51,475 7,933 13.4
Maintained 41,582 9,269 18.1
Irish-medium 489 0 0
Grant Maintained Integrated 8,725 213 2.4
Voluntary Grammar 47,494 1,049 2.2
Totals 149,765 18,464 11.00
Temporary Classrooms in SEELB Schools

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education what schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area have mobile classrooms; and how many there are in each school.

(AQW 8832/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sa tábla seo a leanas tá liosta de na scoileanna i gceantar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt a bhfuil seomraí ranga sealadacha acu:

The following table shows the schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area which have temporary classrooms:

School
Number of Temporary Classrooms
   
Abbey Primary

5

Andrews Memorial Primary

4

Ballykeigle Primary

1

Ballymacash Primary

1

Ballymagee Primary

1

Ballynahinch Primary

1

Ballyvester Primary

2

Ballywalter Primary

1

Brownlee Primary

1

Cairnshill Primary

4

Comber Primary

1

Conlig Primary

1

Crawfordsburn Primary

4

Glasswater Primary School

1

Derriaghy Primary

1

Donaghadee Primary School

2

Downpatrick Primary

2

Dromara Primary

1

Fort Hill Primary

1

Holywood Primary

1

Killinchy Primary

4

Killowen Primary

2

Knockmore Primary

3

Leadhill Primary

2

Londonderry Primary

1

Maghaberry Primary

1

Moira Primary

1

Portavogie Primary

2

Seymour Hill Primary

2

Tonagh Primary

1

Kindle Integrated Primary

3

Victoria Primary - Ballyhalbert

2

Riverdale Primary

1

Convent Of Mercy Primary

1

Christ The King P/S Drumaness

2

St Francis Primary (Drumaroad)

1

Good Shepherd Primary

12

Holy Family Primary

3

St Patrick's P/S Legamaddy

4

Sacred Heart Primary

1

Saint Colmans P.S. (Lisburn)

9

Saint Colmans P.S. (Moira)

2

Saint Colmcilles Primary

1

Saint Comgalls Primary

3

Saint Josephs P.S. (Ballycruttle)

1

Saint Josephs Primary Carnacaville

5

Saint Josephs Primary Carryduff

16

Saint Josephs P.S. (Crossgar)

1

Saint Josephs P.S. (Killough)

1

Saint Josephs P.S. (Lisburn)

1

Saint Josephs P.S. (Strangford)

2

Saint Kierans Primary

13

Saint Macartans Primary Loughlisland

1

Saint Malachys Primary Kilcoo

1

Saint Marks Primary

4

Saint Nicholas P.S. (Ardglass)

1

Saint Patricks P.S. (Downpatrick)

6

Saint Patricks Primary Burrenreagh

1

Hilden Integrated Primary

2

Portaferry Integrated Primary

2

Bangor Central Primary

2

Kircubbin Primary

2

Donaghadee High School

1

Laurelhill Community College

6

Newtownbreda High

5

Ballynahinch High School

3

Saint Colmans High

4

Saint Colmcilles High

5

Saint Columbanus' College

4

Saint Marys High

4

Saint Patricks High School

2

Down Academy

7

Fort Hill College

3

Down High School

21

Wallace High

4

Cedar Integrated PS

6

Oakwood Integrated Primary

1

Millennium Integrated PS

7

Scoil na Fuiseoige

8

St Patrick’s PS Saul

5

St Malachy’s Castlewellan

2

St Patrick’s PS Ballygalget

3

 

263

Replacement of Mobile Classrooms

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to replace mobile classrooms in schools.

(AQW 8833/08)

Ms C Ruane: Déantar athsholáthar seomraí ranga soghluaiste a mheas ar bhonn measúnaithe ar riocht agus oiriúnacht na lóistíne ag gach scoil.

The replacement of mobile classrooms is considered on the basis of an assessment of the condition and suitability of the accommodation at each school.

Newly Qualified Teachers

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Education when she intends to put in place a scheme which guarantees newly qualified teachers a probationary year in teaching.

(AQW 8852/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi láthair níl na hacmhainní ag an Roinn seo le bliain phromhaidh faoi ráthaíocht a thabhairt isteach do mhúinteoirí nua-cháilithe. Meastar go gcosnódh ráthaíocht do mhic léinn a bheadh ag cáiliú tar éis 2008 breis agus £12 milliún sa chéad bhliain agus breis agus £20 milliún sna blianta ina dhiaidh sin.

The Department does not currently have the resources to introduce a guaranteed probationary year for newly qualified teachers. It is estimated that a guarantee to students graduating after 2008 would cost over £12 million in the first year and over £20 million in subsequent years.

Post-Primary School Places

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many (i) places have been allocated to; and (ii) applications have been received for, each post-primary school in the South Eastern and Education Library Board area, for the 2008-09 academic year.

(AQW 8862/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tugtar mionsonraithe maidir le (i) líon na n-áiteanna a tugadh do; agus (ii) líon na n-iarratas a fuarthas do gach iarbhunscoil i gceantar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt don bhliain acadúil 2008/9 sa tábla atá ceangailte leis seo.

The number of (i) places allocated to; and (ii) applications received for, each post-primary school in the South Eastern and Education Library Board area, for the 2008/09 academic year are detailed in the attached table.

School Reference Number
School Name
(i)

Approved Year 8 Places 2008/2009 School Year
(ii)

Total Applications Received 2008/09 School Year
421-0012
Movilla High School
180
88
421-0029
The High School, Ballynahinch
76
64
421-0031
Donaghadee High School
76
11
421-0045
Nendrum College
80
116
421-0046
Glastry College
110
123
421-0051
Lisnagarvey High School
100
60
421-0063
Saintfield High School
68
112
421-0086
Knockbreda High School
120
124
421-0183
Newtownbreda High School
170
168
421-0194
Dunmurry High School
80
51
421-0201
Laurelhill Community College
175
152
421-0262
Dundonald High School
120
40
421-0296
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College
242
296
423-0023
St Mary's High School
125
66
423-0067
St Columba's High School, Portaferry
104
51
423-0102
St Colmcille's High School, Crossgar
90
87
423-0107
St Columbanus' College, Bangor
90
128
423-0161
St Colman's High School, Ballynahinch
95
52
423-0165
St Patrick's High School, Lisburn
106
63
423-0211
St Malachy's High School
164
166
423-0223
St Colm's High School
132
130
423-0224
De La Salle Secondary School, Downpatrick
86
59
425-0024
Priory College
85
102
425-0072
Fort Hill College
160
139
425-0272
Blackwater Integrated College
80
50
426-0255
Lagan College
200
476
426-0281
Shimna Integrated College
80
112
426-0295
Strangford Integrated College
80
158
441-0063
Regent House School
210
258
441-0085
Down High School
128
197
441-0097
Glenlola Collegiate School
157
244
442-0015
Bangor Grammar School
125
173
442-0044
Sullivan Upper School
150
187
442-0050
Friends' School
140
214
442-0051
Wallace High School
170
237
442-0086
Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch
120
176
442-0088
St Patrick's Grammar School, Downpatrick
96
130
442-0259
Our Lady and St Patrick's College
180
266
School Enrolments

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what proportion of pupils enrolled in Controlled schools are from (i) a Catholic background; and (ii) a mixed religious or other religious background.

(AQW 8864/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Controlled and Integrated primary and post primary pupils’ religious background – 2007/08

Religion

Primary1
Post primary
Controlled
Integrated2
Controlled
Integrated2

Catholic

4,009

5%

2,912

38%

1,481

3%

4,491

40%

Protestant

58,645

75%

2,882

38%

39,461

82%

4,946

44%

Other3

15,454

20%

1,826

24%

7,054

15%

1,810

16%

Total

78,108

100%

7,620

100%

47,996

100%

11,247

100%

Source: school census

Note:

  1. Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.
  2. Integrated schools includes controlled integrated and grant maintained integrated schools.
  3. The ‘Other’ category includes ‘other Christian’, ‘non-Christian’ and ‘no religion/religion unknown’.
  4. Religious Background of Pupils

    Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what proportion of pupils enrolled at integrated schools are from (i) a Protestant background; (ii) a Catholic background; and (iii) a mixed religious or other religious background.

    (AQW 8865/08)

    Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

    The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

    Controlled and Integrated primary and post primary pupils’ religious background – 2007/08

    Religion

    Primary1
    Post primary
    Controlled
    Integrated2
    Controlled
    Integrated2

    Catholic

    4,009

    5%

    2,912

    38%

    1,481

    3%

    4,491

    40%

    Protestant

    58,645

    75%

    2,882

    38%

    39,461

    82%

    4,946

    44%

    Other3

    15,454

    20%

    1,826

    24%

    7,054

    15%

    1,810

    16%

    Total

    78,108

    100%

    7,620

    100%

    47,996

    100%

    11,247

    100%

    Source: school census

    Note:

  5. Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.
  6. Integrated schools includes controlled integrated and grant maintained integrated schools.
  7. The ‘Other’ category includes ‘other Christian’, ‘non-Christian’ and ‘no religion/religion unknown’.
Information Requested from the South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 8048/08, what further information has been requested from the South Eastern Education and Library Board; and on what date it was requested.

(AQW 8867/08)

Ms C Ruane: Iarradh eolas faoi bhail agus faoi oiriúnacht reatha na bhfoirgneamh ag Bunscoil an Acadaimh ar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt ar 16 Meitheamh 2008.

Information on the current condition and suitability of the buildings at Academy Primary School was requested from the South Eastern Education and Library Board on 16 June 2008.

Reinstatment of the South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education when the South Eastern Education and Library Board is due to be re-instated.

(AQW 8882/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá súil agam fógra a dhéanamh ar an ábhar seo gan mhoill.

I hope to make an announcement on this matter in the near future.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what finance, staff training, learning and teaching resources will be provided to support teaching Irish in those primary schools participating in the Primary Languages Programme who have opted for Irish.

(AQW 8904/08)

Ms C Ruane: Regardless of the language chosen by schools, all participating teachers and tutors receive the same high standard of training and support.

To date I have allocated £455, 000 to the primary languages programme, covering the period up to March 2009. This supports the provision of tutors, teaching resources, and training, which has so far included awareness-raising events, at which teaching resources were disseminated in both Spanish and Irish, and three in-service days for teachers. These received positive feedback and further opportunities for professional development will be provided as the programme develops.

De bharr thoradh Bhuiséad 2007, tá maoiniú breise aimsithe agam fosta i gcomhair theagasc na dteangacha i mbunscoileanna suas go dtí Márta 2011, mí an Mhárta san áireamh, agus leithdháilfear na hacmhainní chun tacú le forbairt an chláir sin sa bhliain 2008-09.

As a result of the Budget 2007 outcome, I have also secured additional funding for primary languages up to and including March 2011, and allocations will be made to support an expansion of the programme in 2008-09. When work to develop a wider strategy for the promotion of language learning in schools has been completed, I will, in the context of this strategy, be announcing how I intend to build on the initial stages of the programme in future years.

Primary Languages Programme

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what finance, staff training, learning and teaching resources will be provided to support teaching Spanish in those primary schools participating in the Primary Languages Programme who have opted for Spanish.

(AQW 8905/08)

Ms C Ruane: Regardless of the language chosen by schools, all participating teachers and tutors receive the same high standard of training and support.

To date I have allocated £455, 000 to the primary languages programme, covering the period up to March 2009. This supports the provision of tutors, teaching resources, and training, which has so far included awareness-raising events, at which teaching resources were disseminated in both Spanish and Irish, and three in-service days for teachers. These received positive feedback and further opportunities for professional development will be provided as the programme develops.

De bharr thoradh Bhuiséad 2007, tá maoiniú breise aimsithe agam fosta i gcomhair theagasc na dteangacha i mbunscoileanna suas go dtí Márta 2011, mí an Mhárta san áireamh, agus leithdháilfear na hacmhainní chun tacú le forbairt an chláir sin sa bhliain 2008-09.

As a result of the Budget 2007 outcome, I have also secured additional funding for primary languages up to and including March 2011, and allocations will be made to support an expansion of the programme in 2008-09. When work to develop a wider strategy for the promotion of language learning in schools has been completed, I will, in the context of this strategy, be announcing how I intend to build on the initial stages of the programme in future years.

Revised GCSE Irish

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made with commissioning two textbooks for the revised GCSE Irish, which will be taught from September 2009.

(AQW 8910/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas seo a leanas curtha ar fáil ag Príomhfheidhmeannach na Comhairle Churaclaim, Scrúdúcháin agus Mheasúnaithe Thuaisceart Éireann.

The Chief Executive of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has provided the following information.

CCEA has negotiated with a local publisher with a view to producing a textbook to support the revised GCSE specification for first teaching in September 2009. The result of those discussions is that CCEA’s role will be to provide advice and guidance as appropriate to the publishers and author on the content and structures of the revised specification and to quality assure drafts accordingly. CCEA will endorse the final version of the textbook for distribution, aimed to coincide with first teaching in September 2009, but will have no role in the distribution and costs involved. An author has been appointed by the publishers who have now been briefed on the draft version of the specification. Progress on the writing of the textbook is at an ‘early ideas’ stage and cannot progress in earnest until the specification has been accredited in August 2008.

Education and Skills Authority

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how much it would cost to establish an Education and Skills Authority.

(AQW 8912/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is é an phríomhaidhm a bheas ag an Údarás um Oideachas agus Scileanna (ESA) torthaí oideachasúla a fheabhsú do gach páiste, agus trí riarachán an oideachais a nuachóiriú, táthar ag súil go scaoilfidh sé £20m in aghaidh na bliana ó chostais riaracháin le hinfheistíocht a dhéanamh i seirbhísí bunúsacha.

The principal focus of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) will be to improve educational outcomes for all children, and in modernising the administration of education it is anticipated that it will release £20m per annum from administration costs for investment in front line services. Upfront costs of £50million have been provided by the Executive over the Budget 2007 period to facilitate the establishment of the new ESA. Further significant savings will be achievable in the medium and longer term through innovation in service delivery, the rationalisation of the schools’ estate and the introduction of area based planning.

Review of Public Administration

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education what specific responsibilities the advisory body for Maintained schools will have, as proposed in the Review of Public Administration.

(AQW 8913/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Trustees of Catholic schools have submitted a Business Case for funding under the Department’s new Sectoral Support policy. This funding will be used by a new voluntary organisation to be established by the Trustees to support their work post-RPA. The organisation will have no statutory basis; therefore, it will not have any formal responsibilities in law.

The organisation may use the funding allocated to it by the Department to carry out a number of roles under the Sectoral Support policy. These are:

Déanfaidh an Roinn monatóireacht ar chaiteachas an mhaoinithe seo le cinntiú go mbaintear an úsáid chuí as. Fáiltíodh roimh Chásanna Gnó den chineál céanna ó gach earnáil eile agus cuirfear isteach iad.

The Department will monitor the use of this funding to ensure it is used appropriately. Similar Business Cases have been invited from, and will be submitted by, each of the other sectors.

Education and Skills Authority

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education if she will ask for the Education and Skills Authority to become a Centre for Procurement Expertise.

(AQW 8914/08)

Ms C Ruane: Nuair a bhunófar an tÚdarás um Oideachas agus Scileanna, féachfaidh sé le bheith ina Ionad um Shaineolas Soláthair lena chinntiú go mbainfear ardchaighdeáin amach i gcúrsaí soláthair agus go gcoinneofar na caighdeáin sin ag an leibhéal chuí, faoi réir na Rialachán um Chonarthaí Poiblí 2006.

The Education and Skills Authority, when established, will seek to become a Centre for Procurement Expertise to ensure high standards in procurement are achieved and maintained, in line with the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.

Mixed Education

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the desire for mixed education, based on the Northern Ireland Life and Times Surveys.

(AQW 8915/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Sample surveys, such as the Life and Times Survey (NILT Survey), can be useful in the absence of other forms of evidence on which to base considerations.

However, my Department bases its assessment of the desire for particular forms of education upon the expression of parental choice for individual children.

Mar Aire Oideachais tá sé de dhualgas orm a chinntiú go dtugtar an rogha oideachais dá bpáistí nuair is féidir é.

As Minister of Education it is my duty to ensure that parents are provided with the choice of education for their children wherever possible.

Mixed Education

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the public's view on the performance of her Department in the delivery of mixed education, based upon the Northern Ireland Life and Times Surveys.

(AQW 8917/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sample surveys, such as the Life and Times Survey (NILT Survey), can be useful in the absence of other forms of evidence on which to base considerations. However, my Department delivers particular forms of education based on the expression of parental choice for individual children.

Maidir le soláthar oibríonn mo Roinn leis an earnáil chomhtháite ar gach mholadh ar leith a bhaineann le soláthar nua. Ón bhliain 1997, faomhadh 12 scoil nua chun stádais comhtháite faoi chothabháil stáit agus faomhadh 13 scoil chun aistriú go stádas comhtháite rialaithe.

In terms of delivery my Department works with the integrated sector on each individual proposal for new provision. Since 1997, 12 new schools have been approved for grant maintained integrated status, and 13 existing schools have received approval to transform to controlled integrated status.

Surplus School Places

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to ensure that there is adequate provision of school places for children from mixed religious or other religious backgrounds.

(AQW 8918/08)

Ms C Ruane: There is a currently an overall surplus of places available due to a declining pupil population, and this surplus applies to all children regardless of religious background, due to the fact that places cannot be allocated on the basis of religious background.

San earnáil imeasctha tá eisceacht leis seo, áit a mbíonn cead ag scoileanna critéir iontrála a oibriú ar bhealach a bhaineann amach iontógáil chothromaithe a léiríonn an dá phríomh-thraidisiún, agus iad siúd a thagann ó thradisiúin nach Protastúnaigh nó Caitlicigh iad.

The exception to this is within the integrated sector where schools are permitted to operate admissions criteria in such a way as to achieve a balanced intake which is representative of the two main traditions, and those from traditions other than Protestant or Catholic. The figures here indicate adequate levels of provision. For instance, in the post-primary integrated sector for 2008/09 there were 2010 places available at the outset of the transfer process and there were 1954 first preference applications. As the transfer process ran its course some first preference applicants were displaced by second or lower preference applicants who were unsuccessful in gaining admission to their first preference school (a natural part of the open enrolment process) resulting in a final position whereby 1510 (77%) of these 1954 first preference applications were successful.

Applications to Post-Primary Integrated Schools

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail the proportion of first preference applications to post-primary integrated schools that did not result in admissions for the 2008-09 academic year to these schools.

(AQW 8920/08)

Ms C Ruane: Fuair iar-bhunscoileanna imeasctha 1954 iarratas príomhrogha san iomlán don bhliain acadúil 2008-09; ní bhfuair 444 acu sin (22.72%) isteach sna scoileanna sin.

A total of 1954 first-preference applications were received by integrated post-primary schools for the 2008-09 academic year, 444 of which (22.72%), did not gain admission to these schools.

Pupils Currently Enrolled in Catholic Maintained Schools

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail the proportion of pupils currently enrolled in Catholic Maintained schools who are from (i) a Protestant background; and (ii) a mixed/other religious background.

(AQW 8921/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla faoi iamh.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Religious background of pupils attending Catholic Maintained primary and post-primary schools – 2007/08

Religion

Primary1
Post-primary

Catholic

75,110

98%

40,272

99%

Protestant

486

1%

240

<1%

Other2

884

1%

251

<1%

Total

76,480

100%

40,763

100%

Source: school census

Note:

  1. Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.
  2. The ‘Other’ category includes ‘other Christian’, ‘non-Christian’ and ‘no religion/religion unknown’.
Transformation Fund

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Education for an update on the Department's plans for the Transformation Fund.

(AQW 8923/08)

Ms C Ruane: A paper on a proposed pilot Transformation Fund has been developed by the Early Years Organisation and submitted to OFMDFM which was then forwarded to my officials.

Eisíodh freagra ar 10 Meitheamh 2008 a léirigh na réimsí ina mbeadh gá le tuilleadh oibre le freastal ar na riachtanais bhreithmheasa sula mbeifí in ann breithniú a dhéanamh ar scéim phíolótach a cheadú.

A response was issued on 10th June 2008 highlighting the areas in which further work would be required in order to meet appraisal requirements before approval for a pilot could be considered.

Recruitment on Teachers

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many teachers on the substitute teachers' roll have not yet been in full time permanent employment in teaching.

(AQW 8938/08)

Ms C Ruane: The recruitment of teachers is the responsibility of teachers’ employers. The register contains the names of qualified teachers who are registered with the General Teaching Council and who indicate they are available for employment as teachers in grant-aided schools. It includes not only those newly qualified but also those who have retired or who have previously been employed in the profession. In terms of advice, the Department has issued guidance to employers advising them that preference should be given to newly qualified teachers and experienced non-retired teachers seeking employment. Schools have also been advised that they should recruit to vacancies on a permanent rather than a temporary basis unless the vacancy is clearly of a temporary nature. Moreover, the capping of the levels of the central reimbursement of the costs of substitute cover works in favour of and provides an incentive for schools to employ newly qualified teachers.

Déanann an Roinn monatóireacht agus athbhreithniú ar bhonn leanúnach ar na fachtóirí a bhaineann le soláthar agus éileamh sa ghairm bheatha.

The Department continues to monitor and review the supply and demand factors in the profession.

Teachers on the Substitute Teachers' Roll

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to provide permanent employment in teaching for teachers on the substitute teachers' roll who have not yet been in full time employment in teaching.

(AQW 8939/08)

Ms C Ruane: The recruitment of teachers is the responsibility of teachers’ employers. The register contains the names of qualified teachers who are registered with the General Teaching Council and who indicate they are available for employment as teachers in grant-aided schools. It includes not only those newly qualified but also those who have retired or who have previously been employed in the profession. In terms of advice, the Department has issued guidance to employers advising them that preference should be given to newly qualified teachers and experienced non-retired teachers seeking employment. Schools have also been advised that they should recruit to vacancies on a permanent rather than a temporary basis unless the vacancy is clearly of a temporary nature. Moreover, the capping of the levels of the central reimbursement of the costs of substitute cover works in favour of and provides an incentive for schools to employ newly qualified teachers.

Déanann an Roinn monatóireacht agus athbhreithniú ar bhonn leanúnach ar na fachtóirí a bhaineann le soláthar agus éileamh sa ghairm bheatha.

The Department continues to monitor and review the supply and demand factors in the profession.

Teachers on the Substitute Teachers' Roll

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what advice in relation to employment her Department gives to teachers on the substitute teachers' roll who have not yet been in full time permanent employment in teaching.

(AQW 8940/08)

Ms C Ruane: The recruitment of teachers is the responsibility of teachers’ employers. However, the Department has issued guidance to employers advising them that preference should be given to the appointment of newly qualified teachers and experienced non-retired teachers when they are filling vacancies. Schools have also been advised that they should recruit to vacancies on a permanent rather than a temporary basis unless the vacancy is clearly of a temporary nature. Furthermore, the capping of the levels of the central reimbursement of the costs of substitute cover also provides an incentive to employ newly qualified teachers.

Thug Ciorclán na Roinne 2006/07, a eisíodh i Márta 2006, le fios do scoileanna nár chóir múinteoirí a fhostú mar mhúinteoirí ionaid ó 1 Meán Fómhair 2006 mura bhfuil siad cláraithe ar chlár na múinteoirí ionaid.

The Department’s Circular 2006/07, which issued in March 2006, advised schools that only teachers registered on the substitute teacher register should be employed as substitute teachers from 1 September 2006. It is significant to note that the substitute teacher register includes not only young teachers but teachers of all ages who wish to be employed on a substitute teacher basis, together with teachers who no longer wish to be full-time members of the teaching profession.

Primary Languages Programme
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many teachers on the substitute teachers' roll, who have not yet been in full time employment in teaching, will be employed in the primary languages programme.

(AQW 8941/08)

Ms C Ruane: De réir mo chuid freagraí ar AQW8042/08 agus AQW8254/08, caithfidh gach oide atá fostaithe sa Chlár do Theangacha Bunscoile critéir chlár na bunscoile a bheith acu, is é sin cumas d’ardchaighdeán bheith acu i labhairt na Gaeilge nó na Spáinnise.

Further to my responses to AQW 8042/08 and AQW 8254/08, any tutors employed in the Primary Languages Programme must meet the primary programme criteria of having excellent oral language competence in Irish or Spanish. The tutor positions are subject to public advertisement procedures, and any person meeting the criteria is welcome to apply for positions, including unemployed newly-qualified teachers and teachers on the Substitute Teacher Register; it is a matter for the employing authority to determine who is employed. I am pleased that the programme may offer teachers who have not been in full-time employment in teaching the opportunity to gain experience of working in schools.

Review of Public Administration

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education what legislative restrictions there are preventing a continuing role for transferor representatives on the boards of governors of schools after the Review of Public Administration reforms have been implemented.

(AQW 8967/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi na tograí reatha le haghaidh an Athbhreithnithe ar Riarachán Poiblí, thiocfadh le hionadaithe Aistreora iarratas a dhéanamh le bheith ceaptha mar ghobharnóirí scoile, faoi shocruithe arna n-oibriú ag an Údarás um Oideachas agus Scileanna.

Under the current proposals for the Review of Public Administration, Transferor representatives could apply to be appointed as school governors, under arrangements operated by the Education and Skills Authority.  However, it would not be possible to legislate to permit the Transferors to nominate governors as of right.  Such provisions would constitute discrimination on the grounds of religious belief and, as such, would be contrary to section 6 of the NI Act 1998.

Employment and Learning

European Social Funding

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what mechanisms are in place for mainstream funding of supported employment services currently in receipt of European Social Funding or short-term funding.

(AQW 8425/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey):

The Disablement Advisory Service (DAS), on behalf of the Department, provides public match funding to a number of organisations that receive ESF funding to deliver training, supported employment and other services to people with disabilities. DAS also provides public match funding to an EQUAL research project – Supported Employment for All (the SEA Project). The SEA Project has membership from DHSS & PS, DSD and DEL as there are elements relating to all three departments that are required for the delivery of supported employment. DEL does not provide mainstream funding for the delivery of supported employment.

Renewing Communities Project

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for his assessment of the Renewing Communities project.

(AQW 8695/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The Renewing Communities Initiative, which was developed to tackle disadvantage across communities, was led by the Department for Social Development.

My Department had responsibility for 8 of the Initiative’s 62 Actions. All 8 Actions have had a positive impact on disadvantaged communities, offering over 24,000 educational opportunities.

An evaluation, to be carried out later this year, will provide more detailed information on its wider impact.

Renewing Communities Project

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much money has been given to the Renewing Communities Scheme in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 8696/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The Renewing Communities Initiative, which was developed to tackle disadvantage across communities, was a two year programme launched in April 2006 and led by the Department for Social Development. My Department had responsibility for 8 of the initiative’s 62 published Actions.

To date, since its launch, £16.744m has been expended on the Initiative, as follows:

Renewing Communities Action

Year 1

Year 2

Expended

1.15 Step Up

£0.267m

£0.267m

£0.534m

1.16 Fast Track

£0.192m

£0.077m

£0.269m

1.17 Workforce & Economic Development Centre

£0.475m

£0.389m

£0.864m

1.18 WEDC Outreach Programme N&W Belfast

£0.140m

£0.155m

£0.295m

1.19 WEDC Outreach Programme E&S Belfast

£0.140m

£0.156m

£0.296m

1.20 Pre-Apprentice and Pre-Vocational Enhancement Training Programmes

£7.100m

£7.100m

£14.200m

1.22 Regeneration Through Skills

£0.132m

£0.140m

£0.272m

3.5 Community Service by FE and HE Students

£0.014m

£0.000m

£0.014m

Total

£8.460m

£8.284m

£16.744m

Renewing Communities Project

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the areas in which the Renewing Communities Scheme is operating.

(AQW 8697/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The Renewing Communities Initiative, which was developed to tackle disadvantage across communities, was a two year programme launched in April 2006 and led by the Department for Social Development.

My Department had responsibility for 8 of the initiative’s 62 published Actions.

The Table below identifies these Actions and the areas in which they took place:

Renewing Communities (DEL) Actions

Areas Delivered

1.15 Step Up

Belfast

1.16 Fast Track

Belfast

1.17 Workforce & Economic Development Centre

North and West Belfast

1.18 WEDC Outreach Programme N&W Belfast

North and West Belfast

1.19 WEDC Outreach Programme E&S Belfast

East and South Belfast

1.20 Pre-Apprentice and Pre-Vocational Enhancement Training Programmes

All areas of Northern Ireland

1.22 Regeneration Through Skills

Belfast

3.5 Community Service by HE and FE Students

North Belfast, Shankill

Departmental Underspend

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what impact the £35.8 million budget underspend by his Department will have on the Renewing Communities Scheme.

(AQW 8705/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The Renewing Communities Initiative, which was developed to tackle disadvantage across communities, was led by the Department for Social Development.

My Department had responsibility for 8 of the Initiative’s 62 Actions. Through my Department’s Renewing Communities Actions, over 24,000 participants benefited from a range of educational and training opportunities.

Regrettably, demand for some of the Actions, which sought to engage particular client groups, did not fulfil expectations, and this resulted in an under-spend of £1.4m of the Department’s Renewing Communities budget. Overall, there was no adverse impact in terms of the programme’s capacity to include all those in the chosen client groups, who wished to participate.

Impact of Sectarian Divisions on Workforce Mobility

Dr Farry asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for his assessment of the impact of sectarian divisions and segregation on labour market mobility.

(AQW 8744/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The available data suggest that there is a possible negative impact on labour mobility of sectarian divisions and segregation. My Department continues to assist individuals to access jobs wherever they are located and to assist employers to fill job vacancies. Research commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and published in 2005 shows that religion has declined substantially as an explanatory factor for labour market outcomes over the previous decade.

Departmental Funding in East Antrim

Mr Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what projects his Department has funded in the East Antrim constituency in the last 12 months.

(AQW 8748/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

In addition to ongoing funding provided to the educational and training organisations based in the East Antrim constituency, such as the University of Ulster and the Northern Regional College, the Department for Employment and Learning has funded five projects in the last 12 months.

Four projects were funded under the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme at the Jordanstown Campus of the University of Ulster. These included a Post-graduate Diploma/MSc course in Engineering, a Post-graduate Diploma/MSc course in Web Information Systems, and projects on ‘Women in Enterprise’ and ‘Pathways to Education and Employment for Women’.

Also, a project from Carrickfergus Women’s Forum was funded under the PEACE II Programme.

Cost of Teacher Training

Mr McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give the costs of training teachers at (i) St. Mary's University College; (ii) Stranmillis University College; and (iii) the University of Ulster.

(AQW 8793/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The cost of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) is met in the main through two sources. The Northern Ireland ITE providers receive grant funding from my Department. In addition to this, the providers also retain the majority of the tuition fee income from students.

The per-student units of grant for ITE for academic year 2008/09 are as follows;

 
St Mary’s

University College

(note 1 & 2)

£
Stranmillis

University College

(note 1 & 2)

£
University of Ulster

£

Academic year 2008/09- Grant per ITE Student

6,648
6,648
£4,974

Source: Department for Employment and Learning

Note 1. Grant allocations for the 2008/09 academic year are not yet finalised and so the amounts shown are provisional. The amounts are derived from the new university college funding methodology which replaces the previous block grant funding mechanism.

Note 2 Base unit of grant £4,732. Premiums are applied to the base unit of grant plus non – retained fee income of £1,255 i.e. £5,987. Small Premium 10% Specialist Premium 20%. Historical Buildings Premium 2%.

As you will be aware, my officials have developed a new unit based funding methodology for the university colleges to replace the old block grant arrangement which was not fit for purpose. The new methodology, which will be implemented for academic year 2008/09 funding allocations, is based on best practice approaches developed by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), the national body which funds teacher education in England, and also the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The units of funding for the university colleges include a base per-student unit of grant which is then augmented by premiums which recognise their small and specialist nature and the expected higher level of fixed costs resulting from this. A further premium in recognition of the historical nature of the university colleges’ estates has also been applied. These premiums account for 32% of the amount included above.

The universities are funded in the main through the use of a formula developed by HEFCE. When responsibility for ITE transferred from HEFCE to the TDA, the ITE element of the Northern Ireland universities funding was separated out. Since then, the funding has been uplifted annually and pro-rated to reflect changes in student numbers. As large institutions with a diverse range of provision, the universities do not attract small or specialist premiums.

The ITE providers are free to allocate these resources as they see fit in order to deliver the outcomes expected of them, and in accordance with a Financial Memorandum which sets out the conditions which apply to the funding. The cost of teacher training at each provider therefore reflects the management decisions taken by each Governing Body as well as the individual characteristics of the institution. Amongst a range of accountability information, my department receives and reviews the providers’ annual financial statements.

On an annual basis, higher education institutions also provide financial information to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). This is used to generate unit expenditure statistics which are then published. Although these statistics are often referred to when the cost of ITE is discussed, it is important to note that HESA themselves stress that comparisons based solely on these unit expenditure statistics are liable to be seriously misleading.

Further and Higher Education in Coleraine

Mr Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has for the development of a new campus for Further and Higher Education to serve the Coleraine area.

(AQW 8851/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The former Causeway Institute submitted a business case to the Department, in March 2004, which confirmed serious accommodation deficiencies in its campuses, at Coleraine and Ballymoney. The business case proposed a single new build solution in Coleraine, to replace both campuses. Funding for the project was not available at that time. However, the subsequent merger of Causeway Institute with East Antrim, and North East Institutes required the newly appointed Northern Regional College’s Senior Management Team and Governing Body to review the proposals. That review, across all campuses, is continuing and is expected to be submitted for the Department’s consideration in the near future.

Concessionary Fees at Further Education Colleges

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the categories of individuals who qualify for concessionary fees at further education colleges, for courses commencing in the next academic year.

(AQW 8925/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

All further education colleges in Northern Ireland have agreed that, as from the start of the 2008/09 academic year, they will adopt a consistent approach to the implementation of concessionary fees, and they are already using agreed criteria for the September 2008 intake to their courses.

Therefore, students enrolling on courses at a further education college in the next academic year who are in receipt of Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income based), Guaranteed Pension Credit and Rates Relief, and learners holding an income based NHS Exemption Certificate, will be entitled to concessionary fees.

Funding for Essential Skills

Mrs Long asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many places will be funded by his Department for Essential Skills at foundation level and level one for the 2008-2009 academic year, and how this compares with provision for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.

(AQW 8949/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The number of Essential Skills enrolments at Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 and at Level 1 funded by my Department in 2006/07 and 2007/08 are as follows:

2006/07: 15,343

2007/08: 14,444

Source: Essential Skills enrolment return.

Note: Figures are correct as at 29th February 2008, but are provisional and, therefore, subject to change.

Information for 2008/09 is not available in the format requested, because Further Education Colleges’ enrolment targets for Essential Skills are not broken down by the different Levels of Essential Skills. Also, Essential Skills provision is available within other DEL programmes, such as Training for Success, Jobskills and New Deal, but is demand led according to the identified needs of participants on these programmes. Therefore, information on places and enrolments by different levels is only available retrospectively.

However, the Department has increased the budget for Essential Skills provision in FE colleges from £5m in 2007/08 to £6.6m in 2008/09, to help to meet challenging PSA targets in this area. This should lead to increased Essential Skills enrolments in 2008/09.

Funding for Essential Skills

Mrs Long asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the plan for delivery of Essential Skills, with particular regard to foundation level and level one, in the context of a more difficult funding climate for community-based training organisations.

(AQW 8950/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

My Department has set a challenging PSA target in respect of Essential Skills. This target is that, by March 2011, 42,000 adult learners will have achieved a recognised qualification in Essential Skills, including 4,000 in respect of ICT.

In future, Further Education Colleges will be the main providers of Essential skills for adults, and in 2008/09 college budgets in respect of Essential Skills have been increased to £6.6m, from £5m in 2007/08. Colleges’ extensive network of outreach centres will ensure that Essential Skills provision is fully accessible to all. The Learner Access and Engagement pilot programme will help colleges to increase uptake on their Essential Skills provision, particularly at Entry Level and Level 1.

In addition, Training Organisations, including FE colleges, will continue to provide Essential Skills, where appropriate, as part of their delivery of DEL programmes such as Training for Success, Jobskills and New Deal.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what work her Department has done with its counterparts in (i) Great Britain; and (ii) the Isle of Man; with a view to attracting more tourists.

(AQW 8488/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster): Northern Ireland benefits from considerable ongoing contact with Great Britain and the Isle of Man on a range of tourism issues. Examples include:

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) strong working relationship with VisitBritain. The benefits to Northern Ireland of this link include access to valuable tourism market intelligence; presence on the VisitBritain website (www.visitbritain.com), access to PR platforms such as inclusion in press releases and media updates; and the distribution of Northern Ireland guides through the Britain and London Visitor Centre and overseas offices;

NITB’s representation on a range of UK National Tourist Board Groups which deal with issues of mutual interest such as marketing, planning and performance, PR and quality standards;

Tourism Ireland Ltd’s (TIL) engagement in co-operative marketing with VisitBritain and other GB tourism bodies regarding long-haul markets, for example Canada or Australia, where a visit to Northern Ireland is planned as part of a longer trip to Great Britain or to Europe;

TIL’s work with VisitBritain on a Northern Ireland specific eCampaign to target those actively planning a vacation to the UK in 2008. Northern Ireland will feature in three Visit Britain eZines (each sent to approximately 150,000 opt-in contacts);

TIL’s co-operation in 2007 with the Isle of Man’s Manx 2 radio station on a campaign promoting Belfast in the Isle of Man. Manx 2 estimated a 24 % growth in traffic from the Isle of Man to Northern Ireland in 2007 and considered the campaign a successful contributor to this growth; and

NITB’s and TIL’s work with VisitBritain to develop plans to help ensure that Northern Ireland maximises the tourism opportunities presented by the 2012 Olympic Games.

In addition, DETI has worked with tourism counterparts in the other administrations within the British Isles under the auspices of the Tourism Sub Group of the British Irish Council. This Group considered a range of areas of mutual interest such as tourism statistics, sustainable tourism, and emerging tourism markets.

Applications for Alternative Eco-Friendly Energy in the Strangford Constituency

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many applications there have been for alternative eco-friendly energy for the Strangford constituency.

(AQW 8609/08)

Mrs A Foster: The most recent support scheme for alternative eco-friendly energy was Reconnect which closed to applications on 31 March 2008. There were 769 applications from private householders in the Strangford constituency.

Annual Twelfth Celebrations
Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to quantify the value to the economy of the annual Twelfth celebrations.

(AQW 8652/08)

Mrs A Foster: No assessment has been made of the value to the economy of the Twelfth of July celebrations. However, the celebrations are unique to Northern Ireland and have the potential to be of interest to visitors from across the globe who want to see and learn more about local traditions.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland Ltd have been in contact with the Loyal Orders to explore the extent to which the celebrations might feature as part of Northern Ireland's tourism product.

Annual Twelfth Celebrations

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland intend to market the annual Twelfth celebrations as a visitor attraction.

(AQW 8653/08)

Mrs A Foster: Over the last three years, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Tourism Ireland Ltd (TIL) have established good working relationships with the Grand Orange Lodge and have attended Orange Order parades.

NITB has been working with the Orange Order to help them broaden the appeal of this year’s Twelfth of July demonstrations. NITB has identified four ‘flagship’ parades, Belfast, Tandragee, Dromara and Coleraine, as having the most potential to appeal to visitors.

NITB supports the development of world class standards of service and has organised Welcome Host Training for representatives from these parades to help maximise their tourism potential. The parades will also feature on NITB’s consumer website discovernorthernireland.com.

Tourism Ireland has discussed the portrayal of the Twelfth of July demonstrations with the Orange Order, Orangefest and other relevant parties. In addition, TIL recently presented to representatives of ten District Lodges regarding this year’s demonstrations.

Varney 2 Report

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment which recommendations within the Varney 2 Report have been prioritised for action.

(AQW 8660/08)

Mrs A Foster: The information requested is not available at present.

I will write to the Member when the information is available, and ensure that a copy of the letter is placed in the Assembly Library.

Invest NI

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to review the workings and role of Invest NI.

(AQW 8710/08)

Mrs A Foster: The information requested is not available at present.

I will write to the Member when the information is available, and ensure that a copy of the letter is placed in the Assembly Library.

Local Postal Services

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what consideration has been given and what progress has been made by her Department to utilise the Post Office as a source, agency or outlet for the delivery of its services as outlined in the May 2008 report of the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee, 'Report of the Committee’s Consideration of, and Proposals for, Partnership that could Enhance the Economic Case for Viable Local Postal Services'.

(AQW 8737/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Ad Hoc Committee on Local Postal Services’ Report made a number of recommendations to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) concerning the future of Postal Services and the Post Office network.

Junior Minister Donaldson and Junior Minister Kelly wrote to Executive Ministers on 21 April 2008 asking them to consider whether any further public services could be delivered through post offices.

I can confirm that there are no DETI services currently provided, or any that could potentially be delivered through the Post Office network in Northern Ireland.

Invest NI Office Space

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) what the is length of each contract/lease for InvestNI office space in the North Belfast constituency; (ii) for how long have each of these contracts/leases been in place; and (iii) how much has been paid to date on the contracts/leases for vacant office space.

(AQW 8753/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI does not lease any office space in the North Belfast parliamentary constituency.

In the interests of clarity, information on all the property Invest NI pays or makes contribution to rental on can be found in AQW 7988-08.

Invest NI Office Space

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) what office space Invest NI currently leases in North Belfast constituency; and (ii) which of these locations is currently occupied by InvestNI client companies.

(AQW 8755/08)

Mrs A Foster: Invest NI does not lease any office space in the North Belfast parliamentary constituency.

In the interests of clarity, information on all the property Invest NI pays or makes contribution to rental on can be found in AQW 7988-08.

Energy From Renewable Sources

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in the light of her Department’s commitment to increase the amount of energy obtained from renewable sources, would she examine the possibility of generating electricity through a pump storage generation project, similar to that proposed in Camlough in the early 1970s.

(AQW 8790/08)

Mrs A Foster: Pump storage facilities can be a cost effective, although not necessarily entirely renewable, means of generating electricity.

I am aware that the concept of a pump storage proposal at Camlough has recently been investigated again and that it could be developed if shown to be commercially feasible. However, it is important to note that the output of such a project will only be truly renewable if the electricity used to pump the water in the first instance is generated from renewable sources.

While Government encourages the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland through the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO), it is left to private sector developers to make the investment based on the commercial feasibility of individual projects. This ensures that renewable electricity is produced in a cost-effective way that provides best value for consumers.

Cross Border Illegal Trade

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if cross border illegal trade and smuggling will be addressed in the next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, given the potential of such activities to undercut the work that has been achieved with InterTrade Ireland.

(AQW 8794/08)

Mrs A Foster: The issue of cross border illegal trade and smuggling does not fall within the remit of InterTradeIreland nor of the North South Ministerial Council and will not, therefore, form part of the business of any North South Ministerial Council meeting.

Nevertheless I wholly share concerns at the potential of such activity to undermine the work of InterTradeIreland and indeed, all legitimate efforts to promote economic and business co-operation between the two jurisdictions.

The Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) is a forum where partner agencies such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland and HM Customs & Excise meet to agree priorities and share information in relation to tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.

I understand that recently published statistics by the OCTF provide strong evidence that this approach is having a significant impact in the fight against illegal trade and smuggling.

Clearly this is something that I welcome.

Inward Investors in Limavady

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many potential inward investors have visited the Limavady area since Seagate and HUCO announced their plans to close their production plants.

(AQW 8850/08)

Mrs A Foster: Three potential investors have visited the North West Travel to Work Area between 29th October 2007 and 4th July 2008.

The North West Travel to Work Area is defined as the areas in the North West Action Plan and comprises Derry, Strabane, Limavady, Coleraine and Magherafelt District Council Areas.

Economic Research Agenda

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in light of the launch of the Economic Research Agenda, if she will give a commitment to include an audit of the Social Economy Sector and its contribution to the local economy.

(AQW 8856/08)

Mrs A Foster: DETI’s Economic Research Agenda, published on 27th June 2008, made an open call for research proposals in DETI’s priority areas of: productivity growth, increasing employment and tourism. The Agenda sets out a number of themes to guide the research community in preparing proposals. One such theme is to develop our understanding of the Northern Ireland economy, including areas such as the Social Economy sector. The Department will assess all research proposals received before the closing date of 15th August 2008, with a view to identifying projects that can best inform policy development.

I recognise the importance of the Social Economy sector in Northern Ireland, and DETI has already undertaken work to better understand the contribution of the sector to the local economy. In September 2006, DETI undertook a ‘first steps’ survey which provided baseline data for nearly 400 enterprises with a total of 6,700 paid employees, 5,000 volunteers and turnover of just over £355million. The survey database has been transferred to the Social Economy Network (SEN) for future development. DETI will continue to work with SEN and other stakeholders to develop the importance of the social economy sector to the NI economy.

Farm Accidents

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people have been killed and injured in accidents on farms in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 8887/08)

Mrs A Foster: As the regulations regarding the statutory reporting of non fatal work related injuries do not apply to self employed persons, such as farmers, HSENI has very incomplete figures for the numbers injured on farms. On the other hand all fatal farm incidents are brought to HSENI’s attention by the PSNI who respond to these on behalf of the Coroner.

23 people have been killed as a result of work related incidents on farms since April 2005. The breakdown is as follows:-

Year

Number of Fatalities

2007-08

7

2006-07

6

2005-06

10

Deaths Involving Cattle

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people have been killed by bulls or cows on farms in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 8888/08)

Mrs A Foster: 9 people have been killed as a result of incidents involving bulls or cows on farms since April 2005. The break down is as follows;

Year

Fatalities

2007-08

4

2006-07

2

2005-06

3

Injuries Involving Cattle

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people have been injured by bulls or cows on farms in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 8889/08)

Mrs A Foster: Since the regulations governing the reporting of work related injuries do not apply to self employed persons such as farmers, HSENI has a very incomplete picture of the true scale of such incidents.

HSENI’s limited records show that 3 people were injured as a result of incidents involving bulls or cows during the past 3 years.

Year

Number of injuries

2007-08

1

2006-07

2

2005-06

0

Contract Awarded to the Citizen's Advice Bureau

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the benefits of the new contract awarded to the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

(AQW 8946/08)

Mrs A Foster: The new contract awarded to Citizens Advice in April 2008 secures funding for the continuation of a free face to face debt advice across Northern Ireland for the period 2008-2011. This longer term contract provides ongoing face to face support to clients who typically require such assistance in order to regain control of their finances. The new contract enables the advisers to develop their skills through training and thus enhance the quality of the debt advice service. I made an announcement on 3 July 2008 of additional funding of £600,000 per annum for 2009/10 and 2010/11 for debt advice which will significantly enhance the provision already in place through the new contract.

Wind Farms

Mr Buchanan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many wind farms are in operation, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 8960/08)

Mrs A Foster: There are currently 16 wind farms in operation in Northern Ireland. This covers all developments of one or more turbines with a total capacity of at least one megawatt.

An analysis of these wind farms by District Council is shown in the table below.

DISTRICT COUNCIL

WINDFARMS (No.)

Ballymena

2

Ballymoney

2

Dungannon

1

Fermanagh

3

Limavady

3

Omagh

2

Strabane

3

NORTHERN IRELAND

16

Environment

Waiting Times for MOT

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of the Environment what is the average waiting time for an MOT test in each of the test centres.

(AQW 7927/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr S Wilson): Detail of the weekly and year to date average waiting time for a vehicle test in the 15 test centres is included in the following table.

Average waiting time for a vehicle test in days

Weekly

Year to Date

Test Centre
01 June to 07 June 2008
01 April to 07 June 2008
Armagh
16
14
Ballymena
25
19
Belfast
17
18
Coleraine
19
18
Cookstown
26
23
Craigavon
16
14
Downpatrick
24
16
Enniskillen
16
17
Larne
20
16
Lisburn
18
17
Londonderry
29
23
Mallusk
14
16
Newry
24
21
Newtownards
24
20
Omagh
17
15
Expired MOTs

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of the Environment how many vehicles' MOT certificate had expired by 1 June 2008.

(AQW 7928/08)

Mr S Wilson: The Agency’s data shows that there are currently 8,388 vehicles (private cars and motorcycles) with an MOT certificate that had expired by 1 June 2008 and who currently have a vehicle test appointment. Many of these customers may not have applied for the vehicle test until after the expiry date of the previous certificate.

Vehicle Tests

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of the Environment how many vehicle (i) tests; and (ii) re-tests, were carried out at each MOT test centre, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 7930/08)

Mr S Wilson: Detail of the number of vehicle test full tests and re-tests carried out in each of 15 test centres in the years 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 is included in the following table.

2005/06
2006/07
2007/08

Centres

Full Tests

Re-tests

Full Tests

Re-tests

Full Tests

Re-tests

Armagh

20322

5911

22571

6451

24589

6759

Ballymena

41114

8981

48594

10928

52888

11793

Belfast

59859

15730

66581

15158

64401

14719

Coleraine

43189

10140

45079

9213

47612

9550

Cookstown

38834

12430

40991

12162

40538

11312

Craigavon

28763

8143

33242

8621

38103

9658

Downpatrick

26257

5644

27568

5727

31381

6014

Enniskillen

27530

6348

29661

6453

32299

7199

Larne

25163

4324

27368

4322

29892

4835

Lisburn

33235

8732

36974

7124

40344

7256

Londonderry

35757

9370

42517

10383

45890

10838

Mallusk

47933

13247

53562

12934

47930

11230

Newry

41830

10316

46824

9448

48386

9343

Newtownards

62464

15457

73520

17495

72670

18033

Omagh

24757

7242

26161

6096

27843

6630

Totals

557007

142015

621213

142515

644766

145169

Unauthorised Developments

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of the Environment how many files relating to possible unauthorised developments his Department has (i) opened; and (ii) concluded, in each of the last three years; and the total number of possible cases still outstanding.

(AQW 8341/08)

Mr S Wilson: The number of files relating to possible unauthorised developments that have been opened and concluded (closed) in each of the last 3 years is as follows:

Year
Number of cases opened
Number of cases concluded (closed)
2005
4330
3199
2006
4378
3838
2007
3553
3068
TOTAL
12261
10105

The number of summons and prosecutions are indicated in the table below:

Year
Summons
Prosecutions
2005
20
12
2006
28
33
2007
15
13
TOTAL
63
58

I must stress that a relatively small number of cases require the Department to take formal enforcement action. Many cases are successfully resolved without the need for full action or in some instance do no warrant a breach/further investigation.

(iii) The total number of outstanding enforcement cases is 5877. These figures have been extracted from a live dataset which is continuously updated and validated. They should therefore be regarded as indicative only at this point in time and should not be compared with any previous figures published by the Agency.

Wind Farms

Mr Ross asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of wind farms; and what action he will take to assist planning applications in this area.

(AQW 8443/08)

Mr S Wilson: Windfarm developments have played a significant role in the drive towards securing renewable sources of energy generation.

Northern Ireland set itself a target of deriving 12% of energy consumption from renewable sources (equivalent to 400MW) by 2012 (of which 15% should be non wind sources). As of 26 June 2008 Planning Service has consented 480MW of power from windfarms alone.

To date 33 planning applications for windfarms have been approved. Currently there are 48 applications for windfarms in the planning system.

My Department has recently consulted on draft Planning Policy Statement 18 (PPS 18) which sets out updated planning policy for proposals to develop renewable sources of energy generation, including energy from wind. The primary aim of draft PPS 18 is to encourage and facilitate the provision and siting of renewable energy generating facilities in appropriate locations within the built and natural environment while assisting the diversification of energy supply and a more competitive energy market, and to encourage economic growth and rural diversification associated with the development of an indigenous renewable energy industry.

Areas of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation

Mr Ford asked the Minister of the Environment what areas of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation are affected by the A4, A5 and A6 roads.

(AQW 8561/08)

Mr S Wilson: No Areas of Special Scientific Interest or Special Areas of Conservation are currently affected by the A4, A5 or A6.

However, as you will no doubt appreciate there are a number of improvement schemes on the A4, A5 and A6 routes and that the various schemes are at different stages of planning and delivery. It is perhaps worth considering the schemes, and in particular how they affect Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), on an individual basis.

A4 – The A4 dual carriageway between Dungannon and Ballygawley, the realignment of the A4 Annaghilla and the realignment of the A5 Tullyvar schemes do not affect any ASSI or SAC, nor does it pose a risk to them.

A5 – The upgrading of the A5 to dual carriageway status is by far the largest scheme ever undertaken in Northern Ireland and, because of its scale, there will no doubt be issues associated with ASSIs and SACs. However, I would point out that the scheme is at a very early stage and that it is envisaged that the preferred route will be published in mid-2009. While it is not possible to be more specific at this stage, I can confirm that Roads Service will liaise with interested parties including the Northern Ireland Environment Agency before deciding on the preferred route.

A6 – The upgrading of the A6 to dual carriageway standard will have a direct effect on the candidate SAC at the River Faughan and its Tributaries and at the River Roe. It will also have indirect effects on the ASSI at Ervey Wood and in the Lough Beg Area.

Ballymartin River Pollution Incident

Mr Burnside asked the Minister of the Environment what preventive measures his Department has in place to forestall any repeats of the Ballymartin River pollution incident.

(AQW 8591/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department’s Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), formerly the Environment and Heritage Service, is already working on a number of initiatives to improve what is being done to prevent pollution occurring and to protect the aquatic environment.

NIEA undertakes Pollution Prevention Risk Assessments at any site that is causing, or has the potential to cause pollution, e.g. construction sites and various industrial and commercial sites. This includes an investigation of the catchments and water bodies that are at risk, or potentially at risk, from pollution or have historically had poor water quality. Through direct interaction with site managers and owners NIEA can, through education or enforcement, reduce the risk of these sites causing pollution or downgrading the water quality in the catchment.

NIEA has also established nine Catchment Stakeholder Groups to enable a wide range of individuals to participate in identifying and resolving issues related to pollution and water quality.

In addition three Catchment Officers were appointed last year with a specific role to liaise with site managers and owners in an attempt to advise and reduce the risk of pollution.

Development of National Parks

Mr Burnside asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his Department’s ten year strategy for the development of national parks, outlining all areas under consideration, and detailing the formal links between his Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to tourism.

(AQW 8593/08)

Mr S Wilson: I will consider the range of issues in relation to National Parks and make my views known in due course.

It is my intention to explore with my colleague Arlene Foster the potential for developing the relationship between national parks and tourism. I am aware that the Mournes is one of the NI Tourist Board’s signature projects and that the Tourist Board is a strong advocate of national park designation in order to maximise the tourism potential of the area.

10 Year Development of Lough Neagh
Mr Burnside asked the Minister of the Environment what are his plans and strategies for the 10 year development of Lough Neagh.

(AQW 8594/08)

Mr S Wilson: No single Department has the sole responsibility of producing a development plan or strategy for Lough Neagh. The Department of the Environment is responsible for guiding and regulating development on and around the Lough and, jointly with DCAL, sponsors the Lough Neagh Advisory Committee.

Environmental Protection Agency

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to (i) review the case for establishing an independent Environmental Protection Agency in the aftermath of the pollution incident on the Ballymartin/Sixmilewater; and (ii) ensure that, in the interim, the Environment and Heritage Service assumes an advisory and preventative stance to deter such incidents on watercourses.

(AQW 8636/08)

Mr S Wilson: Arlene Foster made the right decision in relation to an Environmental Protection Agency and there is no need to review it. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency already works proactively to prevent pollution incidents on watercourses. It assesses pollution risk at sites where there is the potential for such incidents and advises and educates site managers and owners so that they can reduce the risk. Where necessary the Agency resorts to enforcement action.

Consequences of Pollution

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what further preventative and protective measures he will take to ensure that residents, commercial and farming interests within river catchment areas are aware of the consequences of pollution incidents upon the eco-systems that are dependant upon the water quality of these waterways.

(AQW 8637/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department will always seek to improve on what is being done to both prevent pollution occuring and to protect water quality. The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is already working on a number of initiatives as follows:

- Nine, locally based Catchment Stakeholder Groups have been established to enable a wide range of individuals to participate in resolving issues related to pollution and water quality in their locality.

- Three Catchment Officers were appointed last year specifically to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders at a local level and to work with stakeholders to identify and help resolve problems.

- The regulation by EHS of farming activities, to prevent pollution problems arising, is linked to award of the Single Farm Payment by DARD, under the EU Common Agricultural Policy.

- A Pollution Prevention Risk Assessment Database has been established. This records details of all site inspection visits and the findings in terms of the risk which these, mainly, industrial sites pose to the aquatic environment. This enables more targeted advisory visits and any necessary enforcement action.

- EHS publishes an annual report detailing statistics and other information about water pollution incidents. A series of 28 practical pollution prevention guidelines are also available on request. These guidelines, and many other publications, can all be accessed on the EHS website.

- In 1998, EHS established the freephone pollution hotline (0800 80 70 60) to enable members of the public to report any sightings of pollution. This facility has been widely advertised and is highlighted at every opportunity, eg, at the EHS stand which is present every year at the Balmoral Agricultural Show.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Mr McCallister asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the European Union targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 as part of a range of measures to halt climate change.

(AQW 8676/08)

Mr S Wilson: The UK Government has taken the lead in discussions within the European Union on emission reduction targets and measures. This has resulted in targets to reduce emissions by 20% through measures such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and increased renewables.

I am personally not convinced that man is the cause of climate change and I believe that efforts to reduce greenhouse gases should not be to the detriment of the economy. However, it is clear that whilst any move to alternative energy supplies such as renewables will not be cheap, it becomes more feasible economically as fossil fuel prices rise. Using alternatives to coal, oil and gas will reduce our demand on these finite resources and improve the security of our energy supplies.

Other emission reduction measures require improved energy efficiency which will reduce energy costs for both individuals and businesses.

Nitrates Action Programme Regulations

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment what policy he will pursue in addressing situations where livestock owners are refused planning permission to build a collection tank in order to comply with the Nitrates Directive.

(AQW 8683/08)

Mr S Wilson: Under the terms of the Nitrates Action Programme Regulations farmers are required to have a minimum of 22 or 26 weeks storage depending on type of livestock.

While my Department has in place extended permitted development rights for farmers who are required to provide additional slurry storage arrangements under the Nitrates Directive there are some instances where they do not meet the necessary criteria for permitted development and a planning application is required.

In processing such applications Planning Service will take account of any adverse impacts on any occupied dwelling not on the farm holding. If an applicant was refused planning permission on this basis they have the right of appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission. Alternatively in view of the limited timescale for grant assistance Planning Service staff are available to advise on alternative locations to avoid detrimental impacts on other occupied dwellings. Any new application dependent on grant aid will be given priority by Planning Service.

A small number of applications have been refused where the proposal involved the construction of the slurry tank in close proximity to a dwelling because it would result in the creation of unacceptable living conditions for the residents by reason of severe odours and noise nuisance, based on advice from Environmental Health Officials. In such situations, Planning Service would try to work with the applicant and his agent to find an acceptable alternative site for the tank, if this is possible. Where an application is refused it will be necessary for a farmer to make alternative arrangements for storage in order to comply with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive.

Rural Development Programme

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment if the Planning Service has informed all its staff of the Department's intention to give priority to planning applications which are dependent on grant aid, such as the Rural Development Programme.

(AQW 8741/08)

Mr S Wilson: All Planning Service staff are aware of the need to give priority to individual planning applications on which grant-aid may depend. Guidance for prioritising planning applications was issued to all staff in July 2006 by way of a planning circular, PC 11/06.

Staff are reminded in the circular of the circumstances in which certain types of application, including those on which grant-aid depend, may be given priority. It is important, however, that the applicant or agent advises Planning Service that an application is dependent on grant-aid when the planning application is submitted.

Divided Societies and Carbon Footprints

Dr Farry asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of comments from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors that divided societies tend to have greater carbon footprints.

(AQW 8746/08)

Mr S Wilson: I have made no assessment of comments from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors that divided societies tend to have greater carbon footprints. Whilst my Department has sponsored the Community Eco-Challenge project aimed at helping community groups in the Southern region of councils to reduce their ecological footprint by focusing on use of food, waste, transport and energy, it did not address the issue of the impact of divided societies on the ecological footprint as this was not an outcome that was to be measured.

Planning Policy Statement 13

Dr Farry asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to review the Northern Ireland planning framework to ensure that it maximises the development of new housing around current and future public transport nodes.

(AQW 8749/08)

Mr S Wilson: Planning Policy Statement 13 ‘Transportation and Land Use’ provides strategic policy guidance and advice relating to the integration of land use and planning through the preparation of development plans. This also promotes higher density and mixed use developments in locations benefiting from high accessibility to public transport facilities.

This is complemented by policy and advice contained in PPS 3 ‘Access, Movement and Parking’, PPS 7 ‘Quality Residential Environments’ and PPS 12 ‘Housing in Settlements’.

I have no plans at present to review current planning policy on this issue.

Household Recycling Rates

Mr Ross asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the recycling rate of each District Council in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 8754/08)

Mr S Wilson: The recycling rates for household, municipal and biodegradable municipal waste diverted from landfill for each of the 26 District Councils are set out in the tables below. Municipal waste represents all collections within the Councils’ possession and control.

The names in bold within the table refer to the 3 waste management groups into which the District Councils are grouped.

Household Recycling Rates

2004/05
2005/06
2006/07

District Council

Household Recycling & Composting Rate
Household Recycling & Composting Rate
Household Recycling & Composting Rate

Antrim

38.39%
44.02%
47.11%

Ards

20.40%
24.02%
25.45%

Ballymena

23.39%
26.87%
28.15%

Belfast

8.86%
14.36%
18.95%

Carrickfergus

17.20%
17.41%
21.89%

Castlereagh

22.24%
32.53%
34.91%

Down

19.17%
33.69%
32.16%

Larne

16.49%
25.00%
31.63%

Lisburn

12.25%
19.83%
25.08%

Newtownabbey

19.90%
22.54%
24.79%

North Down

17.21%
24.63%
32.97%

ARC21

16.70%
22.90%
26.80%

Ballymoney

24.02%
24.44%
24.75%

Coleraine

18.60%
24.26%
25.67%

Derry

13.72%
28.07%
24.37%

Limavady

27.33%
35.88%
28.51%

Magherafelt

31.42%
35.66%
35.26%

Moyle

11.32%
25.51%
26.53%

Strabane

17.32%
21.30%
22.81%

NWRWMG

19.30%
27.60%
26.30%

Armagh City & District Council

23.30%
26.70%
32.83%

Banbridge District Council

39.21%
40.99%
45.13%

Cookstown District Council

20.06%
28.14%
31.57%

Craigavon Borough Council

23.35%
29.29%
29.96%

Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council

20.13%
19.54%
24.93%

Fermanagh District Council

21.04%
20.77%
27.83%

Newry & Mourne District Council

20.03%
24.86%
27.83%

Omagh District Council

19.62%
17.77%
27.95%

SWaMP

23.00%
25.90%
30.50%

Northern Ireland

18.90%
24.50%
27.70%
Municipal Recycling Rates

2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
Municipal Recycling Rate
Municipal Recycling Rate
Municipal Recycling Rate

Antrim

39.8%
45.8%
47.1%

Ards

19.4%
22.9%
24.5%

Ballymena

21.6%
25.7%
26.5%

Belfast

8.7%
13.0%
16.9%

Carrickfergus

14.6%
15.0%
19.5%

Castlereagh

22.7%
33.2%
35.6%

Down

16.8%
29.2%
27.8%

Larne

14.5%
23.1%
28.4%

Lisburn

13.7%
21.1%
24.8%

Newtownabbey

18.0%
20.9%
22.8%

North Down

19.8%
20.1%
26.8%

arc21

16.5%
21.5%
24.8%

Ballymoney

22.2%
21.4%
21.9%

Coleraine

17.8%
24.0%
22.4%

Derry

11.9%
28.3%
23.6%

Limavady

24.1%
33.2%
28.1%

Magherafelt

27.4%
32.1%
32.1%

Moyle

9.5%
18.0%
21.1%

Strabane

15.0%
18.7%
20.3%

NWRWMG

17.4%
26.0%
24.1%

Armagh

25.7%
29.1%
35.0%

Banbridge

40.0%
40.7%
44.1%

Cookstown

22.4%
26.8%
28.4%

Craigavon

21.6%
25.6%
26.2%

Dungannon and South Tyrone

19.1%
19.2%
23.8%

Fermanagh

18.9%
17.7%
24.3%

Newry and Mourne

18.2%
22.7%
25.8%

Omagh

17.9%
15.9%
23.6%

SWaMP

22.3%
24.2%
28.1%

Northern Ireland

18.2%
23.0%
25.5%
Biodegradable municipal waste diverted from landfill
District Council
BMW sent to landfill for scheme year 2005/06 (As reported)
% Utilisation of Allowances
BMW sent to landfill for scheme year 2006/07 (As reported)
% Utilisation of Allowances

Antrim

12,635
73.1%
12,402
65.49%

Ards

25,851
81.2%
25,046
86.78%

Ballymena

19,355
90.2%
18,439
80.75%

Belfast

106,509
91.1%
96,063
93.27%

Carrickfergus

14,935
87.3%
14,116
95.10%

Castlereagh

15,496
67.1%
14,450
56.92%

Down

17,262
67.1%
17,382
68.58%

Larne

11,345
83.9%
10,259
86.49%

Lisburn

37,242
76.4%
34,186
81.00%

Newtownabbey

27,599
88.5%
28,024
90.69%

North

28,503
84.9%
25,257
85.31%

Arc21 – Total

316,732
83.3%
295,622
83.56%

Ballymoney

8,119
62.6%
87,241
96.30%

Coleraine

22,604
78.5%
234,112
99.98%

Derry

27,909
76.9%
33,509
81.52%

Limavady

8,016
65.4%
9,200
70.37%

Magherafelt

10,445
73.4%
10,977
69.20%

Moyle

6,043
87.7%
5,739
90.61%

Strabane

12,345
70.9%
12,697
85.24%

NWRWMG – Total

95,481
74.1%
104,258
84.25%

Armagh

14,296
83.6%
13,715
64.11%

Banbridge

10,213
79.2%
9,110
54.15%

Cookstown

10,402
89.1%
9,977
77.22%

Craigavon

27,624
89.2%
24,191
76.16%

Dungannon & South Tyrone

16,694
90.9%
16,223
86.33%

Fermanagh

21,740
100.0%
21,117
93.62%

Newry & Mourne

28,105
97.9%
27,608
79.49%

Omagh

16,722
87.3%
13,894
72.94%

SWaMP – Total:

145,796
90.8%
135,835
76.30%

Northern Ireland – Total:

558,009
83.3%

535,715
81.72%

Raw Sewage in the Closet River

Mr Savage asked the Minister of the Environment what action is being taken to clean up the discharge of raw sewage in the Closet River before it enters Lough Neagh.

(AQW 8795/08)

Mr S Wilson: It is the role of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to conserve, protect and, where possible, improve both the freshwater and marine aquatic environment in Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, NIEA issues consents for discharges for Northern Ireland Water (NIW) assets. Since 1 April 2007, the standards for NIW discharges have been regulated under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

All sewer systems that contain an element of storm water require an overflow to prevent flooding and consequent damage to property during times of heavy rainfall.

A combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges to the Closet River and this is consented as part of the Craigavon sewerage system. Under the terms of its discharge consent, NIW is required to effect a clean-up of sewage related debris following a discharge from the CSO.

NIEA staff have requested NIW clean-ups on various occasions as a result of reports of pollution incidents. However, if a clean-up is not undertaken promptly and effectively, then NIEA may consider taking enforcement action.

Halloween Bonfire Complaints

Mr Moutray asked the Minister of the Environment how many complaints his Department has received in relation to the possible adverse environmental effect of Halloween bonfires in each of the last five years.

(AQW 8806/08)

Mr S Wilson: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency received four complaints about Hallowe'en bonfires in 2005 and two in 2008.

Planning Applications

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment when the green paper will be issued for planning application R/2006/0814 - the Finnebrogue Estate Farm Game Handling business; and to detail the reasons for the delay.

(AQW 8835/08)

Mr S Wilson: The decision will issue as soon as the remaining issues are resolved. Since the approval opinion was presented to Council in February 2008, the Department has been involved in discussions with the applicant to resolve outstanding matters relating to the conditions to be attached to the planning permission and other legal mechanisms available to secure the desired outcome.

Legal Fees for Area Plans

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment what legal fees have been incurred for each area plan over the last five years.

(AQW 8836/08)

Mr S Wilson: In the last 5 financial years my Department has to date incurred an estimated total of almost £400,000 in legal costs for area plans. This figure includes an estimate of the costs incurred in the last financial year and will be subject to final adjustment.

These legal costs arise from legal advice and representation in regard to Public Inquiries and to court proceedings relating to judicial challenges to the Environmental Reports for a number of development plans.

The costs for each plan are as follows:

Legal proceedings in relation to the judicial challenge to the Draft Banbridge Newry & Mourne Area Plan have recently been resolved however an estimate of final costs is not yet available. Proceedings in relation to the Northern and Magherafelt cases are ongoing and it is therefore not possible to provide final costs at this point in time.

Delay in Adopting Ards and Down Area Plan

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to explain the delay in adopting the Ards and Down Area Plan 2015; and what steps his Department is taking to have the plan finalised and adopted.

(AQW 8859/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department has only received the report of the public inquiry into the draft Ards and Down Plan, which closed in January 2007, at the end of March this year. A dedicated team of officers was in place at that time and is currently considering the implications of the report.

The content of that report is confidential until the formal adoption of the Plan, however I can say that it has raised a number of complex policy and procedural issues. One possible consequence may be the need for a formal modification of the Plan, prior to adoption. An alternative, which my Department is also considering, may be to proceed to adoption without the need for such a modification process to be followed.

I can assure you that considerable progress has been made towards the adoption of the Plan, however, in the circumstances I am reluctant to commit to a final date until my officials have fully considered the implications of each approach, perhaps by the end of July. It is my intention to complete the adoption stage as quickly as possible and to establish the certainty that this new Plan will bring to both Ards and Down Districts in terms of its local planning framework.

Belfast City Airport
Mr Newton asked the Minister of the Environment what measures are in place as part of an ongoing programme to monitor the quality of air in proximity to the George Best Belfast City Airport.

(AQW 8870/08)

Mr S Wilson: Air quality is managed by district councils in Northern Ireland under a statutory framework laid down under the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. Belfast City Council regularly reviews and assesses air quality throughout its Council area including monitoring at Sydenham and Knocknagoney. This is undertaken at particular locations, usually near domestic properties, and results to date have shown no exceedences of the air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide at these locations.

Litigation of the Northern Area Plan

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment how much his Department has spent on the litigation of the Northern Area Plan; and what the estimated full legal cost will be to his Department.

(AQW 8877/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department has incurred to date legal costs at an estimated total of almost £87,500 in respect of the litigation of the draft Northern Area Plan (dNAP). This includes an estimate for the last financial year and further costs for this period can be expected.

My Department’s ongoing appeal of the judgment in this case has now been referred by the Court of Appeal to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). In the judgement, costs were awarded against the Department; however the final position on costs, in the dNAP case, must await the outcome of the appeal and it is therefore not possible to give an estimate of total costs at this point in time.

Litigation of the Magherafelt Area Plan

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment how much his Department has spent on the litigation of the Magherafelt Area Plan; and what the estimated full legal cost will be to his Department.

(AQW 8878/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department has incurred to date legal costs at an estimated total of just over £39,300 in respect of the litigation in relation to the draft Magherafelt Area Plan. This includes estimates for the last financial year and further costs for this period can be expected.

The legal proceedings in this matter have only recently been settled while the court awarded costs against the Department are as yet unknown. It is therefore not possible to give an estimate of total costs at this point in time.

Pollution in the Glenavy River

Mr Burns asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all pollution incidents which have occurred in the Glenavy river in each of the last 10 years, including (i) the severity of each incident; (ii) the source of the pollution; and (iii) the sanctions that were imposed on those responsible.

(AQW 8922/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department’s Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), is responsible for investigating water pollution throughout Northern Ireland.

The data presented in table A indicate the number of pollution incidents which have occurred in the Glenavy River in each of the last 10 years.

The data presented in table B indicate the source of pollution incidents which have occurred in the Glenavy River in each of the last 10 years.

Table A
The Number of Incidents by Severity
  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total
High 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3
Medium 3 5 4 2 2 0 4 3 3 0 2 28
Low 2 4 6 5 7 6 5 1 4 3 2 45
Total 5 9 12 7 9 6 9 4 8 3 4 76
Table B
Number of Incidents by Source 1997-2007
Domestic Farm Industry Other Water Service/ Northern Ireland Water TOTAL

12
21 26 2 15 76

Where pollution occurs it is the policy of NIEA, to take formal enforcement action, if this is warranted by the severity of the pollution and the circumstances which led to it occurring.

Between 1997 and 2007 NIEA issued 9 warning letters and has taken 11 cases for prosecution. Fines for the successful prosecutions ranged from £100 to £3,600.

Archaeological Finds in Strangford Lough

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what archaeological finds have been discovered in operations carried out by the Environment and Heritage Service in Strangford Lough, in each of the last 4 years.

(AQW 8926/08)

Mr S Wilson: The then Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) undertook archaeological excavations in the vicinity of Strangford Lough using its contracted team, the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, Queen’s University Belfast, at the following sites:

Grey Squirrel Eradication

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what action his Department is taking to eradicate the Grey Squirrel population from the grounds surrounding Parliament Buildings, in order to increase the Red Squirrel population.

(AQW 8928/08)

Mr S Wilson: My Department, in conjunction with the Republic’s National Parks and Wildlife Service, published an all-island species action plan for the red squirrel in May 2008. This addresses various factors relating to the decline in our red squirrel population, including the spread of the grey squirrel.

An action recommended in the plan is to provide funding for two posts of Squirrel Conservation Officer by 2009. Discussions between the Red Squirrel Forum and NGOs about these posts are ongoing. Their duties will include grey squirrel control in targeted areas as well as disseminating advice to landowners and the general public on red squirrel conservation.

The Department is not in a position to eradicate grey squirrels from lands at Parliament Buildings or on other publicly owned land. It will, however, offer advice on methods and best practice if required.

Blood Alcohol Limits for Drivers

Mr Craig asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to reduce the maximum allowable blood alcohol level while driving, from 80 mgs to the European standard of 50mgs, in line with the recommendations of the Association of Chief Police Officers.

(AQW 8943/08)

Mr S Wilson: I favour a reduction in the general drink driving limit to 50 mg/100ml. My officials are working towards consultation on this issue later this year and are liaising with colleagues in the Department for Transport in considering a range of measures to deter drink driving and reduce casualties and with counterparts in Ireland on their proposals.

There are other measures worth considering which might include even lower limits for some categories of driver, for example, inexperienced drivers or professional drivers, random breath testing and alcohol ignition interlocks.

Subject to general agreement and legislative arrangements, I would hope that we could have new limits in place during 2009/10.

Storage of Archaeological Finds

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what the Environment and Heritage Service has done to store the significant archaeological finds in Strangford Lough.

(AQW 8958/08)

Mr S Wilson: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has conserved a considerable proportion of the finds from the excavations it sponsored at Nendrum tide mills, particularly those made of timber. It now stores these, along with other artefacts which are not in need of conservation, both at its Belfast headquarters and on specially set aside premises at works depots in County Down. From time to time local museums accept items from the tidal mill excavation for display, but these are always returned to NIEA afterwards.

The then Environment and Heritage Service sponsored excavations in 2004 at Kilnatierney which revealed a shell midden with a collection of late Mesolithic flint flakes, scallop shells, a boar’s tusk and two pig incisors. The finds are stored at the Queen’s University of Belfast.

Effect of Wind Turbines on Birds

Mr Buchanan asked the Minister of the Environment what adverse effect the down draft from wind turbines has on grouse and other game birds.

(AQW 8959/08)

Mr S Wilson: There is no evidence available from studies of windfarms in Northern Ireland or from elsewhere that Red Grouse or other game birds are affected by the downdraft from wind turbines. Information from the windfarm industry indicates that there is no down draft specifically associated with the operation of wind turbines.

Number of Windfarm Applications

Mr Buchanan asked the Minister of the Environment how many proposals for new or extended wind farms are currently awaiting a decision, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 8961/08)

Mr S Wilson: There are currently 47 applications for wind farms in the planning system.

The breakdown by district council area is as follows:

District Council Area
No. of current windfarm applications
Omagh
9
Strabane
11
Londonderry
2
Limavady
5
Fermanagh
7
Dungannon
4
Cookstown
1
Newtownabbey
2
Ballymoney
1
Ballymena
2
Antrim
1
Coleraine
2
Total
47
Application Rejection, Buncrana Road Development
Mr McCartney asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the reasons for not supporting/approving the planning application for the proposed foodstore, car parking and servicing arrangements and associated works on the Buncrana Road, Templemore Road, Derry/Londonderry.

(AQW 8962/08)

Mr S Wilson: The application was refused on the grounds that the proposal is contrary to Planning Policy Statement 5 Retailing and Town Centres in that the development of this out of centre location would, if permitted, result in the vitality and viability of existing centres being adversely affected and undermine their convenience shopping function.

The proposal is also contrary to Planning Policy Statement 3 Access Movement and Parking Policy, Policies AMP3 (Transport Assessment) and AMP7 (Car Parking and Service Arrangements).

Advice in Planning Application Process
Mr O'Loan asked the Minister of the Environment what action he is taking to ensure that there is consistency of advice to applicants throughout the planning application process, to prevent the situation where an applicant is given a positive response from the case officer, but an eventual negative response as the application reaches its final stage.

(AQW 8974/08)

Mr S Wilson: During the processing of planning applications my Department will occasionally be asked by applicants to express an opinion on the acceptability of a proposal. My Department will always be as helpful as possible and attempt to answer questions from members of the public as accurately and fully as possible. However, any opinion given in advance of a formal decision notice, either written or verbal remains only an opinion. Final decisions on planning applications are taken corporately and opinions may be subject to change. I will remind my Department to make this clear when giving an opinion to applicants in these circumstances.

Finance and Personnel

Staff Sick Days

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what comparison his Department has made between the number of days off work annually due to sick leave in the (i) public; and (ii) private, sectors; and the average number of days off work in one period of absence in each sector.

(AQW 8417/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr N Dodds): Central Personnel Group, a division within the Department of Finance and Personnel, routinely monitors sickness absence data from across the public and private sectors. This work would include comparisons with GB Departments and local Government and would also involve analysis of the annual absence surveys undertaken by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

I can confirm that the number of days off work due to sick leave in the NICS was higher (13.7 days – 2006/07 figures) than in GB Departments (9.3 days). The table below provides some trend data reflecting the period 2002 – 2006/07.

Trends in absence

Working days lost per staff year

2002
2003
2004
2005
2005-06
2006-07
Original
Adjusted
Original
Adjusted

GB

9.8
10.0
9.1
9.8
9.4
9.4
9.0
9.3

NICS1

15.4
15.5
14.2
13.4
13.7

1 NICS fitted into calendar years for presentational purposes.

According to a Report published in January 2008, by the Chief Local Government Auditor, in 2006/ 07 the average absenteeism rate for NI Councils as a whole, was 13.82 days, slightly higher than the NICS figure for the same period (13.7 days).

The latest CBI / AXA Absence Survey showed that average absence levels across the public sector stood at 9 days, which is 55% higher than the 5.8 day average of the private sector. According to the CIPD annual survey on Absence Management, absence levels for public services organisations increased to 4.5% (10.3 days) from 4.3% for the previous 12 months. There was also an increase in the average absence levels recorded by private services sector employers, with the rate rising over the year to

3.2% (7.2 days) from 3%.

Some caution is needed when comparing information produced by organisations such as the CBI or Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development. Their methods for gathering data differ from the NICS, which makes it difficult to draw statistically valid comparisons. For example, the CIPD Absence Report was based on 819 replies to a survey questionnaire, comprising 437 paper questionnaires and 382 on-line questionnaires.

Cost of Recent Equal Pay Settlement for Departments

Mr O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) when the costs of the recent equal pay settlement for Departments were (a) anticipated; and (b) known; (ii) the manner in which the equal pay settlement was factored into the budget announcement for the current three year period; and (iii) what information was given during the budget discussions to the Finance and Personnel Committee and to the Assembly.

(AQW 8491/08)

Mr N Dodds: As yet, no equal pay settlement has been agreed. The potential equal pay pressure has arisen as a consequence of the handling of pay issues for the relevant staff since 1996 when the Treasury delegated responsibility for pay negotiations to individual departments both in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland.

In June 2007, when the Trade Unions lodged equal pay questionnaires, officials engaged with the Northern Ireland Statistical Research Agency (NISRA) to assess the potential liability. The work that was carried out by NISRA examined two aspects of any potential equal pay settlement - back pay and the options for future pay arrangements. In addition, the Department of Finance and Personnel began the collation of all information relevant to the questionnaires in order to assess the potential for any future equal pay liabilities.

It was not until the NISRA exercise was completed and the Department had completed its assessment of all of the available information that a clear indication of the potential liability and its possible timing was known. Discussions with the trade unions about how this issue might be resolved will be progressed over the coming months and any precise estimate of a settlement figure will not be available until this process has concluded.

The costs of the potential equal pay liabilities were not factored into the budget as it was not until after the Budget process had been concluded and the allocations for 2008-11 approved by the Assembly that it became clear that there was a possibility that a liability in respect of equal pay claims could arise in 2008. Furthermore, an exact figure will not be available until further work is completed.

No information was given to the Finance and Personnel Committee and the Assembly during the budget discussions regarding this issue as, at that time, the work was under way to gather the relevant information and carry out the assessments indicated above. However, a letter was issued to the Finance & Personnel Committee on the 29th May which outlined the position and issues involved. The Minister, in his June monitoring statement to the Assembly on the 24th June made reference to the equal pay issue.

Zero-Based Budgeting

Mr Burnside asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he has applied zero-based budgeting (i) to any sections of his Department; (ii) to any of the operations of his Department; (iii) to his Department overall; (iv) to any agencies under the supervision of his Department; and (v) to any of the other Departments in the Executive or to any Agencies under their supervision.

(AQW 8586/08)

Mr N Dodds: As part of the 2008-2011 Budget process a zero based approach was adopted with respect to decisions on the capital allocations to Northern Ireland Departments and their Agencies. This reflects the time bounded nature of most capital projects which means that they are more amenable to a zero based analysis.

Although all Government spending programmes should be regularly evaluated to ensure that the original rationale for intervention remains and services delivered efficiently, it was decided that it would not be appropriate to adopt a zero-based approach with respect to resource allocations in the 2008 Budget process. This was on the basis that a number of significant areas had already been subject to recent review and, importantly, it is simply inconceivable that the Executive would decide to not continue the provision of key services in terms of for example health, education or support to business. Therefore, it would be expected that the costs would outweigh the benefits from such an all encompassing approach.

However, in deciding upon how to deliver the 3% per annum efficiency savings target, it is expected that Northern Ireland Departments and their Agencies will have examined the whole suite of programmes they deliver in order to identify the required level of savings

In addition, the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit (PEDU) will examine the scope for departments to deliver high levels of cash releasing efficiencies, combined with parallel improvements in performance and delivery.

Gross Value Added in Belfast

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how the Gross Value Added of Belfast compares to other major UK cities.

(AQW 8632/08)

Mr N Dodds: Gross Value Added (GVA) is not produced specifically for the cities of the United Kingdom. The Office for National Statistics is responsible for producing estimates of GVA for the UK, its regions and sub-regions. GVA estimates are produced on the basis of the EU-wide geographies known as NUTS (Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics) and are available for the UK at the levels of NUTS1, NUTS2 and NUTS3. A number, but not all, of the UK’s largest cities approximate to NUTS3 regions. The attached table provides NUTS3 based estimates of GVA for 2005, where available, for the ten largest (by population size) UK cities and for Belfast.

NUTS 3 name

Total GVA £million, 2005
GVA per head £, 2005 #
Population

London*

206,324

27,672

7,456,073

Birmingham

18,038

17,984

1,002,982

Leeds

15,268

20,613

740,689

Glasgow City

14,108

24,375

578,790

Sheffield

8,265

15,823

522,368

Bradford

6,623

13,572

487,975

Edinburgh, City of

13,017

28,432

457,830

Liverpool

7,133

16,321

437,052

Manchester

No appropriate NUTS3 region

Bristol, City of

9,506

23,434

405,641

Belfast

7,180

26,792

267,999

Source: Regional, sub-regional and local gross value added, First Release ONS December 2007

*Figures provided for London are for the entire NUTS1 region of London. London is broken down into two sub-regions at the NUTS2 level (Inner London and Outer London) and five local areas at the NUTS3 level (Inner London West, Inner London East, Outer London East and North East, Outer London South, Outer London West and North West).

# Comparisons of GVA per head estimates must be treated with caution at this geographical level as they do not take account of commuting effects. GVA is calculated on a workplace basis, for example all of the activity generated within Belfast is included in Belfast’s GVA. However, the GVA per head figures are calculated by dividing this workplace based activity by the number of people who reside in the area. GVA per head figures will therefore be artificially high in areas with high levels of net inward commuting and correspondingly low in areas with high levels of net outward commuting. For example, data from the 2001 Census show that over 173,000 people work in Belfast but only 77,000 of those also live in Belfast. Taking account of those people who live in Belfast but work outside of Belfast, there is a net inward commuting flow of around 73,000 workers to Belfast. These workers will contribute to the GVA that is allocated to Belfast but will not be included in the resident-based population denominator for calculating GVA per head.

Gross Value Added in Belfast

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what the methodology is for calculating the Gross Value Added of Belfast relative to other major UK cities.

(AQW 8633/08)

Mr N Dodds: Gross Value Added (GVA) is not produced for the cities of the United Kingdom. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for producing GVA for the UK and its regions. The methodology for producing Regional GVA involves the allocation of the UK National GVA totals (published as National Accounts in the Blue Book) to each of the UK regions whilst also ensuring that each UK industry GVA total is also allocated amongst industries in each of the UK regions. This involves a two-way balancing process between industry and region. Further details can be found in the ONS publication entitled Regional Accounts Methodological Guide which is available from the ONS website (http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/RegionalAccountsMethodologyGuide.pdf)

Local Postal Services

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what consideration has been given and what progress has been made by his Department to utilise the Post Office as a source, agency or outlet for the delivery of its services as outlined in the May 2008 report of the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee, 'Report of the Committee’s Consideration of, and Proposals for, Partnership that could Enhance the Economic Case for Viable Local Postal Services'.

(AQW 8694/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Ad Hoc Committee on Local Postal Services’ Report made a number of recommendations to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) concerning the future of Postal Services and the Post Office network. 

Junior Minister Donaldson and Junior Minister Kelly wrote to Executive Ministers on 21 April asking them to consider whether any further public services could be delivered through post offices.

Within the Department, Land and Property Services (LPS) currently offer ratepayers the opportunity to pay their rates at the Post Office using a rate payment card or the Transcash facility. Last year over 342,000 rate payment transactions were completed through the Post Office. LPS continues to promote the payment of rates at the Post Office.

LPS recognises the potential opportunity to work with the Post Office as a channel to improve access to LPS services and information and officials will keep this under review.

The Department will continue to look at further opportunities as they arise to consider whether any new public service could be delivered through the Post Office although these would be subject to the appropriate NI procurement policy.

Rates Cap

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what measures he will take to compensate councils for the loss of income resulting from the decision to cap rates at a maximum capital value of £500,000.

(AQW 8724/08)

Mr N Dodds: The decision to introduce a £500,000 maximum capital value was taken as part of the St Andrew’s agreement, by direct rule Ministers, in anticipation of the restoration of devolution. This affected just under 2500 properties. The revenue loss to district councils was just over £1m. While some were more adversely affected than others, the relative impact for the majority was minimal, with an average revenue loss of just under £40,000.

This measure consists of a modification to the tax base and is not, in itself, a rate relief which would be compensated through any of the existing derating provisions. I understand that the Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, which provided for the introduction of the new capital value system, did not contain any enabling powers that would provide for compensating payments to be made. Indeed, so far as I am aware there is no other legislation in place that would allow such payments to be made.

If the loss of revenue from the £500,000 measure is causing severe hardship to councils, in terms of service cuts or unacceptably high district rate increase, the longer term financial impact may be considered as part of the wider Review of Public Administration financial arrangements and its associated legislation. However, I would need to discuss the matter with the Minister responsible for local government issues, Sammy Wilson.

Rates Relief for Married Couples

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he will provide rates relief for married couples over the age of 65.

(AQW 8745/08)

Mr N Dodds: Within the Northern Ireland domestic rating system rate relief for married couples over the age of 65 can primarily be obtained through the housing benefit system and the low income rate relief scheme. Both provisions are means-tested, aimed at targeting rate rebates at those most in need.

While housing benefit is a long standing measure, the new low income rate relief scheme came into operation in April 2007, at the same time as the move to rating on the basis of individual capital values. It aims to provide assistance to those in receipt of partial housing benefit or just outside the housing benefit thresholds. The scheme was enhanced further for pensioners following the St Andrews negotiations, with a further £4.4 million of funding put into the scheme for those meeting the qualifying age for state pension credit.

An outcome of the Executive Review of domestic rating was, from April 2008, to increase the amount of savings pensioners are allowed under the scheme from £16,000 to £50,000. This formed part of an integrated package of measures aimed at pensioners which also included the lone pensioner allowance for those aged 70 or over living alone, a proposed rates deferment scheme for home owning pensioners and enhanced data-sharing powers aimed at increasing rate relief take up.

Flooding Compensation

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how much money is expected to be received from the E162.4M European Union Solidarity Fund to deal with the consequences of the flooding which took place in June 2007.

(AQW 8766/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Executive will receive £180,158 as a result of the successful UK application to the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) following the flooding which occurred last summer.

Civil Service Career Breaks

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking to ensure that civil servants who request 1 to 2 year career breaks can find alternative job opportunities closer to their homes.

(AQW 8782/08)

Mr N Dodds: The objectives of the career break scheme are to provide new job opportunities in the NICS and to facilitate an officer who wishes to take a break away from work. A career break may be granted for most purposes including further education, domestic responsibilities, starting a business, maintaining a family business or to work outside Northern Ireland.

Staff returning from career breaks will not normally be posted to their prior post/location but to vacancies as and when they arise. Departments will endeavour to absorb their own staff however exceptionally were a department is unable to accommodate a return they will negotiate with other departments to find suitable posts.

In summary due to the length of career breaks, which under our policy can be anything from one to five years, we cannot provide guarantees of where a member of staff will be posted on their return, regardless of personal circumstances.

Number of People Living in Segregated Areas

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, based on figures from the 2001 census, to give the number of people living in segregated areas (i.e. areas in which more than 90% of people come from a particular community background), broken down by community background.

(AQW 8816/08)

Mr N Dodds: The 2001 Census showed that just over 484,000 people lived in Super Output Areas (SOAs)1 where more than 90% of the population came from a single community background, where community background is defined as religion or religion brought up in.

The attached table details the number and community background of people living in segregated Super Output Areas.

Table - Community background of people living in segregated2 SOAs.

Community Background

People living in SOAs which are:
Total
More than 90% Catholic
More than 90% Protestant

Catholic

255,612
8,223
263,835

Protestant and Other Christian (including Christian related)

8,747
202,294
211,041

Other religions and philosophies

401
660
1,061

No community background

1,345
6,976
8,321

Total number of people in areas

266,105
218,153
484,258

1 SOAs are geographical units, based on electoral wards, each with a population of around 2,000.

2 For the purposes of this analysis a SOA was defined as segregated if more than 90% of the people living there came from a single community background

Civil Service Career Breaks

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what action his Department is taking to re-locate single mothers within the civil service, who take a career break due to the birth of a child, to positions that are closer to their home.

(AQW 8829/08)

Mr N Dodds: The objectives of the career break scheme are to provide new job opportunities in the NICS and to facilitate an officer who wishes to take a break away from work. A career break may be granted for most purposes including further education, domestic responsibilities, starting a business, maintaining a family business or to work outside Northern Ireland.

Staff returning from career breaks will not normally be posted to their prior post/location but to vacancies as and when they arise. Departments will endeavour to absorb their own staff however exceptionally were a department is unable to accommodate a return they will negotiate with other departments to find suitable posts.

In summary due to the length of career breaks, which under our policy can be anything from one to five years, we cannot provide guarantees of where a member of staff will be posted on their return, regardless of personal circumstances.

New Civil Service Payroll System

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to the answer to AQW 3437/08, for an update on the implementation of the new civil service payroll system, which will make the salary sacrifice childcare voucher scheme available to civil service staff.

(AQW 8858/08)

Mr N Dodds: Work is ongoing for the Salary Sacrifice Scheme for Childcare Vouchers to be made available to staff following the introduction of the new NICS payroll system. It is currently planned that the new payroll system will be implemented by the end of September 2008 at the latest.

Rates Cap

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what understandings were given to district councils on how the lost revenue, from the rates cap of £500,000 during the 2007-2008 financial year, would be funded.[R]

(AQW 8868/08)

Mr N Dodds: The £500,000 maximum capital value was introduced in the final days of direct rule, by direct rule Ministers, in anticipation of the restoration of devolution. While a legislative enabling power would have allowed local Ministers to subsequently take this decision, the measure was introduced at the request of the local political parties to ensure that it was in place for April 2007, when bills issued for the first time using capital values as the basis of assessment.

This measure was always considered by the Department to be a modification to the tax base and not a rate relief applied to particular uses made of property (Reliefs such as sport and recreation and industrial derating are compensated through the derating element of the general grant).

At that time there were discussions with officials in district councils, (through the Association of Local Government Finance Officers) on the impact of the various reforms. Indeed, in October 2006, finance officers from a number of councils were provided with figures showing the number and value of properties above the £500,000 threshold, including Ards, Castlereagh, Down and North Down.

In addition, a consultation paper issued to all political parties, showing the potential impact of a maximum capital value at £500,000. These did not include the option of compensation for councils and the issue was not raised during the consultation process or policy finalisation.

I understand that the legislation which allowed the cap to be introduced, the Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, did not contain any enabling powers that would provide for the lost revenue to be borne by the regional rate in its entirety or for compensating payments to be made to councils. Indeed, so far as my department is aware there is no other legislation in place that would allow such payments to be made. 

If the loss of revenue from the £500,000 measure is causing severe hardship to councils, in terms of service cuts or an unacceptably high district rate increase, there may be an opportunity to consider any longer term financial impact as part of the new financial arrangements under the Review of Public Administration. However, I would need to discuss the matter with the Minister responsible for local government issues, Sammy Wilson.

Lost Revenue from Rates Cap

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how the lost revenue from the rates cap of £500,000 during the 2007-2008 financial year is being funded.[R]

(AQW 8869/08)

Mr N Dodds: The introduction of a £500,000 maximum capital value was taken by direct rule Ministers shortly before, and in anticipation of, the restoration of devolved power. The measure was considered to be a modification to the tax base rather than a relief and the revenue loss associated with the maximum cap affected both the regional and district rate. In terms of the district rate, while some councils were more adversely affected than others, the relative impact for the majority was minimal, with an average revenue loss of just under £40,000 (just over £1m in total). In terms of the regional rate, the loss of revenue was in the region of £1.5m and represented a marginal adjustment to the overall forecast rate revenue. No compensating payments were made to district councils, with the revenue loss borne by both the regional and district rate.

Protestant Males in Lower Grades of the Civil Service

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what action his Department is taking to address the under representation of protestant males in lower grades of the Civil Service.

(AQW 8880/08)

Mr N Dodds: Since 2002, the NICS has included affirmative statements in all advertisements for AA and AO positions, to which applications from members of the Protestant community are particularly welcomed.

As well as being advertised in the 3 main local newspapers, the recent AA and AO competitions were also advertised on local radio stations, in public buildings and via the jobcentre network. The requirement for academic qualifications was also removed on a trial basis.

Initial analysis of these recent competitions has indicated that the number of applications from the Protestant community has increased by just over 10% but my officials plan to carry out further in-depth analysis, when all appointments have been made, and will consider what further action is required.

Females in Senior Grades of the Civil Service

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what action his Department is taking to address the under representation of females in senior grades of the Civil Service.

(AQW 8881/08)

Mr N Dodds: In order to attract as wide an applicant pool as possible, the NICS makes extensive use of open recruitment to fill senior posts. Recruitment advertisements for senior posts include a statement welcoming applications from under-represented groups, including females. Appointments are, however, based on merit.

Across the NICS, as a whole, the number of female staff at Grade 5 and above has steadily increased from 16.8% in 2003 to 27.4% in 2008.

My officials plan to carry out further in-depth analysis of gender across the Service and will consider what further action is required.

Compulsory Energy Performance Certificates

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what obligations are placed on estate agents arising from the introduction of compulsory energy performance certificates.

(AQW 8916/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 do not place any obligations on estate agents. Rather they identify a "relevant person" who is obliged to give or make available an energy performance certificate when a building is constructed, sold, leased or rented. For sales or rentals, the relevant person is the seller or landlord.

Charges for Inspecting Insulation

Mr Lunn asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what guidance has his Department given to local councils on the implementation of charges for inspecting the installation of loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.

(AQW 8919/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Building (Prescribed Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 (the "Fees Regulations") establish the types of building work that are subject to a fee and the amount of fee that may be levied.

The insertion of insulation material into a cavity wall of a building is exempt from fee. There is no such exemption for loft insulation, as the insertion of this material may impact consequentially upon other building matters such as roof space ventilation and which therefore normally requires inspection by a district council’s building control officers.

A district council may waive any fee if it feels it is appropriate to do so.

The Department will shortly be commencing a review of the Fees Regulations.

Rates Discounts

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel why rates discounts are not available for single person households, in line with other regions of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 8968/08)

Mr N Dodds: The possibility of introducing a single person discount was considered as part of the Executive’s Review of the domestic rating system. However, it was felt that such a widespread discount would be difficult to justify in terms of cost, need and vulnerability to widespread fraud and therefore should not be introduced. This was supported by the Committee for Finance and Personnel.

A single person discount would cost in the region of £30m a year, which would have to be paid for either through other ratepayers paying more or revenue foregone. It is difficult to argue that single person households represent a vulnerable group requiring this level of support and no evidence of such was provided during the Executive Review.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Ministerial Visits

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many visits he made to North Down constituency in his first year in office.

(AQW 8430/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): I can advise that since the 8 May 2007 I have made 9 visits to the North Down Constituency area.

Review of Carers Support

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) what progress has been made on the review of carers support; and (ii) what is the Department's initial response to the National Strategy for Carers.

(AQW 8434/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My officials are continuing to engage with their colleagues in the Department for Social Development to determine how best this joint review can be taken forward.

I welcome the launch of the National Strategy for Carers in England. Like our own strategy which was published in 2006, it recognises the vital role played by the many thousands of carers in our society and provides a framework for the development of services that carers need and deserve to enable them to continue in their caring role.

Departmental Restucturing

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to ensure that the restructuring of his Department is rural proofed.

(AQW 8466/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Health and Social Care Reform Bill, which I introduced to the Assembly on 23 June, provides for the restructuring of the health and social care system, including the Department. Subject to the Assembly’s consideration of the Bill, the current guidance on rural screening and impact assessment will be taken fully into account in the implementation of the various provisions contained within the Bill, alongside any other impact assessments that are required, such as equality, environmental, health, regulatory, economic, human rights, social, victims, and community safety.

Cataract Operations

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cataract operations have been carried out in each of the last three years.

(AQW 8475/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of cataract operations carried out in Health and Social Care Hospitals in Northern Ireland in each of the past three years is detailed below:

Year

2004/2005
2005/2006
2006/2007

Cataract Operations

8,391
9,441
8,718

Source: Hospital Inpatient System

These figures do not relate to individuals, as a person may have more than one cataract procedure carried out in a year.

Cataract Operations.

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people have been waiting for (i) 3 to 6 months; (ii) 6 to 9 months; (iii) 9 to 12 months; and (iv) over 12 months, for a cataract operation (a) in total; and (b) broken down by Trust.

(AQW 8476/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of people waiting over three months for a cataract operation in Northern Ireland, and in each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts, at 31st March 2008, is detailed below.

Trust
Number of People Waiting (Monthly Timebands)

>3-6

>6-9

>9-12

12+

Belfast HSC Trust

554

0

0

0

South Eastern HSC Trust

24

0

0

0

Southern HSC Trust

29

0

0

0

Western HSC Trust

72

0

0

0

Northern Ireland Total

679

0

0

0

Source: DHSSPS Inpatient Waiting Times Dataset

Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many new cases of (i) anorexia nervosa; and (ii) bulimia nervosa, were reported in each of the last three years.

(AQW 8477/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is not available.

Heroin Abuse

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people presented for treatment for heroin abuse for the first time in each of the last three years (i) in total; and (ii) broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 8478/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below shows how many people presented for treatment for heroin abuse for the first time in each of the last three years by Health and Social Care Trust.

Health and Social Care Trust

2004/05
2005/06
2006/07

Belfast

12
9
11

Northern

30
19
13

South Eastern

7
5
0

Southern

4
13
9

Western

4
3
6

Prison

6
1
2

Total

63
50
41
Sexually Transmitted Infections

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cases of (i) HIV; (ii) chlamydia; (iii) gonorrhoea; (iv) syphilis; (v) genital warts; (vi) genital herpes; and (vii) AIDS, have been diagnosed in each of the last three years.

(AQW 8479/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of cases of (i) HIV; (ii) chlamydia; (iii) gonorrhoea; (iv) syphilis; (v) genital warts; (vi) genital herpes; and (vii) AIDS which have been diagnosed in each of the last three years is given in the table below.

 
2004
2005
2006

HIV

62

62

56

Chlamydia

2,060

2,395

2,686

Gonorrhoea

159

277

292

Syphilis

67

87

82

Genital Herpes

328

366

418

Genital Warts

2,803

3,237

3,100

AIDS

<5

7

<5

Source: CDSC (NI)

Notes: The figures for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Genital Warts and Genital Herpes are derived from statutory KC60 Returns made by NI Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics. These figures relate to episodes of diagnoses and/or treatment of infection or disease and not individual people. Thus one individual may contribute to more than one episode.

Renal Dialysis

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people will require renal dialysis in each of the next 3 years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 8482/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: We anticipate that around 40 additional patients will commence dialysis therapy throughout Northern Ireland in each of the next 3 years.

For planning purposes, this total is broken down by Health and Social Services Board based on the proportion of the population living in each board area as follows:

  • Eastern Health and Social Services Board - 16
  • Northern Health and Social Services Board - 10
  • Southern Health and Social Services Board - 8
  • Western Health and Social Services Board - 6

It is important to note however, that renal dialysis is a service required by relatively small numbers of patients and that actual numbers of patients may vary from year to year and may not be spread evenly across the Board areas.

Ambulance Service Pay Bands

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail each pay band for Ambulance Service staff.

(AQW 8483/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Emergency ambulance service staff employed in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust are paid according to the job undertaken and are currently paid on the Agenda for Change pay bands as follows: Emergency Medical Technicians Band 4 (pay range £17,316 - £20,818) and Paramedics Band 5 (pay range £20,225 - £26,123). Staff in both these groups are set to have their jobs evaluated under the Agenda for Change job evaluation system. In the event that this evaluation process demonstrates that either of these jobs merits a higher pay band the Trust will adjust the salaries for the staff involved and make back payments to 1 October 2004. Rapid Response Paramedics will be moved to the Agenda for Change rates of pay when the job evaluation process is complete.

Midwives and Maternity Staff at Craigavon Area Hospital

Mr Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on efforts to recruit midwives and maternity staff at Craigavon Area Hospital.

(AQW 8485/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Whilst specific recruitment and retention issues are a matter for the Health and Social Care trusts, the Southern Trust has assured me of a very positive response to recent advertisements in the press for Band 5/6 midwives. The Trust is confident that, following the interview process, the vacancies identified for staff midwives will be filled.

In addition, my Department is funding 10 Nursing Auxiliaries to train as Maternity Care Support Workers.

Ambulance Service Pay Increases

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the annual pay increase awards for each grade in the Ambulance Service, in each of the last 3 years; and how many staff were included in each award.

(AQW 8486/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: All staff in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, with the exception of senior executives, have received standard pay awards during the last 3 years in accordance with the terms and conditions introduced in the Health Service by the Agenda for Change initiative. Details for each year are shown in the table below:

YEAR
STAFF IN POST (WHOLE TIME EQUIVALENTS)
% PAY AWARD
2005/06
978
3.225
2006/07
1,039
2.5
2007/08
1,076
2.5
Adoption in Northern Ireland

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to introduce legislation to take account of the recent House of Lords ruling on adoption in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 8535/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department is giving careful consideration to the recent House of Lords judgement to identify what implications it may have in taking forward our ongoing comprehensive reform of adoption legislation.

Home Help Staff

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the number of Home Help staff in the WHSCT area (i) who are still to receive a back payment under the Agenda for Change HPSS pay system for work undertaken between (a) 1 October 2004 and April 2005; (b) April 2005 and March 2006; and (c) April 2006 and April 2007; and, (ii) who have received this payment already for the same three years?

(AQW 8542/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information is not available in the format requested. However, I understand that all 1,278 Home Helps employed in the Western HSC Trust have received arrears due to them. 283 were paid arrears in November 2007, a further 614 were paid in May 2008 and the remaining 381 received arrears due to them at the end of June 2008.

Food Safety Promotion Board

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to address the imbalances in, and the location of, jobs in the Food Safety Promotion Board.

(AQW 8552/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The review of North-South Implementation Bodies as provided for in the St Andrews Agreement is currently underway. The terms of reference for the review include an objective examination of the efficiency and value for money of existing Implementation Bodies.

It would not be appropriate for me to speculate about the outcome of the review.

Food Safety Promotion Board

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the efficiency savings that can be made in the Food Safety Promotion Board.

(AQW 8553/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The review of North-South Implementation Bodies as provided for in the St Andrews Agreement is currently underway. The terms of reference for the review include an objective examination of the efficiency and value for money of existing Implementation Bodies.

It would not be appropriate for me to speculate about the outcome of the review.

Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Service at the Royal Victoria Hospital

Mrs Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many appointments are available each week at the Genito-urinary Medicine (GUM) drop-in service at the Royal Victoria Hospital; and the average number of people that are turned away each week.

(AQW 8571/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There are 412 slots available on a weekly basis for both new and review GUM patients attending the Royal Victoria Hospital. The service operates Monday to Friday and, since April 2008, evening clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays have been added to make the service more responsive to needs. Most clinics operate on a combination of booked appointments and a walk-in service.

The number of patients presenting on a walk-in basis who cannot be seen is not available.

Speech and Language Services

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many people who suffered a stroke have been left with the inability to speak or understand language in each of the last 3 years; and (ii) what services are available to these people, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 8574/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) The information requested is not available. (ii) All trusts have speech and language services; these are provided for patients with speech and language impairment on the basis of assessed need, including those needs arising from stroke. Following public consultation, the stroke strategy was launched on 9 June and it acknowledges that further work is required to provide specialist assessment, support and intervention in response to individual need. The recommendations will be implemented by 2010. 

Agenda for Change

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the implementation of Agenda for Change is now fully complete.

(AQW 8590/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The assimilation of staff to the new Agenda for Change rates of pay is complete and employers are continuing with the process of calculating arrears due to staff from 1 October 2004. There is a small number of staff where there are grading issues to be resolved and they are most likely to be subject to job evaluation; for those staff the process continues. There is also a number of staff that have requested that their employer carries out a review of their grading and for those staff this part of the implementation process also continues.

Cost of Maliciously Started Fires

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many maliciously started fires the Fire and Rescue Service has attended in the Borough of Carrickfergus, in each of the last 3 years; and what costs were incurred.

(AQW 8611/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table shows the number of ‘deliberate’/’malicious’ incidents attended by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in the Carrickfergus Station area together with the estimated cost for the last 3 years.

Year

No of ‘Deliberate’/ ‘Malicious’ Fires

Cost

2007/08

370

£808,000

2006/07

285

£634,000

2005/06

181

£374,000

Information on Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Schools

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to alert young people to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse; and what information is being provided in schools.

(AQW 8618/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (NSD), which was launched in 2006, identified providing education and information for young people as a priority. Regionally, a range of public information campaigns have been undertaken to provide more information to children and young people on the dangers of alcohol and drug misuse – along with the publication of a range of targeted leaflets and websites.

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 improving young people’s awareness of the dangers of alcohol and/or drug misuse.

Examples include:

  • Targeted education and prevention programmes aimed at vulnerable and at risk young people and adults across the localities;
  • Community & Family Support Services;
  • Cross-sectoral Training Programmes;
  • Alternative Criminal Justice Options; and
  • Drug and alcohol outreach services.

In respect of schools, the Department of Education has policies in place to educate and support young people and has issued guidance to all schools on drugs education, including alcohol. Schools are required to have a drugs policy, including education on alcohol and drugs misuse. Education boards provide support to schools and youth clubs with dedicated drug and alcohol education officers.

In addition, the revised curriculum gives every young person the chance to learn about the dangers of drinking and illicit drug use. It allows them to develop the skills they need to deal with peer pressure and the problems that may drive them to drugs and alcohol in the first place. This is supported through schools’ pastoral care arrangements, including the new school counselling service.

Clostridium Difficile

Mr Spratt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many (i) cases of clostridium difficile; and (ii) deaths resulting from clostridium difficile, have occurred in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in each of the last 3 years, broken down by hospital.

(AQW 8635/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of cases of clostridium difficile and the number of deaths resulting from clostridium difficile in the Belfast HSC Trusts for the previous three calendar years are as follows;

  1. Cases of Clostridum difficile which have occurred in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust broken down by hospital.

 

2005

2006

2007

Royal Victoria Hospital

109

108

89

Belfast City Hospital

165

167

107

Green Park

12

22

11

Mater Infirmorum Hospital

32

88

45

Cancer Centre

 0

13

(ii) Number of deaths with Clostridium difficile mentioned on the death certificate by hospital within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and registration year, 2005-2007.

Place of Death

Registration Year
2005
2006
2007P

Royal Group of Hospitals

2
1
5

Belfast City Hospital

3
8
8

Forester Green Hospital

-
-
-

Mater Infirmorum Hospital

-
2
1

Musgrave Park Hospital

1
1
-

All other Hospital

29
51
63

All Clostridium Difficile Related Deaths Registered in all places

35
63
77

P Data for 2007 remains provisional until the publication of the 2007 Annual Report of the Registrar General due to be released in November 2008

Support for Stroke Sufferers

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action his Department is taking to improve the support available to people with communication difficulties as a result of suffering a stroke.

(AQW 8662/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Following public consultation, the stroke strategy was launched on 9 June and it acknowledges that further work is required to provide specialist assessment, support and intervention in community settings in response to individual need. The recommendations include enhanced availability of speech and language therapy will be implemented by 2010. 

Health Centre Phonecall Targets

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if Health Centres have targets for responding to phone calls.

(AQW 8664/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Health centres do not have targets for responding to phone calls. The Department has directed that Health and Social Services Boards offer an access enhanced service to all GP practices. The specification of this service includes a requirement that telephone systems should be able to cope with the normal volume of calls from patients and where there is a delay in answering calls, patients should be informed within a reasonable time about the situation.

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Health Centre Call Charges

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to ensure that Health Centres do not charge callers a premium rate.

(AQW 8665/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In August 2005 the Department, in line with the rest of the UK, introduced legislative amendments to the General Medical Services Contract. These amendments prevent GPs, who provide primary medical services to the public under contract to the Health and Social Services Boards, from being party to any contract or other arrangement under which the number for telephone services to be used by patients starts with the digits 087, 090, or 091 or consists of a personal number (personal number means a telephone number which starts with the number 070 followed by a further 8 digits), unless the service is provided free to the caller.

Health Centre Call Charges

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety which Health Centres use call waiting phone systems that charge callers premium rates for their calls.

(AQW 8667/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: No health centres managed by Health and Social Care Trusts use telephone systems, which charge callers premium rates for their calls.

Free Car Parking

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if Health Trusts have fully implemented his proposals that patients suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses and their next-of-kin would receive free car parking, as outlined in his press statement of 21 May 2008.

(AQW 8669/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Trusts are currently working to put in place the necessary operational arrangements to fully implement these proposals by September 2008.

Community Carers

Ms Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the future role of community carers; and whether those currently providing this service have been told not to reapply for their positions if they do not have a valid driving licence.

(AQW 8704/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Domiciliary care workers are vital to the current and future provision of services as we strive to provide support where the vulnerable members of our society want it most, and that is in their own homes. We are currently supporting more people in their own homes than in any other setting and I want to see that trend increase further. It is essential therefore that we have domiciliary care workforce which is regulated and trained to ensure the highest possible quality of care, and that domiciliary care workers are given the recognition they deserve for the important work that they do. My Department is currently taking steps to address these issues.

I have been advised by the HSC that no current HSC-employed domiciliary care workers have been told that they must secure a valid driving licence to continue their employment. It will be for each independent provider of domiciliary care to determine their own terms and conditions of employment within the context of their legal responsibilities.

People Receiving Physiotherapy from the SEHSCT Unit at Market Street in Downpatrick

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people are presently in receipt of physiotherapy from the SEHSCT unit located at Market Street in Downpatrick.

(AQW 8716/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The SEHSCT reported that the total physiotherapy caseload in their unit located at Market Street in Downpatrick was 134 (122 children and 12 adults) at 1st July 2008.

Pay Changes for Medical Staff
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the progress made under Agenda for Change in changing pay for paramedics and emergency medical technicians; and when this process will be concluded.

(AQW 8729/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I refer the member to the response I gave to AQW 7925/08 answered on 24 June 2008.

Sports Clubs and Defibrillators
Mr Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the training offered to sports clubs that purchase their own defibrillators.

(AQW 8736/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety has no statutory responsibility to offer training to sports clubs that purchase their own defibrillators.

Post Offices Delivering Services

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration has been given and what progress has been made by his Department to utilise the Post Office as a source, agency or outlet for the delivery of its services as outlined in the May 2008 report of the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee, 'Report of the Committee’s Consideration of, and Proposals for, Partnership that could Enhance the Economic Case for Viable Local Postal Services'.

(AQW 8738/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Ad Hoc Committee on Local Postal Services’ report made a number of recommendations to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) concerning the future of postal services and the Post Office network. In the area of health and social care, the Post Office can play an important role in the provision of information and advice to the public. One example is the application for a European Health Insurance Card, which can be obtained at Post Offices. People can also use a Post Office service called "check and send" for this, in which Post Office staff will assist with the completion of the form. The utilisation of the Post office network for the provision of such information and assistance is kept under review by my Department.

Gynaecologist Employed by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the gynaecologist who has been the subject of recent reporting in the local press no longer works in any capacity for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 8756/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: This gynaecologist is employed within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, but is working in a different capacity and in a carefully supervised role.

Procedures in Ulster hospital

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action is being taken to review procedures in the Ulster Hospital, in particular the handling of laundry, to ensure the avoidance of contamination and infection.

(AQW 8759/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Procedures for the handling of laundry in the Ulster Hospital are kept under continual review to ensure everything possible is being done to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff. These procedures are based on the NHS Guidance document, HSG (95)18; Hospital Laundry Arrangements for Used and Infected linen, which is applied in Northern Ireland. The Ulster Hospital Linen Services Department has been ISO 9000/2000 accredited with the British Standards Institute since 1998 and as part of this accreditation, all procedures are reviewed at least annually.

Procedures and Infections in Hospitals

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action is being taken to reduce contamination and infection in hospitals, particularly in the handling of laundry.

(AQW 8760/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On 28 January 2008 I announced a £9 million investment in a range of measures including MRSA screening for high risk patients; a regional hand hygiene campaign; and unannounced hygiene inspections; with the aim of further reducing contamination and infection in hospitals. There are already rigorous policies and procedures in place to ensure that laundry is handled in a manner which seeks to ensure that infection risks to staff, patients and visitors are minimised.

Hospital Workers and Protective Clothing

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what protective clothing is provided to van drivers dealing with hospital laundry.

(AQW 8762/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: All hospital laundry is bagged and infectious linen is double bagged. The risk of transport staff being in contact with dirty linen is therefore small and protective clothing should not be necessary. Nevertheless gloves are normally offered to van drivers dealing with hospital laundry.

Homehelp Care Worker Absences

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many people were employed by the Western Health and Social Care Trust as home-help/domiciliary care workers; (ii) how many of these workers have been on sick leave for periods of more than 1 week; and (iii) how many of these workers were absent for periods of more than 1 month, in 2007-08.

(AQW 8768/08)