This publication contains the written answers to questions tabled by Members. The content of the responses is as received at the time from the relevant Minister or representative of the Assembly Commission and has not been subject to the official reporting process or changed in any way.

Friday 19 September 2008

Written Answers to Questions

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

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Fair Employment Monitoring

Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the implications for the current approach to Fair Employment monitoring, arising out of the judgement of the European Court on Human Rights in the Alexandridis v. Greece case (2008), regarding the right not to disclose a religious identity.

(AQW 116/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): The Alexandridis case dealt with a specific issue within the Greek legal system and the decision of the European Court of Human Rights was highly dependent on the individual facts of the case. Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights (freedom of thought, conscience and religion), like most Convention Articles, does not confer absolute rights. If there is any interference with such rights, the Court will look for a clear legal basis and procedures for the interference, including whether the interference seeks to achieve a legitimate aim such as a pressing social need and whether the interference is a proportionate response to achieving the legitimate aim.

Monitoring the community background of the workforce in Northern Ireland is exercised under a clear legal framework, the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 and the Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations which are made under that Order. Fair employment monitoring was introduced to enable the composition of those who belong to the Protestant or the Roman Catholic community to be ascertained. Such monitoring is essential to enable the proper assessment of progress being made towards fair participation in the workforce by both communities. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has a statutory role in overseeing and safeguarding the fair employment monitoring procedures.

The European Court of Human Rights accepts that there are areas in which national authorities are in a better position to decide what is best for their people. It is for each state to balance the rights and to act proportionally and for good reason in interfering with such rights. We believe that the Alexandridis case does not have implications for the current system we have for recording and monitoring the community background of employees locally.

Community Heating Schemes

Ms Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if the possibility of using community heating schemes will form part of the response to the Child Poverty Inquiry recommendations.

(AQW 123/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: We are currently finalising our formal response to the OFMDFM Committee’s final report on its Inquiry into Child Poverty here.

The response deals with all recommendations made and will be forwarded to the Committee as soon as possible.

Sustainable Development Commission

Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister when the post of the Commissioner on the Sustainable Development Commission became vacant; and when it is anticipated that the post will be filled.

(AQW 305/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The post of the Northern Ireland Commissioner of the UK wide Sustainable Development Commission became vacant on 1 April 2008.

We would refer you to our answer to your earlier question AQW 137/09.

Sustainable Development Commission

Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how the Executive relates to the work of the Sustainable Development Commission in the absence of a Northern Ireland Commissioner.

(AQW 306/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: Notwithstanding the vacancy in the post of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Commissioner, there continues to be good communication between Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) officials and the Sustainable Development Unit within OFMDFM. The SDC has an established Secretariat here, which is currently working with OFMDFM officials on the delivery of the Sustainable Development training programme, and in consultation with OFMDFM officials, it contributed to the review of the Sustainable Development Strategy. The SDC Secretariat has also corresponded with, and given evidence before, the OFMDFM Committee.

Programme for Government

Mr Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what progress the Department is making in delivering its Programme for Government and Public Service Agreement commitments.

(AQW 430/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Office of the First and deputy First Minister is making good progress in delivering its Programme for Government (PfG) and Public Service Agreement (PSA) commitments.

To date in Year 1 of the PfG, achievements include:

Extension of the Northern Ireland Bureau’s representation to New York to promote Northern Ireland’s interests and develop further key contacts in the US.

Appointment of 2 new honorary consuls for Malta, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Provision of additional budget provision to fund both the appointment from 1 September of 14 additional Panel Commissioners, and a number of appointments to senior levels within the Planning Appeals and Water Appeals Commission. These additional resources are targeted on addressing the backlog of appeals cases

All Departments have nominated a 'Champion for Children and Young People' to liaise on children's issues and to encourage departments to ensure children’s and young people’s interests are fostered and their views sought on policy and strategy issues. The Children’s Champions hold regular meetings chaired by OFMDFM and report to the Children and Young People’s Strategy Planning and Review Group which is chaired by the Junior Ministers

The Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children was established on 31 January 2008 and there has been 3 meetings held to date. The Sub-Committee has established 6 key priorities and has set up cross departmental sub-groups to take these forward.

The Ilex Urban Regeneration Company has taken forward the Ebrington masterplan and is developing capital infrastructure projects for site transport, open space, car parking and event infrastructure.

We have commissioned a new sustainable development strategy – the first draft of which we are currently considering – and sustained our funding for the sustainable development commission.

Through the co-ordination and drafting of the Executive's legislative programme, we helped secure the Introduction of 17 Bills during the 2008/2009 Assembly Session compared to the 15 which we announced in October last year; and

We have made significant progress in delivering the 10-year Investment Strategy to renew our vital infrastructure.

We have also taken forward a range of cross-cutting issues in conjunction with DSD and DHSSPS in the delivery of our commitments under PSA 7, Making People’s Lives Better.

Progress against 3 of the targets allocated to OFMDFM in the PfG has taken a little longer than planned:

PSA 7 includes a target date of March 2008 for the establishment of a Victims and Survivors Forum – this has not been achieved. Legal responsibility for establishing the Victims and Survivors Forum rests with the Commission for Victims and Survivors, which was not established until the beginning of June 2008. The Commission is currently considering plans for establishing a Forum as part of its overall work programme.

The target date of July 2008 for the agreement of expected outcomes from the Older People’s Strategy, again in PSA 7, has been deferred to Autumn 2008, pending the appointment of the Older Person’s Advocate. The appointment of an Older Person’s Advocate is progressing and is expected to be complete by October 2008. The newly appointed Advocate will co-chair a reactivated Older People’s Panel with OFMDFM officials; and

The consolidation of 70% of NICS Departmental and agency websites by March 2009, as set out in PSA 20, will not be achieved due to recent problems with the security of some departmental websites.

Transfer of Former Military Sites

Mr Bresland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the progress of the transfer of former military sites from the United Kingdom Government.

(AQO 21/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: We can reassure the Member that we are taking every opportunity to press the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State on this important issue.

In addition to regular official meetings on the subject, the First Minister personally pressed the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on this point in Parliament during Northern Ireland Question Time on 25 June this year.

To date we have not received a decision but remain hopeful of a positive outcome and will continue to press for the gifting of sites.

Credit Crunch

Mr McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action the Executive is taking in relation to the credit crunch.

(AQO 75/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The "credit crunch" is, of course, a global phenomenon. As a small open economy we cannot remain immune from global economic events such as the difficulties in the world banking sector and the rise in commodity prices. We are keenly aware that the combination of restricted access to credit, falling property prices, increasing inflation, rising food and energy prices, may in the short term, undermine business and consumer confidence and seriously impact on the well-being of all our people.

We have been keen to hear direct from local stakeholders and have their view on the particular impacts that the economic slowdown is having locally. We have planned a series of meetings with local interest groups to canvas their views, not just on the scale and types of problems we face, but also to discuss what mitigating steps we might take. In this regard we have already met with the banking sector, the Institute of Directors, and representatives of the local construction industry. Further meetings are planned.

We intend to report on our meetings to other Ministers and it is our intention to have this issue as a regular feature on Executive business to ensure that we are collectively addressing the problem across the full width of government.

There have been some encouraging local developments on the housing front. Since our meeting with local banks, one has announced a new scheme in alliance with local property developers that protects first time buyers from some of the volatility of the property market. Also, the Minister for Social Development recently launched the "own a home" pilot in Portadown. We also welcome the stamp duty "holiday" announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The worldwide economic outlook is challenging, but we are determined that we do not talk ourselves into economic despondency. We need to be mindful that, despite the pressures and challenges we face locally as a result of current global conditions, it is very important that as well as trying to do what we can to address these issues, we must not get caught in the trap of focusing on the short term issues to the exclusion of our longer term goals. We must continue to plan and build for the future. We have a secure budget and programme for government, and a sizeable investment strategy to take forward our key aim of growing a dynamic innovative economy.

Review of the Civic Forum

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the review of the Civic Forum.

(AQO 32/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The review of the Civic Forum has sought to canvass as wide a spectrum of opinion as possible on the effectiveness and appropriateness of the structure, operation, composition and membership of the Civic Forum and to determine the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with, and obtaining the views of, civic society on social, economic and cultural matters.

The consultation phase of the review was launched on 29 May and, by the closing date for responses on 29 August, over 50 written submissions had been received.

During the period May to August, meetings were held with a wide range of stakeholders, including the former Chair and members of the Forum, civic society organisations and academics.

Members of the review team have conducted visits to examine mechanisms for engagement with civic society in other jurisdictions.

Details of existing arrangements for engagement with civic society by Northern Ireland Departments have been collated.

The review team is currently analysing the information assembled, including consultation responses, with a view to presenting recommendations and options to us in the near future.

Department Staff Numbers

Mr Craig asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many staff are employed in the Department; and the projected number of staff by the end of the Comprehensive Spending Review period.

(AQO 30/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: On the 1^st of September 2008, there were 393 full and part-time staff directly employed by the Department and 8 staff loaned from other Northern Ireland Civil Service departments working in areas such as statistics and research.

It is important to recognise that the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister covers a wide range of functions, many of them conferred on it by statute and that much of our work facilitates the business of other Ministers and their departments. For example, through the Office of the Legislative Counsel, the Executive Information Service, our offices in Brussels and Washington, and through our support of the work of the Executive including the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council.

As we move further into the Comprehensive Spending Review period, we are continuing to seek to improve efficiency and maximise effectiveness and we will, of course, keep our staffing levels under review.

Cancelled Executive Meeting

Mr Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister why the meeting of the Executive, due to take place on 24 July 2008, was cancelled.

(AQO 15/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Executive meeting scheduled for 24 July 2008 was cancelled because there was no agreement that this meeting should take place.

Executive Meeting

Mr McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to state the dates the Executive will meet in the next 2 months.

(AQO 88/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: As co-chairs of the Northern Ireland Executive we have agreed a schedule of dates for Executive meetings as follows:

18 September 2008

2 October 2008

16 October 2008

30 October 2008

13 November 2008

27 November 2008

This schedule of meetings may be altered in response to changing circumstances.

Peace and Reconciliation Activities

Mr Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has for the promotion of peace and reconciliation activities in the run up to Christmas and the new year.

(AQO 7/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: We remain fully committed to addressing the divisions within our society and to achieving measurable reductions in sectarian, racism and intolerance.

Our Department funds on an ongoing basis throughout the year a range of initiatives and programmes aimed at the promotion of peace and reconciliation and the development of good relations through the Community Relations Council, the District Councils Community Relations Programme and our Minority Ethnic Communities Fund.

Our Department’s sponsorship of the Community Relations Council in the region of £3.3m enables it to fund a broad range of regional and local activities and initiatives including the core-funding of interface workers; conflict resolution workers and programmes; small grants for cross-community events and research on good relations issues.

Funding of £2.5m is made available annually to the 26 District Councils to operate community relations based programmes such as small grant schemes for community groups engaged in cross-community activities. Other projects include bonfire initiatives which are aimed at challenging sectarian behaviours, youth-based activities targeting issues around sectarianism and racism and integration of minority ethnic people into host communities. In addition, funding of almost £1m has been made available this financial year to promote good race relations.

The past 3 years have seen significant progress in improved relationships, with historically low levels of violence and tension. We want to ensure that improved relationships within the whole community continue and we want to address the challenges that face new and host communities. Therefore, we have committed an additional £7.5m direct expenditure over the next three year – 2008/2011, making a total of £29m on good relations and good race relations.

Devolution of Policing and Justice Powers

Mr B McCrea asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the current state of proposals for the devolution of policing and justice powers.

(AQO 28/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: It is for the Assembly to request the devolution of policing and justice powers and its report, submitted to the Secretary of State in March 2008 in accordance with Section 18 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006, recorded consensus that there should be a single policing and justice department and on the range of matters which might be devolved. The report recommended that the political parties commit to further discussions on the Ministerial arrangements for a new department and on when a request might be made.

We have reached a view that justice and policing powers should reside with a single Minister elected from the Assembly in a way which would ensure cross-community support, and we wrote to the Chair of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee on 28 July 2008 inviting that Committee to consider producing a further report within this framework. Our officials have conducted prudent preparatory work to plan for the administrative and resource implications of devolution, in the event of political agreement to proceed.

Programme for Government

Mr Poots asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what measures have been put in place to ensure delivery of targets for the Programme for Government.

(AQO 122/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Programme for Government is framed under five priority areas which set out a range of key goals and commitments for the Executive collectively to deliver. These are in turn supported by a detailed framework of 23 cross-cutting Public Service Agreements (PSAs) which confirm the key actions and targets departments will take forward over the next three years in support of the Executive’s priorities.

The Executive recognise that many of the outcomes and targets set out in the PSA framework will only be achieved where departments work closely together and co-ordinate their approach. In light of this, departments have worked together over recent months to develop detailed Delivery Agreements for each PSA. These Delivery Agreements, to be published on departmental websites, set out in more detail how departments intend to ensure delivery of the targets and actions set out in the PSA framework and will provide the basis upon which the Executive will monitor and report on progress at departmental level.

Emergency Flooding Relief

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what measures it has co-ordinated within the Executive in relation to emergency flooding relief, since the last meeting of the Assembly in July 2008.

(AQO 26/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: Following extremely heavy rain on Saturday 16 August, flooding occurred in locations across Northern Ireland. To ensure a co-ordinated and effective strategic response, the Minister for Regional Development and the Minister of the Environment convened a meeting of the Crisis Management Group on Sunday 17 August with senior officials from the relevant organisations and agreed a range of response measures. In parallel, the Minister of the Environment agreed with the Minister of Finance and Personnel that a scheme of emergency financial assistance should be made available to district councils, including payments to affected householders. This was agreed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Details of this scheme were released by the Department of the Environment on Monday 18 August and councils immediately implemented the emergency financial assistance grants, with all householders who qualified within the terms of the scheme being entitled to a payment of £1,000. This payment was provided by the Executive as practical assistance to those who had suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure that homes were made habitable as quickly as possible. It was not a compensation payment.

In addition to the payments to individual households, district councils will be able to apply to the DOE for financial assistance with the direct and indirect costs of the flooding, including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household goods; assistance to private householders to clean up their homes and gardens; and provision of dehumidifiers to dry out homes.

As agreed at the Crisis Management Group meeting, other agencies, including the Chief Medical Officer, the Social Security Agency and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency also offered practical advice and assistance to those affected.

Up to Friday 12 September, district councils had paid an emergency financial assistance grant to 1,431 households.

Northern Ireland Bureau

Mr McQuillan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the work of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington.

(AQO 5/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington, D.C. is playing an important role in supporting the work of the Executive and the Assembly in all matters which have a United States dimension. The Bureau works closely with the US administration, the British and Irish Embassies and key business and political interests in advancing the Executives international priorities and economic and cultural objectives.

The Bureau’s work focuses on presenting Northern Ireland as a confident, outwardly looking region and as part of this strategy the Bureau pursues high level political contacts within key Federal and State institutions across the US. At the beginning of this year the Bureau strengthened its profile in the US by establishing an office in New York. This has helped in raising Northern Ireland’s profile and in providing a focus for the work of the Executive in the New York Consular District, which extends to Pennsylvania and parts of New England.

The Bureau played an important role in the very successful investment conference in May and the visit by President Bush to NI in June. Both these events help project a very positive image of Northern Ireland by raising our profile as an investment location. The Bureau will continue to work closely with NI Departments and key agencies, including InvestNI and Tourism Ireland in attracting investment, encouraging people to visit and in creating new business and cultural opportunities for Northern Ireland.

Over the next two months the Bureau will facilitate separate visits to the US by the Ministers for Social Development and Employment and Learning and for both Junior Ministers.

Executive and Departmental Business

Mr Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to list all Executive and departmental business that has been due for Executive decision since June 2008; and to detail delays caused by the failure of the Executive to meet.

(AQO 14/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: It is not our practice to disclose details of Executive business. The content of Executive papers, including draft papers, is confidential.

Transfer of Policing and Justice Powers

Mr Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what discussions they have had with (i) the United Kingdom Government; and (ii) the Government of the Irish Republic, in the last 3 months, in relation to the transfer of policing and justice powers to the Assembly.

(AQO 58/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: It is for the Assembly to request the devolution of policing and justice powers and the achievement of agreement on this issue is essentially a matter for the Northern Ireland political parties, rather than the United Kingdom and Irish Governments.

On 6 June 2008, we attended talks in Downing Street, hosted by the Prime Minister, on a range of matters including the devolution of policing and justice powers. The deputy First Minister also had a meeting with the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs on this occasion.

Regional Development Strategy

Mr Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the publication of the Regional Development Strategy, as agreed by the Executive.

(AQO 29/09)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Regional Development Strategy was published by the Department of Regional Development in September 2001.

A fundamental review of the Regional Development Strategy is ongoing, and publication of a revised Regional Development Strategy will follow when this review is completed.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to extend the deadline for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme.

(AQW 36/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The decision to extend the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) scheme is not within my gift. It is an issue of EU State Aid approval and the relevant EC legislation is restrictive because of the link to compliance with the Nitrates Directive.

I have been in discussions with the EU Commissioner about the FNMS deadline since March 2008. I have explained how inadequate construction capacity and wet weather have hampered progress with the scheme.

However, the Commission have insisted that the deadline for the FNMS cannot be changed. There is no legal scope under the relevant European Community legislation to extend the 60% FNMS grant beyond 31 December 2008. The Commission have stated that it is impossible to change the EC legislation or the approval for the FNMS.

I have worked with the Construction Employers Federation and farming organisations to encourage more construction companies to build slurry tanks. I have written to farmers in the Scheme and have continually highlighted the need to complete works by the December 2008 deadline.

Farming Community in Ards

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will ensure that the farming community in the Ards area will not be discriminated against by relocating DARD Direct offices over the 16 mile radius to Newry and Downpatrick.

(AQW 88/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) is currently being carried out on the proposed roll-out of the DARD Direct one-stop shop model across the North of Ireland. The purpose of the EQIA is to examine the impacts of the roll-out and how the new approach to delivery of services can promote equality of opportunity for identified Section 75 groups within DARD’s customers and staff.

Following agreement with the Assembly Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, the public consultation period commenced on Monday, 7th July for a 9 week period and ended on Friday, 5th September 2008.

A majority of the responses have been supportive of the concept of DARD Direct and quality of service has been identified as being generally more important to customers than the location of offices.

Concern has been expressed, however, about the need to consider a location that will provide equitable access to services for Ards, North Down and Lagan Valley.

Members may be assured that no decision on the roll-out, including the number and location of DARD Direct offices, will be taken until feedback from the recently completed public consultation has been fully considered

Commercial Fishing Boats

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what regulations are in place to prevent commercial fishing boats draining all the shell fish from Belfast Lough.

(AQW 103/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Belfast Lough hosts a number of licenced aquaculture sites for farming mussels. Operators of these sites are licenced through a fish culture licence issued under Section 11 of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966. Seed mussels from outside the Lough are laid on these sites and harvested after one to two years once they have reached marketable size. Laying and harvesting is by mussel dredgers and harvesting and vessel movements are strictly monitored and controlled by the Department through the licence conditions, inspections and satellite monitoring technology.

This year an amendment was made to the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing and Fishing Methods) Regulations (NI) 1993 to prohibit the use of any mobile fishing gear including shellfish dredges westward of an imaginary straight line drawn from Carrickfergus Castle to Grey Point. Exemptions are allowed for those acting under the authority of a licence or permit issued under sections 11 or 14 respectively of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966.

Fishermen fishing for crabs and lobsters must have a Restrictive Shellfish Licence. The number of licences is capped and no new licences have been issued sing 2004. Licence holders must submit monthly returns of their catches of crabs and lobsters so that the Department can evaluate stock trends and ensure that fishing effort is sustainable.

Wind Energy for Rural Business Scheme

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many applications there have been for wind turbines under the Wind Energy for Rural Business scheme, broken down by Parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 110/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: 64 applications were made to the Wind Energy for Rural Businesses (WERB) Scheme for funding towards the erection of wind turbines. The applications can be broken down into parliamentary constituency as follows:

Belfast East Nil

Belfast North Nil

Belfast South Nil

Belfast West Nil

East Antrim 1

East Londonderry 1

Fermanagh & South Tyrone 13

Foyle Nil

Lagan Valley 3

Mid Ulster 11

Newry & Armagh 6

North Antrim Nil

North Down 7

South Antrim 2

South Down 2

Strangford 1

Upper Bann 1

West Tyrone 16

Glenarm Salmon Farm

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what support and funding was made available to Glenarm Salmon Farm when they lost £1m worth of stock in November last year due to the attack by mauve jellyfish.

(AQW 174/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Northern Salmon Company Limited did not receive any financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as a result of the fish kill at Glenarm Bay in November last year. The Company’s request for financial assistance was fully considered, in conjunction with other relevant Departments, but it was concluded that the request did not offer value for money in economic terms to justify support from the Executive.

Future Land Erosion and Damage to Fencing in Co. Tyrone

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action her Department is taking to prevent future land erosion and damage to fencing at Fallagh Middle and Fallagh Lower, Gortin, Co. Tyrone.

(AQW 255/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The townlands of Fallagh Middle and Fallagh Lower bound the Owenreagh Gortin watercourse which is designated under the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 from its confluence with the Owenkillew River to the upstream limits at Cashel Bridge. As such this watercourse is subject to inspection and maintenance by Rivers Agency as necessary to provide a free flow of water. Maintenance works were carried out along this stretch of watercourse during the 2006/07 and 2007/08 years. These works included shoal removal to low water level and tree and bush cutting.

Rivers Agency has received several complaints about erosion along the Owenreagh Gortin catchment and staff have visited several riparian landowners offering advice. Works to repair erosion can only be considered where it creates an impediment to flow or where there is a danger to roads, flood defences or property. Repairs to fencing remain the responsibility of the adjacent landowners.

Slurry Tanks

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what the proposed timetable is for the payment of grant aid in relation to slurry tanks that have been constructed, inspected and passed for payment.

(AQW 269/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Department’s target for full payment of claims under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) has been 12 weeks after receipt of a valid claim. However the Department recognised that as the number of claims will accelerate as the scheme nears closure at the end of December 2008, this target cannot be maintained. Consequently, and recognising that farmers want and need to reduce any borrowing, a part payment option has been introduced. Subject to the work being completed and satisfactory supporting invoices and receipts being provided, the Department will pay 50% of the grant on approved costs or acceptable receipts if less. The average processing time is two weeks and thus an applicant can expect to receive the part payment within 4 weeks of the date the Department receives his claim. The balance of grant will be paid once an on-farm inspection has confirmed that the work has been completed to the required specification.

Flooding

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an estimate of the total cost to the farming industry of the recent flooding.

(AQW 271/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: It has proven difficult to estimate the scale of the total flooding damage. Accordingly, I have asked my officials to carry out assessments of damage to the crops sector only. Damage to outbuildings, yards, fences walls and gates is outside of the scope of this exercise.

A provisional estimate of the total costs to the crops sector due to the flooding of 16August has been calculated at just over £450,000. This calculation is based on the inputs used to establish and maintain the crop up until the 16 August, excluding any conacre rents paid.

Flooding

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what extra resources she will provide to restore walking routes and bridges on Forest Service property that have been damaged by the recent flooding.

(AQW 328/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The recent flooding caused most damage in the South/East of the Province where 3 recreational bridges were damaged (2 in Tollymore Forest Park and 1 in Rostrevor Forest). Within these same areas, short sections of walking trails were also damaged. Forest Service has the capability to repair most of this damage. The cost, including additional materials, is estimated at £12,000.

A minor walking route was also damaged in one of the Clogher Valley forests at an estimated repair cost of £4,200. A decision has yet to be taken on the public benefits of this repair.

Forest Service considers that, as these costs are relatively minor, they can be met by reprioritising existing work programmes. This position will, of course, be monitored carefully.

Forest Service Land

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will authorise a review of the number of staff employed to maintain Forest Service land, with a view to increasing the number.

(AQW 329/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The deployment of staff to maintain forests is an operational matter to be managed by the Chief Executive and Management Board of the Forest Service, within budgetary constraints. The Board regularly reviews the number of staff required to deliver the Agency’s business objectives, which include managing forests to the rigorous standards set out in the UK Woodland Assurance Standard.

Flooding

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the additional costs incurred by (i) the Rivers Agency; and (ii) Forest Service, following the recent flooding.

(AQW 330/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: To date Rivers Agency has incurred an estimated total of £140,000 of additional costs as a result of the flooding of 16 and 17 August 2008. This cost is composed of £20,000 on materials and £120,000 on staff time for attendance at flooding incidents and investigations.

Forest Service estimates that it will incur an additional cost of approximately £52,200. This figure includes the cost of road stone, bridge repair materials and contract plant to carry out the necessary repairs, and the cost of Forest Service staff time and machinery, redeployed to deal with the flooding incident.

Rivers Agency

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will review the effectiveness of the Rivers Agency, given that its remit does not permit it to clean and maintain rivers beyond clearing blockages.

(AQW 332/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Firstly I would clarify that Rivers Agency has a wide remit under the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 which enables it to carry out such river maintenance works as are necessary to ensure free flow in the channel. The Agency has a comprehensive programme that extends beyond clearing blockages.

Recently a Review of Flood Management Policy and the role of Rivers Agency has been completed and, a Government Response based on this review has been prepared for publication shortly, endorsed by the First and Deputy First Minister. That Review examined the Rivers Agency’s river maintenance function in the interests of flood management, and environmental sustainability.

The Agency currently maintains some 6,800 kilometres of designated watercourses in a rolling programme based on watercourse type and risk. However, acting as the drainage authority, DARD Rivers Agency has no role in the amenity, environmental health or water quality aspects of rivers (including fallen animals, litter, visual appearance of river banks or overhanging tree branches) which do not impede the flow of water.

While I have no plans at this stage to review the Rivers Agency, obviously I will seriously consider a review of maintenance as part of future land use planning under EU obligations, and the views of ARD Committee Members would be welcomed at that time.

Rivers Agency

Mrs O'Neill asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the Rivers Agency's policy on clearing rivers to allow the maximum flow and alleviate flooding.

(AQO 110/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Firstly I would pay tribute to the staff who worked tirelessly on 16/17 August to provide emergency assistance to those affected by flooding.

I can assure you that proactive flood risk management is a central aim of my Department’s Rivers Agency. Essential to this is an effective watercourse maintenance policy and programme. Rivers Agency currently maintains over 6,800 kms of designated watercourses. A rolling programme of inspection and maintenance is in place for these watercourses. In addition targeted inspections, particularly at times of high flows, are carried out in conjunction with early pre-emptive clearance of debris from inlet grilles at high risk locations. These measures have reduced the risk of flood and damage.

The Agency is required to employ environmentally sensitive maintenance techniques to satisfy European Directive obligations on environmental protection and is committed to undertaking watercourse maintenance in a sustainable manner. I believe we can carry out maintenance to deliver appropriate flood risk management while meeting European and National obligations in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Record Keeping Facilities

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if her Department's record keeping facilities at departmental offices, particularly Orchard House, are fit for purpose.

(AQO 112/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I can advise my colleague that record keeping facilities are standard across all offices in my Department, including Orchard House, and are fit for purpose. Through the use of information technology, the Department seeks to enhance its facilities, to help speed up the ability to access and review records, and to respond to enquiries from customers.

Man Hours Worked on Farms

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she will review the criteria used by her department to calculate the number of man hours worked on farms, which is accepted by the Planning Service to justify planning approvals under agricultural need.

(AQO 6/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The criteria that you refer to is the use of the farm viability test when assessing applications for new dwellings on farms under Planning Policy Statement 14 – Sustainable development in the Countryside. PPS 14 is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment.

DARD currently undertakes farm viability assessments as part of the planning process for dwellings on farms. This information is provided to DOE Planning Service for their use as part of the overall assessment of the application.

The assessment of farm viability is one of a number of issues considered by the Executive Sub Committee reviewing PPS 14, of which I am a member. I have consistently made the case that the farm viability test is not appropriate for assessing applications for new dwellings on farms. The test does not account for the changing nature of farming and the fact that an increasing proportion of farms are operated on a part time basis.

I have therefore no intention of reviewing the farm viability test as a means of assessing agricultural need, but instead will continue to press for its replacement.

National Trails Day

Mr Brolly asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to link up with National Trails Day in the Republic of Ireland, and to operate it on an all-Ireland basis.

(AQO 109/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: This is the first National Trails Day to be organised in the south, taking place on 28 September. I have asked my officials in Forest Service to consider organising a similar event in the north and I am pleased to be able to report that a Forest Parks Open Day will be held on the same date. Entrance charges to Forest Parks will be waived and guided tours of forest trails will be available in a number of forests.

I believe that our forests are a very important asset and I want to see all sections of our community enjoying the many recreational, social and health benefits that they provide.

A National Trails Day is an excellent way to promote rural recreation and I would like to see this being expanded in future years to include not only our forests, but also the many other trails that are available, for example the Ulster Way. My officials will liaise with their counterparts in the south to ensure that we can make the best opportunity of this very worthwhile initiative.

Climate Change Adaption Strategy

Mr Gardiner asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consultation she has had with the Minister of the Environment in relation to the creation of a Climate Change Adaption strategy.

(AQO 80/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: While I take the issues around climate change very seriously, I have not specifically been in consultation with the Minister for the Environment on the issue of adaptation to climate change.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, given the recent weather conditions, what action she is taking to convince the European Union Commission to relax its deadline to allow farmers to complete their work under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme.

(AQO 107/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I have been in discussions with the EU Commission about the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) deadline since March 2008. During these negotiations I explained how one of the wettest summers on record in 2007 meant progress in the busiest building tank building period was severely hampered.

I will be informing the Commissioner of the difficulties that the recent wet weather creates for FNMS works. The exceptional weather conditions are valid and practical reasons for slippage as the 31 December 2008 deadline approaches.

Flood Mapping Strategy

Mr McFarland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the Flood Mapping Strategy.

(AQO 83/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Flood Mapping Strategy published by DARD Rivers Agency indicated timescales for the delivery of various mapping products and outlined their means of delivery. The first in a series of flood risk maps, the Strategic Flood Map for Northern Ireland is nearing completion and I propose to publish the mapping product on the internet later this year. In light of developments in relation to implementation of the EU Floods Directive the Strategy will be reviewed and updated.

Rural Development Programmes

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if efforts are underway to join-up the Rural Development Programmes in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, particularly in border areas, to increase their benefits to farmers and the wider rural community.

(AQO 108/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Under Axis 3 of the Rural Development programme there are opportunities to develop transnational co-operation projects. These can be north south and or with partners from elsewhere in the European Union. Funding equivalent to five percent of the programme have been ring fenced for these co-operation projects. My officials have had discussions with their colleagues in the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltract Affairs (DCRGA) and will shortly meet to examine cross border co-operation project procedures. My Department is also close to awarding a contract to implement the Rural Development Programme network. One of the networks responsibilities through networking events is to encourage co-operation projects and ensure that opportunities are created on the ground for interested local action groups to meet and link up at a north south and European level.

Renewable Energy Sector

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how her Department will use the development of the renewable energy sector to create job opportunities.

(AQO 89/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Whilst I recognise there is potential to create jobs from renewable energy this sector is in its early stages of development at farm level. Specifically, my Department is promoting the opportunities of renewable energy within the agri-food and forestry sector and wider rural economy through technology transfer and demonstration programmes at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise and the Agriculture, Food and Bioscience Institute.

In addition to this, employment creation is central to a measure within the Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan. Under the Business Creation and Development Measure there is potential to include renewable energy activities.

My Department is currently working with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Bioenergy Inter Departmental Working Group to assess the potential market opportunities for energy from biomass, which includes addressing cross cutting issues, such as job creation, some of which will be relevant to the agricultural sector.

Flooding

Mr Cree asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that farmers help to reduce the risk of flooding by managing water run from their land.

(AQO 77/09)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Farmers have an important role to play, with other landowners in managing land and watercourses to reduce flooding risk.

As the statutory drainage authority Rivers Agency administers advisory and enforcement procedures to protect the drainage function of all watercourses. Where a watercourse is not designated for maintenance by the Rivers Agency, responsibility falls to riparian landowners. In these cases, the Agency provides advice and where necessary, may require a landowner to carry out watercourse maintenance to ensure the free flow of water and thus reduce the risk of flooding. This is enforced under Schedule 5 of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973.

Where field drains discharge to watercourses, Rivers Agency also has a consenting role in relation to additional discharges. This applies to both designated and undesignated watercourses.

In cases of non-compliance, and the drainage disability is threatening to increase the flood risk, or causing detriment to drainage of surrounding land the Rivers Agency may take enforcement action, which could include court proceedings.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

National Stadium

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to utilise the £70 million set aside for a national stadium.

(AQW 16/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr G Campbell): The issue of the multi-sports stadium together with the overall regeneration of the Maze site has still to be considered by the Executive. Accordingly nothing has been ruled out at this point. It is however my intention to announce progress in the Autumn.

In regard to alternatives, should the proposal for the Maze site project not proceed, I am conscious that under such circumstances there would clearly remain a critical need to invest in stadia in Northern Ireland. All possible options would need to be considered, ranging from refurbishment of existing stadia through to permutations on new build stadia. I have held a series of preliminary meetings with the Governing Bodies for football, rugby and Gaelic games to determine their current positions on these matters.

In terms of funding, an indicative allocation of £70 million has been made in the current budget period of 2008/09 to 2010/11 for the proposed Multi-Sports Stadium. The allocation in the current financial year has already been surrendered to the Department of Finance and Personnel. In the event of any decision not to proceed with the Maze stadium proposal my Department will bid to DFP to reallocate all or part of this funding to alternative stadium options.

National Stadium

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what viable options are under consideration to fund a national stadium elsewhere than the Maze site.

(AQW 17/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The issue of the multi-sports stadium together with the overall regeneration of the Maze site has still to be considered by the Executive. Accordingly nothing has been ruled out at this point. It is however my intention to announce progress in the Autumn.

National Stadium

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has decided against a national stadium at the Maze site.

(AQW 18/09)

Public Libraries

Mr Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to integrate local library facilities with educational provision.

(AQW 45/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Public libraries provide services across the entire age spectrum in Northern Ireland which extends beyond those in formal education. Each proposal for a new library facility is considered on a case by case basis and deliberations include issues such as local need, potential partners, location, accessibility and a safe and neutral environment.

While there are no current plans to site new library facilities alongside educational provision, Finaghy and Cookstown are examples of new libraries with close links to educational establishments. Equally, successful libraries may be sited with health and leisure facilities, such as the Grove Wellbeing Centre.

Expenditure on Irish Language Translation

Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure on Irish language translation broken down by each Department in each of the last three years.

(AQW 61/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The expenditure on Irish Language Translation is broken down by Department in each of the last three years in the table below:

BREAKDOWN OF DEPARTMENTAL IRISH TRANSLATIONS COSTS
2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08
DEPARTMENT	2005-2006	2006-2007	2007-2008
NIO	£480.76	£1,963.00	£1,342.00
DE	£19,349.27	£19,371.88	£50,983.49
DARD	£3,192.16	£2,087.49	£4,303.75
DEL	£0.00	£2,375.06	£494.10
DETI	£390.89	£223.75	£114.00
DFP	£899.73	£9,971.29	£1,183.72
DHSSPS	£8,974.00	£14,046.45	£3,678.88
DOE	£7,290.06	£20,145.87	£1,313.32
DRD	£436.04	£410.67	£892.78
DSD	£0.00	£1,932.88	£30.00
OFMDFM	£2,740.77	£3,891.97	£2,122.07
DCAL	£20,801.17	£40,667.70	£22,869.13
TOTAL	£64,554.85	£117,088.01	£89,327.24

Action Against Wildlife Crime Group

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he is aware of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Group and can he outline the involvement of his staff in the work of this body given its relevance to his Department's duties with regards to fisheries protection.

(AQW 63/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: I am indeed aware of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime group in Northern Ireland.

Salmon and inland fisheries protection functions are discharged by the Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) and by the Loughs Agency in NI. However, given that DCAL will assume the functions of the FCB through the Public Authorities Reform Bill, a DCAL Fisheries Officer attended an initial meeting of the group in 2007.

A Senior Fisheries Officer has now been seconded to FCB to assist them manage operational fisheries protection. This officer will attend the next meeting of PAWNI on Thursday 18th September 2008. The PAWNI secretariate has indicated that fishing related crime, whether pollution of rivers or illegal poaching, is an issue that is commonly mentioned at meetings. DCAL are invited to update the group on how the Department tackles issues like this, and to discuss how the group may be able to help.

Full Rates Relief to Sporting Clubs

Ms Lo asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to give full rates relief to sporting clubs, in line with the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 115/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: As rating matters are the responsibility of my colleague Nigel Dodds, the Minister of Finance and Personnel, I have sought advice from him on this issue. The Minister has no immediate plans to review the way in which sporting and recreation clubs receive rate relief. There are distinct differences in the way in which such relief is provided here and in the rest of the UK.

First of all, I should clarify that professional clubs, either here or in the rest of the UK, usually pay full rates. I assume, therefore, that your enquiry relates to amateur sport.

In Northern Ireland the rating legislation provides for 80% reduction in rates liability for rateable properties used for prescribed active recreations. This level of relief aligns with the mandatory relief available in GB.

The alternative is for premises to be registered as a charity, but in Northern Ireland few have chosen to apply given the restrictions such registration places on clubs.

In GB eligibility is more complex and there are three ways to qualify for rate relief. Either the club needs to be registered as a charity or a community amateur sports club, or be considered to be of particular benefit to the local community. For all three there are conditions attached to receiving relief. For example, membership fees cannot be set at levels which would exclude the local community and there must be open access. Such designations place obligations on the running of the clubs.

No such stipulations exist in Northern Ireland, and as a result "better off" clubs (for example private members golf clubs) qualify for 80% relief, regardless of their membership policies and fees. Many comparable clubs do not get any relief in the rest of the UK and those that do, usually do so at the discretion of individual local authorities, who administer rate relief there.

There is also a power available to GB local authorities to provide top up discretionary relief (thereby increasing relief to 100%) to particularly worthy clubs, in circumstances where such a measure would align with a particular local authority’s policies and programmes. It is not applied universally and therefore it is not correct to say that amateur sport in the rest of the UK gets full exemption from rates.

This 20% discretionary relief is not available in Northern Ireland. Officials are however currently considering the feasibility of providing Councils, post RPA, with the power to waive district rates for particular ratepayers (which could include clubs) in certain circumstances, providing safeguards are in place to ensure this discretion would be applied appropriately and fairly, protecting the interests of other ratepayers and without affecting the regional rate.

Aside from this and given the complications outlined above, the Finance Minister has no immediate plans to fundamentally change the way in which sport and recreation relief is awarded in Northern Ireland, particularly as it may not be in the interests of many of our clubs to move to the same system that exists in GB. However, I am aware that clubs here are reviewing their position on this.

Sport and Physical Recreation Strategy

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when the Sport and Physical Recreation Strategy will be launched.

(AQW 142/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The new Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation is currently being considered by the Northern Ireland Executive. The Strategy will be launched when this consideration is completed.

Sports Events for People with Disabilities

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to attract more sports events for people with disabilities.

(AQW 143/09)

Young at Art Event at Stormont

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what progress has been made on an event to be staged at Stormont by 'Young at Art'.

(AQW 144/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee agreed, at its meeting of 26 June, to invite Young at Art to stage an event at Stormont after the summer recess. As my Department has not received any correspondence relating to the staging of an event at Stormont by ‘Young at Art’ I am unable to provide an update on progress.

Sporting Facilities

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what improvements will be completed on sporting facilities by the 2012 Olympic games.

(AQW 145/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Elite Facilities Capital Programme is a competition being managed by Sport Northern Ireland on behalf of my Department.

The Elite Facilities Capital Programme Stage Two competition was launched on 25^th June 2008. Fourteen projects where shortlisted and applicant organisations have until 28^th November 2008 to submit their Outline Business Cases. The range of facilities under consideration includes Cycling, Fencing, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Sailing, Athletics, Rowing, Tennis and Equestrian.

North Down Borough Council has been selected as the preferred developer for the 50m swimming pool and work is progressing with this project.

Whilst many projects aim to be completed by 2012, confirmation cannot be given until the applicant organisations’ Outline Business Cases have been submitted on the 28^th November 2008 containing their anticipated delivery date.

Angling

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action his Department is taking to promote angling.

(AQW 180/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure promotes angling through the development of a DCAL angling website which provides a background to angling in N. Ireland and a guide to the Public Angling Estate. It is aimed at the tourist angler and provides the facility for on line permit sales and booking facilities. Ongoing development of the Public Angling Estate provides improved facilities and access for disabled anglers. The Department attends annually a number of angling fairs across Europe and the rest of the U.K. to attract tourist anglers to the province.

The Department is also aware of the need to conserve wild fish stocks such as salmon, which are reducing at an alarming rate and is looking at possible solutions.

Design of Classrooms

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consultation he has had with the Minister of Education to ensure that the design of classrooms helps pupils to concentrate, reduces disruption and improves academic performance, as detailed in the document 'Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland'.

(AQW 198/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: While I have not had any direct consultation with the Minister of Education, I am aware that the Department of Education takes account of the policy on ‘Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland’ and provides guidance on classroom design for school authorities, and also receives advice from the Education and Training Inspectorate on design matters.

Single Game Rod Licences

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many single game rod licences were issued by the Fisheries Conservancy Board for the 2008 season; and how this compares with the 2005, 2006 and 2007 seasons.

(AQW 277/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: As the 2008 season is still open the Department is unable at this time to confirm how many single game rod licences were issued by the Fisheries Conservancy Board for the 2008 season. The figures are normally available by late November.

I can provide the numbers for the seasons 2005, 2006 and 2007.

2005 - 18,570

2006 - 18,236

2007 - 19,850

Financial Aid for Sporting Clubs and Associations

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration is given to the geographical location of the league in which sporting teams compete, when assessing applications for financial aid from sporting clubs and associations.

(AQO 66/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. When assessing applications for financial aid from sporting clubs and associations, SNI gives no consideration to the geographical location of the league in which the sporting teams compete.

Fire and Rescue Games 2013

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if the Fire and Rescue games in 2013 will be able to go ahead if he rejects the development of a multi-sports stadium at the Maze site.

(AQO 93/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: I am delighted that Belfast has been successful in securing the bid for these games which will bring participants from 100 Countries to take part in 60 sports at approximately 45 venues throughout Northern Ireland in 2013.

When the World Police and Fire Games were awarded to Northern Ireland by the Federation it was not a condition of the contract that the opening or closing ceremonies would have to be held at the proposed Multi-Sports Stadium or indeed any other specific location.

It will be a matter for those with responsibility for the delivery of the Games to finalise the arrangements for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Physical Inactivity

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to target groups experiencing unhealthy lifestyles through physical inactivity and obesity; and how success will be monitored by council area.

(AQO 23/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Over the past two years, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), has been developing a new strategy entitled "Sport Matters: The Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation, 2008-2018". The strategy proposes a number of targets and actions to increase participation in sports by people in groups experiencing unhealthy lifestyles through physical inactivity. Progress against these targets will be monitored by a Monitoring Group, which I intend to Chair, and which will bring together senior representatives of departments, relevant agencies and stakeholders with responsibility for areas including sport, health, education and the environment. Subject to the approval of the executive, the Strategy will be launched later this year.

Quality of Architectural Design

Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide examples of the impact of his Department's suggestions for the improvement of the quality of architectural design.

(AQO 36/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: In 2004 an inter-departmental group chaired by DCAL was established to draft Government policy on architecture and the built environment. DCAL published the formal policy in 2006 and last September appointed a Ministerial Advisory Group to advise the Minister responsible for DCAL on the development and implementation of that policy.

The Group has prioritised the following key issues for consideration: preservation of the built heritage; public sector construction procurement; planning policies and sustainable development.

National Stadium

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for an update on the proposed national stadium at the Maze.

(AQO 11/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Outline Business Case on the proposed multi-sports stadium, which is publicly available through my Department’s website, sets out the financial, economic and other factors associated with the stadium and it is this which will form the basis of the decision-making process around the project.

As part of this decision-making process the Outline Business Case, together with the corresponding Business Case for the Maze project - for which OFMDFM are responsible - have been closely examined by the respective Accounting Officers. The Department of Finance and Personnel has had the opportunity to examine both Business Cases and the First Minister, in his former role of Finance Minister, has provided advice to Ministerial colleagues on his assessment of both the Stadium and the overall Maze project.

In addition, I have met with the football, rugby and Gaelic games governing bodies and have taken their views on the issues and options on the way forward.

It is anticipated that all the documentation relating to the Maze project, including the Outline Business Case on the stadium, will be discussed by the Executive in the near future. Following this I intend to make an announcement, which will be in the best interests of all sports, on how we progress stadium provision in Northern Ireland.

Multi-Sports Stadium

Mr O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what (i) social; (ii) financial; and (iii) economic, decision making criteria will be used to make a determination on the proposed multi-sports stadium.

(AQO 65/09)

In addition, I have met with the football, rugby and Gaelic games governing bodies and have taken their views on the issues and options on the way forward.

Community and Cultural Funding

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to increase community and cultural funding in the (i) Banbridge; (ii) central Craigavon; (iii) Lurgan; and (iv) Portadown areas.

(AQO 57/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My Department, through Sport NI, currently invests in the Banbridge, Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown areas under the ‘Sport In Our Community’ investment programme, a £4m lottery funded programme that began in 2006 and will conclude in 2010 and the Building Sport Programme which began in 2004.

As a result of the additional £9.75m arts and culture revenue funding secured during the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), the Arts Council has been allocated an additional £7.55m over the 3 year period of the Budget. My Department, through its Arms Length Bodies will endeavour to provide advice and support to those involved in accessing funding.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for an update on the investigation into the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQO 4/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Investigations carried out on behalf of the Department into the financial deficit at the Northern Ireland Events Company have raised serious questions in relation to how the affairs of the Company were conducted. The reports into these investigations contain matters of a sensitive legal and financial nature which will be subject to further investigation.

These matters have been referred to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment which is considering if further action is warranted under companies’ legislation.

I am unable to comment further as such publicity may be prejudicial to further investigations.

The Department is also reviewing its role in the oversight of the NIEC with a view to identifying what lessons can be learnt from the experience and what appropriate action may be required in light of this.

I also understand that the Public Accounts Committee intends to examine these matters in some detail once the investigatory process is complete

An independent verification process has been undertaken into all creditors and debtors in respect of the NIEC. I am not prepared to comment publicly on specific transactions. However, 144 creditors out of a total of 158 have been verified as bona fide and paid a total of £673,511. The remainder have still to be verified and a number of contingent liabilities have also been identified.

Arts Council

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure why the Arts Council has not appointed a full-time traditional arts officer.

(AQO 63/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The appointment of Arts Officers is a matter for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The Arts Council is currently reviewing its staffing structure and intends to make an announcement regarding support for the traditional arts sector in due course. The needs of the traditional arts sector will be considered as part of this review.

Dundrod & District Racing Club

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if his Department has had any contact with the Dundrod & District Racing Club in relation to the financial losses incurred as a result of races cancelled due to the recent bad weather.

(AQO 31/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: As a result of the severe weather conditions experienced across Northern Ireland during the week beginning 11^th August racing at the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod was seriously disrupted, resulting in the cancellation of racing on the main race day that has impacted financially on the event.

I was in attendance on race day and spoke with organisers who, it should be noted are all unpaid volunteers, about the financial implications of the cancellation of the event. On Monday 18^th August officials from my Department’s Events Unit contacted the organisers, and requested a report detailing the disruption during race week and the cancellation of racing on the main race day. When this report has been received I will want to give the matter further consideration given the significance of the Ulster Grand Prix locally and internationally.

The event secured £40,000 revenue funding under the DCAL Major Events Fund towards production and marketing costs for the 2008/9 event and this is unaffected by the cancellation. Requests for support for the Ulster Grand Prix in 2009 should be advanced by application to the relevant funding body.

As a result of the Review of Public Administration DCAL’s events function is anticipated to transfer from my Department to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in 2009.

Dog Racing

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his Department's assessment of the economic benefits of dog racing; and what plans he has to include dog racing on the list of activities officially recognised as sports.

(AQO 67/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: As dog racing is not a recognised sport my Department has not assessed the economic benefits of dog racing. I have no plans to include dog racing on the list of activities officially recognised as sports. It would be for the British Greyhound Racing Board to apply for recognition.

Sports Facilities

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to increase the investment in community sports facilities, given the link between sporting investment and Olympic medal success rates.

(AQO 38/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The new 10-year strategy for sport which my Department has been developing, in association with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), has identified the need for new, improved and shared sports facilities to a standard comparable with other similar regions of the UK. SNI is currently developing a number of new programmes which will help address this need, including new investment in places for sport in communities and training of coaches and leaders in communities and clubs across Northern Ireland.

Development of Cultural Facilities

Mr Poots asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will consider the establishment of a capital programme to support the development of cultural facilities.

(AQO 124/09)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: As the Member will be aware the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has an agreed ten year capital programme under the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) of over £650 million.

Within the ISNI there is an approved three year capital programme over the CSR period 2008 - 2011 of £232m. The DCAL programme supports the development of a wide range of cultural, arts and leisure facilities.

Ulster Grand Prix

Mr Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, following the cancellation of this year's Ulster Grand Prix, what plans his Department has to support the event in 2009.

(AQO 81/09)

As a result of the Review of Public Administration DCAL’s events function is anticipated to transfer from my Department to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in 2009.

Education

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education when she intends to announce the future of Donaghadee High School.

(AQW 56/09)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): D’fhoilsigh Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt togra forbartha i mí Aibreán 2008, gur chóir go ndruidfí Donaghadee High School le héifeacht ó 31 Lúnasa 2009. D’fhógair mé mo chinneadh chun an togra forbartha a fhaomhadh ar 17 Meán Fómhair 2008.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board published a development proposal in April 2008, that Donaghadee High School should close with effect from 31 August 2009. I announced my decision to approve the development proposal on 17 September 2008.

Teaching of Irish in Primary Schools

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education how many primary schools in the (i) maintained; and (ii) controlled sectors, teach any level of Irish.

(AQW 156/09)

The Minister of Education: Cé go dtugann cuid mhór bunscoileanna in Aontroim Thuaidh agus ar fud an tuaiscirt deis dá ndaltaí Gaeilge a fhoghlaim chomh maith le roinnt teangacha eile, is iad na scoileanna féin a dhéanann an cinneadh leis seo a dhéanamh agus ní choinníonn mo Roinn an t-eolas sin.

While many primary schools in North Antrim and across the north offer their pupils an opportunity to learn Irish and indeed many other languages, the decision to do this is one for individual schools and information is not held by my Department. We do, however, collect details of those schools that are participating in my primary languages programme, which provides peripatetic support for primary schools that wish to deliver certain languages, including Irish. The schools that have signed up to teach and learn Irish through this programme to date are listed below.

Christ the King Primary School, Ballynahinch	Catholic maintained
St Colman's Primary School, Lisburn	Catholic maintained
St Joseph's Primary School, Carryduff	Catholic maintained
Ballyhackett Primary School, Castlerock	Catholic maintained
Broadbridge Primary School, Eglinton	Catholic maintained
Faughanvale Primary School, Greysteel	Catholic maintained
Rosemount Primary School, Derry	Catholic maintained
St Brigid's Primary School, Knockloughrim	Catholic maintained
St Columba's Primary School, Garvagh	Catholic maintained
St Finlough's Primary School, Sistrakeel	Catholic maintained
St John's Primary School, Maghera	Catholic maintained
St Mary's Primary School, Draperstown	Catholic maintained
St Mary's Primary School, Claudy	Catholic maintained
St Patrick's & St Joseph's Primary School, Garvagh	Catholic maintained
St Patrick's Primary School (Glen)	Catholic maintained
St Peter's & St Paul's Primary School, Dungiven	Catholic maintained
Ballyholland Primary School	Catholic maintained
St Brigid's Primary School, Crossmaglen	Catholic maintained
St Bronagh's Primary School, Rostrevor	Catholic maintained
St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Keady	Catholic maintained
St Malachy's Primary School, Camlough	Catholic maintained
St Mary's Primary School, Mullaghbawn	Catholic maintained
St Mary's Primary School, Rathfriland	Catholic maintained
St Patrick's Primary School, Mayobridge	Catholic maintained
St Patrick's Primary School, Hilltown	Catholic maintained
Belvoir Park Primary School, Belfast	Controlled
Mercy Primary School, Belfast	Catholic maintained
Sacred Heart Primary School, Belfast	Catholic maintained
St John the Baptist Boys' Primary School, Belfast	Catholic maintained
St Kevin's Primary School, Belfast	Catholic maintained
St Macnisius' Primary School, Tannaghmore	Catholic maintained
St Malachy's Primary School, Belfast	Catholic maintained
Holy Family Primary School, Downpatrick	Catholic maintained
Millennium Integrated Primary School, Saintfield	GMI
Sacred Heart Primary School, Newcastle	Catholic maintained
St Caolan's Primary School, Ballynahinch	Catholic maintained
St Malachy's Primary School, Castlewellan	Catholic maintained

South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Education when the South Eastern Education and Library Board will be re-instated.

(AQW 165/09)

The Minister of Education: Tá athbhunú bhord SEELB, a bhí ar fionraí, faoi bhreithniú go fóill agus déanfaidh mé mo chinneadh a fhógairt in am is i dtráth.

The reinstatement of the suspended board of SEELB remains under consideration and I shall announce my decision in due course.

Ballywalter Primary School

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education when the capital funding, which was granted in 2006, will be released to enable work to be done to Ballywalter Primary School.

(AQW 166/09)

The Minister of Education: Níor deonaíodh aon chistiú caipitil sa bhliain 2006 le haghaidh oibreacha móra tógála ag Ballywalter Primary School.

No capital funding was granted in 2006 for major building works at Ballywalter Primary School.

Teachers' Pay

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education why teachers are not receiving a pay rise in September 2008 in line with their colleagues in the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 188/09)

The Minister of Education: Teachers in England and Wales have their salaries determined by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, following recommendations made by the independent School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB). The STRB’s remit extends only to England and Wales: teachers in Scotland have their pay awards agreed by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.

The pay of teachers in grant-aided schools here is negotiated by the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (Schools). While the local bargaining process has historically concluded by broadly mirroring the settlement reached for teachers in England and Wales, a pay remit approval process must nevertheless be completed in accordance with guidance on the application of public sector pay policy endorsed by the Executive.

Faoi réir chomhaontú an choiste idirbheartaíochta, déanfaidh mo Roinn cinneadh ar phá a eisiúint, a bheas in éifeacht ó 1 Meán Fómhair 2008, nuair a bheas an próiseas faofa shainchúram pá críochnaithe.

Subject to agreement by the negotiating committee, my Department will issue a pay determination, effective from 1 September 2008, on completion of the pay remit approval process.

Teachers' Pay

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education when teachers will receive a pay rise in line with their colleagues in the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 189/09)

Subject to agreement by the negotiating committee, my Department will issue a pay determination, effective from 1 September 2008, on completion of the pay remit approval process.

South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education on what date she intends to re-constitute the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 195/09)

The Minister of Education: Tá athbhunú bhord SEELB, a bhí ar fionraí, faoi bhreithniú go fóill agus déanfaidh mé mo chinneadh a fhógairt in am is i dtráth.

The reinstatement of the suspended board of SEELB remains under consideration and I shall announce my decision in due course.

South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education why she has not re-constituted the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 196/09)

The Minister of Education: Tá athbhunú bhord SEELB, a bhí ar fionraí, faoi bhreithniú go fóill agus déanfaidh mé mo chinneadh a fhógairt in am is i dtráth.

The reinstatement of the suspended board of SEELB remains under consideration and I shall announce my decision in due course.

Kindle Primary Integrated School

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education whether the well-being of children attending Kindle Primary Integrated School was the prime consideration prior to her decision to close the school.

(AQW 201/09)

The Minister of Education: The well-being of the children concerned is of primary concern in the consideration of every proposal for the closure of a school. In 2007/08 only 31 children were enrolled in Kindle Integrated Primary School (IPS), of whom 4 were Year 1 children. I therefore agreed with the South Eastern Education and Library Board’s proposal that the school was no longer sustainable. I had also visited the school at the beginning of this year.

The majority of children attending Kindle IPS were from families located at the nearby Ballykinler army base. Before reaching a decision on this proposal, the department received confirmation from the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB), that all primary age children from the Ballykinler base had been able to obtain places at other local schools which would meet their children’s needs.

A full statutory consultation exercise was undertaken by the South Eastern Education and Library Board which provided the opportunity for all views and concerns to be raised before a decision was taken, including any issues in regard to equality.

Níor sáraíodh cearta na bpáistí mar atá leagtha amach i gCoinbhinsiún na hEorpa um Chearta an Duine mar gheall ar an chinneadh chun Kindle IPS a dhruidim.