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 20 November 2009
Written Answers to Questions
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Budgets for Good Relations
Dr S Farry asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 1391/10, to provide a breakdown of the allocation of budgets for good relations during each financial year of the current comprehensive spending review period. [R]
(AQW 2342/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness):
Further to your previous question AQW1391/10 regarding the allocation of the £29m budget for good relations within the current Comprehensive Spending Review period 2008-2011, the budget for each year has been allocated as follows:
2008/2009 |
£8.405m | £K |
| North Belfast Youth Intervention Scheme | 100 |
|
| Youth Interventions (Education & Library Boards) | 400 | |
| District Councils’ Community Relations Programme | 2,563 | |
| Community Relations Groups & Bodies | 425 | |
| Community Relations Council | 3,341 | |
| Minority Ethnic Development Fund | 945 | |
| General Admin Expenditure | 631 | |
2009/2010 |
£9.742m | £K |
| North Belfast Youth Intervention Scheme | 113 | |
| Youth Interventions (Education & Library Boards) | 400 | |
| District Council Community Relations Programme | 2,760 | |
| Community Relations Council | 3,547 |
|
| Community Relations Groups and Bodies | 560 | |
| Minority Ethnic Development Fun | 1,047 | |
| General Admin Expenditure | 640 | |
| Current Total | 9,067 | |
2010/2011 |
£10.788m | |
Funding allocations for 2010/11 have not yet been decided.
Maze Site
Mr T Elliott asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister if any asbestos was present on the Maze site during demolition and site clearance work; and if so, how was it removed and disposed, and at what cost.
(AQW 2466/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister:
Prior to the commencement of the major demolition work at the Maze/Long Kesh regeneration site in 2007, a detailed asbestos survey was undertaken. Asbestos was identified and removed before any major work was carried out at the site. The cost of the initial survey and removal of asbestos by a licensed contractor to a licensed disposal facility was £160,000.
In September 2009 as part of the finalisation of the demolition contract, some asbestos cement sheeting was found in underground ducts. The extent of this find is currently being assessed and costs will be determined before it is removed. All necessary related health and safety requirements are being observed during this assessment
Afterschool Childcare Providers
Mr B McElduff asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) when afterschool childcare providers will have certainty about their projects' funding beyond March 2010; and (ii) how Playboard is carrying out its work to assess the quality of, and need for, afterschools provision, in order to determine criteria for future support as a part of a wider strategy.
(AQW 2499/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister:
We recognise the importance of good childcare provision and are working closely with other Departments to seek a long term resolution to the current difficulties faced. At the September 2008 meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People, it was agreed that a specific exercise should be undertaken to consider the potential for increasing childcare provision and that the work should be linked to the sub-group on child poverty which was asked to produce a report to the Ministerial Sub-Committee identifying options for future provision. The initial report of this sub-group was presented to relevant Ministers on 18 June when it was decided to progress economic appraisal of four strategic options.
The sub-group has now cleared the terms of reference for the economic appraisal and the carrying out of this exercise is currently being procured. It is intended to report back to Ministers in February 2010.
The continued funding for the PlayBoard projects is an interim approach pending a longer-term outcome from the work of the sub-group detailed above. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to give you any confirmation of future funding at this stage but we can assure you that we are continuing to consider this issue.
In relation to your question regarding how PlayBoard is carrying out its work to assess the quality of, and need for, afterschools provision, in order to determine criteria for future support as a part of a wider strategy, PlayBoard has recently launched its independent report ‘School Age Childcare Matters!". This report, compiled by Blueprint Development Consultancy, critically reviews the contribution and benefits of school age childcare services. It also examines the current case for continued support of the sector in the medium to long term.
Additionally PlayBoard is currently working with DHSSPS funded projects in order to determine criteria for future support. A Statistical Monitoring Form has been devised and sent to all projects for completion. The information gleaned from this exercise will give an exact status of each project. It is anticipated this data will give an informed up to date picture of the contribution of the DHSSPS funded school age childcare projects.
Parades
Mr T Gallagher asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister if they support the interim recommendations of the Ashdown Review on parading and the abolition of the Parades Commission.
(AQO 325/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister:
We received a detailed presentation from Lord Ashdown, Chair of the Strategic Review of Parading, and members of the Review Body earlier this year. The Review Body’s interim recommendations were submitted in the first instance to the Secretary of State.
We understand that the Review Group has not yet reached agreement on its final recommendations.
Executive Agreement
Mr G Savage asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to define what they mean by the term "agreement" in the context of the First Minister's comments in the House on 22 September 2009 when he said that "the current Executive has reached agreement on 451 issues".
(AQW 2738/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister:
Ministers bring forward papers to the Executive containing recommendations to which they wish to seek its agreement. Where the Executive agrees these recommendations, this constitutes an agreement in the terms used by the First Minister.
Executive Confidentiality Protocol
Mr G Savage asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the contents of the Executive Confidentiality Protocol agreed in September 2007; (ii) its legal status; and (iii) if each Executive Minister signed up to the protocols.
(AQW 2799/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister:
As we informed you on 9 November in our response to your previous question on the confidentiality of Executive business, the protocol was unanimously agreed by the Executive at its meeting on 13 September 2007. As a decision of the Executive, it is binding on all Ministers under the terms of the statutory Ministerial Code. We also explained to you that the protocol sets out the principles which apply to the handling of information which Ministers obtain as members of the Executive and to the making of public statements on any matter that has been, or may be, the subject of Executive business. As the precise content of the protocol itself is subject to these principles it would be inappropriate to release its contents to you.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Tyrone-Cavan Interconnector
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if studies have been conducted by, or on behalf of, her Department on the impact the proposed Tyrone-Cavan Interconnector will have on rural and farming communities, including any detrimental effect on livestock, arable produce, land value and landscape.
(AQW 2238/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): In July 2006, my Department was asked to provide comments to the environmental consultants, who were acting on behalf of NI Electricity (NIE). These consultants were preparing an environmental statement for the proposed Tyrone-Cavan Interconnector which would go forward to DOE as part of the planning application process. Two responses were made.
- Rivers Agency had no objections from the drainage aspect to the proposed interconnector. The Agency advised that there are numerous watercourses both designated and undesignated over which the proposed overhead line would cross. The consultants were advised that under the terms of Schedule 6 of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 the applicant must submit to Rivers Agency for its consent any proposal to carry out works which might affect a watercourse.
- The advice from Countryside Management Branch focused on the possible impact of the siting of the overhead power lines associated with the interconnector on landscape, agricultural land, archaeological features, flora and fauna. Possible mitigation measures were also suggested.
In November 2007 I met with representatives for The Viridian Group. At this meeting I emphasised to them, the importance of continuing to liaise with rural dwellers, to ensure that all the options for siting the interconnector were explored to minimise the impact on individuals and the environment.
My Department also provided input to the DOE Planning Service in February 2009. The comments were made as part of the pre-application preliminary enquiry and reiterated the information supplied to the Environmental Consultants in 2007.
Glenaan River near Cushendall
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to specify the nature of the maintenance regime which will be applied to the newly designated section of the Glenaan River near Cushendall.
(AQW 2240/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The newly designated section of the Glenaan River will be incorporated into the Rivers Agency’s rolling programme of inspection and maintenance to ensure the free flow and thereby reduce the risk of flooding. This stretch will be inspected in the 2009/2010 financial year and any works identified as necessary will be carried out in the 2010/2011 financial year. Following this it will be included in a 3 year cycle for inspection and maintenance. Due to the nature of the Glenaan River any works identified will more than likely only involve the clearance of obstructions, general bush and tree cutting and would not involve any major machine or channel works.
Animal Welfare Bill
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to list the organisations her Department consulted on the proposed Animal Welfare Bill.
(AQW 2369/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department consulted on the proposals for new animal welfare legislation in 2006. As that consultation was carried out during Direct Rule, I initiated a review of animal welfare legislation when I came to office in 2007. As part of that review, over the past two years my officials and I have engaged directly with key stakeholders to hear at first hand their views and concerns.
In order to ensure stakeholder had a further opportunity to outline their views, all those who responded to the original 2006 consultation were invited to an Animal Welfare Stakeholder Workshop on 17 September 2009. Of the 92 original respondents, 38 attended that Workshop. They received an overview of the proposals for the new Welfare of Animals Bill and were invited to submit any further written comments by 25 September 2009 when the consultation stage in the development of this Bill closed.
A list of the organisations and individuals who were consulted either in the 2006 consultation or subsequently is included in the Annex to this reply.
Annex
Stakeholders Who Were Consulted on Proposals for Inclusion in the New Welfare of Animals Bill
2nd Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Trust
7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust
Animal Rehoming Foundation
Animal Rescue Fund
Animal Welfare Federation
Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Ballymena Animal Welfare Society
Belfast Cats Protection
Belfast Cats Protection
Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary
British Deer Society
British Horse Society
British Horse Society Ireland
British Koi Keepers Society (Ireland Section)
Captive Animals' Protection Society
Cats Protection
Cats Protection League
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, NI Centre
Compassion in World Farming
Concordia
Countryside Alliance Ireland
Craigavon Leisure Centre
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Dogs Trust
Dr Nigel M Donald
Environmental Health Officers
Federation of Small Businesses NI
Feral Feline Fellowship
General Consumer Council for NI
Greyhound Action NI
Greyhound Compassion League NI
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Happy Hedgehog Rescue Centre
Head of Consumer Protection, Belfast City Council
Head of European Commission
Hunting Association of NI
International League for the Protection of Horses
Irish Cattle Traders and Stock Owners Association
Irish Coursing Club
Irish Horse Board
Irish Kennel Club
Kennel Club
League Against Cruel Sports
Lisburn Animal Welfare Fund Raising Group
Livestock and Meat Commission for NI
Londonderry Greyhound Stadium
Lurgan Animal Welfare Fund Raising Group
Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary
Millvale Animal Sanctuary
Mr Campbell Tweedie
Ms Anne E Moorhead
Ms Denise Corbett
Ms J Glass, Limavady Borough Council
National Beef Association
Newtownabbey Animal Welfare Support Group
NI Agricultural Producers Association
NI Aquaculture Council
NI Bat Group
NI Dairy Association
NI Cattle Traders Association
NI Deer Society
NI Food Chain Certification
NI Horse Board
NI Livestock Auctioneers’ Association
NI Local Government Association
NI Master of Hounds
NI Meat Exporters Association
NI National Beef Association
NI Reed Bed Company
Oak Park Greyhound Stadium
Oak Tree Farm Animal Rescue Centre
Oaktree Animal Sanctuary
Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association Ltd
Pat Glancy
Pet Care Trust
Rabbit Charity NI
Rainbow Rehoming Centre
Raleagh Equine Rescue Ltd
Rare Breed Society
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Rare Breeds Survival Trust (UK)
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Royal Ulster Agricultural Society
Sea Fish Industry Authority
Secretary NI Beef Breed Liaison Group
Society of Greyhound Veterinarians
Talnotry Avian Care Trust
Ulster Curers Association
Ulster Farmers’ Union
Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
United Dairy Farmers
Veterinary NI (VetNI)
Wild Life NI
Wildlife NI
Wildlife Rescue NI
Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster
Boarding Establishments
A & S Kennels
Agivey Boarding kennels
Aldergrove Boarding Kennels
All Creatures Veterinary Health Centre
Animal Ark
Ardlochan Boarding Kennels
Ardnaveigh Boarding Kennels
Armagh Country Kennels
Ashbourne Kennels
Ballycraigy Pet Care
Ballygrainey Boarding Kennels
Ballyharvey Pet Country Club
Ballylig Boarding Kennels
Ballylone Kennels & Cattery
Ballynafie Boarding Kennels
Bally Paw Kennels
Bangor Pet Care Centre
Blue Mountain Boarding Kennls
Breeny Boarding Kennels
Brookevale Farm
Bushbane Boarding Kennels
Buskhill Boarding Kennels
Calharne Boarding Kennels
Campbell, Ardlough Rd, Londonderry
Carnlea Boarding Kennels
Carryduff Boarding Kennels
Cat Nap Boarding Kennels
Channelview Boarding Kennels
Churchview Farm
Cloghanramer Boarding Kennels
Cookstown Dog Pound
Copperbirch Pet Hotel
Corfannon
Corrick Lodge
Cosycats Cattery
Country Kennels
Craigycor Kennels & Cattery
Cranmore Pets Hotel
Cregagh Boarding kennels
Darragh, Ballyblack Rd, Newtownards
Decker, Church Street, Portaferry
Doleybrewer Farm
Dovecot Farm
Drumbonaway Kennels
Drumravin House
Ernevale Kennels
Farmhill Boarding Kennels
Fernbrook Country Kennels
Finn, Moy Road, Armagh
Forest Lodge Kennels
Forthview Kennels
Fourpaws Kennels & Cattery
Garden Lodge Kennels
Glenlark Boarding Kennels
Gills Kennels
Graham’s Boarding Kennels & Cattery
Greenacres Kennels
Greer, Ballycorr Road, Ballyclare
Gorman, Ballyblack Rd, Newtownards
Happy Catz
Hazeldene Boarding Kennels
Highmoor Kennels
Hill Close Kennels
Hillcrest
Hillside Kennels
Hilltop Boarding Kennels
Hill Top Kennels
Hilltown House
Hollylane Boarding Kennels & Cattery
Ingle Nock
Jubilee Vet Clinic
Kath-More Kennels
Katy’s Kennels
Keep & Care Boarding Kennels
Killysorrell Kennels
Loughash Cattery
Maginn, Glassdrumman Road, Newry
Mandalay
McCartney, Kilrea Rd, Newry
McCormick, Divernagh Road, Newry
McDowell, Church Road, Lisburn
Mill Cottage Dog Kennels
Newtown Cottage
Nutts Corner Boarding Kennels
Oakland Farm
Oldwood Boarding Kennels
Oxtown Boarding Kennels
Paws Barding Kennels & Cattery
Pets Paradise
Purrfect Pets
Rafferty Kennels
Rathmore Boarding Kennels
Red Barn Cattery
Rhanna Boarding Kennels
Ringhaddy Pet Lodge
Robert A Brothers, Dungannon
Roe Cattery
Rosebank Pet Hotel
Rosegarron
Saintfield Boarding & Training Kennels
Senior NCO – Police Dog Section
Spesmagna Kennels
Strone Farm Kennels
Tea Tree Boarding Kennels
The Cats Inn
The Orchard Kennels
The Nook
Thornbrook Kennels
Timber Lodge Kennels
Topping, Belfast Rd, Larne
Veaghmount Boarding Kennels
Wagging Tails
Wagtails Boarding Kennels
Whinney Hill Kennels
Windmill Cat Hotel
Windy Hill
Ziggy’s
Dog Breeders
Acheson, Dairies Big, Drumcose
Aiken, Katesbridge Road, Dromara
Amos Rosscolban Avenue Kesh
Armstrong Brookmount Road Omagh
Armstrong, Ringrash Road, Coleraine
Aston, Ballynoe Road, Downpatrick
Aston, Church Lane, Carrowdore
Bailie, Ballywee Road, Parkgate
Bailie, Creevyargon Road, Ballynahinch
Bailie, Drumaness Road, Ballynahinch
Beacom, Gorteen, Kesh
Bennett, Arlington Drive, Dunnmurry
Birney, Derryad, Lisnaskea
Blevins, Derryhubbert Road, Dungannon
Bowman, Ballyglassey Road, Loughgall
Boyd. Tullykelter. Monea
Breen, Drumbaglin, Maguiresbridge
Brown, Springhull Cottage, Coleraine
Brown, Mourneview Park, Lisburn
Browne, Corick Road, Augher
Bryson, Marlborough Crescent, Carrickfergus
Bullimore, Windsor terrace, Cookstown
Bullimore, Ballymatoskerty Road, Randalstown
Burns Main Street Derrygonnelly
Byrne, Hollybush Road, Dundrum
Campbell, Donaghbrook Drive, Ballymoney
Carson, Rosemount, Ballymoney
Carson, Towerbeg, Garrison
Caughey, Mullnagowan, Newtownbutler
Caughey, Killaughy, Newtownbutler
Clyde, Gettistown House, Coleraine
Cocharne, Liswatty Road, Coleraine
Corrigan, Carrontreemall, Belcoo
Coulter, Inn Road, Lurgan
Coulter, Oakwood Avenue, Bangor
Crawford, Laragh, Enniskillen
Creelman, Drumeil Road, Coleraine
Crothers, Damhead Road, Broomhedge
Crothers, Halftown Road, Maze
Crudden, Tracey Terrace, Newtownbutler
Cummins, Garvaghy Road, Banbridge
Curry, Aughintra, Derrylin
Darragh, Glenside, Carnlough
Dickson, Friary Road, Ballymoney
Dillon Farmhill Road Omagh
Dobbin, Kilmandil Road, Ballymena
Doherty, Aghagreffin, Kesh
Donaghey, Kingslane, Ballykelly
Dorrian, Cross Lane, Magheragall
Dowey, Drumlee Road, Ballymoney
Dunlop, Shuttle hill, Coleraine
Dunlop, Drumad, Lisbellaw
Dunn, Lismalore, Brookeborough
Edgar, Tattysallagh Road, Omagh
Farlow, Cashel Road, Coleraine
Fleming, Corbet Road, Banbridge
Finn Keady Road Armagh
Fitzpatrick, Reilly’s Wood, Teemore
Glass Mullydoo Road Greencastle
Gorman, Lisnagrot Road, Coleraine
Gorman, Rusheyhill Road, Stoneyford
Gott, Cloverhill, Springfield
Gracey, Meadowlands, Downpatrick
Graham, Ozone Avenue, Ballymoney
Hamilton, Drumcor Road, Tempo
Hamilton, Ardlochan, Roscavey
Hamilton, Clabby Road, Fivemiletown
Hamilton, Aghintain Road, Fivemiletown
Hamilton, Moysnaght, Clabby
Hamilton, Aghintain Road, Clabby
Hanlon, The Craig Road, Downpatrick
Hanna, Hillcrest Gardens, Ballymoney
Hanson, Glenmanus Village, Portrush
Harris, School Road, Gilford
Harrison, Carrickdale Gardens, Portadown
Harvey, Largy Road, Limavady
Hawthorne, Banbridge Road, Dromara
Henry, Kennelbridge Road, Ballymena
Hicks, Greenhill, Maguiresbridge
Hilditch, North Road, Carrickfergus
Hollywood, Greencastle Road, Omagh
Hull, Aughnaskeagh Road, Dromara
Hunter, Garryduff Road, Ballymoney
Ingram, Tullyrusk Road, Dundrod
Irvine, Loughmourne Road, Carrickfergus
Irwin, Whistling Bare, Dungiven
Iveagh Hounds Hunt Club
Jennett, Mullaleish Road, Richhill
Johnston Corkhill Road Seskinore
Johnston, Drumgavlin Road, Ballynahinch
Johnston Edergoole Road Fintona
Johnston Golan Road Omagh
Jordan, Rock Road, Stoneyford
Jordan, Steedstown, Stoneyford
Kelly, Drumkeeragh Road, Ballynahinch
Kennedy, Carlargh Road, Limavady
Kennedy, Ballygowan Road, Lisburn
Kerr, Grogey Road, Fivemiletown
Learmount, Killylane Road, Greysteel
Little, Killyvannon, Enniskillen
Little, Stonebank, Makenny
Logan Eshbane Lisnaskea
Loughrey, Dunmore Place, Limavady
Loughrey, Glenmill Park, Limavady
Lowe, Cairncastles Road, Larne
Lynn, Cooneen Road, Erdinagh
Lyons, Lisheeghan Lane, Ballymoney
Lyttle, Warren Crescent, Portstewart
Mackin, Kernane Road, Gilford
Macintosh, Station Road, Portstewart
Magill, Bankhall Road, Larne
Maginn, Commons Road, Ballykinler
Maguire, Coolisk, Lisnarick
Mallett-Black, Gorman Close, Greenisland
Marshall, Drumhorick, Ederney
Matthews, Grovehill Road, Moira
McAleese, Bravallen Road, Ballymoney
McAleese, Finvoy Road, Ballymoney
McBride, Wildeen, Lisburn
McCaffrrey, Drumgramph, Newtownbutler
McClarty, Ballywidelland Road, Ballymoney
McCracken, Waringstown Road, Banbridge
McCullagh, Limavady Road, Coleraine
McDaid, Ashdale Road, Limavady
McDonagh, Comber Road, Omagh
McDonald, Balteagh Road, Coleraine
McDowell, Knockagh Heights, Carrickfergus
McElhinney, Gortgar Avenue, Greysteel
McElwee, Sperrin Road, Limavady
McFaul, Portstewart Road, Portstewart
McGarry, Tober Road, Ballymoney
McGrath, Mullylusty, Belcoo
McGuinness, Benbraddagh Avenue, Limavady
McHugh, Stragolan House, Kesh
McKiernan Drumbrughas West Newtownbutler
McKelvey Cashty Road Omagh
McKibben, Rusky Park, Coleraine
McKinney, Drumskea Road, Ballymoney
McMahon Gardum Heights Dromore
McNaughton, Corkey Road, Ballymena
Mill, Knights Avenue, Carrickfergus
Millen, Windyhill Road, Coleraine
Mitchell, Fleegarran Road, Cookstown
Montagu, Sconce Road, Coleraine
MonteithTullyrush Road Omagh
Mooney, Rathvarna Gardens, Ballymacash
Moore, Peter’s Road, Dungiven
Moore, Corbet Road, Banbridge
Moore, Old Belfast Road, Saintfield
Mulligan, Altan Drive, Lagmore
Murray, Articur Road, Ballymena
Murphy Drumhervin Kinawley
O’Kane, Bridge Road, Ballymena
O’Kane, Seacoast Road, Limavady
Oliver, Aughadulla, Dromore
O’Neill Moira Road Lisburn
Owens, Hannahstown Road, Lisburn
Patton, Milltown Road, Lurgan
Phillips, Knock Road, Ballymoney
Polley, Quarter Road, Cloughey
Purdy, Banbridge Road, Dromara
Quigg, Sunnyhill Park, Dunmurry
Rainey, Cranny Lane, Portadown
Rea, Glenside Road, Glenarm
Reid, Edenaveigh, Ederney
Rogers, Lagmore Downs, Dunmurry
Scott, Bellaghy Road, Ballymena
Scott, Lisnagade Road, Banbridge
Scott, Levally, Drumcose
Shanks, Parknasilla Way, Lurgan
Sharpe, Ballybrakes Road, Ballymoney
Shiels, Ballynameen Road, Colearine
Skuce, Maghaberry Manor, Maghaberry
Smiley, Glassdrummond Road, Ballynahinch
Smith,Maguiresbridge Co Fermanagh
Smyth, Ballyhackett Road, Colearine
Smyth, Rellan Road, Roslea
Somerville, The Street, Portadown
Spratt, Garryduff Road, Ballymoney
Stanfield, Gilford Road, Portadown
Stanley, The Lodge, Dromara
Stray, Flush Road, Castlewellan
Taggart, Ballynacree Avenue, Ballymoney
Tate, Windmill Gardens, Ballynahinch
Teggart, Fairley Drive, Lurgan
Telford, Crew Hill Place, Ardglass
Todd Coolesker House Beragh
Tornan, Drumglass, Craigavon
Tubman, Drumard Road, Kesh
Turner, Clabby, Fivemiletown
Treacy, Greaghcashel, Lisnaskea
Walker, Seafield Road, Portstewart
Walker, Magheraconluce Road, Hillsborough
Warke, Benvardin Road, Ballymoney
Warwick, Boveedy Road, Coleraine
Watson, Harryville, Maguiresbridge
Watt, Casty Road, Omagh
Weatherhead, Woodlawn Villas, Carrickfergus
Whiteside, Seskinore Road, Seskinore
Williamson, Allenbrook, Larne
Williamson, Barnfield Road, Derriaghy
Williamson, Rosscairn, Enniskillen
Woods, Crichton Park, Tamlaght
Woods, Lurganclabby, Clabby
Wynne, Teemore Road, Teemore
Equine Horse Organisations
Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in NI
British Horse Society
Dressage Ireland
Equestrian Federation of Ireland
Eventing Ireland
Fermanagh Connemara Breeders’ association
Half Bred Horse Breeders Society
Irish Draught Horse Society
Irish Long Distance Riding Assocaition
rish Master Farriers Association
Irish Pony Society
Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association
NI Carriage Driving Association
NI Dressage
NI Driving Club
NI Horse Board
NI Master of Hounds
NI Shetland Pony Group
NI Working Hunters Association
Pony Club
Riding Clubs
Riding for Disabled Association
Royal Ulster Agricultural Society
Showjumping Association of Ireland
Side Saddle Association
Ulster Pony Society
Ulster Rural Riders Association
Equine Sub Groups
Ballinteggart StudBallyloughan Farm
Bell, Ballywillin Road, Larne
Casey, Loughdoo Road, Newtownards
Churchview Stud
Crawford, Millisle Road, Donaghadee
Down Royal Racecourse
Ervine, Tullykin Lough Road, Killyleagh
Ferguson, Mount Davy’s Road, Cullybackey
Giltspur Scientific Ltd
Guy, Donegal Road, Belfast
Kidd, Hill Road, Banbridge
Mitchell, Cromlyn Park, Hillsborough
Montgomery, Rosemount House, Newtownards
Moy Riding School
Reid, Ballynahinch Road, Crossgar
Shilington, Altaford, Dromore
Stubington, Quarry House, Antrim
Suffern, Tullygraine House, Banbridge
Whelan, Ringneil Road, Comber
NI Councils
Antrim Borough Council
Armagh Borough Council
Ards Borough Council
Ballymena Borough Council
Ballymoney Borough Council
Banbridge Borough Council
Belfast City Council
Carrickfergus Borough Council
Castlereagh Borough Council
Coleraine Borough Council
Cookstown District Council
Craigavon Borough Council
Down District Council
Dungannon & South Tyrone District Council
Fermanagh District Council
Larne Borough Council
Limavady Borough Council
Lisburn Borough Council
Londonderry City Council
Magherafelt District Council
Moyle District Council
Newry & Mourne District Council
North Down Borough Council
Newtownabbey Borough Council
Omagh District Council
Strabane District Council
Pet Shops
Alphabet
Altanagelvin Garden
Animal Magic
Antrim Pets
Aquaria services
Ballykelly Pet Store
Ballynahinch Pet Centre
Barneys Pet Supplies
Beechill Pet Supplies
Birdmania
B M K Supplies
Brians Ark
C & A Collum
Castle Pets
Carrick Pet Stores
Causeway Koi
CC Pets
Chambers & McCartney
City Pets
City Reptiles
Colemans Nurseries
Coleraine Petshop
Comber Pet Stores
Companions Pet Shop
Conlon, Anderstown Road, Belfast
Cove Valley Ltd
Crazy Petz
Creighton, Letteran Road, Cookstown
Drumanee Aquatics
Erin Pet Wholesale Unit
Farquhar, Scotch Street, Dungannon
Fin & Feather
Fishy Business
Four Seasons Pet Shop
Glenkrag Ltd
Grosvenor Tropicals
Harrison, Bleary Road, Lurgan
Hiollies Pets
Holmes, Parkview, Ballymoney
Island Tropicals
J K Nurseries
Jollyes Pet Store
Kelly, Ellis Street, Carrickfergus
Kernoghans Garden Centre
Killyclooney Fish Farm
L.F. Jollye
Love, Drumleck Road, Shantallow
Magherafelt Pet Shop
Martin, Fountain Street, Antrim
McAuley, Ladysmith Terrace, Ballymena
McAuley, Main Street, Maghera
McColm, Main Street, Larne
Mid Ulster Garden Centre
Ness Garden Centre
Paws & Pets
Paws & Claws
Payne, Charlotte Street, Newry
Pets At Home Ltd/Petsmart
Pets Centre & Supplies
Pets Co
Pet Connection
Pets Corner
Pethouse
Pets ‘N’ Gardens
Pet Newtritions
Pets Paradise
Pets Plus
Pets R It
Pets R Us
Pet Supplies
Petz
Polly’s Pets Supplies
Rik’s Reptile and Aquatic Centre
Seagoe Tropicals
The Avenue Pet Shop
The Pet Shop
Tropical Magic
Value Pets
Weir, Townsend Street, Banbridge
Wells, Ballyclare Road, Glengormley
Pig Breeders
British Pig Association (NI)
Elite Pig Producers
Large White Pig Breeders Association
NI Landrace Pig Breeders Association
NI Pedigree Pig Breeders Association
Pig Production Development Committee
Progressive Lean Pigs
Ulster Pork & Bacon Forum
Pigeon Interest Groups
Ballymena Poultry Club
Bangor Bantam Club
Comber CBS
Dromore Bantam Club
FOFPK
Irish Fancy Birds
Irish Homing Pigeon Union & East Down Combine
Ligoniel Homing Pigeon Society
Lisburn CBS & NI Budgerigar Society
NIPA
North of Ireland Border
NI Variety Pigeon Club
Ulster Federation HPS
Ulster Poultry Federation
Poultry Organisations
NI Poultry Federation
NI Egg Merchants Association
NI Egg Producers Association
Ulster Poultry Federation
Riding Establishments
Ardminnan Equestrian
Ardmore Stables
Ardmourne Stables
Ashbrooke Equestrian Centre
Ashlee Riding Centre
Ballykeel Equestrain Sport
Ballykinlar Station Saddle Club
Ballyknock Riding School
Ballynahich Riding School
Barkston Equestrian Centre
Beech Hill Stables
Belvedere Equestrain Centre
Birr Riding Establishments
Braiden, Moneymore Road, Cookstown
Burn Equestrian Club
Castle Hill Equestrain Centre
Cherry Tree Riding Centre
Connell Hill Riding
CTG Equestrian
Drumhoney Riding Stables
Dunbrock Stables
Enniskillen Agricultural College
Faughanvale Trekking Centre
Galgorm Parks Riding School
Gransha Equestrian
Greenfield Trekking Centre
Hill Farm Riding Centre
Islandmagee Riding Centre
Lakeland Equestrain Centre
Laurel View Stud
Lessans riding Stables
ime Park Equestrian Centre
isburn Saddle Club
Lusk Equestrian
Marsh Kyfe Riding School
McBride, Colin Road, Ballymena
Millbridge Leisure
Moorhill Stables
Mossvale Riding Centre
Mountpleasant Pony Trekking Centre
Mourne Trail Riding Centre
Moy Riding School
Newcastle Riding Centre
Oakwood Riding School
Orchard Stables
Rainbow Equestrian Centre
Redwood Saddle Club
Shackelton Barracks
The Island Riding School
The Forest Stables
The Gamekeepers Lodge
The Riding Centre
Timbertop Riding Centre
Tollymore Riding School
Tullymurray Equestrian
Tullynewbank Stables
Tullywhisker Riding School
Watertop Farm
Western Riding
White, Maddybenny Park, Coleraine
Windwhistle Stables
Sheep Organisations
British Wool Marketing Board
National Sheep Association NI
NI Goat Club
North Antrim Co-Op Society
Northern Ireland Sheep Shearers Association
Suffolk Sheep Society (NI Branch)
Sheep Breeders
Sheep Breeders Development Group
Ulster Ram Breeders Association
Specifically Licensed Transporters
Aiken, Corbally Road, Carnew
Ballygarvin Cattle Sheep & Pig Hauliers
Bankauskas, Taraus 30, Lithuania
Beckett, Killultagh Farms, Lisburn
Bethel, Point Road, Banbridge
Bond, Gransha Road, Dromara
Bothwell, Gardiners Cross Road, Currin
Bothwell, Tattynuckle, Fivemiletown
Boyd, School Road, Clogher
Branniff, Carnreagh Road, Ballynahinch
Brian Saunders Horse Transport
Broome, Ballynahinch Road, Ballykeel
Byrne, Ashill house, Dromara
Campbell, Concession Road, Crossmaglen
Campbell & Murphy, Finnard Road, Rathfriland
Carmichael, Desertmartin Road, Moneymore
Carson, Forthill Farm, Dungannon
Clark, Draperstown Road, Tobermore
Coulter, Browndod Road, Doagh
Coyle, Chestnutt Farm, Annaghmore
Crothers, Derrylough Hill, Corbet
Curry, Albany Place, Belfast
Deerpark Pedigree Pigs
Duffin, Crosskeys Road, Ahoghill
Duffin, Culnafay Road, Toomebridge
Dunlop, Carnlea Seskinore
Francis Kelly Livestock Haulage
Gardiner - Moneygran Road, Kilrea
Geddis Transport
Hanna, Maghery Road, Dungannon
Hewitt, Lissheffield House, Loughgall
Islandreagh Transport
Keys, Annagh Road, Clogher
Knocker, Midland Terrace, Belfast
Laverty, Corkey Road, Loughiel
Laverty, Shelton Road, Loughiel
Lindsay Graham Livestock Haulage
Loughran, Mackney Road, Cookstown
Lusk Transport Ltd
Magill, Glasdrumman House, Poyntzpass
Martin, Ballycregagh Road, Cloughmills
McAleenan, St Gemmas Court, Belfast
McCann European Haulage
McCarroll, Doury Road, Ballymena
McCay, Drumcraw Road, Drumquinn
McCrory Transport
McCusker, Drumma House, Lurgan
McGurk, Grange Road, Magherafelt
McKelvey, Bradkeel Road, Plumbridge
McKey, Levallyreagh Road, Dromara
McMahon, Clonfad, Newtownbutler
McQuillan, Galdanagh Road, Carnlough
Milliken, Seygorry House, Killykergan
Monaghan, Orritor Road, Cookstown
Mullaghdrin Horse Livestock
Murdock, Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff
Nicholson Transport
North Down Meat Exporters
O’Kane, Drumderg Road, Draperstown
O’Kane, Newferry Road, Bellaghy
Powell, Slatrock Road, Newtownhamilton
Rea, Coleda, Crumlin
Reid & Sons, Lime Kiln Lane, Aghalee
Rice, Bloodstock, Dungannon
Rice, Seavers Road, Killeavy
Rice, Tulyelmer House, Armagh
Robinson, Donaghadee Road, Bangor
Robinson, Ravara Road, Ballygowan
Robinson, Springmount Road, Ballygowan
Ronnie McDonnell Transport
Ross, South Cleggan, Rathlin Island
S N Smyth Livestock
Samuel Contracts, Glenview, Hillsborough
Seamus Black Transport
Turley & Sons, Moneyslane Road, Castlewellan
Vallely, Lower Aghincurk Road, Newtownhamilton
Waite, Station Road, Moira
Waite, Churchill Farm, Moira
Ward Brothers
Watson, Ashfield, Portadown
Watson, Hillhead Road, Dundonald
Workman, Killvalley Road, Garvagh
Zoos
Belfast Zoo
Exploris Aquarium
Seaforde Butterfly House
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
World of Owls
Access to Public Land for Horse Riders
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to increase access to public land for horse riders.
(AQW 2371/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The majority of publicly owned land that falls within the remit of my Department is managed by the Forest Service. Within our forestry, there is in excess of 100 kilometres of designated pony trekking trails. In addition, we have a number of arrangements which facilitate local pony trekking centres, local pony clubs and the Irish Long Distance Riding Association.
I recently launched a strategy to develop the recreational and social use of our forests. In this, DARD has committed to producing operational guidelines in relation to developing cycling and horse riding trails in forests. The strategy places greater emphasis on forest recreation provision, as part of forest management planning, and seeks to increase the accessibility of forests to the public. The provision of additional horse riding access will be considered by Forest Service where there is a demand and where additional access can be accommodated.
Emergency Funds from the EU for Dairy Farmers
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what method her Department intends to use for the distribution of emergency funds from the EU for dairy farmers in relation to milk prices.
(AQW 2401/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I welcome the proposal for additional funding for the dairy sector made by the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 19 October. Following the significant lobbying which I and my Executive colleagues did over the past twelve months to help the dairy industry through these challenging times this would be a welcome boost. However, at this stage I am not able to say what method will be used to allocate the €280 million fund which has only been agreed in principle by the Council of Agriculture Ministers. The concrete nature of the measure has still to be decided and this budgetary move requires the approval of EU Finance Ministers who meet on 19 November. In addition, should the British Government not support this measure on 19 November and then refuse to provide additional funds for this purpose, this could disadvantage our dairy farmers compared to those in other EU countries.
Investigation into the Fire on the Bella Trixa
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development the outcome of the investigation into the fire on the Bella Trixa; and when the findings will be made public.
(AQW 2438/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Responsibility for investigation of accidents at sea is not a matter for my Department, but is the function of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) of The Department for Transport. I am aware MAIB will investigate the recent incident in Belfast lough.
Decentralisation of Public Sector Jobs to West Tyrone
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number; the location; and the grade of posts within her Department's employment currently located in (a) the Omagh District; and (b) the Strabane District; and to outline her Department's plans to decentralise public sector jobs to West Tyrone.
(AQW 2447/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The attached Annex provides information regarding the number; the location; and the grade of posts within my Department's employment currently located in (a) the Omagh District; and (b) the Strabane District. The Department has no plans at present to decentralise public sector jobs to West Tyrone. However, the Minister fully supports the decentralisation of public sector jobs and has written to DFP to urge them to bring the Bain report to the Executive.
Annex
(A) Strabane District
1. Agricultural Office, Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9FR
Number of posts – 7
Summary
|
Grade |
Total number of staff |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Officer | 1 |
| Inspector Group 1 | 5 |
| Administrative Officer | 1 |
| Total |
7 |
2. Agricultural Office, Derborough Road, Plumbridge, BT79 8JX
Number of posts – 1
Summary
| Grade | Total number of staff |
|---|---|
| Support Grade Band 2, Cleaner | 1 |
| Total |
1 |
(B) Omagh District
1. Rivers Agency, 6 Woodside Avenue, Omagh, BT 79 7BP
Number of post – 58
Summary
Grade |
Total number of staff |
|---|---|
| PPTO CE | 1 |
| SPTO CEA | 1 |
| HPTO CEA | 1 |
| HPTO CE | 1 |
| PTO CEA | 3 |
| Technical Grade I | 3 |
| Area Foreman PTO | 1 |
| Staff Officer | 1 |
| Executive Officer I | 1 |
| Executive Officer II | 2 |
| Administrative Assistant | 4 |
| Administrative Officer | 5 |
| Inspector Group 4 | 1 |
| SGB2 Watchman/cleaner | 1 |
| Typist | 1 |
| Industrial | 31 |
Total |
58 |
2. Rural Development, 21 Hospital Road, Omagh, BT79 0AN
Number of post –13
Summary
Grade |
Total number of staff |
|---|---|
| Principal | 1 |
| Deputy Principal | 3 |
| Staff Officer | 5 |
| Executive Officer I | 1 |
| Executive Officer II | 1 |
| Administrative Assistant | 1 |
| Administrative Officer | 1 |
Total |
13 |
3. Sperrin House, Sedan Avenue, Omagh, BT79 7AQ
Number of post –89
Summary
Grade |
Total number of staff |
|---|---|
| Divisional Veterinary Officer | 1 |
| Veterinary Officer | 6 |
| Veterinary Officer Testing | 3 |
| Agricultural Inspector Grade II | 4 |
| Agricultural Inspector Grade III | 9 |
| Staff Officer | 1 |
| Executive Officer I | 2 |
| Executive Officer II | 4 |
| Inspector Group 5 | 1 |
| Inspector Group 4 | 8 |
| Inspector Group 2 | 6 |
| Inspector Group 1 | 11 |
| Administrative Assistant | 11 |
| Administrative Officer | 20 |
| Support Grade Band 2 – Casual | 1 |
| Support Grade Band 2 | 1 |
Total |
89 |
4. Vets Office, Omagh Meats, 52 Doogary Road, Omagh, BT79 0BQ
Number of post –12
Summary
Grade |
Total number of staff |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Officer | 1 |
| Senior Meat Inspector | 1 |
| Meat Inspector | 9 |
| Inspector Group 1 | 1 |
Total |
12 |
Taxi Expenditure
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much her Department has spent on taxis in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2459/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Department does not hold records relating to the cost of taxis in the accounting system. This information could be obtained only by performing a manual review of all travel claim submissions by staff for each of the five years for which the information has been requested.
Animals in Circuses
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if her Department has any plans to ban the use of animals in circuses, either through the proposed Animal Welfare Act or any other legislation.
(AQW 2485/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department’s current role with regard to animals in circuses is limited as it has no powers to regulate circuses, nor powers of entry in respect of circuses. Only the PSNI has power of entry to investigate welfare complaints.
A public consultation on proposals for new animal welfare legislation took place in 2006 and included the issue of circus animals. As the original consultation took place under Direct Rule, when I came to office in 2007 I initiated a review of animal welfare legislation. As part of that review, over the past two years my officials and I have met a range of key stakeholders, including groups that have a specific interest in the welfare of circus animals, to hear at first hand their views and concerns about animal welfare issues.
My review of animal welfare legislation has now ended and the Executive agreed at their meeting on the 5 November to my final policy proposals for a new Welfare of Animals Bill. It is my intention to bring this new Bill through to enactment during the lifetime of this Assembly.
I intend to include in the new Bill enabling powers to regulate through subordinate legislation the use of animals in circuses. Specific proposals, which could include the licensing of circuses, banning the use of animals in circuses or limiting their use to certain species, laying down standards for their accommodation, or other measures as required, will be subject to public consultation.
Animals in Circuses
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action her Department is currently taking to provide protection for animals in circuses.
(AQW 2489/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department’s role with regard to circuses is very limited as there is currently no welfare legislation in the north of Ireland which specifically covers performing animal acts. My Department has responsibility for the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972, where Section III of the Act protects all animals, including circus animals, from unnecessary cruelty or suffering. Only the PSNI has the legal power of entry to circuses under this Act.
Commission Regulation EC 1739/2005, which lays down the animal health requirements for the movement of circus animals between Member States, requires circuses to be registered in the Member State where they are resident before moving to another Member State. My Department has powers to inspect circus animals under this Regulation.
While we have no circuses based in the north, there are a number of circuses registered in the south, some of which regularly travel here. My Department has recently agreed a protocol with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which provides for an inspection of animals from these registered circuses before moving back to the south.
Woodburn Forest, Carrickfergus
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps her Department is taking to prevent motorcyclists from using and damaging Woodburn Forest, Carrickfergus.
(AQW 2546/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The land at Woodburn forest is owned by NI Water and the trees are managed for timber production by my Department through the Forest Service. The remit of Forest Service, within this area, does not extend to recreation access or any associated anti-social behaviour, but we are aware of the issue you raise and the endeavours of NI Water and PSNI to deal with it.
I know that NI Water have placed notices prohibiting the use of quads and motorcyclists, and PSNI have distributed leaflets stating these activities are illegal and encouraging members of the public to report incidents to them.
Forest Service will assist by also reporting any incidents to PSNI and liaising on any joint preventative measures considered by NI Water and PSNI to reduce the risk of this type of illegal activity.
Animals in Circuses
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she would consider banning the use of animals in circuses.
(AQW 2547/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department’s current role with regard to animals in circuses is limited as it has no powers to regulate circuses, nor powers of entry in respect of circuses. Only the PSNI has power of entry to investigate welfare complaints.
A public consultation on proposals for new animal welfare legislation took place in 2006 and included the issue of circus animals. As the original consultation took place under Direct Rule, when I came to office in 2007 I initiated a review of animal welfare legislation. As part of that review, over the past two years my officials and I have met a range of key stakeholders, including groups that have a specific interest in the welfare of circus animals, to hear at first hand their views and concerns about animal welfare issues.
My review of animal welfare legislation has now ended and the Executive agreed at their meeting on the 5 November to the final policy proposals for a new Welfare of Animals Bill. It is my intention to bring this new Bill through to enactment during the lifetime of this Assembly.
I intend to include in the new Bill enabling powers to regulate through subordinate legislation the use of animals in circuses. Specific proposals, which could include the licensing of circuses, banning the use of animals in circuses or limiting their use to certain species, laying down standards for their accommodation, or other measures as required, will be subject to public consultation.
Rivers Agency Regional Office for the Omagh area
Mrs C McGill asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of staff connected to the Rivers Agency Regional office for the Omagh area who have (i) left employment with the Agency; and (ii) been on stress related sick leave in each of the last three years; and to indicate the geographical areas in which they operated.
(AQW 2621/10
(i) Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: From 2007/2008 financial year to date 11 non-industrial and 12 industrial staff connected to the Omagh Regional Office have left employment with the Rivers Agency. In terms of the geographical breakdown of these members of staff, eleven non-industrial staff and nine Industrial staff operated in the Omagh Area, two industrial staff operated in the Moneymore Area, and one industrial staff operated in the Strabane/Castlederg Area.
(ii) For the same time period 3 non-industrial and 7 industrial members of staff connected to the Omagh Regional Office have been on stress related sick leave. Again, in terms of the geographical breakdown this is three non industrial staff and three industrial staff operating in the Omagh Area, one industrial staff operating in the Moneymore Area, and three industrial staff operating in the Strabane/Castlederg Area.
Forestry Land
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much forestry land owned by her Department is currently rented or leased for hunting or sporting activities.
(AQW 2622/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department currently lets 22,200 hectares of forestry land for sporting activities.
Forestry Land
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the total acreage of forestry land owned by her Department.
(AQW 2624/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department owns 68,260 hectares of forestry land and leases a further 7,240 hectares. Forest Service manages the total area of 75,500 hectares.
Woodland Grant Scheme
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the outcome of the review of the Woodland Grant scheme, to increase the level of woodland creation.
(AQW 2697/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development:
As a result of a meeting with a cross section of stakeholders engaged in woodland creation, the Forest Service initiated a review of grant rates for both the Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme, as well as the need to continue grant aid for Short Rotation Coppice until 2013.
Forest Service completed both reviews recently and has now made a submission to me detailing their outcomes and recommendations. I am currently considering this submission and will shortly announce my decision.
EU Directives
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many EU Directives her Department has (i) received; and (ii) implemented in each of the last three years.
(AQW 2727/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: In each of the last three years my Department has received the following number of EU Directives
| 2007 | 21 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 9 |
In each of the last three years my Department has implemented the following number of EU Directives
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2008 | 26 |
| 2009 | 17 |
Agri-Food and Biosciences Staff
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has considered moving the Agri-Food and Biosciences staff from Stoney Road, Belfast to another site; and if so, why.
(AQW 2734/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The location of staff on the AFBI-occupied estate is a matter for AFBI. I confirm that I have not been asked to consider moving staff from the Stoney Road site to another site at this time.
Flood Alleviation Measures in Cushendall
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what flood alleviation measures have been put in place in Cushendall since floods on 23 November 2008.
(AQW 2788/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: DARD Rivers Agency has no record of a flooding incident in the Cushendall area on 23 November 2008. However, following flooding in July 2007 along the Glenaan River that affects Cushendall, steps have been taken to help alleviate the risk of flooding. DARD Rivers Agency commissioned a feasibility study into possible flood alleviation schemes. Unfortunately the results of this study have indicated that there are limited viable options. However, on 29 October 2009 an additional length of the River Dall and a section of the Glenaan River were designated by the Drainage Council for NI for maintenance at public expense thereby improving the free flow of water and alleviating the risk of flooding as much as possible at this time.
Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Soccer Strategy
Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if the £8 million budget allocated to local football under the Soccer Strategy has been released to the Irish Football Association to be distributed to local football clubs, and if not, why not.
(AQW 2296/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr N McCausland):
Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. Up to 31st March 2009, SNI has released a total of £5.489m for the IFA to assist it in implementing the Soccer Strategy. Of this a total of £364,095 has been provided to local football clubs under the Playing Facilities component of the Strategy as follows:-
Club |
Cap/Rev |
Amount paid |
|---|---|---|
| Donegal Celtic FC | Cap | £270,000 |
| Cliftonville | Cap | £94,095 |
Total |
£364,095 |
A number of football clubs have also benefited from separate Soccer Strategy investments as part of the support SNI provided to the IFA to enable it to host the UEFA Under 19 Championship Football Finals in Northern Ireland in 2005. Investments from which clubs benefited as part of this project were as follows:-
Club |
Cap/Rev |
Amount paid |
|---|---|---|
| Glenavon FC | Cap | £288,800 |
| Newry City FC | Cap | £330,726 |
| Glentoran FC | Cap | £34,573 |
| Linfield FC | Cap | £33,520 |
| Ballymena UTD | Cap | £20,000 |
Total |
£707,619 |
In addition, a further £463,631 has been provided by SNI to date to clubs in the present financial year as part of the delivery of the Playing Facilities component of the Soccer Strategy. Details are as follows:-
Club |
Cap/Rev |
Amount paid |
|---|---|---|
| Dungannon Swifts | Cap | £232,000 |
| Crusaders FC | Cap | £231,631 |
Total |
£463,631 |
IFA Premiership Funding
Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much funding has been allocated by his Department to each IFA Premiership club, in each of the last five seasons.
(AQW 2298/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure:
Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of exchequer funding to sport. My Department provides exchequer grant-in aid to SNI which is provided by SNI to sport on a financial year rather than seasonal basis. The amount of funding allocated by SNI to football clubs that have played in the Premier League in each of the last five financial years is as follows:-
Financial Year – 2009/2010
| Club | Capital | RevenueSafety management | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadia Safety | Soccer Strategy | |||
| Dungannon Swifts FC | 0 |
232,000 |
0 |
232,000 |
| Crusaders FC | 0 |
231,631 |
0 |
231,631 |
Total |
£0 |
£463,631 |
£0 |
£463,631 |
Financial Year – 2008/2009
| Club | Capital | RevenueSafety management | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadia Safety | Soccer Strategy | |||
| Donegal Celtic FC | 627,764 |
186,523 |
0 |
814,287 |
| Cliftonville FC | 0 |
300,000 |
0 |
300,000 |
Total |
£627,764 |
£486,523 |
£0 |
£1,114287 |
Financial Year – 2007/2008
| Club | Capital | RevenueSafety management | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadia Safety | Soccer Strategy | |||
| Donegal Celtic FC | 0 |
0 |
938 |
938 |
| Linfield FC | 0 |
0 |
4,425 |
4,425 |
| Cliftonville FC | 0 |
0 |
900 |
900 |
| Portadown FC | 800,000 |
0 |
0 |
800,000 |
Total |
£800,000 |
£0 |
£6,263 |
£806,263 |
Financial Year – 2006/2007
| Club | Capital | RevenueSafety management | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadia Safety | Soccer Strategy | |||
| Ballymena Utd FC | 161,636 |
0 |
6,690 |
168,326 |
| Glentoran FC | 0 |
0 |
11,706 |
11,706 |
| Linfield FC | 0 |
0 |
11,628 |
11,628 |
| Cliftonville FC | 0 |
0 |
4,023 |
4,023 |
| Donegal Celtic FC | 0 |
0 |
3,150 |
3,150 |
| Crusaders FC | 0 |
0 |
2,135 |
2,135 |
| Portadown FC | 0 |
0 |
4,995 |
4,995 |
| Armagh City FC | 0 |
0 |
3,365 |
3,365 |
| Newry City FC | 0 |
0 |
2,179 |
2,179 |
| Ards FC | 0 |
0 |
1,888 |
1,888 |
| Dungannon Swifts FC | 0 |
0 |
2,402 |
2,402 |
Total |
£161,636 |
£0 |
£54,161 |
£215,797 |
Financial Year – 2005/2006
| Club | Capital | RevenueSafety management | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadia Safety | Soccer Strategy | |||
| Cliftonville FC | 800,000 |
0 |
0 |
800,000 |
Total |
£800,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
£800,000 |
In addition, a number of football clubs that have played in the Premier League within the last five financial years also benefited from exchequer monies made available by SNI to assist the IFA stage the UEFA Under 19 Championship Finals in Northern Ireland in 2005. The clubs which benefited from this funding were as follows:-
Breakdown of exchequer funding provided by SNI to UEFA U19 2005
| Club | Venue | £ |
|---|---|---|
| Glenavon FC | Mourneview Park | 288,800 |
| Newry City FC | Newry Showgrounds | 330,726 |
| Glentoran FC | The Oval | 34,573 |
| Linfield FC | Windsor Park | 33,250 |
| Ballymena Utd FC | Ballymena Showground’s | 20,000 |
| Total | £707,619 |
|
Bands and Parades Named After Loyalist Paramilitaries
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has raised the issue of bands and parades named after loyalist paramilitaries with those participants who avail of funding through his Department.
(AQW 2304/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure:
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure does not fund bands or parades directly. Individuals and organisations can avail of funding from the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. All organisations securing funding from either of these sources must comply with the Equality and Good Relations policies of the respective funding organisation.
As part of the ongoing process to promote the principles of a "shared and better future" across the remit of my department I will continue to engage with arms length bodies and other organisations.
Irish Language and Ulster Scots Engagements
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list all (i) Irish language and; (ii) Ulster Scots engagements he has attended, since taking office.
(AQW 2336/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure:
Since taking up office I have attended the following (i) Irish language and (ii) Ulster-Scots engagements:
(i) Irish language
I attended an exhibition of paintings from the Donegal Gaeltacht at the 10th McCracken Summer School organised by the McCracken Cultural Society, on 27 July 2009.
(ii) Ulster-Scots Language Events:
I attended the opening of the Ullans Centre, Ballymoney on 23 July and the launch of the Ulster-Scots Word Project, Mosside, Co. Antrim on 8 October.
Ulster-Scots Cultural Events:
I attended the Drum Accordion band annual picnic in Drum, Monaghan on 17 July 2009; the Ulster Pipe Band Championships, Newcastle on 8 August; the launch of Ulster-Scots Community Network publication "The Lambeg Drum – Creating Ulster’s unique traditional instrument" on 3 September; the Annual Broadisland Gathering, Ballycarry on 5 September; and the launch of the new Ulster-Scots Agency website on 15 October.
Funding for Bands
Mr D McKay asked e Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list all the bands that received funding from the Ulster Scots Agency, in each of the last five years; and how much each band received.
(AQW 2338/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: I have detailed in Annex A (attached) the list of all bands and the amount of funding awarded to them for musical tuition by the Ulster-Scots Agency over the last five years.
ANNEX A
NAME |
GRANT AWARD |
|---|---|
2004 |
|
| Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band | £500.00 |
| Belvoir Parish Drum Majors | £207.00 |
| Belvoir Parish Drum Majors | £336.00 |
| Carryduff & District Drum Majors | £711.00 |
| Dunamoney Flute Band | £382.00 |
| Killen Pipe Band | £435.00 |
| Kilskeery Silver Band | £500.00 |
| Legananny Accordion Band | £1,935.00 |
| Letterkenny & District Caledonia Pipe Band | € 2,300.00 |
| Queen Elizabeth Pipe Band | £192.50 |
| The Sperrin Pipers | £2,586.00 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £1,086.00 |
| William Kerr Memorial Pipe Band | £1,320.00 |
2005 |
|
| Aughintober Pipe Band | £1,750.00 |
| Aughlisnafin Accordion Band | £250.00 |
| Burnside Accordion Orchestra | £1,125.00 |
| Belvoir Parish Drum Majors | £690.00 |
| Carnew Accordion Band | £336.00 |
| Carryduff & District Drum Majors | £540.00 |
| Clontibret Pipe Band | £681.00 |
| Drum Accordion Band | € 327.50 |
| Drumlough Pipe Band | £250.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £1,110.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £1,150.00 |
| Feaugh Pipe Band | £1,200.00 |
| Leapoughs Pipe Band | £500.00 |
| Lisbeg Pipe Band | £380.00 |
| Lisbeg Pipe Band | £1,575.00 |
| Lissarley Flute Band | £765.00 |
| Millar Memorial Flute Band | £477.00 |
| Omagh True Blues Flute Band | £1,575.00 |
| Queen Elizabeth Pipe Band | £232.50 |
| South Down DUP Flute Band | £400.00 |
| Waringsford Pipe Band | £2,150.00 |
2006 |
|
| Aughintober Pipe Band | £1,725.00 |
| Aughnaskeogh Silver Band | £250.00 |
| Brunswick Accordian Band | £2,250.00 |
| Inver Flute Band | £630.00 |
| Pioneer Flute Band | £745.00 |
| Reaghan Pipe Band | £1,070.00 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £2,500.00 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £4,050 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £2,500 |
| Feaugh Pipe Band | £2,100 |
| Drum Accordion Band | £1,762.50 |
| Trillick Pipe Band | £2,088.75 |
| Dunamoney Flute Band | £250 |
| William Kerr Memorial Pipe Band | £1,545.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £1,320.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £1,350.00 |
| Drumlough Pipe Band | £1,425.00 |
| Whitewater Pipe Band | £588.75 |
| Thiepval Memorial Pipe Band | £768.75 |
| Dyan Pipe Band | £2,315.00 |
| Drumlough Fife & Drum | £1,950.00 |
| Crilly Pipe Band | £2,295.00 |
| Grallagh Part-Flute Band | £1,837.50 |
| Blossomhill Pipe Band | £1,200.00 |
| Curlough Accordion Band | £1,725.00 |
| Benburb Memorial Pipe Band | £1,725.00 |
| Edentilone Pipe Band | £1,815.00 |
| Drumnaglough Flute Band | £1,833.00 |
| Mourne Young Defenders FB | £4,575 |
| Hamilton Flute Band | £1,500.00 |
| Donemana Pipe Band | £1,800.00 |
| Carricklongfield Pipe Band | £1,773.00 |
| Lavin Flute Band | £900.00 |
| Sir George White Memorial Flute Band | £1,800.00 |
| Dunamoney Flute Band | £250.00 |
| Syerla & District Pipe Band | £1,800.00 |
| Kellswater Flute Band | £1,800.00 |
| Knockinroe Flute Band | £1,822.50 |
| Mourne Young Defenders FB | £3,600.00 |
| Cookstown Sons of William Flute Band | £0.00 |
| Mullaghy Flute Band | £2,287.00 |
| Moneymore Accordion Band | £1,260.00 |
2007 |
|
| Millar Memorial Flute Band | £250.00 |
| Belvoir Parish Drum Majors | £250.00 |
| East Antrim (Killyglen) Accordion Band | £2,422.50 |
| Dunloy Accordian Band | £2,250.00 |
| Dunloy Accordion Band | £7,200.00 |
| Dunloy Accordion Band | £1,190.00 |
| Dunloy Accordion Band | £2,250.00 |
| Seymour Hill, Conway Network & Queensway Flute Band | £250.00 |
| Sir George White Memorial Flute Band | £1,800.00 |
| Killycoogan Accordion Band | £2,250.00 |
| East Antrim Elementary Accordion Orchestra | £562.50 |
| Tamlaght O’Crilly Pipe Band | £2,400.00 |
| Maghera Sons of William Flute Band | £1,400.00 |
| Ballymoughan Flute Band | £1,600.00 |
| Knockloughrim Accordion Band | £1,800.00 |
| Moneymore Accordion Band | £1,800.00 |
| Cowan Memorial Flute Band | £1,800.00 |
| Salterstown Flute Band | £900.00 |
| Salterstown Flute Band | £900.00 |
| Curlough Accordion Band | £1,725.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £1,305.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £2,662.50 |
| Ardress Accordion Band | £1,672.50 |
| Tamlaght Pipe Band | £2,400.00 |
| Lisnaskea Accordian Band | £1,600.00 |
| Magheraboy Flute Band | £1,800.00 |
| Aughintober Pipe Band | £1,725.00 |
| Aughintober Pipe Band | £2,925.00 |
| Anktel Moutray Memorial Pipe Band | £1,800.00 |
| Battlehill Pipe Band | £1,827.00 |
| Donemana Pipe Band | £1,800.00 |
| Carnagh Accordion Band | £1,312.50 |
| Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band | £825.00 |
| Markethill Pipe Band | £937.50 |
| Markethill Pipe Band | £1,875.00 |
| Grallagh Part Flute Band | £1,912.50 |
| Banbridge Pipe Band | £3,075.00 |
| Schomberg Folk Orchestra | £2,025.00 |
| Schomberg Folk Orchestra | £250.00 |
| Upper Crossgar Pipe Band | £3,000.00 |
| Upper Crossgar Pipe Band | £3,500.00 |
| Upper Crossgar Pipe Band | £3,000.00 |
| Corbet Accordion Band | £2,400.00 |
| Mourne Young Defenders Flute Band | £1,200.00 |
| Doohat Accordion Band | £250.00 |
| Mourne Young Defenders | £3,500.00 |
| Cullybackey Pipe Band | £3,500.00 |
| Waringsford Pipe Band | £2,550.00 |
| Ballymartin Pipe Band | £2,325.00 |
| Carryduff & District Drum Majors | £1,087.50 |
| O'Neill Pipe Band | £3,225.00 |
| Closkelt Pipe Band | £1,800.00 |
| Inver Flute Band | £1,830.00 |
| Ballydonaghy Pipe Band | £2,400.00 |
| Drum Accordion Band | 880 Euros |
| Derryogue Flute Band | £2,850.00 |
| Crossgar Young Defenders | £2,955.00 |
| Lisbeg Pipe Band | £1,320.00 |
| Goldsprings TBFB | £2,100.00 |
| Lisnaskea Accordian Band | £3,060.00 |
| Bellanaleck Pipe Band | £1,200.00 |
| Brookeborough Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Roden Accordion Band | £2,100.00 |
| Benburb Memorial Pipe Band | £2,365.00 |
| Tullywhisker Pipe Band | £2,100.00 |
| Ballindarragh Accordion Band | £750.00 |
| Trillick Pipe Band | £1,065.00 |
| Newtownbutler Flute Band | £1,100.00 |
| Omagh True Blues | £1,575.00 |
| Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band | £825.00 |
| Drum Accordion Band | 1400 Euros |
2008 |
|
| Cullybackey Pipe Band | £300.00 |
| Aghavilly Accordion Band | £1,312.50 |
| Aughintober Pipe Band | £2,925.00 |
| Ballinacross Accordion Band | £1,200.00 |
| Ballinamallard Accordion Band | £0.00 |
| Ballydonaghy Pipe Band | £2,400.00 |
| Ballydonaghy Pipe Band | £1,600.00 |
| Ballymartin Pipe Band | £2,325.00 |
| Ballymoughan Flute Band | £1,200.00 |
| Ballyrea Boyne Defenders Flute Band | £800.00 |
| Benvarden Flute Band | £1,350.00 |
| Bready Ulster Scots Pipe Band | £1,800.00 |
| Brunswick Accordion Band | £2,100.00 |
| Churchill Flute Band | £1,500.00 |
| Clabby Pipe Band | £2,520.00 |
| Co Armagh Drum Majors Group | £2,475.00 |
| Craiganee Accordion Band | £1,125.00 |
| Craiganee Accordion Band | £250.00 |
| Craiganee Accordion Band | £1,237.50 |
| Crossgar Young Defenders | £2,955.00 |
| Crossgar Young Defenders | £3,037.50 |
| Cullybackey Pipe Band | £1,000.00 |
| Cullybackey Pipe Band | £2,160.00 |
| Cullybackey Pipe Band | £3,710.00 |
| Curran Flute Band | £1,600.00 |
| Desertmartin Accordion Band | £1,200.00 |
| Desertmartin Accordion Band | £1,200.00 |
| Dollingstown Star of the North Flute Band | £3,030.00 |
| Drum Accordion Band | 880 Euros |
| Drumderg Flute Band | £2,850.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £2,665.00 |
| Drumquin Pipe Band | £1,512.00 |
| Dunaghy Flute Band | £1,920.00 |
| Eden Accordion Band | £1,600.00 |
| Eden Accordion Band | £1,600.00 |
| George A Dummigan Memorial Accordion Band | £1,200.00 |
| Hounds of Ulster | £2,700.00 |
| Hunter Memorial Flute Band | £3,750.00 |
| Killyglen Accordion Band | £2,722.50 |
| Kilrea Pipe Band | £1,098.00 |
| Lack Pipe Band | £1,500.00 |
| Legananny Accordion Band | £2,175.00 |
| Lisbeg Pipe Band | £1,320.00 |
| Lisburn Fusiliers Flute Band | £1,692.00 |
| Lisnamulligan Pipe Band | £3,022.50 |
| Lisnaskea Accordion Band | £1,875.00 |
| Lower Woodstock Ulster Scots Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Maghera Sons of William Flute Band | £1,200.00 |
| Magheraboy Flute Band | £1,200.00 |
| Magheragall Pipe Band | £2,250.00 |
| Markethill Pipe Band | £1,875.00 |
| Marlacoo Pipe Band | £2,540.00 |
| Mourne Young Defenders FB | 2400 |
| Movilla Young Conquerors | £0.00 |
| Mulnahorn Pipe Band | £1,080.00 |
| Pioneer Flute Band | £1,800.00 |
| Portaferry Accordion Band | £2,100.00 |
| Pride of Lagan Valley Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Raphoe Pipe Band | 220 Euros |
| Riada Concert Group | £2,280.63 |
| Roden Accordion Band | £2,100.00 |
| Roden Accordion Band | 250 |
| Salterstown Flute Band | £1,800.00 |
| Sandholes Accordion Band | £1,672.50 |
| Schomberg Fife & Drum | £1,275.00 |
| Schomberg Fife & Drum | £700.00 |
| Schomberg Fife & Drum | £850.00 |
| Sir George White Memorial Flute Band | £2,250.00 |
| Tobermore Loyal Flute Band | £1,400.00 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £2,830.00 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £3,500.00 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £250.00 |
| William Kerr Memorial Pipe Band | £1,500.00 |
| William Savage Memorial Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| William Beattie Memorial Accordion Band | £412.50 |
| William Strain & William Lightbody Memorial Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
2009 |
|
| Aughafatten Coronation Accordion Band | £2,250.00 |
| Aughlisnafin Accordian Band | £2,512.50 |
| Ballyhalbert Flute Band | £2,475.00 |
| Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Band | £1,600.00 |
| Ballylone Concert Flute Band | £2,080.00 |
| Ballywillan Flute Band | £2,250.00 |
| Burnside Accordion Band | £1,800.00 |
| Burnside Accordion Band | £2,355.00 |
| Cahard Flute Band | £3,220.00 |
| Cahard Flute Band | £1,787.50 |
| Castlegore Amateur Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Clontibret Pipe Band | £3,000.00 |
| Commons Silver Band | £1,425.00 |
| Craiganee Accordion Band | £693.00 |
| Crown Defenders Flute Band | £720.00 |
| Curlough Accordion Band | £2,025.00 |
| Donaghadee Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Donaghmore Accordion Band | £1,950.00 |
| Drum Accordian Band | £1,080.00 |
| Drumlough Pipe Band | £2,202.75 |
| Drumlough Pipe Band | £3,855.00 |
| Dungiven Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Dunloy Accordion Band | £2,250.00 |
| Dunloy Accordion Band | £2,390.00 |
| East Antrim (killyglen) Accordion Orchestra | £2,722.00 |
| Flutes of Mourne | £2,175.00 |
| Freeman Flute Band | £3,600.00 |
| Garryduff Flute Band | £1,200.00 |
| Gertrude Star Flute Band | £3,600.00 |
| Girtaclare Pipe Band | £400.00 |
| Howard Memorial Pipe Band | £2,625.00 |
| Hunter Moore Memorial Flute Band | £4,050.00 |
| John Hunter Accordion Band | £1,440.00 |
| Kilkeel Silver Band | £1,800.00 |
| Killyfargue Pipe Band | £3,000.00 |
| Lisburn Fusiliers Flute Band | £2,496.20 |
| Lisnagaver Flute Band | £1,252.00 |
| Lord Londonderrys own CLB Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Magheraboy Flute Band | £1,125.00 |
| Magheragall Pipe Band | £2,400.00 |
| Magheragall Pipe Band | £2,250.00 |
| Marlacoo Pipe Band | £2,940.00 |
| Mourne Young Defenders Flute Band | £3,840.00 |
| Mullabrack Accordion Band | £405.00 |
| Newtownards Melody Flute Band | £2,100.00 |
| Pride of Ballinran Flute Band | £2,080.00 |
| Pride of the Park Flute Band | £1,200.00 |
| Queensway Flute Band | £1,575.00 |
| SeaPatrick Flute Band | £1,063.36 |
| Sir Edward Carson True Blues Flute Band | £3,000.00 |
| Sir Edward Carson True Blues Flute Band | £1,080.00 |
| Sir George White Memorial Flute Band | £2,250.00 |
| Sir George White Memorial Flute Band | £2,250.00 |
| Skeogh Flute Band | £2,400.00 |
| Skeogh Flute Band | £2,600.00 |
| South Down Defenders Flute Band | £1,650.00 |
| South Down Defenders Flute Band | £3,590.00 |
| Star of The Roe Flute Band | £1,575.00 |
| The Geoghegan Memorial Pipe Band | £3,632.25 |
| Thiepval Memorial Pipe Band | £720.00 |
| Tullyvallen Silver Band | £1,120.00 |
| Tyrones Ditches Pipe Band | £2,850.00 |
| Upper Crossgare Pipe Band | £3,078.60 |
| Vow Accordian Band | £1,800.00 |
Literary Festivals
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list the literary festivals that have received funding from the Arts Council in each of the last five years; and to detail the funding each one received.
(AQW 2445/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure:
Funding for literary festivals is summarised in the table below.
Year |
Festival |
Funding Programme |
Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
05/06 |
John Hewitt Society Summer School | ASOP | £16,400 |
| Between the Lines Festival (grant to the Crescent Arts Centre) | Lottery grant | £26,875 | |
Total 05/06 |
£43,275 |
||
06/07 |
John Hewitt Society Summer School | MAP grant | £62,500 |
| Aspects Literary Festival (grant to North Down Borough Council) | Lottery grant | £22,500 | |
Total 06/07 |
£85,000 |
||
07/08 |
Between the Lines Festival (grant to the Crescent Arts Centre) | Lottery grant | £25,000 |
Total 07/08 |
£25,000 |
||
08/09 |
Aspects Literary Festival (grant to North Down Borough Council) | Lottery grant | £20,000 |
Total 08/09 |
£20,000 |
||
09/10 |
John Hewitt Society Summer School | ASOP | £18,000 |
Total 09/10 |
£18,000 |
In addition, the Arts Council supports the Belfast Book Festival through its annual funding for the Linenhall Library.
Arts Council
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list the District Council projects or festivals that have received funding from the Arts Council in each of the last five years; and to detail the amount of funding each one received.
(AQW 2446/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure:
Arts Council funding for district councils in each of the last five years is summarised in the table below. Details of all of the Arts Council’s grants are available on the Arts Council’s website at www.artscouncil-ni.org/funding
The Department also provides funding for festivals through the Community Festivals Fund. Since April 2008, this has been delivered directly by district councils.
Councils |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Antrim |
£84,000 | £717,269 | |||
Ards |
£11,840 | £37,490 | £36,000 | ||
Armagh |
£50,000 | £140,000 | £138,550 | ||
Banbridge |
£30,003 | £16,900 | £40,000 | ||
Belfast |
£737,369 | £54,000 | £2,169,700 | £116,975 | |
Carrickfergus |
£16,425 | £21,693 | |||
Castlereagh |
£30,003 | ||||
Coleraine |
£36,200 | £22,500 | £18,100 | ||
Cookstown |
£28,000 | £90,000 | £10,000 | ||
Craigavon |
£46,383 | £66,500 | £212,250 | ||
Derry |
£18,300 | ||||
Down |
£68,000 | £92,250 | £80,125 | £600,510.25 | |
Dungannon |
£42,000 | £10,990 | £94,964 | £500,000 | |
Fermanagh |
£48,000 | £129,750 | |||
Larne |
£11,700 | £27,406 | |||
Lisburn |
£50,580 | ||||
Moyle |
£9,180 | £25,000 | |||
Magherafelt |
£18,266 | ||||
Newry and Mourne |
£49,820 | £24,240 | |||
Newtownabbey |
£11,500 | £399,056 | |||
North Down |
£22,500 | £20,000 | |||
Omagh |
£57,000 | £100,000 | £81,500 | £50,000 | |
Strabane |
£55,000 | £22,000 | £26,000 | ||
Total |
£1,256,958 | £939,635 | £2,683,895 | £467,771 | £2,375,528.25 |
NB: Total funding allocations include lottery funding.
Maritime Heritage
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his Department's strategy for preserving maritime heritage.
(AQW 2462/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure:
The Report of the Assembly’s Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee Inquiry into the need for a Museums Policy for Northern Ireland included a recommendation that the policy address the issue of how the maritime museum sector can be developed.
Departmental Officials are working with key stakeholders to develop a policy which will address the Committee’s recommendations including consideration of the development of the maritime sector. However it will be subject to the necessary funding and approvals being agreed.
Titanic Quarter
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what involvement his Department will have in the development of the Titanic Quarter; and how he will ensure that maritime heritage is integrated into this development.
(AQW 2463/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My Department is building new accommodation for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland in the Titanic Quarter. The new Record Office, which is scheduled to open to the public in May 2011, is costing £29.5m and is a major investment in the Titanic Quarter.
The development of Titanic Quarter is a cross-Departmental project.
The Executive has already announced their support for the Titanic Signature Project which will tell the story of the maritime and industrial heritage of Belfast and the wider region, focussed to a large extent around the Titanic story.
Tug-Of-War Association
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much funding his Department has allocated to the Northern Ireland Tug-Of-War Association or tug-of-war clubs in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2465/10)
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 to sports governing bodies and clubs. SNI has made no funding allocation to Tug-of-War Clubs in the last five financial years. However, SNI allocated £18,000, under its Athlete Support Programme, to the Northern Ireland Tug-of-War Association in 2004/05 to support the development of talented athletes within the sport.
Ely Estate Trustees
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (i) his Department's responsibilities in relation to the jetty and car-park adjacent to Lough Melvin at Loughside Road, Garrison, County Fermanagh; and (ii) how he plans to assist the Ely estate trustees in upgrading these amenities, and providing a launch facility for disabled people.
(AQW 2538/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure:
DCAL has sold its interests in the car park at Lough Melvin to Fermanagh District Council and no longer has any responsibility for this amenity.
Lough Melvin is not part of the Public Angling Estate and is a private fishery. The upgrading of the amenities and the provision of a launch facility for disabled people is a matter for Fermanagh District Council and Ely Estate Trustees as owners of the property.
Regional Stadium Developments
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) how much funding will be invested in meeting the strategic stadia requirements of (a) gaelic games; (b) rugby; (c) soccer; and (ii) when the economic appraisal undertaken by FGS McClure Watters on regional stadium developments will be completed; and what are the next steps.
(AQW 2729/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: On 26 June 2009 when my predecessor took his recommendations on progressing stadium development to the Northern Ireland Executive it was noted that the indicative funding package from Government was £110m. The final funding package would be determined following consideration of the Outline Business Case and would be subject to normal budgetary processes. The allocation of funding to the individual Governing Bodies cannot be determined until the outcome of the Outline Business Case is known and has been fully considered. The Outline Business Case is expected to be available to my Department by 27 November 2009 and will subsequently require full consideration of its analysis and recommendations. This will include referral to the Department of Finance and Personnel and ultimately to the Executive.
Department of Education
Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt
Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Education (i) to provide an update on the rebuilding of the Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt; (ii) what funding has been secured; (iii) when the work is due to commence; and (iv) what is the estimated date of completion.
(AQW 2430/10)
Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane ):
A new school for Rainey Endowed was to be provided via the PPP procurement route. The Department reviewed its use of PPP to take account of recent changes in the financial markets and the view was that an affordable, value for money solution to Rainey’s accommodation needs was unlikely to be achieved through the use of PPP procurement in the current financial climate. It was therefore decided that it would be taken forward under a conventionally funded procurement route.
Tá sé an-tábhachtach go bhfuil an t-infheistiú san eastát oideachais i gcomhréir leis agus mar thacaíocht ag an chreat beartais a bhfuil á chur i bhfeidhm agam. Lárnach den bheartas seo atá Gach Scoil ina Scoil Mhaith, an Curaclam Athbhreithnithe, Scoileanna Inbhuanaithe, Aistriú 2010, An tAthbhreithniú ar an Ghaelscolaíocht agus an Creat Teidlíochta. De réir mar a thagann forbairt ar phleanáil de réir ceantair, beidh na polasaithe seo mar stiúradh ag athstruchtúrú an eastáit agus na pleananna infheistithe a éireoidh as sin.
It is critically important that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place. At the heart of this are Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Sustainable Schools, Transfer 2010, Irish Medium Review and the Entitlement Framework. As area based planning develops these policies will drive the reshaping of our estate and the consequential investment plans. As Minister for Education I need to ensure that the substantial resources we are now investing produce the best outcomes for children and value for the taxpayer. I have commissioned therefore a review of current projects to validate that all are consistent with the policy framework and hence will be viable and sustainable in the long term. It is anticipated that this review will be completed in the near future.
Peripatetic Tutors
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 1635/10, which states that a breakdown by language is not readily available, to provide an estimate of (i) how much was paid in 2008/09 under the Languages Scheme to Peripatetic tutors in primary schools, in (a) Irish; (b) Spanish; and (c) Polish; and (ii) how much money is allocated to Peripatetic teachers for 2009/10 in (a) Irish; (b) Spanish; and (c) Polish.
(AQW 2533/10)
Minister of Education:
Níl an t-eolas le fáil san fhormáid a iarradh faoi láthair. D’iarr mé ar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt, a bhainistigh Clár na dTeangacha Bunscoile, an t-eolas a sholáthar, áfach. Dá bhrí sin, scríobhfaidh mé chugat, in am trátha, nuair atá an t-eolas le fáil.
The information is currently not available in the format requested. However, I have asked the South Eastern Education and Library Board who manage the Primary Language Programme to provide the information. I will, therefore, write to you in due course when the information is available.
Schools in North Down
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education what schools she has visited in North Down in the last year.
(AQW 2559/10)
Minister of Education:
I limistéar Dhún Thuaidh, thug mé cuairt ar Sullivan Upper School in Ard Mhic Nasca sa bhliain a chuaigh thart.
In North Down, in the last year I have visited Sullivan Upper School in Holywood.
Newly Qualified Teachers
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in assisting newly qualified teachers to gain full time teaching posts in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 2612/10)
Minister of Education:
Spreag an Roinn fostóirí chun tosaíocht a thabhairt do mhúinteoirí nua-cháilithe agus múinteoirí cleachta neamhscortha nuair a thagann folúntais do phostanna múinteora chun cinn. Ina theannta sin, thug an Roinn comhairle d’fhostóirí nár chóir dóibh múinteoirí scortha a athfhostú ach nuair nach bhfuil múinteoirí nua-cháilithe agus múinteoirí cleachta neamhscortha le fáil.
The Department has exhorted employers to give preference to newly qualified teachers (NQTs) and experienced non-retired teachers when vacancies in teaching posts arise. The Department has also advised employers that retired teachers should only be re-employed to provide short-term cover where NQTs or experienced non-retired teachers are unavailable.
In addition the capping of the levels of the central reimbursement of the costs of substitute cover also provides an incentive for schools to employ NQTs as substitutes.
The Department has also reduced the overall intakes to initial teacher education courses from 880 in the 2004/05 academic year to 643 in the current academic year (a reduction of nearly 27%).
Building Contract for Balmoral High School
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education, in relation to the building of Balmoral High School under the Public Finance Initiative contract, to detail (i) the cost of the build; (ii) how much has been paid to Northwin Construction to date; (iii) how much is left to pay Northwin Construction; and (iv) how many years are left on this contract.
(AQW 2634/10)
Minister of Education: Ba é costas caipitil thógáil na scoile ná £7.4m. Níor íocadh méid caipitil le Northwin Construction cionn is gur íocadh costas caipitil an tionscadail ar fad trí bheart talaimh bharrachais ar aontaigh Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne Bhéal Feirste le hoibreoir na Comhpháirtíochta Príobháidí Poiblí.
The capital cost of the school build was £7.4m. No capital amount was paid to Northwin Construction as the capital cost of the project was paid in full through a surplus land deal agreed between BELB and the PPP Operator. Northwin Ltd has been paid £3.0m in relation to the services element of the Unitary Payment to date and there is £7.8m left to pay on the remainder of the contract. There are 17 years left to run on the contract.
Allegations of Child Abuse
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 1580/10, how many allegations of child abuse have been presented to Boards of Governors in each of the last ten years.
(AQW 2641/10)
Minister of Education:
Leag mé amach go hiomlán mo sheasamh maidir le heolas ar líomhaintí faoi mhí-úsáid páistí i mo fhreagra ar AQW 1580/10.
I have set out the position fully in respect of information about allegations of child abuse in my answer to AQW 1580/10.
Dismissal Notices
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education if she can confirm that it is not departmental policy to issue dismissal notices to employees who are on long-term sick leave due to cancer treatment.
(AQW 2657/10)
Minister of Education: Gníomhaíonn an Roinn de réir Bheartas Neamhéifeachtachta na Státseirbhíse a cheadaíonn dífhostú ar fhoras neamhéifeachtachta a éiríonn as baill foirne a bhfuil freastal míshásúil acu agus atá neamhláithreach de bharr tinnis fhadtéarma ar chúis ar bith.
DE acts in accordance with the Civil Service Inefficiency policy which permits dismissal on grounds of inefficiency arising from the unsatisfactory attendance of staff who are on long term sickness absence for any reason.
EU Directives
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education how many EU Directives her Department has (i) received; and (ii) implemented in each of the last three years.
(AQW 2661/10)
Minister of Education: Ní bhfuair an Roinn Oideachais aon treoir ar bith ón Aontas Eorpach agus ní raibh uirthi treoir ar bith ón Aontas Eorpach a chur i bhfeidhm sna trí bliana a chuaigh thart.
The Department of Education has not received or been required to implement any EU Directives in the last three years.
Positive Mental Health in Young Children
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education what programmes are available for primary schools to promote positive mental health in young children.
(AQW 2675/10)
Minister of Education: I believe strongly in promoting positive mental health for all our children and young people and that schools have a unique place in this task.
The revised curriculum, which is now in place in all year groups in all grant aided schools, has a very clear focus on raising standards in literacy and numeracy and on delivering a broad and balanced education that can stimulate and excite all young people. It has a very clear focus on developing skills as well as knowledge – including the skills that young people need to make healthy choices, to build self-confidence and self-esteem and to build constructive relationships.
Tá Forbairt Phearsanta ina cuid lárnach den churaclam athbhreithnithe, ón leibhéal bunscoile ar aghaidh. Tugann sí tacaíocht do dhaoine óga chun tuiscint níos fearr a bhaint amach ar fhadhbanna sláinte meabhracha, lena n-áirítear cúiseanna, galarchosc, agus forbairt straitéisí le déileáil leis na fadhbanna a bheidh acu, nó ag daoine a bhfuil aithne acu orthu, le linn a gcuid saolta.
Personal Development is an integral part of the revised curriculum, from primary level onwards. It supports our young people in better understanding mental health problems, including causes, prevention, and developing strategies to deal with any problems they, or someone they know, experience throughout their lives.
My Department is also in the process of developing a Pupils’ Emotional Health and Wellbeing Programme, initially to focus on the post primary sector. The Programme will address how a pupil’s emotional health and wellbeing is promoted by the school, both through the curriculum and all other school activity, what support systems are available to support a pupil under stress and what support is available to a school in the event of a crisis.
The outcomes from this work are expected during 2010 and it is intended that much of the Programme will be capable of being implemented directly within the primary and special sectors.
New Build for Dean Maguire College
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education (i) when the revised business case for the new build for Dean Maguire College will be completed; and (ii) to provide information and approximate timescales on the next stages of the project.
(AQW 2764/10)
Minister of Education: Tá obair ar an bhreithmheas eacnamaíochta ag dul ar aghaidh ach ní féidir í a chur i gcrích roimh thoradh an athbhreithnithe bhreithiúnaigh i dtaca le cinneadh na seirbhíse pleanála ar thoiliú a thabhairt don scoil nua ar an suíomh scoile reatha sínte, mar is é seo ceann de na roghanna a breithníodh sa bhreithmheas eacnamaíochta. Dá bhrí sin, ní féidir liom amscála a thabhairt maidir le dul chun cinn na scéime seo faoi láthair.
Work on the Economic Appraisal (EA) is on-going but cannot be completed pending the outcome of the recent Judicial Review in relation to the planning service decision to grant consent for the new school on the current, extended school site, as this is one of the options examined in the EA. I cannot therefore provide an indicative timescale for the progression of this scheme at this time.
Department for Employment and Learning
‘Step Ahead’ Initiative
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many places will be available on the ‘Step Ahead’ initiative this year, broken down by constituency.
(AQW 2230/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey):
The ‘Step Ahead’ initiative will provide a maximum of 1,000 temporary waged jobs within the Voluntary/Community sector at any one time. The allocation of Step Ahead job opportunities funded through the Steps to Work programme is by Steps to Work contract areas. Information on places available on the Step Ahead initiative broken down by constituency is not maintained.
The allocation of Step Ahead places within each contract area is as follows:
|
Contract Area |
Places |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Western | 120 |
| 2. | Foyle * | 100 |
| 3. | North West | 85 |
| 4. | Antrim | 110 |
| 5. | Southern | 130 |
| 6. | South Eastern | 100 |
| 7. | North Down | 55 |
| 8. | East & South Belfast | 95 |
| 9. | West Belfast | 115 |
| 10. | North Belfast | 90 |
| Total | 1000 |
* Delivered through the New Deal programme.
I have attached a map showing the areas covered by the 10 contracts.
Allegations of Harassment or Bullying
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many allegations of harassment or bullying have been reported by staff in his Department in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2292/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
The number of allegations of harassment and bullying which have been reported by staff in the Department for Employment and Learning in each of the last five years is set out in the table below:
Year
|
Number of reported allegations of bullying and harassment |
|---|---|
2004
|
1 |
2005
|
4 |
2006
|
2 |
2007
|
1 |
2008
|
2 |
Transfer of Functions to Local Government
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the cost to his Department of the transfer of functions to Local Government as part of the Review of Public Administration.
(AQW 2355/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
There was no cost to my Department for the transfer of functions to Local Government as part of the Review of Public Administration.
Steps to Work Programme
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what percentage of participants have successfully gained employment in the County Antrim area under Step 2 of the Steps to Work programme.
(AQW 2368/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
Early indications are that 6.5% of participants within the Co Antrim area have moved directly from Step 2 of the programme into employment in the period from 29 September 2008 to 31 October 2009.
This figure is provisional and as such is subject to change following Departmental validation, however, given the bedding-in period of the new programme this figure is expected to rise over the longer term.
Steps to Work Programme
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what percentage of participants have successfully gained qualifications as a result of their participation in Step 2 of the Steps to Work programme in the County Antrim area.
(AQW 2370/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
Steps to Work is an employment programme. Qualifications may be undertaken where it is likely to assist an individual to access work. At 31 October 2009, of those participants who undertook a qualification within Step 2 provision of the Steps to Work programme in the County Antrim area, 30% successfully gained qualifications. This figure covers those who left the programme during the period 28 September 2008 to 31 May 2009 and is subject to revision as some results from qualification Awarding Bodies may still be pending.
Medical Student Education
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the funding universities received for medical student education (i) in the financial year 2008/09 ; (ii) in the financial year 2009/10; and to detail how this money is allocated and used.
(AQW 2405/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
Grant allocations to the Northern Ireland universities are made on an Academic Year basis. Translated into Financial Year terms the allocations for medical student education at the Queen’s University of Belfast (QUB), made through my Department, are :
Financial Year 2008/09 - £15,000,375
Financial Year 2009/10 - £16,421,659
This funding is allocated by my Department to Queen’s University Belfast specifically for the purpose of medical student education. The rate of funding per student is calculated in accordance with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) funding model. This recognises the higher costs associated with medical training compared to other disciplines.
The University of Ulster does not provide medical student education.
Apprenticeships
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many students from the Strangford constituency have enrolled in an apprenticeship in the last five years.
(AQW 2460/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
The Department has supported 1264 apprentices in the Strangford area in the last five years. Although these apprentices reside within the Strangford area, they may or may not have enrolled with Training Providers in the Strangford area and may or may not be employed by companies in the Strangford area.
Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when the report 'Economic, Labour Market and Skills Impacts of Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland' will be published; and if his Department plans to change current policy and practice in light of the findings of this research.
(AQW 2479/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
The report will be published in December and placed on the Departmental website. The amount of data gathered has been substantial and the Department will now be considering the policy implications arising from the findings.
Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when the report by the Institute for Conflict Research on the 'Experiences of Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland' will be published; and if his Department plans to change current policy and practice in light of the findings of this research.
(AQW 2480/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
The report will be published in December and placed on the Departmental website. The amount of data gathered has been substantial and the Department will now be considering the policy implications arising from the findings.
Apprenticeships
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much apprentices are paid weekly.
(AQW 2521/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
Under current National Minimum Wage Regulations, employers are exempt from paying apprentices the minimum wage until the age of 19. Further, if apprentices begin their apprenticeship at the age of 19 they are also exempt from National Minimum Wage regulations for their first year. However, employers participating in the ApprenticeshipsNI Programme are encouraged to pay an apprentice a wage commensurate with the industry rate for the job.
Apprentices who are participating in the Programme-Led Apprenticeships Programme are paid a non means tested Education Maintenance Allowance of £40 per week.
Adults with Autism
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline how his Department is assisting adults with autism to find suitable employment.
(AQW 2522/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
The Department for Employment and Learning has a range of programmes and services to assist people with disabilities, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, find and keep suitable employment.
The Department runs the Pathways to Work programme to help people with health conditions and disabilities including those with Autistic Syndrome Disorder. The programme is delivered by specially trained Advisers who help new claimants on Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance consider work options and provide help and support to seek and obtain work. This programme is open on a voluntary basis to those already in receipt of Incapacity Benefit. Pathways to Work eligible customers may also volunteer to participate in the Steps to Work Programme.
The Department’s Disablement Advisory Service provides a range of employment programmes to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder. These include Access to Work (NI), Workable (NI), New Deal for Disabled People, Job Introduction Scheme, Work Preparation Programme and Condition Management Programme.
The particular programme that is appropriate for each individual is discussed and agreed with a Pathways Personal Adviser based in local Jobs and Benefits Offices/Jobcentres across Northern Ireland.
Construction Industry
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps his Department has taken to assist workers in the construction industry who have lost their job as a result of the economic downturn.
(AQW 2536/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
A comprehensive range of services is available through my Department’s network of 35 Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres and through contracted Providers to help the unemployed find work including those in the construction industry. The services include mandatory work-focused interviews; action planning for certain clients and measures designed to improve the job prospects for those who have become unemployed. A range of additional measure has been introduced to address the specific needs of construction workers. These are:
- those who have lost their job from within the construction industry may immediately avail of any Step One provision within the Steps to Work Programme, such as up-dating their Curriculum Vitae or improving interview or jobsearch skills;
- workers who have been out of the labour market for 13 weeks or more may avail of Step 2 provision, such as undertaking a new qualification or retraining in a new occupational area. The participant may enter at an earlier stage, at the Adviser’s discretion, for example if there is a positive prospect of a job outcome;
- contingency arrangements are in place for apprentices within priority sectors including construction who have been made redundant to give them the opportunity to continue their apprenticeship training through government programmes such as Steps to Work, Programme-Led Apprenticeships intervention (16 – 17 year olds) or indeed through fostering arrangements with another employer. All referrals to alternative provision are made through the Department’s Careers Service ensuring that appropriate and adequate careers advice has been given.
Criteria for Further Education ‘Home Fees’
Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if his Department plans to change the criteria for further education ‘Home Fees’ to allow those on a dependent visa or who have resided in Northern Ireland for a specific period to avail.
(AQW 2543/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
My Department has no plans to change the eligibility criteria for students enrolling in further education.
In all circumstances individuals, including those on a dependent visa, must be settled in the United Kingdom (or its islands and dependent territories), the European Economic Area, European Union overseas territories and/or Switzerland for the three years preceding the first day of the course.
Attracting Foreign Students to Further Education Colleges and Universities
Dr S Farry asked the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) for his assessment of the potential to attract greater numbers of foreign students, particulary from the Persian Gulf and South East Asia, to Further Education Colleges and universities here; and (ii) what action his Department is taking on this.
(AQW 2580/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
My Department recognises the importance of the internationalisation of higher and further education and the potential to attract international students to Northern Ireland. In partnership with the British Council and in consultation with higher and further education providers in Northern Ireland, the Department has developed a specific and tailored international promotional campaign entitled ‘Choose Northern Ireland’. This campaign endeavours to build alliances, identify potential target countries for marketing purposes and ultimately attract and increase the number of international students coming to study in further and higher education in Northern Ireland.
My Department is also currently developing a Higher Education Strategy. Internationalisation will form a fundamental aspect of the Strategy.
Further and higher education institutions also place significant emphasis on internationalisation and have dedicated international offices and teams to advance student recruitment and institutional collaborative opportunities. Our institutions recognise the Gulf States and South East Asia as new and developing markets.
The University of Ulster currently has 15 students from the Gulf States (plus 214 Ulster students based in Saudi); and 3 students from South East Asia.
Students from South East Asian countries combine to form one of the largest student cohorts at Queen’s University, with the largest group from Malaysia (140), followed by Brunei (46). Smaller numbers come from Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. The number of students from the Gulf States is growing, in what is a highly competitive market.
In addition, there are a total of 79 South East Asian students and one from the Persian Gulf region studying at the six Further Education colleges.
All-Ireland Skills
Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, following the All-Ireland Skills Conference in Letterkenny in October 2008, to outline his Department’s strategy for the development of all-Ireland skills.
(AQW 2694/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning:
My Department, through its Innovation Fund, is encouraging Further Education Colleges to develop north-south links. A specific aim of this Fund is to improve cross-border collaboration.
The Department has also been involved in producing a number of publications in relation to all-Ireland skills including the ‘All-Island Skills Study’ in October 2008 and ‘Management Matters in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland’ in March 2009.
Since the 2008 Skills Conference my Department has given its support to twelve major, strategically important cross-border Research and Development collaborations. The total investment in the research base at Queen’s University and the University of Ulster is £17.2m to March 2011, including an investment of circa £11.8m to create approximately 120 new research/technician posts.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Energy Prices
Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action she has taken to assist the private sector in dealing with the increase in energy prices.
(AQW 1967/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster):
I am acutely aware of industry concerns about the rising costs of electricity as a result of increased Public Service Obligation and network costs, however my Department has very little scope to intervene in such matters, which are the primary responsibility of the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR).
My officials will continue to work alongside the Utility Regulator to ensure longer-term strategic benefits for all energy customers, including businesses, for example, through the operation of the Single Electricity Market and the planned NIAUR review of the long term power generation contracts in Northern Ireland. Businesses may obtain support on energy efficiency and energy saving measures through the Carbon Trust, funded by Invest NI.
The Department’s recent Strategic Energy Framework (SEF) consultation proposes a target of 40% renewable electricity generation by 2020, which, if adopted could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and their associated price volatility, and lead to downward pressure on electricity generation costs over the longer term.
Review of the Contribution of Taxis to Tourism
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she will set up a review on the contribution of taxis to the tourism package in Belfast, to ensure that the quality of service and vehicles is of an acceptable standard.
(AQW 2361/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Existing public service vehicle legislation already ensures that vehicles used as taxis provide a minimum level of comfort and service to fare paying passengers. The Taxis Act (NI) 2008 provides the Department of the Environment with new powers to require taxi drivers to undertake further vocational training. This training may cover issues such as customer care and disability awareness.
Via a process of stakeholder engagement and brand implementation, taxi drivers have been identified as having the potential to influence the visitor experience in relation to their stay in Northern Ireland. They are often the first point of contact for visitors and provide invaluable insights to inform visitor experiences.
In recent years, Northern Ireland has seen a significant increase in the number of people choosing to explore Northern Ireland by taxi as travel patterns move from packaged travel to more independent means. A taxi driver pilot product knowledge project was developed and delivered this year which identified and filled a gap in tourism training provision for taxi drivers in relation to customers and product knowledge. A DVD and booklet were produced and distributed to taxi depots throughout Belfast. A booklet called 16 steps to becoming visitor inspired supports this programme and can be found on the www.nitb.com/visitorinspired
Interreg IV Funding
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the reasons for the delay in cross-border groups receiving Interreg IV funding through her Department, despite these groups having received indicative letters of offer and having submitted their multi-annual plans 15 months ago.
(AQW 2478/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is the managing authority for the INTERREG IVA Programme and the Department of Finance and Personnel is the Northern Ireland sponsor Department for SEUPB. DETI is the NI Accountable Department for the Enterprise and Tourism themes. Only when SEUPB is satisfied that projects represent value for money do they present them to Accountable Departments in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for final consideration and approval.
To date, just 4 of the 40 or so enterprise/tourism multi-annual plan projects have been submitted to DETI by SEUPB. In all cases these have been reviewed promptly and are currently with SEUPB or the applicant for further information.
We understand from DFP that the processing of Multi Annual Plan projects by SEUPB had been frustrated by the lack of project detail provided by applicants but that guidance has now issued to clarify the requirements and good progress is being made.
My Department is committed to continued engagement with SEUPB and the cross-border groups to expedite projects through the assessment process. On 9 November I met with representatives from the East Border Region partnership to reinforce this point and highlight DETI’s role in what is essentially an SEUPB-led process. My officials have subsequently written to each of the cross-border groups offering to meet with promoters whose projects have not yet been presented to DETI but where our early involvement may help avoid further delays down the line.
Hotel Occupancy Rates
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail hotel occupancy rates, by (i) month; and (ii)constituency in each of the last two years.
(AQW 2506/10)
- Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The information sought was provided on 20 October 2009 in response to AQW No: 1256/10.
- The NITB does not record hotel occupancy rates by Parliamentary Constituency.
Hotel Beds
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of hotel beds available, by constituency in the each of the last five years.
(AQW 2507/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The number of hotel beds available in Northern Ireland is not recorded by parliamentary constituency; however, the number of hotel beds available by local council area for the last five years is presented in Table 1. The number of hotel beds available across Northern Ireland increased by 18% between 2004 and 2008.
NI Tourist Board - Funding
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much funding has been allocated to each of the NI Tourist Board's five signature projects to date; and how much has been committed for future spend.
(AQW 2526/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The table below summarises the current funding allocations and future commitments:
| Signature Project | Current Allocation £m |
Current Commitments £m |
|---|---|---|
| Titanic & Maritime Heritage Signature Project | 36.95 |
36.95 |
| The Causeway Coast & Glens Signature Project | 12.05 |
0.45 |
| The Walled City Signature Project | 9.1 |
6.0 |
| The Mournes Signature Project | 2.2 |
0 |
| St. Patrick & Christian Heritage Signature Project | 2.3 |
0.191 |
Funding for Destination Fermanagh
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much funding has been allocated to Destination Fermanagh to date; and how much has been committed for future spend.
(AQW 2527/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment:
To date the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has contributed £41,000 and Fermanagh District Council has contributed £35,000 towards the development of "Destination Fermanagh: The Vision for Tourism 2006 – 2016" Strategy. NITB has been concerned with the lack of progress taking forward Destination Fermanagh since the launch in 2006.
In an attempt to rejuvenate this plan, NITB organised and facilitated two workshops during 2008 with key public and private sector stakeholders in the County to discuss tourism performance and to gain insight and feedback regarding issues the industry are facing and seek innovative solutions to increase revenue potential and visitor numbers. A further seminar was organised by NITB to look at international best practice in destination management organisations.
Since then, NITB has been actively engaged in the Steering Group that is driving how the strategy can be moved forward. Whilst no commitment for future funding has been agreed, NITB will consider more proactively projects identified within this strategic context.
A number of applications under the Tourism Innovation Fund have been progressed to Economic Appraisal stage as part of the Destination Fermanagh Strategy. NITB also provided financial assistance of £194,997 towards the Inniskillings Regimental Museum and £50,000 towards the Medieval Maguire’s County Museum as part of the Enniskillen Castle Refurbishment project.
Caravan Tourists
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many caravan tourists have visited Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and what was the average length of their stay.
(AQW 2554/10)
- Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: In 2008 215,000 visitors and domestic tourists stayed in caravans in Northern Ireland and their average length of stay was 3.2 nights.
- In 2007 284,000 visitors and domestic tourists stayed in caravans in Northern Ireland and their average length of stay was 2.9 nights.
- In 2006 304,000 visitors and domestic tourists stayed in caravans in Northern Ireland and their average length of stay was 3.1 nights.
Due to changes in methodologies in the measurement of domestic tourism, comparable data are not available for 2004 and 2005.The above figures should be treated with caution due to small sample sizes for visitors and domestic tourists staying in caravans in Northern Ireland.
Atlas Communications Point-of-Presence in Newry
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. in relation to Atlas Communications point-of-presence in Newry if (i) the quality and range of services and pricing will be identical to those at the mandatory points-of-presence on the Kelvin network: and (ii) when the points-of-presence will be completed, given that the other point-of-presence are due to 'go live' in March 2010 and that any delay is likely to impact on investment decisions currently being made.
(AQW 2730/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment:
The Atlas Communications Point of Presence (POP) represents a private sector investment separate from the infrastructure being provided under the Project Kelvin contract with Hibernia Atlantic. I am not in a position to provide information on the quality, range or pricing of the services the company will provide.
However, in order to promote competition the terms of the Kelvin contract are such that any Telecomms company can access the broadband products specified in the contract. Atlas Communications would therefore be in a position to offer those products specified as well as its own range of products and services. As regards pricing, Atlas will be in competition with Hibernia (and other telecoms companies) for business in Newry and indeed any other location.
Atlas Communications’ announcement on 2 October 2009 indicated that its new POP would be completed within 12 months. However once the direct international link is operational any business at any location in Northern Ireland will be able to access the services; access in Newry will not be dependent on having the Atlas POP in place.
Department of the Environment
Mournes National Park
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of the Environment, in relation to the proposal for a Mournes National Park (i) when the proposal was first put forward under devolution; (ii) how many public consultations have taken place; (iii) how many reports have been produced by his Department; and (iv) what is the current status of the proposal.
(AQW 2257/10)
(i) Minister of the Environment (Mr E Poots): The then Minister of the Environment, Dermot Nesbitt, announced the proposal on 25 September 2002.
(ii) The DoE carried out a consultation on its discussion paper entitled "National Parks and other Protected Landscape Areas between October 2004 and January 2005. The Mourne National Park Working Party undertook a public consultation between September 2006 and January 2007 on boundary proposals.
(iii) There have been seven reports produced by the Departmen
(iv) I am keen to progress new national parks enabling legislation which would pave the way for the establishment of one or more national park in Northern Ireland. I plan to present an emerging findings paper on this issue to the Executive shortly. This will build upon the ideas which were outlined to the Executive by my predecessor, Sammy Wilson, before the recess. The enabling legislation will set out the purpose and aims of a national park, including an aim concerning the promotion of communities’ economic and social development.
The proposals will also cover criteria for identifying potential national parks, management and funding arrangements, statutory duties and powers, and a clear and rational process by which parks would be designated. Until such times as enabling legislation is in place, I have no plans for any particular area for designation as a national park.
Clean-up of Bonfires
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the cost of the clean-up of bonfires on council-owned property in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2396/10)
Minister of the Environment: The expenditure incurred by each district council in the cleaning up of bonfires on council owned property in the last five years is set out in the table below.
Council |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antrim | *1,995 |
*1,995 |
*1,995 |
*1,995 |
*1,995 |
| Ards | 6,198 |
17,059 |
7,313 |
12,482 |
10,946 |
| Armagh | *10,000 |
*10,000 |
*10,000 |
*10,000 |
*10,000 |
| Ballymena | 3,107 |
2,396 |
699 |
1,920 |
10,290 |
| Ballymoney | *3,750 |
*4,300 |
4,802 |
6,160 |
6,997 |
| Banbridge | *1,000 |
*1,000 |
*1,000 |
*1,000 |
*1,000 |
| Belfast | 20,755 |
11,535 |
21,495 |
16,969 |
17,485 |
| Carrickfergus | *500 |
*500 |
*500 |
*1,000 |
*1,000 |
| Castlereagh | 8,174 |
7,298 |
8,006 |
10,271 |
13,448 |
| Coleraine | *400 |
*380 |
*450 |
*470 |
*500 |
| Cookstown | *7,200 |
*7,400 |
*6,200 |
*6,450 |
6,800 |
| Craigavon | 2,426 |
4,128 |
2,630 |
4,351 |
3,743 |
| Derry | *6,000 |
*6,000 |
3,113 |
8,984 |
7,974 |
| Down | *2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
| Dungannon & S Tyrone | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Fermanagh | *4,000 |
4,672 |
2,789 |
3,840 |
1,641 |
| Larne | 8,009 |
9,093 |
11,501 |
9,604 |
9,151 |
| Limavady | *2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
| Lisburn | 5,884 |
6,846 |
3,100 |
11,235 |
9,270 |
| Magherafelt | *3,250 |
*3,400 |
*3,550 |
*3,700 |
*3,900 |
| Moyle | *2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
| Newry & Mourne | *20,000 |
*20,000 |
*20,000 |
*20,000 |
*20,000 |
| Newtownabbey | *15,000 |
15,453 |
1,551 |
1,759 |
1,736 |
| North Down | *1,100 |
1,759 |
1,499 |
1,961 |
2,234 |
| Omagh | *1,100 |
1,100 |
1,260 |
2,400 |
2,300 |
| Strabane | *2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
*2,000 |
| TOTAL | 137,848 |
144,314 |
121,453 |
144,551 |
150,410 |
*estimate
Public Sector Jobs in West Tyrone
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number, the location, the grade and the posts within his Department currently located in (a) the Omagh District; and (b) the Strabane District; and to outline his Department's plans to increase the number of public sector jobs in West Tyrone.
(AQW 2437/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Department does not have any posts located in Strabane. The following posts are in Omagh.
DVA Testing – Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh |
|
|---|---|
| TG1 Vehicle Inspectors | 10 |
| PTO Driving Examiners | 3 |
| Administrative Officers | 5 |
| TG1 Driving Examiners | 4 |
| Total | 22 |
Planning Service – County Hall, Omagh |
|
|---|---|
| Divisional Planning Officer G6 | 1 |
| PPTO | 4 |
| SPTO | 9 |
| HPTO | 23 |
| PTO | 18 |
| Casual PTO | 1 |
| Typist | 1 |
| SG Band 2 | 2 |
| AA | 10 |
| AO | 14 |
| EO11 | 3 |
| EO1 | 2 |
| SO | 2 |
| Total | 90 |
The Department has no plans to increase the number of posts within West Tyrone.
Disqualified Drivers
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment, following the agreement reached between Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland concerning disqualified drivers, if a similar agreement will be made with other EU states, in particular with those member states which have communities living in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 2454/10)
Minister of the Environment: There are currently no plans for the UK to make a similar agreement with any other EU member state.
Community Planning
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 2082/10, if he will make a statement to the Assembly outlining his vision for community planning.
(AQW 2512/10)
Minister of the Environment: Improving our public services and making a difference to the people who use these services are among the most important challenges for the Northern Ireland Executive, local government, other public bodies, and voluntary and community groups in Northern Ireland. The local government reform programme is designed to create stronger, more dynamic local government with public services that are in a position to respond better to the needs of communities. The Community Planning process will provide the structure and support to do this.
Effective engagement with the full range of organisations operating in a council area and the community will be central to Community Planning. Councillors and councils are best placed to forge these partnerships to guide the future development of their district and respond to local concerns.
Successful Community Planning will improve the connection between regional, local and neighbourhood levels but no organisation alone can solve the problems or exploit the opportunities that exist in an area - this can only be achieved by working together. It will require commitment from all partners, not just through agreement to a strategic vision, but through practical collaborative working.
I recognise that working through the partnerships, and developing new approaches for engaging effectively with the community, will not happen overnight. Bringing together a range of diverse agencies with different but complementary missions to develop a shared vision for the promotion of an area's well-being will not be without challenges, particularly in the short term.
There will be a need for changes to culture, behaviours and attitudes to achieve genuine community focus. I am however, confident that councils and the other organisations involved in the community planning process will rise to these challenges leading to more cohesive service delivery.
Community Planning will also provide the framework to bring together those partnership arrangements that are already established. This will be in a way that will help new and perhaps increased opportunities to deliver services in a more cohesive way.
My overriding priority is to put in place arrangements that ensure that all our citizens see improved outcomes on issues that affect them and the communities in which they live.
Funds Transferred to Local Councils
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of the Environment what plans his Department has to introduce legislation to ensure that funds transferred to local councils as part of the Review of Public Administration will be protected and equality proofed, rather than Councils using budgets without due regard to objective need and deprivation.
(AQW 2516/10)
Minister of the Environment: The methods used to transfer funding to local government will be a matter for the individual Ministers and the Executive. As part of the normal process, policies are screened and where it is considered necessary, are subjected to a range of impact assessments including those for rural and equality proofing. This process will be no different.
GM Crops
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment in the light of the decision of the Irish government to ban the growing of GM crops, if he would introduce similar measures to make the island of Ireland GM free.
(AQW 2525/10)
Minister of the Environment: I have no plans to ban the growing of GM crops in Northern Ireland.
Planning Applications
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the top five planning applications that have received most objections in the past five years.
(AQW 2555/10)
Minister of the Environment: The five planning applications received by my Department in the past five years with most objections are as follows:
Applicant Name and Reference |
Proposal |
Location |
Total Objections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose Energy(S/2008/0630/F) | Biomass fuelled power plant | Land approx. 190m south west of 29 Ballyvannon Road and 30m north east of 21 Ballyvannon Road, Glenavy, Crumlin, Co.Antrim | 6733 |
| Mrs V Stewart(R/2004/1897/F) | Housing development and extension to nursing home, pedestrian access and sewer connection to Strangford View. (Amended Scheme) | 8 Downpatrick Road, Corporation, Killyleagh, Northern Ireland, BT30 9RG | 2421 |
| B Mullan & Sons Ltd.(C/2009/0143/F) | Proposed development of a non-hazardous landfill site including associated landfill infrastructure of leachate treatment and storage, gas collection and flaring, waste inspection area, plant shed and administration facilities. | 500m north of 19 Cam Road, Macosquin, Co. Londonderry | 1945 |
| T O'Connell And Sons(C/2007/1136/F) | Development and operation of an inert landfill facility | 31 Belraugh Road, Belraugh, Ringsend, Garvagh, BT51 5HB | 1944 |
| Belfast City Airport Ltd.(Z/2008/2306/F) | Proposed runway extension by 590m at North-East end of existing runway and retraction by 120m at South-West end of existing runway, associated landing lights and ancillary works | George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast | 1471 |
This table relates to applications received between 01/04/2004 and 31/10/2009.
Wolves and Beavers in Northern Ireland
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if he is aware of any plans to introduce wolves and beavers into Northern Ireland as has been done in Scotland.
(AQW 2566/10)
Minister of the Environment: I have no plans to introduce wolves or beavers into Northern Ireland.
Chicken Waste Plant at Glenavy
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an update on (i) the planning application for a chicken waste plant at Glenavy; and (ii) the request by Rose Energy for public money for these proposals.
(AQW 2575/10)
Minister of the Environment: (i) The planning application, accompanied by an Environmental Statement, for a biomass fuelled power plant at Ballyvannon Road, Glenavy was submitted to Planning Service on 4 June 2008. Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 was applied to the proposal on 23 September 2008, designating the proposal as a major application.
Following initial consideration of the power plant application, additional environmental information was requested on 11 February 2009 as an Addendum to the Environmental Statement. The Addendum was submitted to Planning Service on 12 June 2009. At the same time Rose Energy also submitted a new separate planning application for the abstraction of water directly from Lough Neagh. The new application for water abstraction is accompanied by an Environmental Statement. The water abstraction application was designated Article 31 on 11 August 2009 and is being processed in tandem with the power plant planning application.
On 28 August 2009 Rose Energy submitted a further addendum to the Environmental Statement accompanying the power plant application. The addendum comprises an amended Noise Assessment and was submitted voluntarily by Rose Energy. Consultations on the addendum were issued to the relevant consultees on 1 September 2009. Neighbour re-notification in respect of the addendum issued on 7 September 2009 and advertisement in the Lisburn newspapers took place on 9, 10 and 11 September 2009. Advertisement of the addendum in the Antrim newspapers and in the three daily newspapers took place on 7, 8 and 9 October 2009. In accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, the public had 4 weeks from the date of advertisement to submit representations regarding the environmental effects of the proposals. The 4 week period ended on 6 November 2009.
A number of detailed and technical objection reports were submitted to Planning Service, on behalf of local objectors and Communities Against Lough Neagh Incinerator (CALNI), during September and October 2009. Further detailed objections reports were submitted to Planning Service, on 3 and 10 November 2009. The advice of expert consultees has been sought on the content of these reports.
My department is processing both planning applications as quickly as it is possible to do so and I hope to be in a position to take a decision on the way forward in the near future.
(ii) The company originally applied to the DETI administered Environment and Renewable Energy Fund for funding of £16million. This application was rejected, however, and the consortium subsequently approached Invest NI for support.
Invest NI is currently developing casework regarding a potential offer of assistance towards project costs. An up to date quotation for the plant and equipment was requested and was received in July 09 and the project is being reappraised from an engineering and financial viewpoint. Upon receipt of these findings, Invest NI will ascertain an agreed quantum of support. This case will be processed through the approval procedure in due course.
Driving Licence Exchange Scheme
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of the Environment if his Department would consider introducing a driving licence exchange scheme.
(AQW 2589/10)
Minister of the Environment: Driving licences issued in Great Britain, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Gibraltar, or other member state of the European Economic Area (EEA), may be exchanged for Northern Ireland licences subject to certain caveats regarding health and licence validity. Other arrangements exist for countries outside the EEA. Where such a country is assessed as having a driver training, testing and licensing regime which meets the strict standards applied within the United Kingdom, it may be considered for the purpose of driving licence exchange. In practice, the assessment of candidate countries is carried out by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) in Great Britain following a formal request from the candidate country to enter into an exchange agreement. The assessments take into consideration the quality and depth of the driving test, the robustness of the driver licensing system, security of the driving licence and other facts, such as road traffic accident and mortality rates. Countries deemed suitable for licence exchange must be designated for such purpose by making a Designation Order. The Department has designated several countries under the Motor Vehicles (Exchangeable Licences) Order (Northern Ireland) 1994. On 12 October 2009, the Department brought into force a new Designation Order which extends that list of countries designated for the exchange of driving licences. The Department has not been approached by the driver licensing authorities in any other countries to enter into exchange arrangements, nor is it planning to introduce any other driving licence exchange arrangements.Reeve's Muntjac Deer
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the population and range of Reeve's Muntjac deer.
(AQW 2598/10)
Minister of the Environment: It is generally recognised that all deer species present difficulties in terms of gathering accurate data on both population and range. This is particularly the case with a species as small and elusive as the Muntjac.
To date there has been one confirmed report of a Muntjac in Northern Ireland from a site in County Down. It was a young male probably less than one year old.
The Invasive Species Ireland website has much information on Muntjac deer and requests that any sightings are sent to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to collate. There are regular unconfirmed sightings of Muntjac received from across Northern Ireland.
In England and Wales, where the species has become naturalised, Muntjac are recognised as a species which can cause severe damage to natural habitats and species, particularly in woodlands. Given the potential impacts on our native biodiversity, NIEA and the Republic’s National Parks and Wildlife Service have formulated an exclusion strategy and contingency plan for Muntjac in the island of Ireland.
Footpaths and Roads
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking, or plans to take, to prevent town centres being blighted by chewing gum stuck to footpaths and roads.
(AQW 2613/10)
Minister of the Environment: It is already an offence under the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order to drop litter and that includes chewing gum litter. At present the fixed penalty fine for littering offences is £50. There is also the option of prosecution. However, it is clear that litter, including discarded chewing gum, is still a problem.
There is little doubt that local environmental quality issues such as litter are major concerns for local residents which impact on the quality of life in our public places and local neighbourhoods. I recognise the importance and benefits of clean and tidy public spaces which is why I have decided to bring forward a Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill to help district councils to deal more effectively with a wide range of local environmental quality issues, including litter.
Stronger and more effective legislation has a role to play in reducing litter and my legislative proposals will include, for example, the introduction of
higher fixed penalty fines. Councils are able to keep the revenue from such fines and use that money for the purposes of their litter enforcement functions.
The Bill will include a range of measures to deal with litter and will be subject to full public consultation.
Widgens are in Strangford Lough
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many widgens are in Strangford Lough this year, and if this information is not available, when will he be in a position to provide it.
(AQW 2620/10)
Minister of the Environment: Counts co-ordinated by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Castle Espie have recorded the following maximum numbers of Widgen on Strangford Lough over the last five years.
| 2004/05 | 3,281 |
| 2005/06 | 2,636 |
| 2006/07 | 3,476 |
| 2007/08 | 1,582 |
| 2008/09 | 1,540 |
| 2009/10 | not available |
The surveys are undertaken by volunteers and the data are not collated and validated until August each year. The survey data for winter 2009/2010 will be available in September 2010.
New Build Social Housing
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment how many applications for new build social housing have been refused on the grounds that the application did not comply with PPS 8.
(AQW 2633/10)
Minister of the Environment: My Department has not refused any planning applications for new build social housing on grounds that the proposal did not comply with Planning Policy Statement 8: Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation.
High Hedges
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of the Environment when legislation on high hedges is likely to be brought into effect.
(AQW 2645/10)
Minister of the Environment: My aim is for the legislation to be in place within the lifetime of this Assembly.
UN Conference on Climate Change
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment whether he will attend the UN Conference on Climate Change in December 2009.
(AQW 2695/10)
Minister of the Environment: Responsibility for international negotiations at the UN Conference on Climate Change falls to the UK government and not the devolved administrations. I will be present in Copenhagen in support of the UK delegation.
The Use of Open Space for New Build Social Housing
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment what protocols exist between the Planning Service and the Housing Executive regarding PPS8 and the use of open space for new build social housing; and how have these protocols been implemented.
(AQW 2700/10)
Minister of the Environment: A Joint Protocol has been in place between the Planning Service and Northern Ireland Housing Executive since 25 March 2007, for proposals by NIHE or its partner agencies (normally housing associations) to develop areas of open space, including for the provision of social housing. In dealing with such applications, my Department and NIHE operate the Joint Protocol which aims to facilitate the development of certain areas of open space for social housing.
Erosion in the High Mournes
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to repair erosion in the High Mournes, South Down caused by hill walking and fell running.
(AQW 2704/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has for many years supported erosion control projects in the High Mournes and continues to do so through the Mourne Heritage Trust. In view of the increasing number of people involved in outdoor pursuits NIEA is currently supporting a project to develop best practice for outdoor events. I understand that a key outcome of the expected report will be the provision of advice for individuals, including those involved in hill and fell running, and organisers of recreational events within the Mournes to encourage them to use the area responsibly and to avoid highly eroded areas.
Planning Service
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the current status of planning application K/2008/0168/F; and (ii) for his assessment of the importance that Planning Service will attach to strongly expressed community opposition to the building of apartments in Fintona, Co,Tyrone, when determining this application.
(AQW 2766/10)
- Minister of the Environment: The planning application is presently deferred by Omagh District Council as the Council disagreed with an opinion to grant permission. A meeting has been held between Planning Service, objectors and Councillors and the matters raised will be fully considered with a view to re-consulting Omagh District Council in January 2010.
- Planning Service acknowledges that it is important to fully consider strongly expressed community opposition made in respect of planning applications. All other material considerations including relevant planning policies will also need to be carefully weighed in reaching a final decision.
Department of Finance and Personnel
Sick Absence in the Civil Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the raw and standardised figures for sickness absence in the Civil Service in each of the 26 Local Government districts, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2409/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr S Wilson): The information requested is set out in the attached table. In answering this question the raw (actual) rates have been calculated as the percentage of working days lost per NICS staff year in each of the 26 Local Government districts. The standardised rates attempt to show what each Local Government district’s absence rate would be if they all had the same age, gender and grade profile, so taking into account differences in staffing structures.
| Absence Rates by Local Government District1 2004/05 to 2008/09 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | |||||||||||
Local Government District |
Actual Rate | Standardised Rate | Actual Rate | Standardised Rate | Actual Rate | Standardised Rate | Actual Rate | Standardised Rate | Actual Rate | Standardised Rate | |||||
Antrim |
10.5 | 9.9 |
10.0 | 10.3 |
9.7 | 11.7 |
8.9 | 6.8 |
9.4 | 8.9 |
|||||
Ards |
13.8 | 8.8 |
8.5 | 4.7 |
15.3 | 9.6 |
16.9 | 13.3 |
10.0 | 7.1 |
|||||
Armagh |
12.7 | 9.0 |
11.9 | 11.2 |
10.2 | 6.9 |
11.4 | 7.0 |
8.8 | 5.2 |
|||||
Ballymena |
10.2 | 9.6 |
10.2 | 9.7 |
11.5 | 11.7 |
11.3 | 10.8 |
11.7 | 10.3 |
|||||
Ballymoney |
16.5 | 10.2 |
15.0 | 7.5 |
11.7 | 5.6 |
9.9 | 4.5 |
11.0 | 6.1 |
|||||
Banbridge |
24.3 | 13.3 |
20.4 | 8.7 |
17.1 | 10.5 |
13.6 | 8.2 |
12.7 | 7.3 |
|||||
Belfast |
14.4 | 14.4 |
13.4 | 13.4 |
13.6 | 13.6 |
12.4 | 12.4 |
10.8 | 10.8 |
|||||
Carrickfergus |
13.3 | 4.9 |
13.2 | 7.4 |
22.1 | 7.8 |
14.0 | 4.6 |
12.7 | 4.7 |
|||||
Castlereagh |
9.7 | 10.9 |
8.2 | 9.7 |
9.8 | 11.2 |
8.6 | 8.8 |
7.6 | 7.2 |
|||||
Coleraine |
13.8 | 13.2 |
13.8 | 12.0 |
13.2 | 10.9 |
15.4 | 13.2 |
11.5 | 8.5 |
|||||
Cookstown |
13.5 | 12.2 |
17.7 | 15.2 |
13.4 | 10.2 |
7.5 | 5.8 |
17.0 | 6.9 |
|||||
Craigavon |
14.5 | 13.3 |
17.0 | 16.6 |
17.2 | 16.7 |
15.4 | 13.6 |
10.9 | 11.6 |
|||||
Derry |
17.1 | 15.1 |
16.5 | 14.7 |
18.4 | 15.1 |
17.5 | 14.0 |
15.0 | 12.4 |
|||||
Down |
14.1 | 12.6 |
11.6 | 9.8 |
12.2 | 10.5 |
13.3 | 12.1 |
11.1 | 12.0 |
|||||
Dungannon |
21.2 | 13.8 |
21.0 | 23.8 |
18.0 | 15.6 |
21.3 | 15.0 |
14.3 | 11.5 |
|||||
Fermanagh |
9.7 | 8.3 |
11.4 | 10.4 |
12.9 | 10.2 |
14.0 | 11.1 |
8.5 | 6.6 |
|||||
Larne |
16.9 | 10.7 |
12.3 | 6.7 |
15.9 | 9.0 |
13.0 | 8.2 |
9.2 | 8.8 |
|||||
Limavady |
19.3 | 9.9 |
17.3 | 7.4 |
11.7 | 4.2 |
13.6 | 3.9 |
9.0 | 4.2 |
|||||
Lisburn |
11.9 | 9.9 |
11.5 | 10.8 |
9.2 | 12.1 |
8.9 | 8.0 |
8.5 | 7.7 |
|||||
Magherafelt |
18.5 | 13.2 |
22.2 | 12.7 |
18.8 | 8.4 |
19.1 | 18.5 |
7.8 | 5.7 |
|||||
Moyle2 |
- | - |
- | - |
- | - |
- | - |
- | - |
|||||
Newry & Mourne |
19.1 | 15.4 |
17.2 | 14.1 |
17.9 | 14.0 |
18.7 | 17.1 |
15.5 | 10.8 |
|||||
Newtownabbey |
9.7 | 6.8 |
12.8 | 6.4 |
13.6 | 9.7 |
15.9 | 8.9 |
11.0 | 6.7 |
|||||
North Down |
11.0 | 11.0 |
10.7 | 10.7 |
10.3 | 10.1 |
9.9 | 9.5 |
8.6 | 8.0 |
|||||
Omagh |
16.1 | 15.1 |
12.2 | 11.4 |
16.6 | 15.3 |
13.4 | 12.8 |
10.3 | 9.0 |
|||||
Strabane |
13.8 | 9.1 |
17.9 | 12.3 |
11.9 | 8.5 |
17.0 | 9.3 |
14.8 | 9.9 |
|||||
NICS Overall |
14.2 | - |
13.4 | - |
13.7 | - |
12.9 | - |
11.0 | - |
|||||
|
1Due to the small numbers of staff in some Local Government Districts, it is important that any analyses are interpreted with caution as they can be unduly influenced by, for example, a few cases of long term absence. |
|||||||||||||||
|
2Due to the extremely low staff numbers in Moyle Local Government District, these staff have been removed from the above table. |
|||||||||||||||
Social Security Office on Slieveban Drive, West Belfast
Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline her plans for the land at the Social Security office on Slieveban Drive, west Belfast, when the office moves location.
(AQW 2434/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel:
The property at Slieveban Drive, Andersonstown, which is owned by the Department of Finance and Personnel, will be vacated in early 2010, when the new Jobs and Benefits Office, The Kennedy Centre, Andersonstown Road, Belfast, becomes operational. The building has been declared surplus to the Government Estate and is scheduled for disposal.
This process, which is actioned by the Land and Property Services, has commenced, in line with the Disposal of Surplus Public Sector Property in Northern Ireland provisions.
Civil Service
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of people currently employed in the Civil Service as (i) Administrative Assistant; (ii) Administrative Officer; (iii) Executive Officer 2; (iv) Executive Officer 1; (v) Staff Officer; (vi) Deputy Principal; (vii) Grade 7; (viii) Grade 6; and (ix) Grade 5 and above.
(AQW 2443/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: The information requested is set out in the attached table which shows the profile of permanent and casual staff in each General Service grade at 1 September 2009. Due to the grading structure used in the Northern Ireland Office it has been necessary to combine the Executive Officer grades and Grades 6 and 7.
| Grade | Number |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | 1771 |
| Administrative Officer | 7640 |
| Executive Officer 1 & 2 | 5723 |
| Staff Officer | 1881 |
| Deputy Principal | 1407 |
| Grades 6 & 7 | 641 |
| Grade 5 and above | 193 |
Civil Service
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail as a percentage, the community background of people employed in the Civil Service as (i) Administrative Assistant; (ii) Administrative Officer; (iii) Executive Officer 2; (iv) Executive Officer 1; (v) Staff Officer; (vi) Deputy Principal; (vii) Grade 7; (viii) Grade 6; and (ix) Grade 5 and above.
(AQW 2444/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: The information requested is set out in the attached table which shows the profile of permanent and casual staff in each grade as at 1 September 2009. Due to the grading structure used in the Northern Ireland Office it has been necessary to combine the Executive Officer grades and Grades 6 and 7.
Grade |
Protestant |
Roman Catholic |
Not Determined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | 48.4% |
47.3% |
4.3% |
| Administrative Officer | 43.9% |
54.2% |
1.9% |
| Executive Officer 1& 2 | 46.1% |
51.8% |
2.1% |
| Staff Officer | 53.0% |
44.3% |
2.7% |
| Deputy Principal | 53.6% |
44.2% |
2.2% |
| Grade 6 &7 | 51.5% |
44.1% |
4.4% |
| Grade 5 and above. | 53.9% |
38.3% |
7.8% |
Funds from Dormant Bank Accounts
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he plans to consult with children and young people, or community and voluntary organisations representing the needs of children and young people, on the manner in which funds from dormant bank accounts will be spent.
(AQW 2518/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: A full and open consultation on the spending priorities for the Northern Ireland Dormant Accounts Scheme was held from the 6th August to 29th October 2009.
A total of 130 responses have been received to date. Of these around a third were from organisations that specifically state that they represent the interests of children and/or young people. Other community and voluntary organisations have highlighted issues/projects which relate to children and/or young people.
The responses are currently being considered by officials and a report presenting the overarching findings from the responses will be presented to the Executive in due course.
Flooding Incident Line
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many calls the Flooding Incident Line received during periods of prolonged rainfall in the last six months; and what the average response time was.
(AQW 2550/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: The Flooding Incident Line receives calls on almost a daily basis. The following statistics relate to calls received during periods of prolonged and heavy rain over the past six months.
Fourteen such periods have been identified. The total number of calls received over these combined periods is 657. The average time to answer calls was 2 minutes 33 seconds. This average was affected by two particular instances (12 July and 31 August) where a surge of calls was unexpectedly received without a prior flooding warning. Apart from these two events, the average time to answer calls during periods of high demand was 42 seconds.
Funding to Charities, Community Groups and Voluntary Groups.
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what consideration he has given to having a more centralised, single audit system for funding granted by Departments to charities, community groups and voluntary groups.
(AQW 2581/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel:
The work of the charity, community and voluntary sector (the third sector) is central to the development of communities and the delivery of better public services. DFP is committed to supporting partnerships with third sector organisations in a manner that is both proportionate and that ensures that public resources are correctly applied.
DFP has worked in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD) to support the delivery of Positive Steps, the Government’s response to Investing Together: the Report of the Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector. The implementation of Positive Steps has included a range of actions to improve the financial relationships between government and third sector organisations including the publication of Guidance to Funders and Purchasers issued under cover of DAO(DFP) 15/07 . In addition Chapter 7 (Annex 7.7) of Managing Public Money Northern Ireland (MPMNI) sets out the main principles and offered direction to other sources of guidance. DFP will continue to advise and support DSD’s work with the third sector and in particular the work of the Joint Government / Voluntary and Community Sector Forum as it seeks to refine the relationship between government and the sector, including possible opportunities to rationalise the existing audit requirements in a manner that balances administrative burdens against the need to ensure that public resources are correctly and effectively applied.
Both the Guidance to Funders and Purchasers, and MPMNI are available from the publications section of the Accountability and Accountancy Services Division (AASD) website www.aasdni.gov.uk.
Cancer Treatment
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what legal protection an employee who is absent from work due to cancer treatment has against dismissal.
(AQW 2656/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel:
An employee who has been diagnosed with cancer will be considered to be disabled for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and an employer in those circumstances will be obliged to put in place reasonable adjustments to enable that employee to remain in employment.
The nature and extent of any reasonable adjustments will differ from case to case and this is a matter on which the individual employee should seek his/her own legal or trade union advice.
Civil Service
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many people recruited by the Civil Service since 2007 have conflict-related convictions.
(AQW 2668/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: I assume the member is referring to those convictions relate to their part in the terrorist campaign. The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) does not keep a record of staff recruited who have terrorism/scheduled convictions. All staff recruited to the NICS must satisfy a criminal record check regardless of whether their convictions are terrorism/scheduled or otherwise.
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Lawful Pregnancy Termination
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what care pathways and supports are in place for women who have undergone a lawful pregnancy termination.
(AQW 1961/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): On 13 March 2009, legacy Health and Social Care Boards, along with Trust Chief Executives and Directors of Public Health and Nursing were issued with Circular HSS(MD) 9/2009 in respect of Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy in Northern Ireland.
The circular identified 3 main areas of action to be progressed. These included the availability of appropriate care pathways to allow eligible women access to termination of pregnancy services, such as, access to counselling and aftercare medical services as required, and the development of regional information leaflets.
All Trusts have indicated that they either have these care pathways in place and/or provide support on a case by case basis for women who have undergone a lawful termination of pregnancy.
Lawful Pregnancy Termination
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what counselling services are available for women who have had a lawful pregnancy termination.
(AQW 1962/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: On 13 March 2009, legacy Health and Social Care Boards, along with Trust Chief Executives and Directors of Public Health and Nursing were issued with Circular HSS(MD) 9/2009 in respect of Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy in Northern Ireland.
The circular identified 3 main areas of action to be progressed. These included the availability of appropriate care pathways to allow eligible women access to termination of pregnancy services, such as, access to counselling and aftercare medical services as required, and the development of regional information leaflets.
All Trusts have indicated that they either have these care pathways in place and/or provide support on a case by case basis for women who have undergone a lawful termination of pregnancy.
Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if his Department has provided information leaflets to Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to the draft Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy.
(AQW 1963/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: On 13 March 2009, legacy Health and Social Care Boards, along with Trust Chief Executives and Directors of Public Health and Nursing were issued with Circular HSS(MD) 9/2009 in respect of Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy in Northern Ireland.
The circular identified 3 main areas of action to be progressed. These included the availability of appropriate care pathways to allow eligible women access to termination of pregnancy services, such as, access to counselling and aftercare medical services as required, and the development of regional information leaflets.
All Trusts have indicated that they either have these care pathways in place and/or provide support on a case by case basis for women who have undergone a lawful termination of pregnancy.
Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if his Department has introduced mechanisms to accurately record and monitor the number and types of terminations that have been carried out since it issued the 'Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy' in July 2008.
(AQW 2012/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), along with Trust Chief Executives and the Public Health Agency have been asked to take forward a number of actions arising from the issuing of the ‘Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy’. In particular, they have been asked to develop a regional pro-forma for recording terminations of pregnancy and that appropriate monitoring systems are put in place to ensure accurate recording of all terminations.
I am advised that the HSCB has established a small working group to identify the progress which has been made to date. Trusts are to submit a position paper on the progress on each of these actions to the Board in early 2010. Thereafter, the Board, PHA and the Trusts will work together to ensure that these requirements are addressed adequately and consistently across Northern Ireland.
Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action his Department has taken, since it issued the 'Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy' in July 2008, to ensure that Chief Executives in Health and Social Care Trusts are accounting for all pregnancy terminations taking place in their Trust area under the current legislative requirements.
(AQW 2014/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Following publication of the Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy, Trust Chief Executives were advised that they should ensure that they are satisfied that all terminations carried out within their Trusts fall within the legal criteria set out in the Guidance.
I am advised that the Health and Social Care Board has established a small working group to identify the progress which has been made to date in terms of the implementation of the guidance in the Circular. Trusts will be asked to prepare a position paper for submission to the Board in early 2010 on each of these actions. Thereafter, the Board, PHA and the Trusts will work together to ensure that these requirements are addressed adequately and consistently across Northern Ireland.
Services Available to People With Dyspraxia
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to outline the services available to people with dyspraxia in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area; and (ii) what planning and co-ordination exists between health and social care service providers and other agencies to deliver services to this group.
(AQW 2227/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
In the Western Health and Social Care Trust, following an assessment of their individual needs, people with dyspraxia are provided with services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. Liaison takes place between Trust staff and external service providers as appropriate to help maximise outcomes and promote social inclusion for people with dyspraxia.
Front-line Services
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to ensure that front-line services will not be adversely effected by financial constraints in the Health Service, with particular reference to community care in the Foyle area.
(AQW 2234/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Despite the ever-growing financial constraints in the Health Service it is obligatory for my Department and all Health and Social Care bodies to live within the resources available. Where trusts are required to develop contingency plans to achieve this requirement my priority in considering any such plans is to protect frontline services to the absolute maximum degree possible.
Like other health and social care trusts, the Western Trust is currently implementing a financial contingency plan to ensure financial break-even in 2009/10. I have excluded measures proposed that would have had a significant impact on services, and I am not aware of measures that would adversely affect community care in the Foyle area.
Earnings from the Private Sector
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AWQ1528/10, to detail the percentage earnings that Health Service employed doctors, surgeons and consultants are permitted to make from the private sector.
(AQW 2235/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There is no limit to the amount earned by practitioners for private professional services.
Under the terms and conditions of the new nationally agreed contracts full time practitioners are contracted to work 40 hours, or more, each week for the HSC.
Thereafter a practitioner may undertake private professional services for other organisations provided that this does not result in detriment to HSC patients or services or diminish the public resources that are available for the HSC.
Swine Flu
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if proposals have been submitted to open wards in the South Tyrone Hospital to deal with acute cases of swine flu.
(AQW 2236/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are no proposals to open wards in South Tyrone hospital to deal with acute cases of swine flu. The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has plans in place to expand acute capacity on the Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill Hospital sites. It is likely that a small percentage of patients will require critical care therefore critical care capacity can be increased on the Craigavon Area Hospital site.
Tyrone – Cavan Interconnector
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if a health impact study has been commissioned into the proposed Tyrone – Cavan Interconnector; and if he is satisfied that he is being kept fully informed of all health related implications of this proposal.
(AQW 2237/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I understand that no planning application has been submitted in respect of the proposed electricity interconnector at this time.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will give an assurance that all health professionals will be urged to impress on patients the value of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme.
(AQW 2248/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department recently launched the Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing which sets standards for cardiac services for all Trusts to meet by 2011/12. These standards will mean that all patients identified as requiring cardiac rehabilitation will be offered this service, in line with regional guidelines.
Staff Employed in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently employed in Records Management in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2249/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Current numbers of staff employed specifically in corporate records management in Health & Social Care organisations are provided in the table below. Information from 10 years ago is not available.
Health & Social Care staff in Records Management at November 2009
Health & Social Care organisation |
Records Management staff (WTE) |
|---|---|
| Belfast HSC Trust | 2.0 |
| Northern HSC Trust | 1.0 |
| South Eastern HSC Trust | 2.0 |
| Southern HSC Trust | 4.3 |
| Western HSC Trust | 3.0 |
| Health & Social Care Board/Public Health Agency 1 | Not available |
| Business Services Organisation 2 | 0.0 |
| NI Ambulance Service Trust | 2.0 |
| NI Blood Transfusion Service | 1.2 |
| Regulation Quality & Improvement Authority 2 | 1.5 |
Source: Health & Social Care organisations
Notes:
1 The Health & Social Care Board and Public Health Agency have 4 members of staff involved in records management. However, they are not dedicated records management staff and therefore a whole-time equivalent cannot be given.
2 The BSO does not employ specific or dedicated records management staff. Many staff, however, have records management responsibilities.
Staffing in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of staffing for Records Management in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2250/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information is not held by my Department and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
Staff Employed in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently employed in Human Resources or Personnel in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2252/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Current numbers of Human Resources staff in Health & Social Care organisations are provided in the table below. Information from 10 years ago is not available.
Health & Social Care staff in Human Resources at November 2009
Health & Social Care organisation |
Human Resources staff whole-time Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Belfast HSC Trust | 139.2 |
| Northern HSC Trust | 82.0 |
| South Eastern HSC Trust | 44.5 |
| Southern HSC Trust | 79.0 |
| Western HSC Trust | 96.6 |
| Business Services Organisation 1 | 18.0 |
| NI Ambulance Service Trust | 8.0 |
| NI Blood Transfusion Service | 2.5 |
| Regulation Quality & Improvement Authority 2 | 0.9 |
Source: Health & Social Care organisations
Notes:
1 The Business Services Organisation provides human resources support services to the Health & Social Care Board, Public Health Agency, Patient Client Council, NI Guardian ad Litem Agency, NI Post Graduate Medical and Dental Education Council, NI Social Care Council, NI Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery.
2 In addition, the RQIA also has a service level agreement with the BSO for human resources services.
Staffing in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of staffing for Human Resources or Personnel in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2253/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information is not held by my Department and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
Staff Employed in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently employed in Equality Units in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2254/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Current numbers of staff employed in equality units in Health & Social Care organisations are provided in the table below. Information from 10 years ago is not available.
Health & Social Care staff in Equality Units at November 2009
Health & Social Care organisation |
Equality Unit staff whole-time Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Belfast HSC Trust | 6.35 |
| Northern HSC Trust | 3.5 |
| South Eastern HSC Trust | 2.4 |
| Southern HSC Trust | 7.0 |
| Western HSC Trust | 3.0 |
| Business Services Organisation 1 | 4.5 |
| NI Ambulance Service Trust | 1.0 |
| Regulation Quality & Improvement Authority 2 | 0.15 |
Source: Health & Social Care organisations
Notes:
1 The Business Services Organisation provides equality, diversity and human rights support services to a range of customers within Health & Social Care. These include Health & Social Care Board, Public Health Agency, Regulation Quality & Improvement Authority, NI Blood Transfusion Service, NI Practice & Education Council, NI Medical & Dental Training Agency, NI Guardian Ad Litem Agency and NI Social Care Council.
2 In addition, the RQIA also has a service level agreement with the BSO for equality services.
Bullet-proof or Knife-proof Vests for Patients
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if any part of the Health Service has ever funded the provision of bullet-proof or knife-proof vests for patients.
(AQW 2262/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am not aware of any part of the Health Service having ever funded the provision of bullet-proof or knife-proof vests for patients.
Swine Flu Cases
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the latest projected number of swine flu cases.
(AQW 2264/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I refer to the latest Swine Flu planning assumptions, issued on 22 October 2009.
Storage of Archived Medical Notes
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost to each Health and Social Care Trust of the storage of archived medical notes for the last three financial years.
(AQW 2265/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Archived records refers to those that have been appraised as having continuing value, but have passed their retention period and are no longer required by HSC organisations for business use.
The Public Records Office is responsible for archiving those records selected for permanent preservation.
School Nurses
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his Department's role in the supply of school nurses.
(AQW 2266/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Department's role in the supply of school nurses is to develop policy and legislation which secures effective commissioning arrangements between the Health and Social Care Board/Public Health Agency and Trusts to meet the needs of the school age population. This ensures Trust provision of a school based Child Health Promotion Programme to all school-age children within Primary and Secondary Schools which is delivered by school nurses working within the school health service
Efficiency Savings
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his Department's proposals for 3% efficiency savings.
(AQW 2267/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
My Department’s proposals for 3% efficiency savings over the three years of the current CSR period to 2010/11 are as follows:
| 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 3 Year Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | £m | £m | |
Trust targets: |
||||
| Belfast | 24.7 |
55.6 |
91.7 |
172.0 |
| Northern | 11.7 |
26.5 |
43.6 |
81.8 |
| Southern | 9.7 |
21.9 |
36.1 |
67.7 |
| South Eastern | 10.0 |
22.4 |
36.9 |
69.3 |
| Western | 9.7 |
21.8 |
36.0 |
67.5 |
5-Trust Total |
65.8 |
148.2 |
244.3 |
458.3 |
| NI Ambulance Service | 1.2 |
2.7 |
4.4 |
8.3 |
Non –trust targets |
||||
| Pharmaceutical savings (primary care) | 17.9 |
26.2 |
32.8 |
76.9 |
| NI Fire and Rescue Service | 1.5 |
3.8 |
5.7 |
11.0 |
| Administration, RPA in non trust bodies and pay savings | 31.7 |
52.2 |
90.8 |
174.7 |
Total |
118.1 |
233.1 |
378.0 |
729.2 |
| Required CSR Target | 118.0 |
233.0 |
344.0 |
695 |
Firework-related Injuries
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many firework-related injuries were reported over the weekend ending 1 November 2009; and how this figure compares with each of the previous five years.
(AQW 2268/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on fireworks injuries is collected as part of an annual information gathering process over a 4 week reporting period around Halloween each year. This year the collection period covered Saturday 17th October 2009 to Saturday 14th November 2009. This information will be available from the fireworks injuries report which will be published in January 2010.
Information on how many firework-related injuries were reported during the 4 week period for each of the previous five years is available in the Annual Northern Ireland Fireworks Injuries Statistics at the following link:
http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-activity_stats-2/firework_statistics.htm
Sex-change Operations
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many sex-change operations have been carried out in each of the last three years.
(AQW 2269/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There were no sex-change operations carried out from 2005/06 to 2007/08 (the latest three year period for which information is currently available).
Professional Registration Fees
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the Department has a policy on the payment of professional registration fees for public service workers, either employed directly by the Department or through the Health and Social Care Trusts.
(AQW 2282/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
In line with the NI Civil Service Human Resources handbook, the Department may pay subscriptions to a professional or similar body on behalf of Departmental staff, if the Department believes that it can be fully justified. The cost of membership will only be met where there is a business need for membership.
Health and Social Care employers do not make any contribution towards professional registration fees for clinical or medical staff employed by them.
Professional Registration Fees
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline which categories of public sector employees within his remit currently have professional registration fees paid, and which do not.
(AQW 2283/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and Social Care employers do not pay professional registration fees for clinical or medical staff.
The Department may pay professional registration fees for Northern Ireland Civil Servants and other departmental staff if there is a justified business need for membership in professional bodies.
Health Centres in County Fermanagh
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his Department's plans and timescales for the provision of new Health Centres in County Fermanagh.
(AQW 2295/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Until the business case for each project has been approved together with the required funding, I am not in a position to confirm timescales for these projects.
Ambulance Service in the Mid-Ulster Area
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the protocols to be followed by the Ambulance Service in the Mid-Ulster area when dealing with cases where patients require transport for acute treatment.
(AQW 2309/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The development and implementation of protocols for transporting patients is a matter for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) in agreement with other Health and Social Care Trusts and the Regional Health and Social Care Board.
Vacant Posts in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of vacant posts in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust; and the areas in which these vacancies exist.
(AQW 2310/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The latest information available at 30th September 2009 is provided in the table below.
Current staff vacancies at 30th September 2009 in Northern HSC Trust
| Staff Group | Headcount | Whole-time Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Admin & Clerical | 9 |
7.60 |
| Estate Services | 1 |
1.00 |
| Support Services | 18 |
11.45 |
| Nursing & Midwifery | 20 |
16.00 |
| Social Services | 23 |
18.46 |
| Professional & Technical | 43 |
35.45 |
| Medical & Dental | 25 |
24.00 |
Total |
139 |
113.96 |
Source: Northern Health & Social Care Trust
Notes:
- A vacancy is defined as a post which the organisation was actively trying to fill.
- The whole-time equivalent number of staff is calculated by aggregating the total number of hours that staff in a grade are contracted to work, and dividing by the standard hours for that grade. In this way, part-time staff are converted into an equivalent number of ‘whole-time’ staff. Due to rounding WTE totals may not tally exactly.
Caesarean Births
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number, and percentage, of both planned and emergency caesarean births broken down by (i) Health and Social Care Trust area; (ii) hospital; and (iii) postcode area, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2314/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Information on the number, and percentage, of both planned and emergency caesarean births broken down by (iii) postcode area is unavailable. The number, and percentage out of all births, of both planned and emergency caesarean births broken down by (i) Health and Social Care Trust area; and (ii) hospital are given in the below tables:
| Year | Hospital/Trust |
Elective C/S |
Emergency C/S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008/09 | Mater Infirmorum |
177 (13.9%) |
195 (15.4%) |
Royal Maternity |
959 (17.7%) |
999 (18.5%) |
|
Belfast HSC Trust |
1136 (16.8%) |
1194 (17.7%) |
|
Antrim |
402 (13.3%) |
512 (16.9%) |
|
Causeway |
169 (11.8%) |
188 (13.1%) |
|
Northern HSC Trust |
571 (12.8%) |
700 (15.6%) |
|
Lagan Valley |
62 (5.5%) |
123 (10.8%) |
|
Ulster |
344 (9.9%) |
458 (13.2%) |
|
South Eastern HSC Trust |
406 (8.8%) |
581 (12.6%) |
|
Craigavon Area |
659 (17.4%) |
673 (17.4%) |
|
Daisy Hill |
281 (12.8%) |
420 (19.2%) |
|
Southern HSC Trust |
940 (15.5%) |
1093 (18.0%) |
|
Altnagelvin Area |
422 (14.9%) |
359 (12.7%) |
|
Erne |
247 (18.2%) |
159 (11.7%) |
|
Western HSC Trust |
669 (16.0%) |
518 (12.4%) |
Source: Child Health System
| Year | Hospital/Trust |
Elective C/S |
Emergency C/S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007/08 | Mater Infirmorum |
179 (15.1%) |
147 (12.4%) |
Royal Maternity |
974 (17.5%) |
868 (15.6%) |
|
Belfast HSC Trust |
1153 (17.1%) |
1015 (15.0%) |
|
Antrim |
402 (13.0%) |
491 (15.8%) |
|
Causeway |
151 (10.9%) |
187 (13.5%) |
|
Northern HSC Trust |
553 (12.3%) |
678 (15.1%) |
|
Lagan Valley |
88 (7.4%) |
139 (11.7%) |
|
Ulster |
273 (9.0%) |
409 (13.5%) |
|
South Eastern HSC Trust |
361 (8.6%) |
548 (13.0%) |
|
Craigavon Area |
667 (17.6%) |
644 (17.0%) |
|
Daisy Hill |
290 (13.2%) |
371 (16.9%) |
|
Southern HSC Trust |
957 (16.0%) |
1015 (17.0%) |
|
Altnagelvin Area |
381 (13.7%) |
343 (12.4%) |
|
Erne |
241 (18.6%) |
97 (7.5%) |
|
Western HSC Trust |
622 (15.3%) |
440 (10.8%) |
Source: Child Health System
|
Year |
Hospital/Trust |
Elective C/S |
Emergency C/S |
|
2006/07 |
Mater Infirmorum |
161 (14.3%) |
152 (13.5%) |
|
Royal Maternity |
862 (16.2%) |
992 (18.6%) |
|
|
Belfast HSC Trust |
1023 (15.1%) |
1144 (16.9%) |
|
|
Antrim |
397 (14.5%) |
401 (14.7%) |
|
|
Causeway |
129 (10.2%) |
125 (9.9%) |
|
|
Mid-Ulster |
48 (12.8%) |
35 (9.3%) |
|
|
Northern HSC Trust |
574 (13.1%) |
561 (12.8%) |
|
|
Lagan Valley |
60 (5.1%) |
110 (9.4%) |
|
|
Ulster |
248 (9.0%) |
360 (13.1%) |
|
|
South Eastern HSC Trust |
308 (7.9%) |
470 (12.0%) |
|
|
Craigavon Area |
565 (15.8%) |
575 (16.0%) |
|
|
Daisy Hill |
252 (12.4%) |
334 (16.4%) |
|
|
Southern HSC Trust |
817 (14.5%) |
909 (16.2%) |
|
|
Altnagelvin Area |
298 (11.4%) |
413 (15.8%) |
|
|
Erne |
154 (12.3%) |
152 (12.2%) |
|
|
Western HSC Trust |
452 (11.7%) |
565 (14.6%) |
Source: Child Health System
| Year | Hospital/Trust |
Elective C/S |
Emergency C/S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | Mater Infirmorum |
164 (15.0%) |
136 (12.4%) |
Royal Maternity |
848 (16.6%) |
1021 (20.0%) |
|
Belfast HSC Trust |
1012 (15.0%) |
1157 (17.1%) |
|
Antrim |
361 (15.2%) |
349 (14.7%) |
|
Causeway |
140 (12.5%) |
156 (13.9%) |
|
Mid-Ulster |
44 (6.5%) |
49 (7.3%) |
|
Northern HSC Trust |
545 (13.0%) |
554 (13.2%) |
|
Lagan Valley |
70 (6.1%) |
126 (10.9%) |
|
Ulster |
256 (10.0%) |
326 (12.7%) |
|
South Eastern HSC Trust |
326 (8.7%) |
452 (12.1%) |
|
Craigavon Area |
477 (15.2%) |
581 (18.5%) |
|
Daisy Hill |
251 (13.0%) |
285 (14.8%) |
|
Southern HSC Trust |
728 (14.3%) |
866 (17.1%) |
|
Altnagelvin Area |
293 (11.2%) |
330 (12.6%) |
|
Erne |
168 (13.6%) |
119 (9.7%) |
|
Western HSC Trust |
461 (12.0%) |
449 (11.7%) |
Source: Child Health System
Year |
Hospital/Trust |
Elective C/S |
Emergency C/S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004/05 | Mater Infirmorum |
141 (13.5%) |
145 (13.9%) |
Royal Maternity |
853 (16.3%) |
909 (17.3%) |
|
Belfast HSC Trust |
994 (14.7%) |
1054 (15.6%) |
|
Antrim |
375 (15.6%) |
312 (13.0%) |
|
Causeway |
146 (12.0%) |
121 (10.0%) |
|
Mid-Ulster |
54 (8.2%) |
58 (8.8%) |
|
Northern HSC Trust |
575 (13.4%) |
491 (11.5%) |
|
Lagan Valley |
104 (8.5%) |
171 (14.1%) |
|
Ulster |
198 (8.0%) |
342 (13.5%) |
|
South Eastern HSC Trust |
302 (8.0%) |
513 (13.7%) |
|
Craigavon Area |
468 (15.0%) |
514 (16.5%) |
|
Daisy Hill |
223 (11.3%) |
336 (17.1%) |
|
Southern HSC Trust |
691 (13.6%) |
850 (16.7%) |
|
Altnagelvin Area |
254 (10.0%) |
281 (11.1%) |
|
Erne |
146 (13.1%) |
119 (10.7%) |
|
Western HSC Trust |
400 (11.0%) |
400 (11.0%) |
Source: Child Health System
Health Service Staff Stuck by a Needle
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 1768/10, to detail the number of recorded incidents where health service staff have been (i) accidentally; and (ii) as a result of assault, intentionally stuck by a needle, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2315/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
The requested information is set out in the table below. The data does not include figures from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust which are not available.
Year |
Staff accidentally stuck by a needle |
Staff intentionally stuck by a needle* |
|---|---|---|
2004/05 |
719 |
0 |
2005/06 |
806 |
1 |
2006/07 |
804 |
0 |
2007/08 |
775 |
0 |
2008/09 |
722 |
0 |
*Data for this category is not available for the South-Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
Staffing in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of staffing for Equality Units in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2326/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information is not held by my Department and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
Staff Employed in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently employed in Information Technology in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2327/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Current numbers of staff employed in Information Technology in Health & Social Care organisations are provided in the table below. Information from 10 years ago is not available.
Health & Social Care Staff in Information Technology at November 2009
Trust/Agency |
Information Technology Staff 2009 |
|---|---|
WTE1 |
|
| Belfast Trust | 75.7 |
| Northern Trust | 26.0 |
| South Eastern Trust | 43.1 |
| Southern Trust | 51.6 |
| Western Trust | 43.5 |
| N.I Ambulance Trust | 4.0 |
| Business Services Organisation 2 | 138.7 |
| N.I Blood Transfusion Agency | 3.0 |
| N.I Guardian Ad Litem Agency | 1.0 |
| Regional Quality Improvement Agency 3 | 1.4 |
Source: Health & Social Care organisations
Notes
1. WTE – Whole-time equivalent
2. BSO provides information technology support to the Health & Social Care Trusts, Health & Social Care Board and other HSC agencies.
3. RQIA are also provided ICT services by an outsourced provider.
Staffing in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of staffing for Information Technology in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2328/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information is not held by my Department and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
Staff Employed in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently employed in Internal Audit in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2329/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A regional Internal Audit service is now provided by the Business Services Organisation to 13 Health & Social Care organisations and 3 Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB).
In 1999, the service was provided by the four Health & Social Services Boards. Information from 10 years ago is not available.
The information requested is provided in the table below.
| Organisation | Internal Audit staff 2009 (WTE) |
|---|---|
| Business Services Organisation | 41.93 |
Notes
1. WTE = whole-time equivalent.
Staffing in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of staffing for Internal Audit in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2330/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information is not held by my Department and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
Inform Health Care Staff of a Patients Criminal Conviction
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what mechanisms are in place to inform health care staff that a patient has a criminal conviction for sex offences.
(AQW 2332/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
There is no requirement for Health and Social Care staff to be routinely informed that a patient has a conviction for sex offences. The need for such information will depend on the nature of the care or treatment being provided and the setting in which it is provided.
Any sex offender who is assessed as being a risk to the community is managed under the Public Protection Arrangements for Northern Ireland which are led by the Northern Ireland Office. Health and Social Care, along with a number of other agencies including the Housing Executive and Probation, are full partners in these arrangements.
Doctors hours spent in the NI Ambulance Service Control Centre
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of doctors' hours per month spent in the NI Ambulance Service control centre, and the cost.
(AQW 2335/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Since January 2009 the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has employed doctors in a pilot project to ensure that less urgent 999 calls receive a clinically appropriate response which may not involve the dispatch of an A&E ambulance. This has the potential to free up resources to deal with the most serious emergency calls. The doctors are employed at NIAS’s Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre, and work on average 367 hours per month at a cost of approximately £22,000.
Transfer of Functions to Local Government
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost to his Department of the transfer of functions to local government as part of the Review of Public Administration.
(AQW 2344/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) did not transfer any functions to local government as part of the HSC (Reform) Act.
However, the community planning aspect of the Review of Public Administration is being lead by the Department of Environment (DoE) and may require some involvement from DHSSPS. In line with normal government budgeting practice it will be for DoE to identify these costs and secure the necessary resources.
Proposed Cuts in the Health and Social Care Trusts
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide details of discussions held by his Department with all staff-side representatives regarding proposed cuts in the Health and Social Care Trusts.
(AQW 2345/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
I would refer the Member to my answer to AQW 747/2010 and AQW 2109/2010 in relation to my ongoing discussions with Trade Unions.
Firework-related Injuries
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many firework-related injuries were reported in each constituency, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2362/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the number of patients reporting to A&E Departments and Minor Injuries Units with injuries from fireworks, since 2004, over a selected 4-5 week period covering the end of October and start of November (Halloween period) is available in the Annual Northern Ireland Fireworks Injuries Statistics at the following link:
http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-activity_stats-2/firework_statistics.htm
This information is not broken down at constituency level.
Target Response Times for Ambulances
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many ambulances serving the North Down area (i) met; and (ii) failed to meet their target response times, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2367/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) does not measure response time performance for individual ambulances or on the basis of parliamentary constituencies.
Firework-related Injuries
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many accidents and injuries caused by fireworks have been reported in each constituency, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 2378/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Information on the number of patients reporting to A&E Departments and Minor Injuries Units with injuries from fireworks, since 2004, over a selected 4-5 week period covering the end of October and start of November (Halloween period) is available in the Annual Northern Ireland Fireworks Injuries Statistics at the following link:
http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-activity_stats-2/firework_statistics.htm
This information is not broken down at constituency level.
Drugs Removed from the GP Prescription List
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) if he is aware of any drugs that have been removed from the GP prescription list in the last six months that can now only be prescribed by consultants; (ii) if he will give an assurance that these drugs will be available by repeat prescription; and (iii) to outline the reasons for the removal of these drugs.
(AQW 2379/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
No drugs have been removed from the GP prescription list in the last six months that can now only be prescribed by consultants.
Funding for Forster Green Hospital
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the funding currently available to Forster Green Hospital to make up for the shortfall of nursing staff will be recurrent.
(AQW 2383/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Recurrent funding is only considered in cases where the Trust concerned can justify to commissioners and to my Department a recurrent need.Consequently, to the extent that any nursing shortfall at Forster Green Hospital is short term in nature, it would only be addressed by non-recurrent means.
Belfast Trust has assured me that it will ensure that safe staffing levels are maintained in all wards, including at Forster Green Hospital.
South West Acute Services Hospital
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the new South West Acute Services Hospital.
(AQW 2389/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Construction of the New Acute Hospital for the South West began in May 2009. Piling works, which started in June 2009, are now nearing completion, while the substructure and rising elements are progressing to plan. The construction of the frame for the main hospital building will commence later this month and the hospital remains on target for completion in 2012.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration he has given to making Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) an officially recognised condition, in order to ensure a more fair and cost-effective distribution of resources to people diagnosed with ASD.
(AQW 2390/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and social care services are provided on the basis of assessed need, irrespective of what condition or conditions the individual may have. ASD is widely recognised by our Health and Social Care Services and classified by the World Health Organisation as a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting communication, social interaction and behaviour.
Austistic Spectrum Disorder
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) if he is aware that many facilities for respite care for people with learning disabilites are not suitable for people on the autism spectrum; and (ii) what action he will take to provide respite care suitable for people with Austistic Spectrum Disorder who do not have a learning disability.
(AQW 2391/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and Social Care services are provided on the basis of individually assessed need and not on the basis of a particular disability. Whilst all Trusts may not have dedicated services specifically for people affected by autism spectrum disorder, they can and do accommodate many service users who are affected by autism. Trusts also contract with voluntary organisations to provide respite to those affected by autism spectrum disorder.
The Regional ASD Network is overseeing the implementation of the ASD Strategic Action Plan. This has been developed to identify, quantify and address any deficiencies in services to individuals of all ages affected by ASD, which includes the need for service redesign to improve ASD care.
Independent Review on Autism
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the minutes from the Independent Review on Autism are not made public.
(AQW 2392/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
If held by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the minutes of the Independent Review of Autism Services would be exempt from public disclosure under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Section 41 applies to information that has been obtained from another person and whose disclosure to the public would constitute an actionable breach of confidence.
Independent Review on Autism
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many meetings of the Independent Review on Autism were carried out in (i) public session; and (ii) private session.
(AQW 2393/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Given that this was an Independent Review, it was left to the Chairman, together with members of the Independent Review Team to arrange how, when and in what circumstances, they would meet. It is my understanding, however that a wide range of individuals, carers and representatives from the voluntary and community, private and statutory sectors attended meetings, or met with the Independent Review Team as part of the process of preparing the Independent Review Team Report.
Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Network
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) when the Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Network will have its first meeting; (ii) how often these meetings will take place; (iii) the projected annual cost of the Network; (iv) who has been appointed to this group; (v) how many sub-groups it will have; and (vi) who will sit on the sub-groups.
(AQW 2394/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
(i) this took place on 20th April 2009
(ii) Project Board meets quarterly, Trust fora meetings are every 2 months, sub groups meet monthly,
(iii) no costs, other than administrative cost of £17.5k annually for initial establishment and continuing administrative support
(iv) representation from the Public Health Agency, Health and Social Care Board, each Health and Social Care Trust, ASD Diagnosticians Forum, individuals with ASD, parents, carers, voluntary sector representatives, Department for Social Development, Department of Education, Education Library Board, Department for Culture Arts and Leisure, Department for Employment and Learning, DHSSPS, Patient Client Council, other relevant Statutory Agencies as required, other representatives to be co-opted / identified as required
(v) 4 network sub groups
(vi) relevant stakeholders from (iv) above
Health Service Employed Doctors, Surgeons and Consultants
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline how his Department ensures that Health Service employed doctors, surgeons and consultants do not carry out private work during Health Service time.
(AQW 2397/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Under the terms and conditions of the new nationally agreed contracts, consultants, specialty doctors and associated specialists are permitted to undertake private professional services for other organisations. However, the priority for practitioners is service to the HSC and they are contracted to work 40 hours, or more, each week for their HSC employer. Thereafter, a practitioner may undertake private professional services for other organisations provided that this does not result in detriment to HSC patients or services or diminish the public resources that are available for the HSC.
Changes to the Mid Ulster Hospital
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the findings of the Equality Impact Assessment on the changes to the Mid Ulster Hospital that take effect on 6 November 2009.
(AQW 2398/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
Assessment of the impact of these proposals on service users was fully detailed in the Trusts ‘Reconfiguration of Acute Hospital Services – Consultation and Equality Impact Assessment – January 2009’ and can be found on the Trust’s website at
http://www.northerntrust.hscni.net/pdf/Reconfiguration_of_acute_hospital_services.pdf
Cardiac Ambulance Cover at the Mid Ulster Hospital
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provision exists for cardiac ambulance cover at the Mid Ulster hospital (i) in the evenings; (ii) on weekends; and (iii) on public holidays.
(AQW 2399/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust operates a cardiac ambulance from the Mid-Ulster Hospital between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) which supports the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), if required. NIAS provides 24 hr emergency response cover provided by fully trained paramedics in addition to this specialist resource.
Staff Employed in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently employed in Press or Communications Offices in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2407/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Please see information requested in the table below. Information from 10 years ago is not available.
Health & Social Care Staff in Press or Communications offices at November 2009
| Trust/Agency | Press/Communications staff 2009 |
|---|---|
| WTE | |
| Belfast Trust | 18.7 |
| Northern Trust | 8.5 |
| South Eastern Trust | 4.6 |
| Southern Trust | 8.3 |
| Western Trust | 6.5 |
| N.I Ambulance Trust | 1.0 |
| Business Services Organisation | 0 |
| N.I Blood Transfusion Agency | 0 |
| N.I Guardian Ad Litem Agency | 0 |
| Regional Quality Improvement Agency | 1.0 |
| Health & Social Care Board 2 | N.av |
Source: Health & Social Care organisations
Notes:
1. N.av = Not Available. WTE = Whole-time equivalent.
2. Accurate whole-time equivalents are not available for the Board as some of the staff carry out public relations duties as part of their responsibilities and not as a full-time post.
Cost of Staffing in the Health Service
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of staffing for Press or Communications Offices in the Health Service; and how this figure has changed in the last ten years.
(AQW 2408/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information is not held by my Department and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.
Forster Green Hospital Site
Mrs C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when a decision will be made on funding to maintain the operational safety of the Forster Green Hospital site.
(AQW 2411/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In advance of construction of a new Neurology Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital funding will be provided as required to address any identified problems at Forster Green Hospital.
Fire Service Pay Award
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when he expects an agreement on the Fire Service pay award.
(AQW 2413/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I refer the member to my answer to AQW 2468/10
Outpatient Appointments
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many outpatient appointments were cancelled in the last financial year.
(AQW 2414/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the number of outpatient appointments cancelled by each hospital is submitted to Hospital Information Branch each quarter on the Quarterly Outpatient Activity Return (QOAR) and is published annually in the Northern Ireland Hospital Statistics publication, which is available at the following link:
http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-activity_stats-2/hospital_statistics.htm.
Review of Autism Services Group
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the membership of the Review of Autism Services group, and its terms of reference.
(AQW 2416/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information was published in a press release in September 2007, and is available on the Departments website at http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-dhssps/news-dhssps-september-2007
Review of Autism Report
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline how his Department intends to take forward the recommendations outlined in the Review of Autism report.
(AQW 2417/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The recommendations of the Independent Review of Autism Services along with evidence from other relevant research was taken into account in the development of the ASD Strategic Action Plan 2008/09 – 2010/11 which was published in June 2009.
Swine Flu Vaccination
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the uptake level of swine flu vaccination in North Down.
(AQW 2431/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: As the swine flu vaccination programme only began on 21 October it is too early to provide uptake figures.
Swine Flu Vaccination
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if GPs in North Down are coping with the demand for swine flu vaccination.
(AQW 2432/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am not aware of any particular difficulties in North Down.
Residents in the Republic of Ireland
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost to the Health Service of residents in the Republic of Ireland crossing the border to make use of Health Service facilities.
(AQW 2433/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
People with Suspected Cancer
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to ensure that people with suspected cancer will see a specialist within two weeks.
(AQW 2440/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department working with the Northern Ireland Cancer Network have developed regional cancer referral pathways to ensure that patients with suspected cancer are treated within current targets, which are that –
- 98% of patients diagnosed with cancer (decision to treat) should begin their treatment within a maximum of 31 days; and
- 95% of patients urgently referred with a suspected cancer should begin their first definitive treatment within a maximum of 62 days.
In addition, women requiring an urgent assessment for suspected breast cancer (i.e. they have been referred by a GP with a symptom) are to be seen at a specialist breast clinic within 14 days of referral.
Though not a Ministerial target, it is agreed that the most appropriate management is for a patient to be seen for an initial diagnostic test within two weeks. This provides a more effective and streamlined pathway for suspected cancer patients than them being seen by a specialist at an earlier stage without access to test results.
Sex-Change Procedure
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people undergoing a sex-change procedure have received pre-operation, and post-operation treatments, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 2448/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information is not available on the number of people undergoing a sex-change procedure who have received pre-operation, and post-operation treatments.
Deafblind Children and Adults
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, regarding the identification and assessment of deafblind children and adults, to outline (i) what specific duties are placed on statutory health and social care bodies and agencies; and (ii) how these duties are currently fulfilled by each body or agency.
(AQW 2450/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) A number of legislative instruments are in place to ensure Health and Social Care Trusts identify and assess the individual needs of all service users with a disability, including those with dual sensory loss. Examples of legislation include: the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (NI) Act 1978; the Disabled Persons (NI) Act 1989; the HPSS (NI) Order 1991; the Carer's and Direct Payments Act (NI) 2002; the HPSS (Quality Improvement and Regulation) N.I Order 2003; the Disability Discrimination (NI) Act 1995; the Human Rights Act 1998; and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.
(ii) Each Health and Social Care Trust has a dedicated sensory support service, which provides those who may have dual sensory loss with an individual assessment of their hearing and sight loss. Based on their identified needs, a range of services may be provided, including the installation of equipment to promote independent living, rehabilitation training, emotional support, information, advocacy, direct payments and support and assistance to carers.
Taxi Expenditure
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much his Department has spent on taxis in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2455/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Review of the Use of Temporary Staff in the HSC
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in relation to the review of the Use of Temporary Staff in the HSC to be undertaken during 2009/10, to outline (i) the terms of reference; (ii) who will be leading the review; (iii) if recruitment agencies will be consulted; (iv) the overall timeframe; and (v) the total budget.
(AQW 2467/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i). The terms of reference include
- identifying the level and cost of use of temporary staff in the HSC by staff category.
- exploring the variations and scale of temporary posts across NI and between NI and GB.
- identifying the key reasons why temporary staff are required and what measures can be taken to reduce the requirement to recruit on a temporary basis.
- examining the quality of information available, including systems currently used in the management and control of this area.
- examining the management arrangements in this area, including examining current policies, procedures and operational practices. Trend analysis to be provided. Identify potential savings that could accrue through improved management arrangements.
- identifying examples of good practice.
- to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations
(ii).The Department will be leading the review and a Project Steering Group made up of representatives from the Department and HSC will oversee the progress of the audit.
(iii).The use of recruitment agencies is included within the scope of the audit.
(iv).A final agreed report is due by 30 June 2010.
(v). The total budget for this audit is £35,000.
Pay Increase for all Uniformed Fire Service Employees
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) why the 1.25% pay increase for all uniformed Fire Service employees, due to take effect from 1st July 2009, has yet to be paid; (ii) when it will be implemented; and (iii) if the pay will be backdated to 1st July 2009.
(AQW 2468/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Normal government procedures on dealing with public sector pay required my Department and the Department of Finance and Personnel to scrutinise the pay award to ensure value for money.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were notified on the 16 October that their pay award had been agreed. The pay award is effective from 1st July 2009 and will be processed by NIFRS to include any back dating payments as soon as is possible.
Card Before You Leave Appointment System
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) why the Card Before You Leave Appointment system has been postponed for the third time; and (ii) what measures are being put in place to ensure that the new date for implementation will not be subject to further postponement.
(AQW 2469/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I refer to my answers to AQW 2036/10 and AQW 2093/10. I am pleased to say that the Card Before You Leave Scheme has been implemented with effect from 1st November 2009.
Prople from the Republic of Ireland using the Health Service
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people from the Republic of Ireland used the Health Service, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2471/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I refer the member to the answer I gave to AQW 2030/10.
Services and Facilities
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many services and facilities have been procured through Private Finance Initiatives or Public Private Partnerships in each Health and Social Care Trust; and (ii) to list each of the services and facilities procured through this route.
(AQW 2497/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: To date there have been 8 services and facilities procured through Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) or Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the Trusts. The Belfast Trust has 4, the Northern Trust 2 and there is one each for the Western and Southern Trusts. Detail per Trust is set out below:
| Trust | Facility/Service | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast | Multi Storey Car Park Facility | Royal Group of Hospitals |
| Managed Equipment Services | Royal Group of Hospitals | |
| Renal Dialysis Facilities and Renal Services | Belfast City Hospital | |
| Managed Equipment Services | Belfast City Hospital | |
| Northern | Renal Dialysis Facilities and Renal Services | Antrim Hospital |
| Contract Energy Services | Holywell Hospital | |
| Southern | Contract Energy Services | Craigavon Area Hospital |
| Western | Labs and Pharmacy Facilities | Altnagelvin Hospital |
Security Staff at the Ulster Hospital
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what security staff are on duty at the Ulster Hospital in (i) day-time hours; and (ii) night-time hours.
(AQW 2500/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The provision of security services at the Ulster Hospital is accommodated through the use of a 3-shift rota -early 0600 – 1400, late 1400 – 2200, night 2200 – 0600.
This permits a minimum of two staff on duty during early / late shifts and a minimum of three staff on the night shift. Additionally three staff on a Car Parking rota can support the security rota.
Organ Donors
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to encourage more people to become organ donors.
(AQW 2501/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Northern Ireland, along with the rest of the UK, is working on implementing the 14 recommendations of the Organ Donation Taskforce. Those recommendations aim to bring about a 50% increase in UK organ donation within 5 years. The first year of implementation is complete and results to date are positive with a 7% increase in people signing on to the Organ Donor Register. Registration now stands at 27% of the UK population (16,329,316 people) and Northern Ireland is close to this average. There has also been a record rise in both UK deceased and living donation rates.
Northern Ireland also part funds UK promotional activity carried out by NHS Blood and Transplant including the current UK wide campaign promoting organ donation.
Child Abuse
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what are the health implications of (a) the decision by the Children's Commissioner to play down concerns about child abuse in the Republic of Ireland for political reasons and to couch a report in order to not "undermine the system"; and (b) the agreement reached between the Roman Catholic church and PSNI to only provide summary files relating to allegations of child sexual abuse in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 2719/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am not in a position to comment on the matters in question. I would suggest that matters relating to the Children’s Commissioner should be addressed to OFMDFM and matters pertaining to the PSNI should be addressed to the NIO.
Availability of the Thrombosis Centre
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provision would have been available for a stroke victim admitted to Causeway Hospital on 7 November 2009, in terms of the availability of the Thrombosis Centre and on-call consultancy.
(AQW 2857/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: To date a service has been developed at a number of acute hospital sites across the 5 Health and Social Care Trusts, including Causeway Hospital. Although this service is only currently available as a 9 to 5 weekday service I expect this to progress to a full 24/7 service in keeping with the target deadline of March 2011, at which time it will not be acceptable to admit stroke patients to a unit unless there are arrangements in place to assess suitability for and administer thrombolysis, if appropriate.
I am advised that Accident and Emergency staff were available on November 7 at Causeway Hospital and equipped to deal with medical emergencies including stroke. A full consultant team was also on call and available.
Haemochromatosis
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what measures are in place to identify cases of haemochromatosis.
(AQO 368/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: General Practitioners are usually the first point of contact for patients suffering from the symptoms of haemochromatosis and are responsible for the onward referral of patients for further tests and/or treatment. Many of the signs and symptoms associated with haemochromatosis can exist in other common illnesses or conditions however, specific blood tests usually confirm diagnosis. Genetic tests and liver biopsy are also available and may be considered.
Neurology Patients
Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he can provide an assurance, given the current financial constraints on Health Trusts, that there will be no reduction in palliative care, respite care and rehabilitation available to patients accessing neurology services.
(AQO 369/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:Despite the challenges of the current financial climate, I am fully committed to providing appropriate care for all people with a disability in Northern Ireland.
As I said earlier, work has commenced to develop a physical and sensory disability strategy which will recognise the importance of neuro- disability and the care and support required for these conditions, including respite and rehabilitation.
I recently announced my commitment to the development of a Palliative and End of Life care Strategy for Northern Ireland which should be issued for consultation shortly. It is anticipated that the Strategy will be in place by the end of March 2010.
Maternity Services: After-care
Mr A Attwood asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what after-care will be available to new mothers discharged early from hospital.
(AQO 370/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The safety of mothers and babies is a fundamental priority for the Health Service and any decision to allow women home early will be based on clinical decisions by those responsible for their care.
The Belfast Trust is considering the early transfer of women with uncomplicated pregnancies and births to the care of community based midwives. This is part of a wider discussion about how we modernise our service to make the best use of the resources available to us, and provide a service which meets women’s individual needs.
DHSSPS: Capital Budget
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an assessment of his Department's capital budget allocation.
(AQO 371/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:I have been allocated £3.3bn across the 10-year ISNI period ending 2017/18 against a need estimated at more than £7.8bn. This level of funding is clearly insufficient to address all the needs across health and social care. I now also have to manage Swine Flu pressures from within my existing resources with the result that I am now struggling to maintain the capital development programme within current constraints.
My planned capital programme, which is designed to address the legacy of under investment in health, may have to be delayed, with serious implications in terms of service risk and health and safety. Effectively my investment programme has been stalled just as it had begun. Health is the number one priority and needs much greater investment not less.
Cardiac Surgery: Waiting Times
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many patients have been waiting longer than the 13-week target waiting time for cardiac surgery and what is the average waiting time in excess of this target.
(AQO 372/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: At 30th June there were 11 patients waiting for cardiac surgery longer than the maximum waiting time target of 13 weeks. Their average waiting time was 17 weeks.
Fire and Rescue Service: Training
Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his plans to improve training facilities for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
(AQO 373/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department is currently engaged in the development of a joint training college for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Prison Service. I am very supportive of the new college, which will be located at Desertcreat, near Cookstown. It will replace existing NIFRS training facilities, which are very outdated and no longer fit for purpose. On current estimates, my Department’s contribution to the development of new college will be £30m. I need to ensure that the limited resources available are targeted to those areas of greatest need across health, social care and public safety. I am therefore currently reviewing my Department’s contribution to the new training facility.
Stroke Strategy
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how the £9 million allocated to Health and Social Care Trusts each year to support the Stroke Strategy is being utilised.
(AQO 374/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I allocated an additional £14m over the CSR period for the implementation of the stroke strategy recommendations. This allocation is broken down as, £2 million in 2008/09, £3 million in 2009/10 and £9 million in 2010/11and recurrently from April 2011.
The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), as commissioners are responsible for allocating this money to the Trusts based on the current capitation formula and I am advised that the annual allocation is being invested in stroke services. To date this has included investment in Consultants and Allied Health Professionals together with funding for additional training. The use of this funding is monitored by the HSCB through its regular performance management meetings with each Trust.
DHSSPS: Budget
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an assessment of his Department's overall budget allocation.
(AQO 375/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Health Service is faced with increasing demand, pandemic flu and challenging efficiencies. I am in the business of helping to save lives; that is why I asked for exemption from efficiency savings.
With a pro-rata approach to cuts in 2010/11 I would be faced with cutting both capital and revenue investment and existing services. The cuts in my capital budget alone would equate to at least 2 health and care centres, several children’s homes and a new local hospital.
The effect of this will be to increase pain and distress and to shorten lives. As an Executive, we must target any budget reductions on the lowest priority areas of our entire spending and we must make these decisions speedily.
Department for Regional Development
Road Flooding
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will investigate the underlying causes of road flooding on the weekend of Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2009; and if he will develop an urgent action plan to correct any faults.
(AQW 2233/10)
Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy):
I can advise that responsibility for drainage infrastructure is shared between my Department’s Roads Service, Northern Ireland Water (NIW), and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Rivers Agency. These three agencies have formulated procedures for liaison and co-ordination of the emergency response to flooding, resulting in the production of Best Practice Guidelines and Flooding Hotspots lists. These procedures were applied when flooding occurred at a number of locations, over the weekend of Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2009.
The combined flooding hotspots register is a list of key flooding locations across the North, and identifies, for each location, the agency which should take the lead during a flooding event. The combined flooding hotspots list is continually updated as new locations are reported, or problem locations rectified. However, the flooding problems at these locations are not always easy to resolve, as remedial work may be prohibitively expensive, or the solution may not be immediately obvious and may require further investigation or consultation with other Departments or adjacent landowners.
In addition to the hotspots register, each Roads Service Section Office also identifies areas which are regularly affected by flooding in their respective areas. Programmes of work are prepared by each office to undertake remedial measures at the areas identified, on a priority basis.
Closure of Car Parks for Public Events
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline Roads Service policy on the closure of car parks for public events.
(AQW 2260/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the Road Traffic and Vehicles Off-Street Parking Order (Northern Ireland) 2000 does not include a formal provision for the closure of car parks for public events. However, in certain circumstances, Roads Service will consider the closure of its car parks for civic events organised by local councils.
Vehicles Clamped
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development how many vehicles have been clamped in the first nine months of 2009, broken down by constituency.
(AQW 2277/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that in conjunction with its contractor, NSL Services Group, it is involved in clamping vehicles, solely in relation to the collection of debt, arising from unpaid Penalty Charge Notices.
Unfortunately, information relating to clamping is not collated on a constituency basis, however, Roads Service has advised that in the first nine months of 2009 the number of vehicles clamped for this reason was 118.
Clamping Vehicles
Mr J Shannon asked e Minister for Regional Development if there are any controls or restrictions on companies responsible for clamping vehicles, and if so, how are they monitored.
(AQW 2278/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service, in conjunction with its contractor, NSL Services Group, is involved in the clamping of vehicles on the public road network and in Roads Service car parks. The clamping of vehicles is carried out in relation to illegal parking contraventions and debt recovery arising from unpaid Penalty Charge Notices. This activity is carried out in accordance with the provisions of The Traffic Management (NI) Order 2005.
I should explain that Roads Service is not involved in any clamping activity on private land and, my Department has no responsibility for the regulation of clamping operations by companies on private land. However, I understand that the NIO is working with the Security Industry Authority to introduce the licensing of all those working in certain sections of the private security industry, including private clamping.
I can further advise that the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), within DOE, has the authority to clamp unlicensed vehicles used or kept in areas accessible by the public.
Allegations of Harassment or Bullying
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development how many allegations of harassment or bullying have been reported by staff in his Department in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2291/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The following numbers of allegations of harassment or bullying have been made within DRD in the last five years.
YEAR |
NO OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED |
|---|---|
2005 |
6 |
2006 |
5 |
2007 |
3 |
2008 |
8 |
2009 (to date) |
5 |
Cross-Border Bridge Link at Narrow Water
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will meet with his Ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland to discuss specifically the proposed new cross-border bridge link at Narrow Water.
(AQW 2293/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
As indicated in my answer to the Member’s recent question AQW 1688/10, the Narrow Water Bridge proposal is being taken forward by Louth County Council, and my Department has no direct involvement in this project, nor has been asked for any commitment to contribute funds to this scheme.
During my previous meetings with my Ministerial counterpart in the South, the proposed new bridge link at Narrow Water has been among the items discussed. I will continue to co-operate with him in the future, as Louth County Council take forward, and develop, this project.
Additional Traffic at the Mourne Country Roundabout
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to ensure that motorists using the Mourne Country roundabout, Ashgrove Road and Upper Damolly Road, will not be inconvenienced by additional traffic when the new Abbey Grammar School opens.
(AQW 2294/10)
Minister for Regional Development: Full planning permission for the Abbey Grammar School, Ashgrove Avenue, Newry, was granted on 17 May 2007 and following 2 years of construction, the school is scheduled to open in January 2010.
As part of the Planning Process, a detailed Transport Assessment was conducted on behalf of the School Authority.
The Transport Assessment indicated how school children would travel to the school, and a strong emphasis was placed on the need for the school to adopt a travel plan to encourage school children to travel to the school by means other than car, i.e. walking, cycling and public transport. The Assessment also identified that improvement work would be required to the existing access roadway, known as Castleowen, and that the internal school road layout and car park would be provided to a high standard to enable buses, and those parents transporting children by car, to do so safely and conveniently.
While I am satisfied that all traffic issues surrounding this school were carefully assessed and measures have been put in place to deal with any problems, should they arise, Roads Service has also advised that it will monitor the traffic situation in the vicinity of the new school in early
2010 and implement any measures necessary to regulate traffic flows, subject to the necessary finance being available.
Penalty Charge Notices
Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development, in relation to penalty charge notices issued to taxi drivers by National Car Parks since the beginning of the National Car Parks contract (i) how many have been issued; (ii) how many notices were paid in full within 14 days at the £30 rate; (iii) how many were paid after 14 days at the £60 rate; (iv) to detail the total revenue generated; (v) how many were contested; and (vi) how many contested notices were successfully repealed.
(AQW 2318/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it is not possible to provide details of how many Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued to drivers of Public Hire Taxis, as the data is not collated in this format. I am therefore unable to provide the requested information.
I should explain that Traffic Attendants issue PCNs when they detect vehicles which are illegally parked. However, Roads Service has advised that it is difficult to issue a PCN to a public-hire taxi as the driver normally stays with the vehicle and, if it is parked illegally, will move off before a PCN can be issued. I am assured that Traffic Attendants do engage with the drivers and attempt to provide enforcement.
Road Openings
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Regional Development how many road openings have been carried out by utility operators or service providers in each constituency, over the past 12 months.
(AQW 2322/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
As I advised the Member in my answer to his Assembly Question, AQW 2221/10, my Department’s Road Service does not hold the requested information on a Constituency basis. However, I enclose details of numbers of road openings carried out by utility operators or service providers by, Roads Service Section Office area, for the period 1 November 2008 to 31 October 2009. This information is taken from the NI Streetworks Registration and Notification System (NISRANS).
Section Office Area |
Road Openings |
|---|---|
| Antrim | 1,467 |
| Ards | 2,339 |
| Armagh | 1,570 |
| Ballymena and Larne | 1,941 |
| Ballymoney and Moyle | 1,204 |
| Banbridge | 1,233 |
| Belfast North | 5,757 |
| Belfast South | 6,323 |
| Castlereagh | 1,279 |
| Coleraine | 2,064 |
| Cookstown | 722 |
| Craigavon | 2,078 |
| Down | 1,945 |
| Dungannon | 1,703 |
| Fermanagh | 1,405 |
| Limavady | 863 |
| Lisburn | 2,847 |
| Derry | 2,562 |
| Magherafelt | 737 |
| Newry and Mourne | 2,579 |
| Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus | 2,663 |
| North Down | 1,707 |
| Omagh | 929 |
| Strabane | 983 |
| Total | 48,900 |
Road Openings
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Regional Development to list any incidences where utility operators or service providers have opened a newly constructed road within 12 months of the road being completed.
(AQW 2323/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that details of incidences of openings carried out by utility operators or service providers on newly constructed roads, within 12 months of the road being completed, are not recorded separately from other road openings on the NI Streetworks Registration and Notification System (NISRANS). Therefore, I am unable to provide the information requested by the Member.
My Department’s Roads Service works closely with utilities to ensure that, as far as possible, appropriate provision is made for utilities’ apparatus in advance of substantial road works, or as part of construction of new roads.
Road Openings
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the process by which roads are opened by utility operators and service providers.
(AQW 2324/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The process by which my Department’s Roads Service controls and coordinates road openings by utility operators/service providers, is set out in the following series of codes of practice, developed by the NI Road Authority and Utilities Committee and published by The Stationary Office.
- Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters (2nd Edition) 31 January 2005 (ISBN 0-337-08717-2);
- Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads (2nd Edition) July 2006 (ISBN 0-337-08775-X); and
- Code of Practice for Inspections (2nd Edition) 1 September 2003 (ISBN 0-337-08622-2).
Road Openings
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Regional Development to list any incidences of roads not being reinstated to the required standard by utility operators or service providers after their work is complete; and what action his Department has taken in each case, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 2325/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
Details of the number of defects identified in permanent reinstatements on street works sites and on earlier reinstatements or ironwork, as published each year by my Department’s Roads Service in its Annual Report, are provided in the table below.
Year |
Number of Defects |
|---|---|
2006/07 |
11,524 |
2007/08 |
11,855 |
2008/09 |
12,011 |
Roads Service has advised that on all the defects identified, it requested remedial works to be carried out by the relevant utility and this work was completed.
Door-to-Door Transport Scheme
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he would extend the catchment area for the Bangor Door-to-Door Transport Scheme to include the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
(AQW 2331/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have no plans to extend the Bangor catchment area.
Door-to-Door transport is an urban based scheme designed to allow members to access local services and facilities. Trips outside the catchment area are allowed in limited circumstances but to include the Ulster Hospital in the Bangor catchment area could mean a vehicle being out of the current operational area for a long period of time thus reducing the availability of the service.
I understand that Translink operate a regular bus service between Bangor and the Ulster Hospital using fully accessible vehicles.
Traffic Survey, Rathgael Road, Bangor
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the most recent traffic survey for the Rathgael Road, Bangor, including the volume of traffic for each weekday.
(AQW 2333/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it collects data from approx 300 automatic traffic census sites located throughout the North’s road network. The most recent average weekday traffic flows for the Rathgael Road, Bangor, are provided in the table below:
| Road | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rathgael Road (2008) | 13569 |
13950 |
14301 |
14324 |
11790 |
Traffic Survey, Springhill to Newtownards Roundabput
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the most recent traffic survey for the dual carriageway between Springhill flyover and Newtownards Road Roundabout, Bangor, including the volume of traffic for each weekday.
(AQW 2334/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it collects data from approx 300 automatic traffic census sites located throughout the North’s road network. Roads Service has assumed that you are referring to the Bangor Ring Road, at Clandeboye. The most recent average weekday traffic flows for the Bangor Ring Road, are provided in the table below:
Road |
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor Ring Road (2007) | 21542 |
21060 |
21814 |
22615 |
23145 |
On-site Surveys of the Comber Greenway
Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Regional Development which company has been appointed to conduct on-site surveys of the Comber Greenway; and if this appointment was subject to tender.
(AQW 2357/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
Due to the value of the commission, the appointment was procured by Central Procurement Directorate’s Consultancy Framework. The successful consultant is McAdam Design, who is employing CCS Surveying.
CCS Surveying is currently carrying out the topographical survey of the Comber Greenway. The survey commenced on 26 Oct 2009. This work is part of an overall EWAY and WWAY topographical survey commission, valued at £220k.
Parking Tickets
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development how many parking tickets have been issued in Carrickfergus since January 2009.
(AQW 2376/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that 1,318 Penalty Charge Notices were issued in Carrickfergus in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 October 2009.
Parking Tickets
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development how many parking tickets have been issued in Larne since January 2009.
(AQW 2377/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that 573 Penalty Charge Notices were issued in Larne in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 October 2009.
Roundabout Beside Stranmillis College, Belfast
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development what measures he intends to take to alleviate the congestion at the roundabout beside Stranmillis College, Belfast.
(AQW 2403/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it has carried out observations at the roundabout beside Stranmillis College. It was noted that vehicles pass through the junction in a steady and controlled manner at peak times. Delays experienced by traffic on the non-arterial routes were not excessive, when considered within the context of many junctions within the Greater Belfast area. It was also noted that traffic flows well outside of the peak times.
Taking these factors into consideration, along with the pressures on budgets from other potential schemes, Roads Service does not consider that works to adjust the existing road layout are a high priority, at this time. Consequently, Roads Service has no plans to alter the existing roundabout.
Roads in Stranmillis
Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development if there are plans to resurface the roads in Stranmillis within the next two years.
(AQW 2404/10)
Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service undertakes an annual programme of reconstruction and resurfacing works, which is implemented on a scheme priority basis and subject to the availability of financial resource. There are currently no plans to carry out such works in the Stranmillis area within the next two years.
Roads Service, however, reviews its proposed resurfacing programme on an annual basis.
Department Staff
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number, the location, the grade and the posts within his Department currently located in (a) the Omagh District; and (b) the Strabane District; and to outline his Department's plans to retain and increase the number of such posts in West Tyrone.
(AQW 2436/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The posts currently located in the Omagh and Strabane District Council areas are shown in the tables below.
| OMAGH | |
|---|---|
| Grade | Number of Posts |
Professional and Technical |
|
| Senior Professional and Technical Officer | 1 |
| Higher Professional and Technical Officer | 2 |
| Professional and Technical Officer | 5 |
| Technical Grade 2 | 5 |
Administrative |
|
| Administrative Officer | 1 |
| Administrative Assistant | 1 |
Industrial |
|
| Road Worker I | 2 |
| Road Worker II | 29 |
| Road Worker II Team Leader | 3 |
| Road Worker III | 4 |
| Road Worker III Team Leader | 1 |
| Electrician | 1 |
| STRABANE | |
|---|---|
| Grade | Number of Posts |
Professional and Technical |
|
| Senior Professional and Technical Officer | 1 |
| Higher Professional and Technical Officer | 1 |
| Professional and Technical Officer | 4 |
| Technical Grade 2 | 4 |
| Administrative | |
| Administrative Officer | 1 |
| Administrative Assistant | 1 |
| Industrial | |
| Road Worker II | 25 |
| Road Worker II Team Leader | 2 |
| Road Worker III | 3 |
The implications of the Review of Public Administration proposals for the reform of local government will be a consideration in any plans to retain and increase the number of such posts in West Tyrone.
NI Water's 'leakage allowance'
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will undertake a review of NI Water's 'leakage allowance' criteria to include rural properties which are not connected to the public sewerage system.
(AQW 2453/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I am advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that a review of its leakage policy is underway to ensure it is fair and consistent for all customers. As part of the review, NIW will consult widely with stakeholders including elected representatives, farmers representatives, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Consumer Council NI.
NIW is aiming to complete the review by 31 March 2010.
Funding to Public Transport
Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to gradually increase the priority of funding to public transport compared to the funding received by Roads Service.
(AQW 2484/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The Regional Transportation Strategy set out the spending priorities for transport to tackle the historic under investment in roads and public transport. At the time, it suggested a spending ratio for roads to public transport of 65:35.
The ongoing and planned improvements to our Strategic Roads Network will improve the flow of traffic, including public transport and freight, across the region, contributing to competitiveness and economic growth. As we complete these schemes, however, we will have to make decisions on how we spend our money in the future.
I believe that we now need to change the emphasis of our investment to improve public transport more. This is being considered as part of the ongoing Review of the Regional Transportation Strategy.
My Department aims to issue a draft Revised Regional Transportation Strategy for public consultation before July 2010. As the review impacts on the work of a number of Departments, I intend to present the Revised Strategy to the Executive before its publication. If it is endorsed by the Executive, I would then intend to make a Statement to the Assembly.
Legal Fees
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development how many (i) inquiries; (ii) arbitrations; (iii) tribunals; (iv) counsel's opinions; and (v) other civil proceedings involving his Department incurred legal fees in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2504/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The information requested in AQW 2504/10, which is available within DRD in the format required, is set out in the table below. It is not exhaustive.
My Department’s Roads Service have advised that it is not possible to provide details of (ii) arbitrations; (iii) tribunals; (iv) counsel's opinions; and (v) other civil proceedings, as the data is not collated in this format.
| (i) inquiries | (ii) arbitrations | (iii) tribunals | (iv) counsel’s opinions | (v) other civil proceedings * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | No | No | No | |
| 2009-10 | 1 |
- |
- |
1 |
184 |
| 2008-9 | - |
- |
1 |
0 |
397 |
| 2007-8 | 2 |
- |
- |
1 |
503 |
| 2006-7 | 7 |
- |
- |
1 |
509 |
| 2005-6 | 2 |
- |
- |
0 |
580 |
* Most civil proceedings cases, also include figures for counsel’s opinions.
The figures also include other fees associated with legal proceedings as it is not possible to isolate the legal fees alone.
The figures also include cases for Water claims received prior to 1 April 2007 but still outstanding when NIW was created.
Expenditure on Legal Fees
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development how much his Department has spent on legal fees on (i) inquiries; (ii) arbitrations; (iii) tribunals; (iv) counsel's opinions; and (v) other civil proceedings in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2505/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The information requested in AQW 2505/10 which is available within DRD in the format required, is set out in the table below. It is not exhaustive.
My Department’s Roads Service have advised that it is not possible to provide details of (ii) arbitrations; (iii) tribunals; (iv) counsel's opinions; and (v) other civil proceedings, as the data is not collated in this format.
| (i) inquiries | (ii) arbitrations | (iii) tribunals | (iv) counsel’s opinions | (v) other civil proceedings * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
2009-10 |
5,290 |
NIL |
NIL |
750 |
1,373,663.75 |
2008-9 |
NIL |
NIL |
32,410.70 |
NIL |
2,421,926.39 |
2007-8 |
18,864 |
NIL |
NIL |
1,100.00 |
2,129,076.29 |
2006-7 |
59,513 |
NIL |
NIL |
850 |
2,363,125.38 |
2005-6 |
21,854 |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
2,497,092.25 |
* Most civil proceedings cases, also include figures for counsel’s opinions.
The figures also include other fees associated with legal proceedings as it is not possible to isolate the legal fees alone.
The figures also include cases for Water claims received prior to 1 April 2007 but still outstanding when Northern Ireland Water was created.
Greenan Road, Newry
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to address the continuous flooding of the Greenan Road, Newry, at the location known as the 'Mill Dam'.
(AQW 2509/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service is aware that the Greenan Road floods periodically, usually following periods of prolonged heavy rain. The flooding on the Greenan Road normally alleviates quickly and is directly related to the water level in the Mill Pond. When the water level is high, the Mill Pond overflows onto the Greenan Road, as the levels are similar.
The Mill Pond and the downstream land are in private ownership and Roads Service has contacted the owners of the land to request investigation and possible maintenance, of the outfall and downstream area, to ensure that the water from the mill pond can discharge adequately.
I have asked the Divisional Roads Manager in Southern Division, Mr Bertie Ellison, to write to you when he is in a position to update you on progress made with this matter.
Flooding in Clermont Gardens, Warrenpoint
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the proposed project to alleviate flooding in the Clermont Gardens area of Warrenpoint.
(AQW 2511/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that work on the first phase of improvements to the sewerage system to reduce the risk of flooding in the Clermont Gardens area of Warrenpoint was completed earlier this year. The second phase is currently at an advanced stage of design and work will commence subject to the availability of finance.
Road Safety at the Castlewellan Road, Hilltown and the Kinghill Road Junction
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the proposal to improve road safety at the Castlewellan Road, Hilltown and the Kinghill Road junction.
(AQW 2513/10)
Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that a scheme to improve visibility at the Castlewellan Road, Hilltown and the Kinghill Road junction is currently being considered for inclusion in a future programme of improvement works.
Newry Southern Relief Road Project
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development for the estimated start and finish dates of the Newry Southern Relief Road project.
(AQW 2514/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The Feasibility Report into the Newry Southern Relief Road has now been produced, which confirms that this scheme would provide a new strategic transport link to support the economic growth of the City. Although it is too early in the development of the scheme to give start and finish dates, I have asked Roads Service to proceed with further environmental and engineering assessments, and to engage in a wider consultation process, considered necessary to identify a preferred corridor for the Newry Southern Relief Road.
The progress of the scheme will be dependent on a number of factors, which, in addition to the development process and statutory procedures, will include the priority which the scheme attracts when compared to other competing demands, and the availability of finance.
Southern By-Pass, Enniskillen
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the progress on the route option identification for a southern by-pass at Enniskillen.
(AQW 2519/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
Earlier this year my Department’s Roads Service appointed consultants, AECOM, to commence route identification work on the proposed Enniskillen Southern Bypass. This work is ongoing with the intention of identifying a preferred route corridor by summer 2010.
A public information/consultation day is planned for autumn 2010, when the preferred route corridor will be presented and the views and comments of the general public sought.
Cherrymount Link Road, Enniskillen
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development when work is due to begin on the Cherrymount Link Road, Enniskillen.
(AQW 2528/10)
Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service remains committed to the completion of this worthwhile project. The land required for the construction of the Cherrymount Link Road has been acquired, and construction work could start in 2011, subject to the level of funding available at that time.
Park and Ride Facilities
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development how many park and ride facilities there are in the East Antrim constituency, and what plans he has for additional facilities in the next two years.
(AQW 2552/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service provides some 3,800 spaces at 48 sites across the North through its Park and Ride and Park and Share schemes. These sites are situated at strategic locations and are generally at key junctions on the motorway and trunk road network.
There are no Park and Ride sites currently situated within the East Antrim constituency, however, Roads Service are investigating the possibility of providing a site at Millbrook roundabout, Larne. The proposals are at a very early stage and a feasibility study is being undertaken to determine the viability and the number of spaces that could be provided at such a site.
In addition to facilities provided by Roads Service, I understand that Translink provide a total of 339 Park and Ride spaces at NIR stations from Whiteabbey through to Larne.
Pay and Display Machines
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development how much revenue has been generated from each of the pay and display machines in (i) Larne; (ii) Carrickfergus; and (iii) Newtownabbey in each of the last three years
(AQW 2553/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the revenue figures requested for the last three years, including the current financial year to the end of September 2009, are set out in the tables below:-
Larne
Car-Park |
No. of Machines |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agnew Street | 2 | 25.2 | 24.9 | 9.3 |
| Circular Road | 2 | 13.5 | 14.2 | 5.7 |
| Fairhill | 1 | 11.3 | 11.6 | 4.8 |
| Narrow Gauge | 4 | 29.2 | 31.5 | 15.9 |
Carrickfergus
| Car-Park | No. of Machines | 2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Street | 2 | 63.1 | 62.3 | 27.1 |
| Joymount | 2 | 21.5 | 20.8 | 9.9 |
| Lancastrian St. | 3 | 42.8 | 44.1 | 23.2 |
| St. Brides | 4 | 34.3 | 33.2 | 16.8 |
Newtownabbey/Ballyclare
| Car-Park | No. of Machines | 2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Square | 2 | 26.7 | 24.1 | 11.8 |
| Harrier Way | 3 | 37.1 | 36.1 | 18.4 |
Note, that the above revenue figures are inclusive of VAT payable.
All revenue generated from car parking charges, along with income from parking penalty charge notices, supplement the overall financing of Roads Service by Central Government. I should point out that the cost of managing Roads Service off-street car parks and enforcing the on-street parking restrictions, exceed the total revenue received.
Traffic Calming Schemes
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what traffic calming schemes are planned for the North Down constituency in 2010/11.
(AQW 2557/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I would remind the Member that information on the completed and proposed roads schemes can be found in my Department’s Roads Service’s Spring and Autumn Reports to Councils. These reports can be accessed from the Roads Service internet site at the following web address:
www.roadsni,gov.uk/index/publications/publications-council_reports.htm
Roads Service is currently compiling their Autumn Reports to Councils.
Cromac Street, Belfast
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) his Department's; (ii) Roads Service; and (iii) NI Water's response to the collapse of a section of the road in Cromac Street, Belfast on Saturday 7 November 2009.
(AQW 2585/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that following the road collapse at Cromac Street on Saturday 7 November 2009 its contractors immediately attended the site and following investigations commenced repair work.
My Department’s Roads Service closed the section of road affected, utilised permanent and mobile variable message equipment to support temporary traffic signs indicating recommended diversion routes and arranged extensive coverage of the temporary arrangements in the news media, local press and on the Roads Service traffic website and traffic information telephone line. The Traffic Information Control Centre continuously monitored the traffic situation during the course of the repair work and traffic information was regularly updated.
The repair work was undertaken round the clock and the road was re-opened to traffic on the evening of Friday 13 November.
Cromac Street, Belfast
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development what emergency measures have been taken by (i) his Department; (ii) Roads Service; and (iii) NI Water to ensure that Cromac Street, Belfast is reopened as soon as possible after the collapse of a section of the road on Saturday 7 November 2009.
(AQW 2586/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that following the road collapse at Cromac Street, Belfast on Saturday 7 November its contractor immediately attended the site to undertake investigations and commence emergency repair work. This work, which included the laying of a reinforced concrete slab, continued round the clock and the road was re-opened to traffic on Friday 13 November 2009.
Cromac Street, Belfast
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development whether his Department will have to pay for the repair and reinstatement of the road in Cromac Street, Belfast following the partial collapse on Saturday 7 November 2009.
(AQW 2588/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the costs of repairing and reinstating the road at Cromac Street, Belfast will be assessed and apportioned appropriately when investigations into the cause of the collapse are complete.
Sewage Network, Portrush
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development if NI Water is conducting bacteriological examinations of the sewage network in Portrush to rule out illegal connections.
(AQW 2603/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it is not conducting bacteriological examinations of the sewage network in Portrush however, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency undertakes investigations to identify the causes of pollution incidents and that this may include an examination of the surface water sewerage network to identify any illegal connections.
Sewage Network, Portballintrae
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development if NI Water is conducting bacteriological examinations of the sewage network in Portballintrae to rule out illegal connections.
(AQW 2604/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it is not conducting bacteriological examinations of the sewage network in Portballintrae however, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency undertakes investigations to identify the causes of pollution incidents and that this may include an examination of the surface water sewerage network to identify any illegal connections.
North Coast Waste Water Treatment Works
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of the compliance of the North Coast Waste Water Treatment Works.
(AQW 2605/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the North Coast Wastewater Treatment Works began discharging in June 2007 and since then it has been fully compliant with its discharge consent under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (NI) 2007.
Reservoir, Ballycastle Road, Newtownards
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the reasons for the delay in repairing the leak in the reservoir at the Ballycastle Road in Newtownards.
(AQW 2623/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that investigations to locate and repair the leak at Ballyblack Reservoir commenced on 5 October but were delayed until 12 October 2009 due to the need to gain safe access to a private field containing a bull. Excavations in the field confirmed that the leak was within the reservoir site but it proved difficult to locate due to the depth and complexity of the pipework. The leak was repaired on 16 October 2009.
Belfast City Centre: Pedestrians
Lord Browne asked the Minister for Regional Development what measures have been implemented by Translink during the last twelve months to enhance the safety of pedestrians in Belfast City Centre.
(AQO 385/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
Translink has issued safety related notices and briefings to all driving staff and has introduced enhanced supervision by inspectors within the city centre focussing on the new traffic arrangements in Donegall Place and Castle Junction.
Additionally, Translink has introduced a speed restriction of 10 mph and a requirement to use dipped headlights in Donegall Place and Royal Avenue.
Translink continues to engage with Roads Service, the Department for Social Development, Belfast City Centre Management and PSNI regarding city centre operations and the impact of public realm work.
Bus Routes
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline any discussions he has had with Translink in the last six months regarding bus routes that have been removed and possible new bus routes.
(AQO 386/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
During discussions related to the development of the Translink Corporate and Financial Plan for 2009/10, my department discussed with Translink issues relating to the cost effectiveness of certain bus services. It was concluded that some low use Ulsterbus town service frequencies could be reduced and some routes consolidated in a manner which would still leave an acceptable service in place. This discussion took place within the context of plans for fare increase and other financial analysis.
Translink will continually review the provision of bus services in light of passenger demand and the financial constraints upon which it must operate to minimise fares. There has been a particular focus on Ulsterbus services partly as a result of the evidence that greater efficiencies are required in this area. The review of bus services is an ongoing process and will involve discussions with local interested parties. I am aware of discussions that have taken place with local political representatives on specific bus service issues but this in a context where the overall bus network remains unchanged. I have held recent discussions with Translink to emphasise the importance of local consultations prior to service changes. A timetable for agreeing next years financial plan with Translink is agreed and I will be discussing the overall plan for bus and rail services in that context.
In addition, under the Rural Transport Fund my department provides support to Translink to operate a number of rural bus services that while uneconomic to operate are considered socially usefully. Officials are in regular discussion with Translink in monitoring the performance of these routes and will if necessary, withdraw those that are performing poorly and replace them with new services.
A8 Dual Carriageway
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the A8 project.
(AQO 387/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
On 5 August 2009, I announced the selection of the preferred route, for the 14 kilometre section of the A8 Belfast to Larne dual carriageway, between Coleman’s Corner roundabout and Ballyrickard Road.
The detailed development of the preferred route, which is the next stage of the project, has also commenced. This work will determine, more precisely, the amount of land required to construct the dual carriageway and its associated junctions with side roads. This stage will also include a detailed environmental impact assessment.
My Department’s Roads Service anticipates that the necessary Draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement will be published in early/mid 2011, followed by a Public Inquiry later that year.
A5 Dual Carriageway
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Regional Development when the exact route of the proposed A5 dual carriageway will be finalised.
(AQO 388/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the exact route of the proposed A5 dual carriageway will be finalised after the Public Inquiry, which is due to be held in 2011.
Rathlin Island
Mr D Ford asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the draft Rathlin Island policy.
(AQO 389/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
Public consultation on the draft Rathlin Island Policy closed on 18 September this year. A total of 14 responses were received and a consultation workshop was held on the Island. A very productive and successful consultation event was also held on Rathlin Island on 7 October. The event was attended by around two thirds of the Islanders.
In light of the responses, amendments to the draft Policy are now being considered.
It is my intention to bring a final version of this Executive Policy back to the Executive before the end of the year.
The Action Plan to implement the policy will be completed within six months of the publication of the final Rathlin Island Policy document.
Public Transport Reform
Mr P Maskey asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the main proposals in his Department's consultation document 'Public Transport Reform' and when it will be published.
(AQO 390/10)
Minister for Regional Development:
The consultation document and associated papers were published on Monday, 9 November.
The main proposal is the establishment of a public transport agency within the Department for Regional Development. The agency would be responsible for designing and managing public transport services and securing their provision from transport operators including Translink. In addition the agency would regulate public transport, including fares, and control route licences; would designate shared facilities such as bus stations; and would develop and agree local transport plans with the new local authorities.
My aim is to make arrangements that ensure public transport is a first choice and not a last resort.
Department for Social Development
State Pension Age
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Social Development what proportion of men and women over the state pension age (i) continue to work in their existing employment; and (ii) undertake new employment.
(AQW 1845/10)
Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The department does not hold this information
Electrical Wiring Testing
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development why there is no legal requirement to test electrical wiring every five years in the domestic rental sector; and what plans she has to introduce such a requirement.
(AQW 2255/10)
Minister for Social Development: There is no statutory requirement under the previous or the current edition of the Institute of Electrical Engineers Regulations (BS7671: 2008) to carry out a test every five years on electrical installations in the domestic rental sector. Best practice guidance by the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Technology is to carry out a test every ten year period or at a change of tenancy. The Housing Executive and Housing Associations are expected to follow best practice guidance. I have no plans at present to introduce such a requirement.
Housing Executive Waiting List
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development (i) how many people in the Coleraine Borough Council area, with 85 points or more, are on the Housing Executive waiting list; and (ii) what is the average waiting time before receiving an offer of a house with 85 points or more in this area.
(AQW 2307/10)
Minister for Social Development: : At the 30 September 2009 there were 233 applicants with 85 points or more on the Coleraine waiting List. The information regarding average waiting time is not available. However, the table below illustrates allocations in the Coleraine area from April to September 2009 by number of points and waiting time.
| Waiting Time | 80-89 Pts | 90-99 Pts | 100-149 Pts | 150-199 Pts | 200-299 Pts | 300 Pts or more | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6mths | 1 |
2 |
22 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
30 |
| 6-12mths | 4 |
3 |
12 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
| 1-2yrs | 0 |
2 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
16 |
| 2-3yrs | 0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| 3-4yrs | 1 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
| 4yrs or more | 1 |
2 |
9 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
14 |
| Totals | 7 | 9 | 62 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 93 |
Homeless People
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many people have been registered as homeless in (i) Larne; (ii) Carrickfergus; and (iii) Newtownabbey, in each month of the last three years.
(AQW 2351/10)
Minister for Social Development: The information is not available in the format requested. However, the table below details the number of applicants who were accepted as homeless by Housing Executive District Office, during the last three years:-
Area |
2006/2007 | 2007/2008 | 2008/2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
Larne |
152 |
131 |
92 |
Carrickfergus |
193 |
192 |
202 |
Newtownabbey 1 Rathcoole District |
179 |
191 |
180 |
Newtownabbey 2New Mossley District |
313 |
265 |
243 |
Home Improvement Grants Scheme
Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Social Development, when the finance becomes available to reopen the Home Improvement Grants scheme, if she will consider prioritising applications on the basis of urgency, rather than on a first come first served basis.
(AQW 2352/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive currently has in place a system to deal with those cases where it becomes apparent that exceptional circumstances exist, such as an imminent and significant health and safety risk, and these cases are already permitted to progress their grant. The Housing Executive has carefully considered the best course of action should additional funding become available and concluded that the fairest most equitable method would be to proceed on a date order basis. Should additional funding becoming available, the Housing Executive intends to prioritise those cases where statutory applications had been refused because of a lack of funding ("Category 1" cases ) over those cases which had been cancelled at the Preliminary Enquiry stage which had not reached application stage ("Category 2" cases). The Housing Executive will first contact the Category 1 cases to advise them accordingly and any applications arising out of those cases will be processed to approval stage in strict date order. Then, if funding is still available after the processing of any Category 1 cases, the Category 2 cases will be contacted in strict date order of receipt of the original preliminary enquiry, and up to the level that the additional funding will permit.
Clean-up of Bonfires
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the cost of the clean-up of bonfires in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2395/10)
Minister for Social Development: The cost of the clean up of bonfires incurred by the Housing Executive in the past five years is as follows:-
| - 2005/06 | £156,500 |
| - 2006/07 | £146,500 |
| - 2007/08 | £167,000 |
| - 2008/09 | £125,500 |
| - 2009 to date | £108,700 |
On-street Drinking
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many people have been prosecuted for on street drinking in (i) Larne; (ii) Carrickfergus; and (iii) Newtownabbey, in each month of the last two years.
(AQW 2418/10)
Minister for Social Development: While my Department is responsible for confirming bye laws made by councils prohibiting the consumption of intoxicating liquor in designated streets and public places, prosecution of offenders is a matter for the relevant district council. My Department does not hold records of prosecutions; the relevant information may be obtained from (i) Larne Borough Council (ii) Carrickfergus Borough Council and (iii) Newtownabbey Borough Council respectively.
Social Housing Waiting List
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many people have been on the social housing waiting list in (i) Larne; (ii) Carrickfergus; and (iii) Newtownabbey, in each month of the last two years.
(AQW 2419/10)
Minister for Social Development: The information is not available in the format requested. However, the table below details the applicants on the waiting list each quarter for the last two years, by Housing Executive District Office at Larne, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey 1, Newtownabbey 2.
Date |
Larne | Carrickfergus | Newtownabbey 1 | Newtownabbey 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep-07 |
541 |
1015 |
811 |
849 |
Dec-07 |
512 |
1032 |
827 |
886 |
Mar-08 |
518 |
1073 |
873 |
952 |
Jun-08 |
525 |
1075 |
870 |
975 |
Sep-08 |
509 |
1082 |
843 |
965 |
Dec-08 |
496 |
1034 |
841 |
944 |
Mar-09 |
526 |
1032 |
814 |
912 |
Jun-09 |
531 |
1021 |
801 |
902 |
Sep-09 |
523 |
1007 |
790 |
902 |
NI Housing Executive Schemes
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development what NI Housing Executive schemes will be delivered (i) this year; and (ii) next year in (a) Larne; (b) Carrickfergus; and (c) Newtownabbey.
(AQW 2420/10)
Minister for Social Development: The schemes to be delivered this year for each area are detailed below:-
| Scheme | Dwellings | Work content |
|---|---|---|
Larne |
||
| Craigyhill & Rural | 218 |
External Cyclical maintenance |
| Seacourt | 84 |
Kitchens |
Carrickfergus |
||
| Whitehead/Eden | 87 |
Kitchens |
Newtownabbey |
||
| Ballyclare | 76 |
Kitchens |
| Rathcoole Close | 44 |
Kitchens |
| Abbeyville/Rathfern | 229 |
External Cyclical maintenance |
| Rathcoole Drive/Avonlea | 59 |
Kitchens |
With regard to 2010/11, the Housing Executive is unable to confirm details of its programmes of activity beyond the current financial year. The Housing Executive will review its programmes when budgets have been confirmed as the delivery of programmes is dependent on the availability of funding in any given year.
Warm Homes Scheme
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many people have been successful in their application to the Warm Homes Scheme for (i) heating; (ii) insulation; and (iii) heating and insulation in (a) Larne; (b) Carrickfergus; and (c) Newtownabbey in each month of the last two years.
(AQW 2423/10)
Minister for Social Development: The new Warm Homes Scheme commenced on 1 July 2009. Prior to that, the scheme was delivered by EAGA plc. When their contract for Warm Homes ended, they handed over all the records they held relating to the scheme to the Department for Social Development. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive holds those records on behalf of the Department.
It is not possible to analyse those records in the manner requested. However, since the start of the new Warm Homes Scheme, the following have successfully applied for help:
|
Larne | Larne | Larne | C’fergus | C’fergus | C’fergus | N’abbey | N’abbey | N’abbey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Insul | Heat'g | Heat/Insul. | Insul | Heat'g | Heat/Insul. | Insul | Heat'g | Heat/Insul |
| Jul-09 | 6 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
1 |
| Aug-09 | 14 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
24 |
0 |
2 |
| Sep-09 | 11 |
0 |
1 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
2 |
1 |
| Oct-09 | 7 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Nov-09 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| TOTAL | 38 |
0 |
4 |
30 |
0 |
1 |
52 |
2 |
5 |
Warm Homes Scheme
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many people have been unsuccessful in their application to the Warm Homes Scheme for (i) heating; (ii) insulation; and (iii) heating and insulation in (a) Larne; (b) Carrickfergus; and (c) Newtownabbey in each month of the last two years.
(AQW 2424/10)
Minister for Social Development: The new Warm Homes Scheme commenced on 1 July 2009. Prior to that, the scheme was delivered by EAGA plc. When their contract for Warm Homes ended, they handed over all the records they held relating to the scheme to the Department for Social Development. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive holds those records on behalf of the Department.
It is not possible to analyse those records in the manner requested. However, since the start of the new Warm Homes Scheme, the following have been unsuccessful in applying for help:
| Larne | Larne | Larne | C’fergus | C’fergus | C’fergus | N’abbey | N’abbey | N’abbey | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month |
IO | HO | HI | IO | HO | HI | IO | HO | HI |
Jul-09 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Aug-09 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Sep-09 |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Oct-09 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Nov-09 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOTAL |
1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
In this table, IO refers to Insulation Only; HO refers to Heating Only, and HI refers to Heating and Insulation.
Incapacity Benefit
Mr F McCann asked the Minister for Social Development how many people are currently in receipt of incapacity benefit, broken down by (i) parliamentary constituency; (ii) gender; (iii) age; and (iv) community background.
(AQW 2449/10)
Minister for Social Development: Data relating to ‘community background’ cannot be extracted from statistics and is therefore not available. All other information requested is set out in the attached tables.
Table 1: Incapacity Benefit customers by Parliamentary Constituency
| Parliamentary Constituency | No. of customers |
|---|---|
Belfast East |
4198 |
Belfast North |
7560 |
Belfast South |
4350 |
Belfast West |
8430 |
East Antrim |
4027 |
East Londonderry |
5035 |
Fermanagh and South Tyrone |
4581 |
Foyle |
8992 |
Lagan Valley |
4277 |
Mid-Ulster |
5454 |
Newry and Armagh |
6418 |
North Antrim |
5375 |
North Down |
3193 |
South Antrim |
4442 |
South Down |
6025 |
Strangford |
4382 |
Upper Bann |
6773 |
West Tyrone |
6543 |
Unallocated postcode* |
728 |
Total |
100,783 |
Table 2: Incapacity Benefit customers by gender
| Gender | No. of customers |
|---|---|
Female |
42,211 |
Male |
58,572 |
Total |
100,783 |
Table 3: Incapacity Benefit customers by age group
| Age group | No. of customers |
|---|---|
24 and under |
3432 |
25-29 |
4710 |
30-34 |
5873 |
35-39 |
8877 |
40-44 |
12,483 |
45-49 |
15,527 |
50-54 |
17,271 |
55-59 |
19,484 |
60+ |
13,126 |
Total |
100,783 |
* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Parliamentary Constituencies on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated using this method and some cannot be allocated at all. Past investigation has demonstrated that mis-allocations and non-allocations do not necessarily occur randomly between areas. At present, it seems likely that a higher than average proportion of the records that cannot be attributed are in Fermanagh District Council, Derry District Council and parts of Belfast City Council areas.
Taxis
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Social Development how much her Department has spent on taxis in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2458/10)
Minister for Social Development: Prior to the introduction of the Account NI system in this Department in November 2008, cost information on taxi fares was included in the generic category of Public Transport costs. Public Transport costs figures for the years 2004/05 to October 2008 are, therefore, included for information in the table below with specific taxi cost information then provided from November 2008.
| 04/05 | 05/06 | 06/07 | 07/08 | April–October ‘08 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transport costs | £76,181 |
£58,629 |
£67,660 |
£92,702 |
£50,584 |
| Taxi costs only | November ’08 – March ’09 £17,835 |
||||
Housing Executive Tenants with Disabilities
Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Social Development what measures she is taking to ensure that Housing Executive tenants with disabilities are able to avail of the appropriate housing adaptations.
(AQW 2461/10)
Minister for Social Development: The disabled adaptations service is a demand led service. If an adaptation is required the Occupational Therapist will make a recommendation to the Housing Executive (District, Area, or Grants Office) or Housing Association. Upon recommendation of an adaptation by an Occupational Therapist, the Housing Executive will, in relation to any individual, carry out such works of adaptation to their home as are necessary to meet any duty which is owed to that person by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety within the relevant legislation.
NI Housing Executive Tenants
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how much rental income is currently overdue from NI Housing Executive tenants in (i) Larne; (ii) Carrickfergus; and (iii) Newtownabbey; and what steps have been taken to ensure that payment is recovered.
(AQW 2476/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive rent arrears for the areas as at October 2009 are as follows:
| District Office | £ |
|---|---|
Larne
|
£210,000 |
Carrickfergus
|
£304,000 |
Newtownabbey 1
|
£321,000 |
Newtownabbey 2
|
£335,000 |
Officials are currently revising guidance on the management of rent collection with all the relevant stakeholders and there is a continuous improvement plan in place in an effort to keep arrears to a minimum. This includes:-
- money advice;
- more focus on new tenants;
- increase options of methods of payment;
- increase awareness;
- improvement plan; and
- increase targets.
Small Pockets of Deprivation Programme
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to list the projects that received funding from the Small Pockets of Deprivation programme in the North Down constituency, in each year since the introduction of the programme.
(AQW 2483/10)
Minister for Social Development: The two SPOD areas in the North Down constituency are Rathgill and Harbour.
Please see below the projects that have been funded in North Down constituency, in each year since the introduction of the programme.
2006/07
Rathgill – Development Worker (DW) salary, and community association running costs and equipment (plus management fee to North Down Local Strategy Partnership ( LSP).
Harbour – primarily to YMCA for Co-ordinator salary, training/classes, IT equipment, office costs and work to premises (plus management fee to North Down LSP).
2007/08
Rathgill – DW and admin post salaries, running costs & equipment, training/classes, minor environmental and premises works (plus management fee to North Down LSP).
Harbour – YMCA: Co-ordinator salary, running costs and training/classes; Queens Parade car park upgrade (plus management fee to North Down LSP).
2008/09
Rathgill – DW, admin post and Social Economy post salaries, running costs.
Harbour – YMCA: Co-ordinator salary, running costs, training/classes.
2009/10 to date
Rathgill – DW and Social economy post salaries, running costs and equipment (plus management fee to North Down LSP).
Harbour – YMCA: Co-ordinator and part-time community worker salaries, running costs & equipment, training/classes, events.
Masterplans for the Markets, Ormeau Road and Village areas of South Belfast
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any discussions she has had with residents of (i) the Markets; (ii) Ormeau Road; and (iii) Village areas of south Belfast, regarding any masterplans and/or proposals that may impact on residents in these areas.
(AQW 2495/10)
Minister for Social Development: : My Department has not had any discussions with residents of the Markets or the Ormeau Road areas of south Belfast regarding any masterplans or proposals.
I have visited the Village area of south Belfast but I have not had any direct discussions with residents of the area regarding any masterplans or proposals. However, departmental officials from Housing Division and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive do continue to meet with representatives, including residents, of the Village area on an ongoing basis to discuss the declaration of an Urban Renewal Area in this vicinity.
Residents of the Short Strand area
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any discussions she has had with residents of the Short Strand area of east Belfast, regarding any masterplans and/or proposals that may impact on residents in this area.
(AQW 2496/10)
Minister for Social Development: Parts of the Short Strand neighbourhood are covered by the Inner East Physical Regeneration Concept Masterplan, published for consultation on 29 October. Local representatives from the Short Strand Community Forum and Short Strand Partnership were included in consultations undertaken by RPS Planning and Development, the consultants appointed to prepare these plans. However I personally have not met with the residents association as yet
Homeless People
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development how many 16 and 17 year olds are currently registered as homeless in each district council area.
(AQW 2498/10)
Minister for Social Development: The table below details the number of 16 and 17 year olds who were on the waiting list at 30 September 2009 and had been accepted as homeless in each district council area.
| District Council | 16 – 17 Applicants |
|---|---|
| Antrim | 1 |
| Ards | 8 |
| Armagh | 0 |
| Ballymena | 7 |
| Ballymoney | 1 |
| Banbridge | 1 |
| Belfast | 33 |
| North Down | 2 |
| Carrickfergus | 4 |
| Castlereagh | 1 |
| Coleraine | 1 |
| Cookstown | 1 |
| Derry | 16 |
| Down | 7 |
| Dungannon | 3 |
| Fermanagh | 2 |
| Limavady | 2 |
| Larne | 0 |
| Lisburn | 16 |
| Craigavon | 2 |
| Magherafelt | 1 |
| Moyle | 0 |
| Newtownabbey | 6 |
| Newry & Mourne | 0 |
| Omagh | 2 |
| Strabane | 2 |
Planning Regulations
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development what the outcome was of her discussions with the Minister of the Environment regarding the relaxation of planning regulations to enable social housing to be built on NI Housing Executive owned open space land.
(AQW 2502/10)
Minister for Social Development: Whilst I have not discussed this directly with the Environment Minister officials from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Planning Service have met regularly to produce a written protocol that gives guidance on what information/procedures need to be provided/implemented in order to meet the obligations required for residential planning applications on open space. The Final protocol was approved by the Directorates of both agencies in 2007.
Eden Street Car Park in Enniskillen
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the current status of the proposed development for Eden Street Car Park in Enniskillen.
(AQW 2520/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Department has taken expert advice with regard to the Eden Street Car Park scheme, and is currently considering the proposal in light of that advice, and of the wider regeneration needs of Enniskillen Town Centre. I will be issuing a statement about the Department’s proposals for Eden Street and Enniskillen Town Centre within the coming weeks.
Adults with Autism
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development what procedures are in place to assist adults with autism to access and claim the benefits to which they are entitled.
(AQW 2523/10)
Minister for Social Development: My Department recognises the need for all customers to receive the best possible support to enable them to claim those benefits to which they are properly entitled. As part of its day to day business, the Social Security Agency provides a range of services to ensure that people are advised of their potential entitlement to benefit. These include outreach services, promotional activity, publication of leaflets, information on the Departmental website and advice provided directly by the Agency’s front line offices. Individuals with autism may be entitled to claim a range of benefits and the Agency offers a variety of channels to help those with differing personal needs claim benefit. These include a telephony service, the opportunity for a nominated representative to be appointed to engage on behalf of a customer, and a face to face service, including the provision of home visiting where appropriate, for any vulnerable customers who need advice or assistance with claims completion. Some claim forms have also been redesigned and simplified in consultation with voluntary sector interests.
The Agency provides mandatory training in dealing with customers who have a disability to all relevant frontline benefit staff. The Agency has also engaged with the National Autistic Society to ensure that the needs of individuals with autism are fully understood. Additionally, doctors who carry out medical examinations on behalf of the Agency have received extensive training, part of which specifically deals with autistic spectrum disorder.
The Agency has undertaken a proactive benefit uptake programme which, since 2005, has resulted in £27 million pounds of additional annual benefit being paid to people across Northern Ireland. To assist vulnerable people to live as independently as possible, my Department also provides general advice and information, including benefit entitlement advice, through the Supporting People programme.
Derelict Housing
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development what action she is taking to redevelop derelict housing in the Millisle area.
(AQW 2549/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive is taking action under powers available to it through Article 63 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 with regards to vacant privately owned properties in the Millisle area and intends to pursue the owners of the properties in question.
NI Housing Executive Tenants with a Disability
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what action she is taking to address the lack of facilities for NI Housing Executive tenants with a disability in the North Down area.
(AQW 2569/10)
Minister for Social Development: Upon recommendation of an adaptation by an Occupational Therapist (OT), the Housing Executive will, in relation to any individual, carry out such works of adaptation to their home as are necessary to meet any duty which is owed to that person by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety within the relevant legislation.
As the disabled adaptation service is a demand led service the budget is allocated on an area basis and not by District Office. Details of the Housing Executive’s programme of disabled adaptations for the North Down Council Area for the current financial year 2009/10 to date are detailed below.
ADAPTATIONS SPEND
| North Down Council Area | 2009/10 Spend |
|---|---|
| Extensions | 104,000 |
| Lifts | 2,000 |
| Heating | 19,000 |
| Showers | 8,000 |
| Others | 33,000 |
Total |
166,000 |
Increase in Staff Numbers
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to explain the 3.4% increase in staff numbers in her Department between 2008 and 2009 as outlined in DFP's personnel statistics for the Northern Ireland Departments.
(AQW 2629/10)
Minister for Social Development: The increase in staff numbers in the Department in 2008/09 is as a result of business needs to fill posts, the introduction of the Employment and Support Allowance and the need for additional frontline staff for the economic downturn.
Sickness Absence Levels
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development what savings would be made if sickness absence levels within her Department were reduced from of 14.6 working days lost per whole time equivalent, to the NI Civil Service wide target of 10.2 working days lost per whole time equivalent.
(AQW 2631/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Department’s end-of-year absence rate is 14.6 working days lost per whole time equivalent member of staff. The pay bill costs of sick absence in the Department for the 2008/09 year is estimated to be £7.9 million. If the Department was to reduce its absence levels from 14.6 days to 10.2 days, this would reduce the cost of sick absence by £2.4million to a total cost of £5.5 million.
Disability Living Allowance Appeal
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development how many times a determination on a Disability Living Allowance appeal has not been given to the appellant on the day of the appeal and was posted to them at a later date in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 2632/10)
Minister for Social Development: The information requested is not available in relation to how many times a determination on a Disability Living Allowance appeal has not been given to the appellant on the day of the appeal.
Housing Executive Homes
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development how many Housing Executive homes in the (i) Millisle; and (ii) Donaghadee areas have been vacant for (a) more than six months; and (b) more than one year.
(AQW 2652/10)
Minister for Social Development: The table below details Housing Executive vacant dwellings within the Millisle and Donaghadee areas for the periods requested:-
Area |
Vacant between 6-12 months | Vacant over 1 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Millisle | 1* |
0 |
| Donaghadee | 1* |
1** |
Notes:
* Repair works to be completed and dwelling allocated at the earliest opportunity.
** The property is currently for sale on the open market.
Housing Executive Homes
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development how many Housing Executive homes have been vacant in each electoral area within (i) the North Down Borough Council area; and (ii) the Ards Borough Council area, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2653/10)
Minister for Social Development: The information is not available in the format requested. However, the tables below show the number of vacant Housing Executive homes in the Bangor and Newtownards District Office areas, which correspond to the boundaries of the North Down and Ards Borough Council areas, at 31 March for each of the last five years.
NIHE District Office |
31/03/2005 | 31/03/2006 | 31/03/2007 | 31/03/2008 | 31/03/2009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangor
|
118 |
163 |
197 |
196 |
163 |
Newtownards
|
152 |
158 |
169 |
125 |
125 |
These figures include homes awaiting repairs, relet improvements and for decanting.
Bangor Provident Housing Trust
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the nature of the relationship between the Bangor Provident Housing Trust and her Department; and to detail the nature and amount of funding allocated to the Trust by her Department in each of the last five years.
(AQW 2692/10)
Minister for Social Development: Bangor Provident Trust is an unregistered housing association and has not been in receipt of any funding since 1994. Earlier this year the Trust repaid the balance of all outstanding subsidies previously paid by the Department to it and as such there is no further relationship, liability or commitment between Bangor Provident Trust and the Department.
Public Realm Scheme in Derry
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the Public Realm scheme in Derry, including when the works are likely to be completed and whether the entire scheme will be completed as originally planned.
(AQW 2725/10)
Minister for Social Development: DSD remains committed to delivering the footprint of the Derry City Centre Public Realm Scheme. However given the extremely difficult underground conditions encountered it has been necessary to replace the existing construction base within the entire project area.
Given the unforeseen costs associated with this the Department in the absence of additional budget may have to look for savings elsewhere The Department is considering alternative options to enable full completion of the public realm scheme and is working with the contractor to minimise the impact of any reduction should that be necessary.
Construction work on the project, which is currently proceeding well on target, is expected to be completed in mid 2010.
EU Directives
Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many EU Directives her Department has (i) received; and (ii) implemented in each of the last three years.
(AQW 2726/10)
Minister for Social Development: In October 2007 my Department received a proposal for a Directive on minimum requirements for enhancing worker mobility by improving the acquisition and preservation of supplementary pension rights. In October 2008 a proposal for a Directive on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Directive 86/613/EEC was received. Neither has so far been implemented and no other Directive has been implemented in the last three years
‘Bridging the Gap’ Report
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of the Northern Ireland Housing Council's 'Bridging the Gaps' report.
(AQO 397/10)
Minister for Social Development: Two years ago I was presented with a recommendation to abolish the Housing Council. I chose not to do so as I felt the Housing Council had worked well over the years in giving legitimacy and democratic accountability to housing in Northern Ireland. I also decided that it was important to enhance the Housing Council’s role and earlier this year I asked the Housing Council to organise a convention to examine the challenges facing the housing sector. I was pleased to receive the report ’Bridging the Gaps- Economic Recovery through Housing Innovation’. The report examines how the gap can be bridged between the need for social housing and difficulties we face meeting that need. It raises concerns in relation to the growing need for social housing and the lack of sufficient public funding to meet the demands for new houses and to maintain and improve existing social housing stock. The Report also focuses on financial innovation which is a key feature of my New Housing Agenda. Last year, for the first time ever, the European Investment Bank invested in social housing here. This funding will increase this year and I will be making a separate announcement on this in the coming weeks. In addition to this, we have brought more Private Finance into the delivery of social housing through our Housing Associations and the launch of a new Procurement Strategy will also see social housing here delivered in a more cost efficient and procurement compliant way than ever before.
North/South Co-operation
Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on North-South engagement on housing and other social development issues.
(AQO 398/10)
Minister for Social Development: I have continued to work closely with my Irish counterparts taking forward a range of issues that are of mutual interest to us across the island of Ireland. For example, last month I met Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to discuss liquor licensing, gambling and cross-border regeneration. The primary purpose of our meeting was to consider whether a complementary approach between North and South could be beneficial in tackling the social and health damage that can be caused by the promotion of cheap alcohol.
I also met John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at a sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council last month in Armagh where I took the opportunity to discuss with him a forthcoming meeting of British Irish Council Housing Ministers which will be held in Newcastle, Co. Down
Housing: Private Sector Grants
Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development, in light of the reduction in funding for the Private Sector Grants scheme, for her assessment of the impact on unfit privately owned homes.
(AQO 399/10)
Minister for Social Development: The reduction in unfitness of the Northern Ireland housing stock is one of the greatest achievements of the last 30 years and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in particular deserve great credit for that. Over that time unfitness has fallen from over 20% in 1974 to almost 3% today. Between 2001 and 2006 it is estimated that some 16,400 properties were improved from unfitness into fitness across all tenures, the majority of which are believed to be privately owned. Over the same period 7,882 Renovation and Replacement grants were approved by the Housing Executive. In each of these cases, the grant took a property from unfitness to fitness which equates to 48% of properties improved during this period. Between 2001 and 2006 the Housing Executive provided 26,600 Home Repairs Assistance, Minor Works and Repair grants which helped prevent properties from falling into unfitness.
The continuing shortfall in funding is therefore likely to have a significant adverse impact on private sector housing conditions generally and our desire to further reduce unfitness in particular. I hope the Housing Executive’s restriction on grants will be temporary and I welcome the Executive’s decision that £20 million was made available for social housing in the June Monitoring Round, albeit with certain awkward conditions attached. Bids were submitted to the September Monitoring Round but were not met and I will also be submitting bids in future monitoring rounds to protect the housing agenda.
DSD: 2010-11 Budget
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the 2010-2011 budgetary outlook for her Department.
(AQO 400/10)
Minister for Social Development: As part of Budget 2008-11, my Department received, as did all other departments, an indicative settlement for 2010-11. However, we have been asked to find significant cash releasing efficiencies to meet pressures elsewhere. Therefore, it is not possible to state what my final budget allocation will be; this will be for the Executive to determine but I shall be impressing upon them the necessity for their decision to take account of the needs of the most disadvantaged in society as it will undoubtedly impact heavily on this group.
Housing Executive: Awards
Mr I Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Social Development what national awards the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has received.
(AQO 401/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has won 18 awards. These include:
- NI Quality Award 2006 awarded by the Centre for Competitiveness
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2006 awarded by Business in the Community
- The UK Excellence Award 2008 awarded by the British Quality Foundation
- UK Housing Awards 2001 – Outstanding Achievement in Social Housing in NI (solar water scheme)
- UK Housing Awards 2006 – Excellence in Delivering Efficiency Award (CLEVER homes project – solar ventilation)
- Focus Award 2004: Omagh District Office – Invaluable Service Provider
- Focus Award 2005: Omagh District Office – Invaluable Service Provider
- Association of Town Centre Managers NI Award Winners 2005 for Lisburn Living over the Shop Scheme
- Developing People Award BITC Regional Recognition 2007
- Outstanding Achievement Award at UK Housing Awards 2007 for Shared Future Housing projects
- NICVA LINK 2008 for Fields of Hope with Marie Curie Cancer Care
- Sharing the Caring Gold Quality Mark 2007 & 2008
- National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards 2008
- NSPCC Childline Merit Award (2008 & 2009)
- 2009 BITC Highly Commended Social Community Impact
- 2009 Irish News Workplace Employment Award – winner
- ARENA Network Environmental Award
- 2009 Arena George Dawson Awar
Housing Associations
Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development what procedures are in place to regulate housing associations acting on behalf of the NI Housing Executive.
(AQO 402/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Housing Associations do not act on behalf of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive administers the Social Housing Development Programme on behalf of the Department and the Programme is delivered via the Housing Associations.
Housing Associations are regulated by the Department under Article 4 of the Housing (NI) Order 1992. The regulatory function is achieved by:-
- periodic on-site inspections of the Associations to confirm compliance with the Housing Association Guide; and
- the review of quarterly monitoring returns
Home Improvement Grants
Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on the Home Improvement Grants scheme following the debate in the Assembly on the 15 September 2009.
(AQO 403/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive continues to process Disabled Facilities Grants. However, applications for Discretionary grants; such as Renovation Grants, Replacement Grants, Home Repairs Assistance, that are not yet approved are unlikely to be approved except in exceptional circumstances. The Housing Executive has also written to all those cases which were refused or cancelled explaining the position should additional funding become available.
I welcome the Executive’s decision that £20 million was made available for social housing in the June Monitoring Round. Bids were submitted to the September Monitoring Round but were not met and I will also be submitting bids in future monitoring rounds to protect the housing agenda.
Customer First
Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister for Social Development if implementation of the 'Customer First' review is still on track.
(AQO 404/10)
Minister for Social Development: Overall, implementation of the Customer First initiative is on track. The background preparation and planning activity is progressing well and necessary arrangements for the go-live of the pilot in North District in April 2010 are at an advanced stage.
Mixed Housing
Dr S Farry asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on the development of mixed housing.
(AQO 405/10)
Minister for Social Development: I thank the Member for his question. Taking action to achieve the vision of a Shared Future remains high on my agenda and is at the centre of all my endeavours in housing.
I have adopted a twin track approach to delivering shared housing in Northern Ireland, firstly through the new build programme and secondly through the Shared Neighbourhood Programme. To date this approach has delivered four shared new build schemes located in Enniskillen, Lisburn, Banbridge and Sion Mills. Work is currently underway on delivering a further 5 projects across the province this year.
The Shared Neighbourhood Programme was launched in August 2008 as a 3 year pilot programme aimed at supporting and encouraging 30 shared neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland. In less than one year just over half that number of neighbourhoods have already publicly declared their preference to become truly shared neighbourhoods.
To date, 16 housing areas have agreed to participate in the Programme which is funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and delivered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
The Programme is covering almost every part of Northern Ireland and will attempt to reach all Counties to ensure that every area of Northern Ireland has a shared neighbourhood nearby to help demonstrate that sharing is a good and desirable way to live.
But these developments alone cannot tackle our problems of sectarianism and division. In my view, the successful achievement of the vision for a shared future based on equality and mutual respect goes beyond the realm of housing and is an action to be addressed by the Northern Ireland Executive.
Causeway Meadows in Lisburn is an example of mixed housing that delivers on every level. In Causeway Meadows there are private tenants living alongside social housing tenants as well as people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. The success of this Clanmil scheme has just been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing at its prestigious UK Housing Awards for its outstanding contribution to improving the lives of people in their communities. My objective is that schemes such as Causeway Meadows become the norm rather than the exception and that is why Shared Future Housing remains a central theme in my New Housing Agenda.
Northern Ireland Assembly Commission
Assembly Roadshow
Mr A Ross asked the Assembly Commission the cost of each Assembly Roadshow to date.
(AQW 2363/10)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr S Moutray):
The table below provides the total cost of each Assembly Road Show.
Table 1: Autumn 2009 Assembly Road Shows
Road show |
Total Costs (£) |
|---|---|
| Cookstown | 4301.67 |
| Carrickfergus | 4581.94 |
| W Belfast | 4674.29 |
| Bangor | 4233.05 |
| Portadown | 5644.67 |
| North Belfast | 4974.86 |
| East Belfast | 5035.80 |
| East Belfast (rescheduled) | 3204.72 |
| Ards | 4082.15 |
| South Belfast | 5989.86 |
| Downpatrick | 4582.61 |
| Antrim (postponed) | 3384.84 |
It should be noted that, for the first series of Assembly Road Shows, Mr Eamonn Mallie provided his facilitation services at no charge to the Assembly. For the second series of Road Shows the Assembly tendered for the provision of facilitation services, with a fee of £200 payable per Road Show. Mr Mallie, one of the successful applicants, asked the Assembly to direct his fees to a charity of his choice.
Assembly Roadshow
Mr A Ross asked the Assembly Commission how much money was spent on advertising for each Assembly Roadshow.
(AQW 2364/10)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr S Moutray):
The total advertising costs for the Autumn Assembly Road shows was £19759.29. This includes the cost to advertise in the 3 main daily newspapers, as well as regional newspapers for each constituency area.
A breakdown for each road show is provided in the table below.
Table 1: Advertising costs for Autumn Assembly Road Shows
Constituency |
Total (£) |
|---|---|
| Cookstown | 1123.60 |
| Carrickfergus | 1296.37 |
| W Belfast | 1564.22 |
| Bangor | 1070.08 |
| Portadown | 2558.60 |
| North Belfast | 1987.79 |
| East Belfast | 2932.28 |
| Ards | 1070.08 |
| South Belfast | 2887.79 |
| Downpatrick | 1480.54 |
| Antrim (postponed) | 1787.94 |
Assembly Roadshow
Mr A Ross asked the Assembly Commission if there are plans for Assembly Roadshows next year.
(AQW 2365/10)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr S Moutray):
The Commission will consider the evaluation report on the second set of road shows in due course. This will inform any decision on future Assembly road shows.
Hansard
Mr J Shannon asked the Assembly Commission if Hansard is translated into Irish, and if so, at what cost per publication.
(AQW 2676/10)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr S Moutray): The answer to your question is straightforward: Hansard is not translated into Irish.
I hope that this information is helpful.
REVISED WRITTEN ANSWERS
Friday 20 November 2009
(AQW 1392/10)
The table below details the numbers and percentages of women currently on the voluntary transition committees. The information requested in respect of ethnic minority communities is not readily available.
I am content the arrangements that will be put in place for the establishment of the Statutory Transition Committees will ensure, as far as is practicable, inclusivity across the political parties. It will then be a matter for the individual political parties on the constituent councils to determine, in consultation with their elected members, who is best placed to represent them on the Statutory Transition Committees.
FEMALE REPRESENTATION ON TRANSITION COMMITTEES
Councils |
Female Members on TC |
% Members |
|---|---|---|
| Lisburn/Castlereagh | 1 |
6.3 |
| North Down/Ards | 3 |
18.8 |
| Down/Newry Mourne | 1 |
6.3 |
| Armagh/Banbridge/Craigavon | 2 |
13.3 |
| Antrim/Newtownabbey | 5 |
31.3 |
| Larne/Ballymena/Carrickfergus | 2 |
13.3 |
| Ballymoney/Coleraine/Moyle/Limavady | 5 |
25.0 |
| Dungannon/Cookstown/Magherafelt | 1 |
6.7 |
| Omagh/Fermanagh | 0 |
0.0 |
| Derry/Strabane | 6 |
37.5 |
| Belfast | 2 |
10.0 |