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 26 March 2010

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
Revised Written Answers

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Projects Supporting Victims and Survivors of Conflict in North Down

Mr P Weir asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the funding distributed by their Department for projects supporting victims and survivors of conflict in north Down, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5517/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): The Development Grant Scheme funds projects to address the needs of victims and survivors. In excess of 400 projects were funded last year through 110 groups. Any group can apply for this funding. In North Down in the last three years, only one group applied for funding which was awarded as follows:-

06/07 - Nil

07/08 - £3,450.00

08/09 - Nil

Legislation Awaiting Clearance by OFMdFM

Mr K Robinson asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps have been taken since the Hillsborough Agreement to expedite the introduction of legislation which is awaiting clearance within the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

(AQO 980/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: As the Assembly will recall from the answer we gave in the Chamber on 15 February to the Member for North Down, Alan McFarland MLA, there were at that stage 17 papers concerning legislative proposals which were under consideration for inclusion in the agenda of a future meeting of the Executive. Since then the Executive has considered and agreed 8 of these papers, as well as a further paper containing legislative proposals which was received in the intervening period.

This very positive progress reflects the commitment we gave in the Hillsborough Castle Agreement both to examine the effectiveness of the Executive's procedures and to dedicate time and resources to the identification and resolution of outstanding issues.

The Executive's Working Group on Outstanding Issues has in particular provided a focused and pro-active role in facilitating consensus and enabling papers to proceed to the Executive. We are grateful to all the parties in the Executive and their representatives for the commitment which they have given, and continue to give, to this task.

As we also emphasised in our previous answer, however, Executive business is a continuous process of consultation and agreement on draft papers circulated by individual Ministers. There will therefore always be Executive papers at various stages of consideration at any point in time and in this context, it is worth noting that a further 6 legislative proposal papers have been circulated since 15 February and are currently under consideration. A meeting of the Executive is scheduled for this Thursday and we would hope after that meeting to be able to report further progress.

Victims and Survivors Service

Mr D O'Loan asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the need for a new Non-departmental Public Body for the victims and survivors service, and whether it would be more efficient to place this service within an existing body.

(AQO 981/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: A decision on the organisational model for the Victims and Survivors Service has not been reached as yet. Any decision made regarding next steps, including the organisational model for the Service, will be taken in light of the responses to the recent public consultation, the views of the OFMDFM Committee and those of the Commission for Victims and Survivors.

Officials are currently conducting an options appraisal, assessing all potential options for the model of the Service. This options appraisal will look at both the qualitative and quantitative factors and the option that offers the best outcome for victims and survivors will be chosen.

Work on designing the Service is underway and we will be announcing our intentions regarding next steps to the sector shortly.

Policing and Justice: Funding

Mr W Irwin asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline details of the financial package arising out of the devolution of policing and justice.

(AQO 982/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The financial package to address anticipated pressures on policing and justice budgets was set out in the Prime Minister’s letter to us, published on 21 October 2009. The letter has been included as an integral part of the Hillsborough Castle Agreement of 5 February 2010.

The Prime Minister’s letter offered the Executive access to the reserve to meet any exceptional security pressure, with the Treasury prepared to make available up to £37.4m in 2010/11. It indicated that capital budgets in the next CSR period would be sufficient to take forward routine, but necessary, work, to maintain the operational capacity of existing assets, to complete the police training college and to allow the Executive to reach its own view on priorities for new expenditure.

The package included increases in legal aid baselines and access to the reserve for further legal aid pressures. The UK Government offered to gift four former military sites to the Executive, with proceeds from the sale of some of them being used to meet exceptional resource pressures.

Through technical budgetary changes, the Prime Minister anticipated that pressures of £101m on police pensions could be fully addressed. An approach to hearing loss claims was proposed which would limit the financial liability of the Executive. The Prime Minister also indicated that additional funding would be made available to address potential pressures on policing, prisons and probation.

The overall purpose of the package was to provide a secure financial foundation for the new Department of Justice.

Hillsborough Agreement: Working Groups

Mr A Maskey asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the work of the groups established under the Hillsborough Agreement.

(AQO 985/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: At its meeting on 11 February, the Executive agreed to the establishment of a Working Group on Improving Executive Functions and Delivery and a Working Group on Outstanding Executive Issues.

The Working Group on Improving Executive Functions and Delivery, which is jointly chaired by the Minister for Employment and Learning and the Minister for Social Development, has met on 6 occasions and is currently drafting an Interim Report for submission to the Executive.

The Working Group on Outstanding Executive Issues, which is jointly chaired by the OFMDFM Junior Ministers, has met on 4 occasions since 11 February and has commissioned a programme of engagement and meetings in departmental, special adviser, and party forums, to examine and seek resolution of outstanding issues. We are encouraged by the progress which the Working Group has made through the identification of priorities and by providing focused attention on the achievement of resolution. Of the 47 papers awaiting referral to the Executive at the start of its work, 22 have subsequently been agreed by the Executive.

Both Working Groups are scheduled to meet again tomorrow, 23 March, to continue their work.

You will also be aware that as part of the agreement reached at Hillsborough Castle on 5 February 2010, we agreed to set up a co-chaired working group comprising six members, appointed by us, who had experience of dealing with parading issues.

The group’s remit was to bring forward agreed outcomes and proposals that it believed capable of achieving cross-community support for the new and improved framework.

The Working Group has been involved in a period of intensive work to progress the task, which included a series of meetings with elected representatives and a range of stakeholders, including representatives of the residents’ groups.

The working group presented its report on agreed outcomes to us and work is now progressing to prepare a draft Bill which will implement the working group’s agreed outcomes. In line with the timetable set out in the Hillsborough Agreement, we are committed to completion of a draft Bill by late March/early April at which point full consultation will be undertaken.

At its meeting on 11 February, the Executive also agreed to the establishment of a Working Group to identify all matters contained in the St Andrews Agreement which had not been faithfully implemented or actioned, and to make recommendations on how progress could be made on those matters. This Working Group has not yet met pending the completion of preliminary consultation we wish to undertake with the political parties represented in the Executive.

Executive Papers

Mr K McCarthy asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether, in the interests of transparency, they will outline the details of papers awaiting clearance by the Executive.

(AQO 986/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: It is not our practice to disclose details of Executive business. The content of Executive papers and all aspects of Executive business are confidential.

Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy

Mr G Robinson asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister if they can confirm that the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy will be subject to a public consultation exercise.

(AQO 987/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The agreed Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration will of course be subject to a full consultation and equality impact assessment. Our officials have circulated the draft consultation document to Departments for substantive input; it has also been shared with the OFMDFM Committee at this stage, and will be again when Departmental inputs have been completed. Finally, the complete consultation document will be discussed by the Executive before release for a full public consultation.

Given the nature of the issues being addressed and the wider constituency involved, we hope and expect the consultation to produce many interesting and considered outcomes that will contribute to our overarching aim of achieving a society built on the principles of fairness, equality, rights, respect and responsibilities. We want to ensure that the Programme proposals will contribute to this aim.

Hillsborough Agreement: Working Groups

Mr T Burns asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline progress on the work of the working groups established under the Hillsborough Agreement.

(AQO 988/10)

Both Working Groups are scheduled to meet again tomorrow, 23 March, to continue their work.

The group’s remit was to bring forward agreed outcomes and proposals that it believed capable of achieving cross-community support for the new and improved framework.

At its meeting on 11 February, the Executive also agreed to the establishment of a Working Group to identify all matters contained in the St Andrews Agreement which had not been faithfully implemented or actioned and to make recommendations on how progress could be made on those matters. This Working Group has not yet met pending the completion of preliminary consultation we wish to undertake with the political parties represented in the Executive.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Leader Programme in South Armagh

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the performance and management of the Leader Programme in south Armagh.

(AQW 5459/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): I interpret your question to refer to Newry & Mourne LEADER which was a local action group (LAG) delivering funding under the last LEADER+ Programme.

Newry & Mourne LAG was awarded a LEADER+ budget of £1,733,573.38 with which it funded 48 projects at an overall cost of £1,560,292.87, including over £300k incurred on administration and publicity costs.

Newry & Mourne’s contribution to the LEADER+ Programme’s overall outputs were:-

126 micro-businesses supported;
6 new micro-businesses created or assisted;
134 new full time jobs created;
3 training or advice programmes delivered; and
123 people participating in training programmes.

In addition it undertook pre-development exercises to investigate the potential of 3 co-operation projects none of which progressed to delivery.

Presently the LEADER+ programme is being closed and officials are working to agree a final financial outturn figure with the Department. Department officials are currently in discussion with the Newry & Mourne board for recovery of outstanding advance funds provided to Newry & Mourne LAG for the purpose of Programme implementation.

As a local action group Newry & Mourne has been required to manage their allocated funds in accordance with operating rules set out by my Department. To ensure compliance Newry & Mourne LAG, in kind with all other LAGs, have been subject to a series of system and control inspections by both Departmental and EU audit. Any findings are being addressed.

Financial Incentives Available to Farmers

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the financial incentives available to farmers to maintain bio-diversity on their land; and (ii) the take-up rate of these incentives, broken down by constituency.

(AQW 5466/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: (i) My Department provides financial incentives to farmers to maintain biodiversity through agri-environment schemes. There are two schemes within the Rural Development Programme 2007-13:

Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) - http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countrysidemanagement/schemes/nicms.htm/oNICMS
Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) - http://www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countrysidemanagement/schemes/ofs.htm/oOFS

The application periods for these schemes are advertised in the local press and announced on the DARD and RDP websites (http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/rural-development/rdp-campaign/rdp-when-can-i-apply.htm/owww.dardni.gov.uk/index/rural-development/rdp-campaign/rdp-when-can-i-apply.htm).

These schemes are voluntary for farmers and are part-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Details of the payment rates for these schemes can be viewed at:

www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countrysidemanagement/schemes

(ii) With regard to the take-up rate of agri-environment schemes, DARD does not hold figures for individual constituencies; however the figures in Table 1 show scheme participation per county at March 2010.

Table 1: Agri-environment scheme participation

County	Scheme participants*
Antrim	2529
Armagh	1308
Down	1813
Fermanagh	1859
Derry/Londonderry	2090
Tyrone	2877
Total	12476

*These figures include participants in the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme, the Organic Farming Scheme and the previous and current Countryside Management Schemes.

Car Park at Hillsborough Forest

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when her Department plans to resurface the car park at Hillsborough Forest to improve conditions for users.

(AQW 5502/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Routine maintenance work was carried out to the car park at Hillsborough forest during the first week in March. This work will maintain the car park in a good condition for visitors to the forest.

Grants to Protect Bio-diversity on Farms

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what measures are in place to monitor people who receive grants to protect bio-diversity on their farms.

(AQW 5541/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Elements of agri-environment schemes aim to enhance biodiversity. These schemes are co-financed by the European Union and therefore are subject to a minimum inspection rate of 5%.

Farms are inspected to determine compliance with the terms of their agri-environment agreement.

Single Farm Payment

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many people in East Antrim are in receipt of the single farm payment.

(AQW 5616/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: A total of 38,609 potentially eligible applications were submitted under the 2009 Single Farm Payment Scheme. As at 16 March 2010, 36,918 claims had been paid and a further 41 had been determined as not due payment because of the application of penalties under scheme rules.

The Department does not hold Single Farm Payment details on a constituency basis. The data is currently held by county and postcode where known. A list of the total number of applications received and the total number of claims finalised as at 16 March 2010 for each postcode area is attached at Annex A.

Annex A

SFP 2009 - Finalised Claim Details (By Postcode)

Postcode	Claimed	Paid	Penalties applied and no payment due
BT1	25	16	0
BT2	9	2	1
BT3	0	0	0
BT4	29	25	0
BT5	40	38	0
BT6	30	30	0
BT7	11	9	0
BT8	115	106	0
BT9	38	33	1
BT10	6	6	0
BT11	6	6	0
BT12	1	0	0
BT13	4	4	0
BT14	44	40	0
BT15	12	11	0
BT16	42	40	0
BT17	18	16	0
BT18	53	53	0
BT19	79	78	0
BT20	17	16	0
BT21	68	65	0
BT22	463	457	0
BT23	584	558	0
BT24	595	560	4
BT25	587	560	2
BT26	260	251	1
BT27	298	290	0
BT28	366	352	0
BT29	380	365	3
BT30	887	859	0
BT31	475	463	0
BT32	763	741	1
BT33	144	132	0
BT34	1965	1894	0
BT35	1716	1629	2
BT36	113	108	0
BT37	14	14	0
BT38	197	189	1
BT39	641	629	0
BT40	430	414	0
BT41	701	675	0
BT42	1003	971	0
BT43	467	454	0
BT44	1426	1367	2
BT45	1474	1428	0
BT46	547	533	0
BT47	1111	1058	1
BT48	65	61	0
BT49	457	434	0
BT50	0	0	0
BT51	941	896	1
BT52	162	153	0
BT53	884	858	0
BT54	282	259	0
BT55	31	30	0
BT56	39	37	0
BT57	201	195	0
BT58	0	0	0
BT59	0	0	0
BT60	1683	1622	1
BT61	485	462	0
BT62	679	658	1
BT63	303	294	0
BT64	0	0	0
BT65	5	3	0
BT66	303	288	0
BT67	339	327	0
BT68	87	85	0
BT69	205	199	0
BT70	1372	1322	1
BT71	1150	1108	2
BT72	0	0	0
BT73	0	0	0
BT74	533	473	4
BT75	301	286	0
BT76	204	194	0
BT77	140	133	0
BT78	1737	1639	4
BT79	1587	1505	2
BT80	1038	995	4
BT81	559	532	0
BT82	665	630	1
BT83	0	0	0
BT84	0	0	0
BT85	0	0	0
BT86	0	0	0
BT87	0	0	0
BT88	0	0	0
BT89	0	0	0
BT90	0	0	0
BT91	0	0	0
BT92	1570	1473	1
BT93	1024	973	0
BT94	1013	975	0
No BT Postcode Held	311	274	0
Totals	38609	36918	41

Department's Rural Proofing Policies and Practices

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of each Department's rural proofing policies and practices.

(AQW 5671/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department has responsibility for ensuring that rural proofing is effectively developed and that Departments have adequate guidance to carry out rural proofing. However, each Department must apply the process of rural proofing to its own policies.

I am clear that the rural proofing process needs to be enhanced and I have secured support from the Executive to do so. Feedback from a recent questionnaire to policy makers across government has demonstrated that while there is some knowledge of rural proofing and the rural proofing tools, policy makers in all Departments require further support and guidance in undertaking rural proofing.

An enhanced rural proofing process is under development by my officials and is being designed to ensure that rural issues are considered at the early stages of the policy development process. We are also looking to ensure that appropriate rural evidence is used by Departments when making policy decisions. Additional training will be provided to policy makers, the rural proofing guidance and tools are being improved and an enhanced advice and support service is being provided by DARD to all Departments.

Undesignated Watercourses

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many undesignated watercourses in greater Belfast have been designated since 2000.

(AQW 5676/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: From 2000, twenty watercourses in the Greater Belfast area have been designated for maintenance at public expense by the Drainage Council for NI.

Testing of Badgers for Tuberculosis and Other Diseases

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress has been made in the testing of badgers for tuberculosis and other diseases.

(AQW 5686/10)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Research continues to investigate the prevalence of bovine TB in badgers through the collection and post-mortem examination of badgers killed by road traffic accidents (RTA). This RTA Survey, which is carried out by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), has found a prevalence of TB infection of some 17% in the badgers examined.

It is recognised that the RTA Survey may not provide an accurate assessment of TB prevalence in badgers across the north due to the inherent bias in the survey. Only badgers which have been killed on the road are included and badger carcases are more likely to be reported by farmers who have had herd breakdowns.

RTA Survey badgers are not tested for any diseases other than TB.

Plans have been developed to undertake a Badger Prevalence Study, subject to the necessary funding being secured. The purpose of the Study would be to obtain representative baseline information on the level of and the geographic distribution of TB infection in badgers here to assist with the development of future TB control strategies

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Irish Language Projects

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much has been spent by his Department on Irish language projects in each constituency, in each of the past three years, broken down by project.

(AQW 5530/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr N McCausland): The funding by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure to Irish Language projects for the last three years is shown below under the headings of the key funding streams. As many of the projects funded are not exclusive to a specific geographical area, the parliamentary constituency is shown where applicable.

Foras na Gaeilge

The funding provided by DCAL to Foras na Gaeilge for the last three calendar years (which is the Agency’s financial year) is detailed below. DCAL funds to 25% of Foras na Gaeilge’s (the Irish Language Agency) budget.

2007	£3.459m	2008	£4.074m	2009	£3.949m

The funding allocated to projects by Foras na Gaeilge is shown in the tables below under its three strategic themes of Education, Community Sector, and Public Sector and the Arts.

EDUCATION
2007
Ainm na Scéime (Name of Scheme)	Toghcheantar (Constituency)	Líon Airgid (Amount of Funding)
An tÁisaonad (St.Mary’s)	Belfast West	£382,149.00
B-DAG Cyf / AWEN (Welsh – Irish Trans Teaching Materials)		£28,550.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast West	£1,600.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast North	£17,555.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Mid Ulster	£2,100.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	South Down	£1,670.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	South Antrim	£1,266.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast South	£1,410.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Belfast North	£4,430.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	South Down	£4,900.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Newry & Armagh	£3,700.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Mid Ulster	£7,000.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Belfast West	£2,250.00
Áiseanna & acmhainní teag. (Teaching Resouces for Schools)	South Antrim	£6,500.00
Áiseanna & acmhainní teag. (Teaching Resouces for Schools)	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£19,508.00
Áiseanna & acmhainní teag.(Teaching Resouces for Schools)	Belfast West	£23,698.49
Luathoideachas (Pre-school education)	Belfast West	£55,195.00
Seirbhísí oideachasúla (Educational Service)	Belfast West	£3,500.00
Sparántachtaí 3ú léibhéal (3^rd level scholarship)	Belfast West	£3,000.00
2008
Ainm na Scéime(Name of Scheme)	Toghcheantar(Constituency)	Líon Airgid(Amount of Funding)
An tÁisaonad (St.Mary’s)	Belfast West	£367,637.00
B-DAG Cyf / AWEN (Welsh – Irish Trans Teaching Materials)		£13,407.00
Áiseanna & acmhainní teag.(Schools Teaching Resouces)	Foyle	£12,721.00
Áiseanna & acmhainní teag.(Schools Teaching Resouces)	Belfast North	£30,478.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	South Down	£8,400.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Foyle	£6,831.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast South	£2,900.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	West Tyrone	£6,963.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Mid Ulster	£3,480.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast North	£3,480.00
Scéim Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast West	£3,500.00
Luathoideachas (Pre-school education)	Belfast West	£75,000.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Newry & Armagh	£5,880.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£3,642.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Mid Ulster	£4,535.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Belfast North	£2,370.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	South Down	£6,500.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Foyle	£3,250.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Belfast South	£3,430.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	North Antrim	£3,500.00
Tacaíocht don ghaelscolaíocht (Support for Irish Medium Education)	Belfast South	£1,561.00
Tacaíocht don ghaelscolaíocht (Support for Irish Medium Education)	Belfast West	£2,570.00
2009
Ainm na Scéime(Name of Scheme)	Toghcheantar(Constituency)	Líon Airgid(Amount of Funding)
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	West Tyrone	£10,500.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Upper Bann	£3,500.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	South Down	£3,500.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Newry & Armagh	£6,070.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Mid Ulster	£3,500.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Foyle	£3,500.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Fermanagh/South Tyrone	£3,728.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Belfast West	£10,461.28
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Belfast South	£7,000.00
Campaí Samhraidh (Summer Camp)	Belfast North	£2,040.00
Scéim d'Imeachtaí Óige (Youth Scheme)	South Down	£6,700.00
Scéim d'Imeachtaí Óige (Youth Scheme)	North Antrim	£2,770.00
Scéim d'Imeachtaí Óige (Youth Scheme)	Mid Ulster	£1,650.00
Scéim d'Imeachtaí Óige(Youth Scheme)	Foyle	£3,500.00
Scéim d'Imeachtaí Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast West	£10,500.00
Scéim d'Imeachtaí Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast South	£10,468.00
Scéim d'Imeachtaí Óige (Youth Scheme)	Belfast North	£6,730.00
Oideachas Fadsaoil(Life Long Learning)	Foyle	£2,000.00
Scéim Fhoghlaim Ríomhchuidithe (E Learning Scheme)	East Londonderry	£9,200.00
Scéim Fhoghlaim Ríomhchuidithe (E Learning Scheme)	Belfast South	£7,200.00
Scéim Scoláireachtaí na gColáistí Oideachais (Scholarship Scheme for Teacher Training)	Belfast West	£2,850.00
Scéim Thacaíocht don Ghaelscolaíocht (Support for Irish Medium Education)	Belfast West	£131,771.00
Scéim Athbhreithnithe Curacalaim (Curriculum Review)	Belfast North	£8,333.00

PUBLIC SECTOR AND THE ARTS
2007
Programme	Parliamentary Constituency	Amount
Féilte & imeachtaí cultúrtha (Festivals)	Newry and Armagh	£3,500.00
Féilte & imeachtaí cultúrtha (Festivals)	Foyle	£995.00
Féilte & imeachtaí cultúrtha (Festivals)	Belfast West	£500.00
Féilte & imeachtaí cultúrtha (Festivals)	Foyle	£8,000.00
Féilte & imeachtaí cultúrtha (Festivals)	Foyle	£15,000.00
Féilte & imeachtaí cultúrtha (Festivals)	Belfast North	£1,500.00
Féilte & imeachtaí cultúrtha (Festivals)	Newry and Armagh	£1,000.00
Organisations	South Down	£4,000.00
Ócáidí, léachtaí & comhdhál (Events, conferences & lectures)	Belfast North	£480.00
Ócáidí, léachtaí & comhdhál (Events, conferences & lectures)	Belfast North	£2,371.00
Ócáidí, léachtaí & comhdhál (Events, conferences & lectures)	Belfast North	£500.00
Ócáidí, léachtaí & comhdhál (Events, conferences & lectures)	Belfast South	£10,000.00
Complachtaí dramaíochta srl (drama companies)	Belfast North	£6,000.00
Complachtaí dramaíochta srl (drama companies)	Belfast West	£85,000.00
Complachtaí dramaíochta srl (drama companies)	Belfast North	£6,500.00
Complachtaí dramaíochta srl (drama companies)	Belfast West	£11,500.00
Ealaíontóirí cónaithe / Writers in residence	Belfast South	£20,000.00
Foilsiúcháin/DD's & scannáin (Publications and films)	Newry and Armagh	£6,500.00
Foilsiúcháin/DD's & scannáin (Publications and films)	Belfast South	£20,000.00
Foilsiúcháin/DD's & scannáin (Publications and films)	South Antrim	£5,000.00
Foilsiúcháin/DD's & scannáin (Publications and films)	Belfast South	£14,000.00
Foilsiúcháin/DD's & scannáin (Publications and films)	Belfast South	£7,500.00
Foilsiúcháin/DD's & scannáin (Publications and films)	Newry and Armagh	£6,500.00
Foilsiúcháin/DD's & scannáin (Publications and films)	South Down	£1,000.00
Comhthions. le U-S Agency (Joint projects with U-S Agency)	East Antrim	£4,000.00
Ceard. Scríbh./Ealaíon. srl. / (Workshops)	Newry and Armagh	£7,000.00
Scéim na mBeath faoi €5k/£3.5k/ (Biography scheme under €5k)	Upper Bann	£2,500.00
Scéim na hOifigí (Irish language officer scheme)	Foyle	£47,286.75
Scéim na hOifigí (Irish language officer scheme)	Mid Ulster	£31,524.50
Scéim na hOifigí (Irish language officer scheme)	Fermanagh and South Tyrone	£31,524.50
2008
Programme	Parliamentary Constituency	Amount
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	Foyle	£3,350.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	Belfast North	£3,400.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	South Down	£1,740.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	Newry & Armagh	£3,200.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	North Antrim	£1,725.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	West Belfast	£2,000.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	N/A	£2,870.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	Newry & Armagh	£1,600.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	Destined Ltd	£1,800.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	Belfast West	£2,000.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	North Antrim	£2,000.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£2,000.00
Scéim Pobail (Community Scheme)		£3,500.00
Iontaobhas Ultach Trust (Core Funding)		£244,957.00
Forbairt Feirste (Core Funding)	Belfast West	£116,069.00
POBAL (Core Funding)	Belfast West	£180,030.00
Comhaltas Uladh (Core Funding)	Mid Ulster	£73,000.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£850.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)		£750.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£846.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£303.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)		£1,000.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£1,000.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£681.50
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£440.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)		£775.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)		£400.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)		£750.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£50.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast North	£1,000.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast West	£1,000.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast North	£750.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)		£750.00
Scéim comhar. dhá theangach (Bi-lingual signage)	Belfast North	£750.00
An earnáil gnó (Other Business Scheme)	South Down	£8,000.00
An earnáil gnó (Other Business Scheme)	Belfast West	£8,000.00
An tUltach (Magazine)	Mid Ulster	£20,000.00
Raidió Fáilte	Belfast West	£4,531.00
Raidió Fáilte	Belfast West	£93,068.00
2009
Programme	Parliamentary Constituency	Amount
Festivals and events	Belfast West	£1,000.00
Festivals and events	Newry and Armagh	£4,000.00
Festivals and events	Newry and Armagh	£2,000.00
Festivals and events	West Tyrone	£2,000.00
Drama companies	Belfast West	£95,000.00
Writers in residence	Belfast South	£20,000.00

COMMUNITY SECTOR
2007
Ainm Scéime (Name of Scheme)	Toghcheantar (Constituency)	Méid (Amount) £
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	Thar 18 Toghcheantar / across all constituencies	£26,146.00
Bunmhaoiniú (core funding)	North Belfast	£333,747.00
Bunmhaoiniú (core funding)	West Belfast	£394,397.00
Scéim na nIonad (venue scheme)	West Belfast	£89,087.00
Scéim na nIonad (venue scheme)	Foyle	£117,961.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	North Belfast	£38,431.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	South Belfast	£49,420.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Tyrone	£46,833.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Belfast	£14,101.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Foyle	£24,322.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Down	£22,508.00
Scéimeanna gnó(business schemes)	Thar 18 Toghcheantar across all constituencies	£18,661.00
Clár Caipitil an Ghaelárais (Capital)	Foyle	£154,883.00
2008
Ainm Scéime (Name of Scheme)	Toghcheantar (Constituency)	Méid (Amount) £
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	North Belfast	£8,625.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	Foyle	£5,150.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	North Antrim	£3,740.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	Newry Armagh	£4,800.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	West Belfast	£4,000.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	Fermanagh South Tyrone	£2,000.00
Bunmhaoiniú (core funding)	North Belfast	£367,261.00
Bunmhaoiniú (core funding)	West Belfast	£389,167.00
Scéim na nIonad (venue scheme)	West Belfast	£91,763.00
Scéim na nIonad (venue scheme)	Foyle	£121,504.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	North Belfast	£80,586.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Mid Ulster	£67,959.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	South Belfast	£61,560.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Tyrone	£39,421.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	North Antrim	£42,240.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Belfast	£36,954.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Belfast	£36,346.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Foyle	£37,450.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Down	£37,110.00
Scéimeanna gnó (business schemes)	Thar 18 Toghcheantar across all constituencies	£12,095.00
Clár Caipitil an Ghaelárais (Capital)	Foyle	£395,117.00
2009
Ainm Scéime (Name of Scheme)	Toghcheantar (Constituency)	Méid (Amount) £
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	North Belfast	£5,500.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	West Belfast	£5,930.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	South Belfast	£2,500.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	Fermanagh / South Tyrone	£710.00
An Ghaeilge sa Phobal (Irish in the community)	North Antrim	£1,310.00
Bunmhaoiniú (core funding)	North Belfast	£337,957.00
Bunmhaoiniú (core funding)	West Belfast	£389,167.00
Scéim na nIonad (venue scheme)	West Belfast	£91,763.00
Scéim na nIonad (venue scheme)	Foyle	£121,500.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	North Belfast	£80,729.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Mid Ulster	£65,450.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	South Belfast	£68,860.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Tyrone	£40,450.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	North Antrim	£37,533.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Belfast	£34,933.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	West Belfast	£34,480.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Foyle	£38,174.00
Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (Irish community scheme)	Down	£36,404.00
Clár Caipitil an Ghaelárais (Capital)	Foyle	£42,110.00

An Cheathrú Gaeltachta Teo (The Gaeltacht Quarter Development Company) (West Belfast)

Financial support given by DCAL to the Gaeltacht Quarter over the last two financial years and the year to date is shown in the table below:-

07/08:	£90k	08/09:	£129k	09/10 (year to date):	£119k

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

DCAL paid the following amounts to the Irish Language Broadcast Fund over the last three financial years:-

07/08:	£3m	08/09:	£3m	09/10:	NIL

Colmcille

DCAL’s contribution to the Colmcille Initiative is shown below. In 2009 responsibility for the project transferred to Foras na Gaeilge.

07/08:	£180k	08/09:	£180k	09/10:	NIL

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has awarded the following revenue funding to Irish language projects in the last two financial years and 2009/10 to date. This includes both exchequer and lottery funding. Note that spend on the later awards may be ongoing.

ARTS COUNCIL OF NORTHERN IRELAND
2007-2008
Programme	Parliamentary Constituency	Amount
Aisling Ghear Annual Support for Organisations Programme (ASOP Funding)	West Belfast	67,320
Culturlann McAdam O’Fiaich ASOP Funding	West Belfast	161,290
An Gaelaras Ltd ASOP Funding	Foyle	84,867
2008-2009
Programme	Parliamentary Constituency	Amount
McCracken Cultural Society Summer School	North Belfast	17,140
An Droichead Teo Traditional Arts Programme	South Belfast	40,000
Culturlann McAdam O’Fiaich ASOP Funding	West Belfast	161,290
POBAL Irish Language Arts Development Officer	West Belfast	25,000
An Gaelaras Ltd ASOP Funding	West Belfast	67,320
An Gaelaras Ltd ASOP Funding	Foyle	113,500
An Gaelaras Ltd Capacity Building Project	Foyle	50,000
2009-2010
Programme	Parliamentary Constituency	Amount
McCracken Cultural Society Summer School	North Belfast	13,670
An Droichead Teo Access to traditional arts and community arts	South Belfast	40,000
POBAL Multi Disciplinary Irish Language Arts	West Belfast	25,000
Aisling Ghear ASOP Funding	West Belfast	67,320
Culturlann McAdam O’Fiaich ASOP Funding	West Belfast	161,290
POBAL ASOP Funding	West Belfast	25,000
An Gaelaras Ltd ASOP Funding	Foyle	137,000

The Arts Council has also provided the following capital funding to Irish language projects in each of the last two financial years and 2009/10 to date. These figures reflect actual spend in-year and include Integrated Development Fund spend.

An Culturlann

Integrated Development Fund

Year	Amount	Belfast West
2007/2008	34,500	Capital Grant
2008/2009	17,409	Design Team Fees
TOTAL	51,909

Arts Infrastructure (DCAL)

Year	Amount	Belfast West
2008/2009	7,000	Equipment Grant

An Gaelaras

North West Challenge Fund

Year	Amount	Foyle
2007/2008	239,279	Capital Grant
2008/2009	243,721	Capital Grant
TOTAL	483,000

An Gaelaras

Integrated Development Fund

Year	Amount	Foyle
2008/2009	500,000	Capital Grant
TOTAL	500,000

Arts infrastructure (DCAL)

Year	Amount	Foyle
2009/2010	75,000	Capital Grant
2009/2010	19,978	Equipment Grant
TOTAL	94,978

Traditional Music Projects

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much has been spent by his Department on traditional music projects in each constituency, in each of the past three years, broken down by project.

(AQW 5532/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My Department’s funding for the arts, including traditional music, is disbursed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. A total of £1,840,669 has been awarded by the Arts Council to traditional music projects since April 2007. This is made up of both exchequer and Lottery funding as detailed below. Please note that spend on the more recent awards may be ongoing.

Year	Exchequer (£)	Lottery (£)	Total (£)
2007-08	387,755	239,054	626,809
2008-09	509,831	122,010	631,841
2009-10	394,632	187,387	582,019
Total (£)	1,292,218	548,451	1,840,669

A further breakdown of the total funding by year, constituency and individual project is attached.

ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING ALLOCATED TO TRADITIONAL MUSIC PROJECTS

Constituency	Year	Organisation	Project Title	Award	Programme	Fund	Capital / revenue
BELFAST EAST	2007-2008	Gilnahirk Pipe Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£3,438.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Ballycoan Pipe Band	Small grant funding	£5,970.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2007-2008	£9,408.00
	2009-2010	Ulster Volunteer Flute Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,583.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Revenue
	2009-2010		Total 2009-2010	£4,583.00
BELFAST NORTH	2007-2008	Hounds of Ulster	Purchase Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Pride of Ardoyne	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,605.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£9,605.00
	2008-2009	First Old Boys Association Silver Band	Musical Instruments for Bands	£4,900.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		McCracken Cultural Society	10th McCracken Summer School	£17,140.00
			Total 2008-2009	£22,040.00
	2009-2010	McCracken Cultural Society	11th McCracken Summer School	£13,670.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
		Glengormley School of Traditional Irish Music	Small grant funding	£4,000.00	Small Grants Programme	Lottery	Revenue
		Fifes and Drums Historical and Musical Society	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,878.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£22,548.00
BELFAST SOUTH	2007-2008	Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society	ASOP	£19,107.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		An Droichead	Trad Arts Access Programme	£40,500.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
		The Jigtime Programme of Irish Music	ASOP	£25,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		The Francis McPeake School of Music	ASOP	£50,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Ceoltai Eireann	An Beirinneach - Songs and Music of an Irish Harper (in partnership with Aibhlin McCrann)	£9,000.00	Turas	Exchequer	Revenue
			Total 2007-2008	£143,607.00
	2008-2009	Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society	ASOP	£20,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		The Jigtime Programme of Irish Music	ASOP	£25,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		An Droichead	Traditional Arts Programme	£40,000.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2008-2009	£85,000.00
	2009-2010	Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society	ASOP	£20,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		An Droichead	Tradional Arts Programme	£40,000.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2009-2010	£60,000.00
BELFAST WEST	2007-2008	Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School	ASOP	£50,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Teresa Clarke	Purchase a fiddle	£3,000.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Desmond Adams	Purchase of new flute	£3,000.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2007-2008	£56,000.00
	2008-2009	Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School	ASOP	£50,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
	2008-2009		Total 2008-2009	£50,000.00
	2009-2010	Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School	ASOP	£50,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		James Rainey	Attendance at Milwaukee Irish Fest, USA August 2009	£500.00	SIAP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Upper Falls Protestant Boys	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,658.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Upper Falls Protestant Boys	Small Grant funding	£2,500.00	Small Grant Programme	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2009-2010	£57,658.00
EAST ANTRIM	2007-2008	George A Dummigan Accordion Band	Musical Instruments for Bands	£4,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
	2007-2008		Total 2007-2008	£4,000.00
	2009-2010	Ulster Grenadiers Flute Band	Musical Instruments for Bands	£4,266.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
	2009-2010		Total 2009-2010	£4,266.00
EAST LONDONDERRY	2007-2008	Kilrea Pipe Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,999.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
	2007-2008		Total 2007-2008	£4,999.00
	2008-2009	Castlerock Pipe Band	Musical Instruments for Bands	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		The Hamilton Flute Band	Small grant funding	£800.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		Coleraine Fife & Drum Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£4,492.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2008-2009	£10,292.00
	2009-2010	Roe Valley Folk Club	Roe Valley Folk Club Workshops, Performances & Festival	£9,000.00	Small Grants Programme	Lottery	Revenue
	2009-2010		Total 2009-2010	£9,000.00
FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	2007-2008	Magheraboy Flute Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£3,723.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Ardboe Central Youth Band	Small grant funding	£5,000.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		Bawn Silver Band	Small grant funding	£5,500.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		Dyan Pipe Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£4,594.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Magheraboy Flute Band	Small grant funding	£3,600.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		Letterbrren Silver Band	Small grant funding	£5,795.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		Lisnaskea Silver Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£33,212.00
	2008-2009	Murley Concert Band ( Junior band of Murley Silver Band)	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Moybrone Pipe Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,657.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Ballindarragh Accordian Band	Small grant funding	£1,850.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		W.J. Armstrong Memorial Pipe Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,995.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Magheraboy Flute Band	Small grant funding	£3,520.00	Awards For All	Lottery	Revenue
		Moygashel Sons of Ulster	Equipment - Musical Instruments for Bands	£4,183.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Letterbrren Silver Band	Small grant funding	£4,000.00	Awards For All	Lottery	Revenue
		Lisnaskea Accordian Band	Accordians	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Ballyreagh Silver Band	Musical Instruments for Bands	£4,923.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Benburb Memorial Pipe Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£3,472.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Tamlaght Pipe Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Tempo Accordion Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,191.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Tubrid Pipe Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,688.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2008-2009	£55,479.00
	2009-2010	The Mummers Foundation	Anglo Irish Influences	£12,000.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
		The Brantry Bard Sessions Group	The Bard Sessions	£6,125.00	Small Grants Programme	Lottery	Revenue
		Letterbrren Silver Band	Small grant funding	£3,725.00	Small Grants Programme	Lottery	Revenue
		Lisbellaw Accordion Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Wattlebridge Accordion Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Garvary Flute Band	Purchase musical instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£36,850.00
FOYLE	2007-2008	Marcas O Murchu	The Fllight of the Earls - Imirce na nlarlai (in partnership with Oisin Mac Diarmada)	£3,780.00	Turas	Exchequer	Revenue
		Jim MacFarland	Emigration Songs (in partnership with Jackie Boyce)	£7,450.00	Turas	Exchequer	Revenue
		Burntollet Sons of Ulster	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£16,230.00
	2009-2010	Pride of the Orange and Blue Flute Band	Small grant funding	£10,000.00	Small Grant Programme	Lottery	Revenue
	2009-2010		Total 2009-2010	£10,000.00
LAGAN VALLEY	2007-2008	Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School	ASOP	£48,510.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Paul Conlon	Purchase of new Tenor Banjo and computer equipment and software	£3,000.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Dromara Highland Pipe Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Crumlin Young Loyalist Flute Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£3,963.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Blaris Accordion Band		£4,688.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£65,161.00
	2008-2009	Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School	ASOP	£56,510.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association	Project Manager Post	£20,000.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
		Stephen Dunne	Purchase guitar	£2,500.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Roses Lane Ends Temperance Flute Band	Purchase of Instruments	£3,750.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Skeogh Flute Band	Musical Instrument Application	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2008-2009	£87,760.00
	2009-2010	Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School	ASOP	£56,510.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Brendan Mulholland	Performance at Milwaukee Irish Festival, August 2009	£500.00	SIAP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Ballylesson Old Boys' Flute Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,889.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Glenavy Accordion Band	Purchase musical instruments	£4,680.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£66,579.00
MID-ULSTER	2007-2008	Curran Flute Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Knockloughrim Accordion Band		£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Drumnaglough Flute Band		£3,775.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Drumconvis Young Defenders Flute Band		£3,795.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Moneymore Accordian Band	Small Grant funding	£2,880.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		Newmills Silver Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Coalisland Jubilee Accordion Band		£4,688.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Gortagilly Musical Society	Purchase of musical instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Ballymoughan Flute Band	Musical Instruments for Bands	£2,280.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Maghera Sons of William		£2,730.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Ballymacall True Blues Flute Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,300.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£44,448.00
	2008-2009	Montober Flute Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£4,958.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Pomeroy Flute Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£4,736.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Killymuck Accordion Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Ballinacross Accordion Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,995.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Mulnagore Coronation Accordion Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,862.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Sgt White Memorial Flute Band	Purchasing of musical instruments	£4,255.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Kilnaslee Pipe Band	Musical Instrument Request	£3,789.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Tamlaghtmore Flute Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,005.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2008-2009	£36,600.00
	2009-2010	Magheraglass Flute Band	Musical Instruments application 2009/10	£4,557.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Loughinsholin Cultural Music Group	Musical Instruments for Bands application 2009/10	£4,984.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Eden Accordion Band & Concert Music Society	Purchase Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Tobermore Loyal Flute Band	Purchase Music Instruments	£3,735.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Megargy Accordion Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,866.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Blackhill Flute Band	Purchase musical instruments	£2,477.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£25,619.00
NEWRY AND ARMAGH	2007-2008	Armagh Pipers Club	ASOP	£27,225.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		The Armagh Rhymers Workers Co-operative Ltd	ASOP	£65,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Aghavilly Accordian Band	Small grant funding	£500.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		Ms Patricia Daly	A Journey of Discovery (in partnership with Stefano Uberti)	£10,000.00	Turas	Exchequer	Revenue
		Len Graham	Travel to teach at Central Missouri Celtic Arts Association April 2008	£300.00	SIAP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Carnagh Accordion Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£2,295.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Tyrone Ditches Pipe Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£110,320.00
	2008-2009	The Armagh Rhymers Workers Co-operative Ltd	ASOP	£67,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Tommy Makem Festival of Traditional and Folk Song	2008 Festival	£5,000.00	Arts Development Fund	Exchequer	Revenue
		Ms Patricia Daly	Develop a ambitious compostion for harp	£15,000.00	SIAP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Mrs Pat Prunty	Make CD recording	£2,000.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2008-2009	£89,000.00
	2009-2010	The Armagh Rhymers Workers Co-operative Ltd	ASOP	£67,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Armagh Pipers Club	Small grant funding	£1,700.00	Small Grants Programme	Lottery	Revenue
		Armagh Harpers Association	Harp Festival	£3,000.00	Small Grants Programme	Lottery	Revenue
		Sorcha Meehan	Purchase of Fiddle & Bow	£2,775.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Martin Meehan	Purchase of Uilleann Pipes - 2009	£2,500.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Len Graham	Attendance at American Conference for Irish Studies at Monmouth University West Long Branch New Jersey, USA - September 18-19 2009.	£300.00	SIAP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Josephine Keegan	The Keegan Tunes, Book Three	£3,625.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Len Graham	To research, compile, publish and record a comprehensive collection of Ulster traditional song for young people.	£15,000.00	SIAP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Crossmaglen Youth Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£100,900.00
NORTH ANTRIM	2007-2008	Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Glens of Antrim Branch)	Exchange trip between the branches of Glens of Antrim Comhaltas and Ballyduff Comhaltas in Waterford	£9,943.00	Turas	Exchequer	Revenue
		Cullybackey Pipe Band		£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Pride of the Maine	Purchase of musical instruments	£3,690.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£4,525.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Killycoogan Accordion Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£28,158.00
	2008-2009	Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra Association	Performances & Educational Outreach Projects	£10,000.00	Arts Development Fund	Exchequer	Revenue
		Drumaheagles Young Defenders Flute Band	Musical Instrument Application	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Ballymena and Harryville Young Conqueror	Purchase of instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2008-2009	£20,000.00
	2009-2010	Castlegore Amateur Flute Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Armagh Old Boys Silver Band	Small grant funding	£4,000.00	Small Grant Programme	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2009-2010	£9,000.00
NORTH DOWN	2007-2008	Open House Traditional Arts Festival Ltd	Over here... mini fest	£4,000.00	DCAL Monitoring Round	Exchequer	Revenue
		Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£9,000.00
	2008-2009	Open House Traditional Arts Festival Ltd	ASOP	£60,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Open House Traditional Arts Festival Ltd	Rediscovering Northern Ireland	£4,010.00	SIAP	Exchequer	Revenue
			Total 2008-2009	£64,010.00
	2009-2010	Open House Traditional Arts Festival Ltd	ASOP	£60,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Ballykeel Conservative Flute Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,845.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£64,845.00
SOUTH ANTRIM	2007-2008	Muckamore Cultural Music Society	Purchase of Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
SOUTH ANTRIM	2007-2008		Total 2007-2008	£5,000.00
SOUTH DOWN	2007-2008	Grallagh Unionist Flute Band	Application to purchase musical instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Upper Crossgare Pipe Band	Small grant funding	£5,000.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2007-2008	£10,000.00
	2008-2009	Ballymartin Pipe Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,999.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Holy Cross Accordian Band Atticall	Small grant funding	£2,200.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2008-2009	£7,199.00
	2009-2010	Loretta Phillips	Record an album	£1,800.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Upper Crossgare Pipe Band	Musical Instruments for Bands application 2009/10	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Upper Crossgare Pipe Band	Small grant funding	£2,250.00	Small Grant Programme	Lottery	Revenue
		Schomberg Fife and Drum Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£2,741.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Closkelt Highland Pipe Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£3,663.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		South Down Defenders Flute Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£20,454.00
STRANGFORD	2007-2008	York Island Arts and Heritage Association	Liberty Days Festival Aug 07 - See business case	£6,440.00	Arts Development Fund	Exchequer	Revenue
	2007-2008		Total 2007-2008	£6,440.00
	2008-2009	William Strain William Lightbody Memorial Flute Band	Purchase of Musical Instrument	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Raffrey Pipe Band	Purchase of instruments	£4,999.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2008-2009	£9,999.00
	2009-2010	Bradley Parker	Attending piping lessons in Scotland twice per month.	£1,342.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
	2009-2010		Total 2009-2010	£1,342.00
UPPER BANN	2007-2008	Mid Armagh Community Network	ASOP funding	£23,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		St John's Independent Accordian Band	Small grant funding	£8,320.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
		All Set Cross Cultural Project	ASOP	£25,000.00		Exchequer	Revenue
			Total 2007-2008	£56,320.00
	2008-2009	All Set Cross Cultural Project	ASOP	£25,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Mid Armagh Community Network	ASOP One Year Funding 2008/2009	£23,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Dean Patrick Warner	Recording of Piano Accordion Traditional Irish Music CD	£2,000.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Clogher Youth & Music Club	The purchase of musical instruments	£3,750.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
			Total 2008-2009	£53,750.00
	2009-2010	All Set Cross Cultural Project	ASOP	£25,000.00	ASOP	Exchequer	Revenue
		Mid Armagh Community Network	MACN Project for 2009/2010	£27,190.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2009-2010	£52,190.00
WEST TYRONE	2007-2008	St Eugene's Band Omagh	Purchasing Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Tullywhisker Pipe Band	Purchasing Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
		Saint Patrick's Pipe Band, Drumquin	Purchasing Musical Instruments	£4,901.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2007-2008	£14,901.00
	2008-2009	Cappagh Pipe Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Mullinagoagh Pipe Band	Purchase Musical Instruments	£4,999.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Pride of the Derg Flute Band	Purchase of musical instruments	£4,713.00	Musical Instruments	Exchequer	Capital
		Dun Uladh Ltd	Dun Uladh Traditional Arts Programme	£22,350.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Capital
		Trillick Pipe Band	Small grant funding	£3,650.00	Awards for All	Lottery	Revenue
			Total 2008-2009	£40,712.00
	2009-2010	Ryan O'Donnell	Purchase of Musical Equipment	£1,945.00	SIAP	Lottery	Revenue
		Dun Uladh Ltd	'Our Culture, Our Heritage' Traditional Arts Cultural Programme	£29,240.00	Lottery - Project Funding	Lottery	Revenue
		Omagh Protestant Boys (Melody) Flute Band	Purchase of Musical Instruments	£5,000.00	Musical Instruments	Lottery	Capital
			Total 2009-2010	£36,185.00
			All Constituencies Total 2007-2008	£626,809.00
			All Constituencies Total 2008-2009	£631,841.00
			All Constituencies Total 2009-2010	£582,019.00

			Overall Total 2007 - 2010	£1,840,669.00

Ulster Scots Agency

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQW 3209/10, whether his Department is satisfied with the geographical spread of the finance provided by the Ulster Scots Agency; and what steps are being taken to increase the monies being distributed to counties in the West and South West of Ulster.

(AQW 5550/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The majority of funding applications received by the Ulster-Scots Agency are from groups and organisations located in counties Antrim and Down, the main areas where the Ulster-Scots population is concentrated.

However, the Agency has identified demand in the West and South West of Ulster and hopes to appoint an additional Development Officer to deliver the Agency’s business in county Fermanagh and counties Cavan and Monaghan in the Irish Republic.

It is anticipated that the appointment of this officer will help to generate further interest in activities of the Agency which may in turn result in further funds being allocated in these areas.

Projects to Celebrate St Patrick's Day

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what projects his Department has assisted to celebrate St Patrick's Day 2010.

(AQW 5571/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My Department provides funding to district councils through the Community Festivals Fund (CFF) and I understand that a number of councils support St Patrick’s Day events through this fund.

Furthermore, DCAL through the work of its associated arm’s length bodies has provided assistance to a number of projects to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. For example

The Ulster-Scots Agency is supporting two projects to celebrate St Patrick’s Day: a St Patrick’s Night Ulster-Scots Gospel Concert in Markethill and an Ulster-Scots St Patrick’s festival in Bushmills;
National Museums Northern Ireland is hosting special events for St Patrick’s Day at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park and the Armagh County Museum; and
The North West Carnival Initiative has received lottery project funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for programming which includes a St Patrick’s Day event.

Irish Football Association

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with the Irish Football Association to ensure that people who represent Northern Ireland at school-boy and under 21 levels cannot opt to represent another country.

(AQW 5746/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The rules governing football player eligibility in Northern Ireland are a matter for the world governing body of football, FIFA, and the Irish Football Association (IFA), the governing body of football in Northern Ireland.

I can confirm that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has had discussions in the past with both the IFA and FIFA about football’s eligibility rules as they affect Northern Ireland. It has been made clear by successive devolved Sports Ministers that they fully support the principle of sports governing bodies doing everything possible to encourage young talented players from Northern Ireland to go on to represent their country at international level. I understand the IFA has recently decided to take this matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland and I support their efforts in this regard.

£5m Funding for Ulster Scots

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how the £5m funding for Ulster Scots announced after the Hillsborough Agreement will be distributed.

(AQW 5767/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Prime Minister recently decided to provide £5m funding over five years for an Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund for Culture and Language.

I am meeting with the Minister of State for Northern Ireland to discuss the details for the delivery of this Fund, but I would anticipate that, in line with the existing Irish Language Broadcasting Fund, it will be administered by Northern Ireland Screen.

Irish and Local Studies Library in Armagh

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if there are any plans to reduce the opening hours of the Irish and Local Studies Library in Armagh.

(AQW 5770/10)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Libraries NI currently have no plans to reduce the opening hours of the Irish and Local Studies Library in Armagh.

The opening hours of the library, in the longer term, will be considered as part of an overall review of heritage services which Libraries NI will undertake shortly.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Departmental Posts

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to posts within her Department that could be relocated or decentralised.

(AQW 5294/10)

Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane ): Creidim go bhfuil sé riachtanach go bhfuil dílárú laistigh dár sochaí ag gach leibhéal. Mhaígh mé sa Tionól go gcloífinn le dualgais chomhionannais faoin ARP i dtaca le dílárú.

I believe it is essential that there is decentralisation within our society at all levels. I stated in the Assembly that under RPA I would adhere to equality duties in relation to decentralisation.

Funding for Preparatory Departments

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education whether her Department's proposal to withdraw funding from the preparatory departments of grammar schools, from September 2010, has been assessed against Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 5303/10)

Minister of Education: D’aibhsigh an tAthbhreithniú Neamhspleách Straitéiseach ar Oideachas (ar a dtugtar Tuairisc Bain), a foilsíodh i mí na Nollag sa bhliain 2006, roimh theacht isteach san oifig dom, saincheist an mhaoinithe do ranna ullmhúcháin. Maidir le leithdháileadh an bhuiséid oideachais, mhaígh an tuairisc:

The Independent Strategic Review of Education (known as the Bain Report), published in December 2006, prior to me coming into office, highlighted the issue of the funding of preparatory departments. In respect of the distribution of the education budget, the Report stated:

"Equity must continue to be at the heart of this distribution. For this reason, the part-funding of fee-charging preparatory departments in grammar schools is anomalous. This aspect of delegation subsidises provision that can only be accessed by children whose parents can pay the requisite fee. This would seem to be an inequitable use of public funds and counterintuitive in a funding system simultaneously managing the pressures of a high level of surplus capacity. The rationale for this aspect of schools-related current expenditure should be reviewed and its continuation considered with regard to equity and in the context of the significant pressures on the education budget".

One of the key recommendations of the Bain Report (recommendation 5) was that:

"The rationale for funding preparatory departments in grammar schools should be reviewed".

The Equality Commission in its document "Every Child an Equal Child" has stated that a key component of a quality education system is the provision of equality of access to good education.

In relation to its position on the funding of Preparatory Departments, the Commission has stated that:

"Preparatory Departments inherently do not provide equality of access as attendance is dependant on a parents/families ability to pay additional substantial costs. We do not believe a public subvention to this sector is the best possible use of public funds when there are other areas that we have prioritised for intervention in the above document".

In light of the Bain recommendation, my Department commissioned the Business Consultancy Service of the Department of Finance and Personnel in January 2009 to independently undertake a review of this funding and to provide a report of their findings. Their Report, which was provided to me in September 2009, concluded that the Department should consider the withdrawal of funding to preparatory departments on the basis of equality of access.

However, before reaching a decision on this recommendation, I asked for an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) should be carried out under Section 75 of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act. The EQIA consultation closed on 4 March 2010 and I will give conscientious consideration to the responses received to this consultation prior to making my decision.

Funding for Preparatory Departments

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education what Equality Impact Assessment was carried out in relation to her Department's proposal to withdraw funding from the preparatory departments of grammar schools, from September 2010.

(AQW 5305/10)

One of the key recommendations of the Bain Report (recommendation 5) was that:

"The rationale for funding preparatory departments in grammar schools should be reviewed".

The Equality Commission in its document "Every Child an Equal Child" has stated that a key component of a quality education system is the provision of equality of access to good education.

In relation to its position on the funding of Preparatory Departments, the Commission has stated that:

Funding for Preparatory Departments

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the rationale for her Department's proposal to withdraw funding from the preparatory departments of grammar schools, from September 2010.

(AQW 5307/10)

One of the key recommendations of the Bain Report (recommendation 5) was that:

"The rationale for funding preparatory departments in grammar schools should be reviewed".

The Equality Commission in its document "Every Child an Equal Child" has stated that a key component of a quality education system is the provision of equality of access to good education.

In relation to its position on the funding of Preparatory Departments, the Commission has stated that:

Per Capita Spend on Schools

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education how much her Department has spent, per capita, on (i) Irish-medium primary schools; (ii) preparatory departments of grammar schools; (iii) controlled primary schools; and (iv) maintained primary schools, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5359/10)

Minister of Education: Is í an bhliain airgeadais dheireanach iomlán dona bhfuil na sonraí seo ar fáil ná an bhliain 2008/09. Tá an méid caiteachais athfhilltigh tharmligthe agus neamhtharmligthe per capita i ngach bliain de na blianta airgeadais 2006/07, 2007/08 agus 2008/09 léirithe sa tábla thíos.

The latest full financial year for which this data is available is 2008/09. The amount of per capita delegated and non-delegated recurrent expenditure for each of the financial years 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09 is shown in the table below.

	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09
	Delegated and Non-Delegated Expenditure Per Capita (£)
Irish Medium Primary Schools	3,306	3,575	3,950
Controlled Primary Schools	3,046	3,288	3,577
Maintained Primary Schools	3,036	3,261	3,458
Preparatory Department of Grammar	816	871	902

Footnotes:

Expenditure information in relation to Irish-medium Units, attached to English-medium host schools has not been provided as it is not possible to disaggregate the expenditure of the Unit from the host school.
Expenditure information in relation to the preparatory departments attached to three Controlled Grammar Schools has not been included as the SEELB has advised that it is not possible to disaggregate the expenditure of the preparatory departments from the host grammar schools. The number of pupils attending these three preparatory departments has not therefore been included in the per capita calculations for the three years listed in table above.

Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education how many meetings she or her officials have had with (i) the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education; and (ii) the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools in the last 12 months, listed by date.

(AQW 5392/10)

Minister of Education: I and my adviser have had a number of meetings with these groups.

Thionóil m’fheidhmeannaigh 60 cruinniú le Comhairle na Scoileanna Caitliceacha faoi Chothabháil ar na dátaí atá liostaithe thíos:

My officials have also held 60 meetings with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools on the dates listed below:

02 March 2009	11 May 2009	01 September 2009	09 December 2009
04 March 2009	20 May 2009	02 September 2009	16 December 2009
06 March 2009	20 May 2009	23 September 2009	11 January 2010
09 March 2009	21 May 2009	06 October 2009	14 January 2010
11 March 2009	01 June 2009	06 October 2009	26 January 2010
18 March 2009	17 June 2009	15 October 2009	01 February 2010
20 March 2009	17 June 2009	20 October 2009	03 February 2010
27 March 2009	25 June 2009	21 October 2009	03 February 2010
03 April 2009	08 July 2009	22 October 2009	09 February 2009
06 April 2009	29 July 2009	04 November 2009	17 February 2010
06 April 2009	06 August 2009	06 November 2009	23 February 2010
07 April 2009	11 August 2009	20 November 2009	24 February 2010
22 April 2009	17 August 2009	25 November 2009	25 February 2010
28 April 2009	26 August 2009	26 November 2009	26 February 2010
07 May 2009	27 August 2009	07 December 2009	02 March 2010

Capital Spend

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Education what is the planned capital spend on schools in the Strangford constituency for the 2010/11 financial year.

(AQW 5405/10)

Minister of Education: Construction work on a new school building for St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff is currently underway and is due to complete in August 2010. This project was taken forward under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) with a capital cost to my Department’s 2010/11 capital budget of £5.8m. The only other major capital project currently in planning for the Strangford constituency is the proposed new school building for Glastry College, Ballyhalbert.

Seans gurb eol duit gur choimisiúnaigh mé athbhreithniú ar gach tionscadal reatha atá fós á phleanáil i mí Dheireadh Fómhair sa bhliain 2009. Cuideoidh an t-athbhreithniú seo le cur chuige níos straitéisí a fhorbairt ar chinntí infheistiú caipitil agus ar bhainistíocht eastát na scoileanna. Sa timpeallacht gheilleagrach reatha, cinnteoidh an t-athbhreithniú go n-úsáidfear gach acmhainn atá ar fáil chun na torthaí is fearr do pháistí agus an luach is fearr don cháiníocóir a bhaint amach. Mar gheall air seo, tá sé tábhachtach go ndearbhaíonn muid go bhfuil gach tionscadal caipitil ina n-infheistíonn muid inmharthana san fhadtéarma.

You may be aware that in October 2009, I commissioned a review of all current projects still in planning. This review will inform a more strategic approach to capital investment decisions and the management of the schools estate. In the current economic climate the review will ensure that available resources are used to secure the best outcomes for children and maximum value for the taxpayer. In light of this it is important that we validate that the capital projects in which we invest are viable in the long term.

It is critically important that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place and that it adheres to our statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need. At the heart of this is Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Sustainable Schools, 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.

As the Department’s capital budget has not yet been finalised, it is not possible at this stage to state how much will be spent on capital works in schools in the Strangford constituency in 2010/11.

Transfer 2010

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education if it is necessary for a grammar school, which is seeking to become a non-selective school in accordance with the guidance given in Transfer 2010, to submit a development proposal to her Department.

(AQW 5437/10)

Minister of Education: Recent years have seen significant changes in the delivery of education to create a more child centred education service which is inclusive and diverse. This includes the introduction of specialist schools, the development of extended schools, the move towards a campus model including early years provision and health service, the development of collaborative arrangements in Area Learning Communities and the new admissions arrangements for transfer to post primary school.

Is tábhachtach go spreagtar an móiminteam seo agus go dtugtar tacaíocht dó a oiread agus is féidir. Creidim gur chóir do phróisis mo Roinne athruithe a éascú i gcásanna inar mian le scoileanna na treoracha nua beartais a leanúint go hiomlán, lena n-áirítear díothú an roghnaithe acadúil. Chuige seo, beidh an Roinn ag athbhreithniú na treorach ar na himthosca a éilíonn foilsiú Thogra Forbartha lena chinntiú go bhfuil sé ábhartha agus nua-aimseartha i gcomhthéacs an bheartais reatha.

It is important that this momentum is encouraged and supported as much as possible. I believe where schools wish to fully embrace the new policy directions, including the removal of academic selection, that my Department's processes should facilitate the changes. To this end the Department will be reviewing the guidance on circumstances that require the publication of a development proposal to ensure it is relevant and up-to-date in the current policy context.

In the meantime, however, where a school brings forward a development proposal to implement the new admissions arrangements the Department will ensure it is processed expeditiously.

Preparatory Departments of Grammar Schools

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail any correspondence she has received,to date, opposing her proposal to withdraw funding from the preparatory departments of grammar schools.

(AQW 5458/10)

Minister of Education: Mar is eol duit, thug mo Roinn údarás do Sheirbhís Comhairleachta Gnó na Roinne Airgeadais agus Pearsanra, i mí Eanáir 2009, chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh go neamhspleách ar mhaoiniú na ranna ullmhúcháin de bharr na moltaí i dTuairisc Bain, agus chun tuairisc a sholáthar ar na torthaí. Bhain an Tuairisc, a soláthraíodh dom i mí Mheán Fómhair 2009, de thátal as gur chóir don Roinn maoiniú na ranna ullmhúcháin a tharraingt siar mar gheall ar chomhionannas rochtana.

As you know my Department commissioned the Business Consultancy Service of the Department of Finance and Personnel, in January 2009, to independently undertake a review of the funding to preparatory departments following on from recommendations in the Bain Report and to provide a report of their findings. Their Report, which was provided to me in September 2009, concluded that the Department should consider the withdrawal of funding to preparatory departments on the basis of equality of access.

This recommendation was in line with the view of the Equality Commission, which stated in its document "Every Child an Equal Child" that a key component of a quality education system is the provision of equality of access to good education.

However, before reaching a decision on this recommendation, I asked for an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) to be carried out under Section 75 of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act. The EQIA consultation closed on 4 March 2010 and I will give conscientious consideration to the responses received to this consultation prior to making my decision.

To date, my Department has catalogued: 432 responses to the draft Equality Impact Assessment; 70 Ministerial Correspondence letters; 27 General Mail letters; 15 Departmental Web Mail letters; and 6 General Correspondence letters.

Education Advisory Forum

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education for an estimate of (i) the start up costs; and (ii) the running costs for the proposed Education Advisory Forum.

(AQW 5462/10)

Minister of Education: Meastar go bhfuil thart ar £100k ar na costais bhreise reatha, le haghaidh pleanáil buiséadach, in aghaidh na bliana. Táthar ag súil go n-íocfaidh acmhainní na Roinne as acmhainní foirne an Fhóraim Chomhairligh Oideachais.

Additional running costs, for the purposes of budgetary planning, are estimated at circa £100k per annum. Staffing resources for the Educational Advisory Forum are expected to be met from within the Department’s resources.

No estimates have been made of start-up costs which are expected to be notional.

Sectoral Support Bodies

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education for an estimate of (i) the start up costs; and (ii) the annual running costs for each of the proposed Sectoral Support Bodies.

(AQW 5465/10)

Minister of Education: Ní féidir costais dúisithe ar na comhlachtaí molta um thacaíocht earnála a mheas go cruinn faoi láthair. Tiocfaidh roinnt comhlachtaí um thacaíocht earnála i gcrích ó chomhlachtaí a fheidhmíonn laistigh de chomhlachtaí deontaschúnta oideachais faoi láthair, agus tosóidh na cinn eile ag obair ab initio. Beidh tionchar suntasach ag an bhunú seo ar chostas ar chomhlachtaí nua a lainseáil. Tá m’fheidhmeannaigh ag leanúint de bheith ag obair le hiarratasóirí ar mhaoiniú thacaíocht earnála chun na costais ar a bhfeidmiú a thosú agus a choinneáil a shainaithint.

At this stage it is not possible to estimate with accuracy the actual start up costs of the proposed sectoral support bodies. Some Sectoral Support Bodies will emerge from bodies that currently operate within existing grant-aided education bodies whilst others will begin work ab initio. This genesis will have a significant impact on the cost of launching new bodies. My officials are continuing to work with applicants for sectoral support funding to identify the costs of starting and maintaining their operation.

I anticipate that the aggregate annual running costs of all sectoral support bodies will be in the region of £2m.

Capital Spend on Schools in Upper Bann

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education what is the planned capital spend on schools in the Upper Bann constituency for 2010/11.

(AQW 5492/10)

Minister of Education: There are currently 7 major capital projects in the Upper Bann constituency included in my Department’s major capital programme. Construction work is currently underway on one these, Banbridge Academy, which is due to complete in late 2011. The remaining projects are all at various stages of the planning process.

As the Department’s capital budget has not yet been finalised, it is not possible at this stage to state how much will be spent on capital works in schools in the Upper Bann constituency in 2010/11

Pupils Enrolled in Primary Schools in the Southern Education and Library Board Area.

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education how many pupils are currently enrolled in each class in primary schools in the Southern Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 5581/10)

Minister of Education: Tá sé socraithe agam go gcuirfear an t-eolas a iarradh i Leabharlann an Tionóil.

I have arranged for the information requested to be placed in the Assembly library.

Post-primary Education Planning in the Lurgan and Portadown Areas

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education to detail all correspondence between her Department and the Southern Education and Library Board in relation to post-primary education planning in the Lurgan and Portadown areas, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5583/10)

Minister of Education: Mar gheall ar an teagmháil mhinic idir feidhmeannaigh mo Roinne agus a gcomhghleacaithe i mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt (BOLD), ní féidir gach comhfhreagras a mhionsonrú. Le linn na tréimhse de thrí bliana a chuaigh thart, áfach, bhí mórán malartuithe comhfhreagrais idir an Roinn agus BOLD, go háirithe ar ghnéithe de phróiseas an Bhreithmheasa Eacnamaíochta le haghaidh na scéimeanna molta do Lurgan College agus do Portadown College. Ina theannta sin, chomhfhreagair an Roinn ar 21 Eanáir sa bhliain 2010 ar sholáthar páirce ar Lurgan Junior High School.

Given the frequent contact between my Department officials and their counterparts in the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) it is not possible to detail all correspondence. However, over the recent three year period there has been a considerable exchange of correspondence between the Department and the SELB specific to aspects of the economic appraisal process for the proposed capital schemes for both Lurgan College and Portadown College. In addition the Department corresponded on 21 January 2010 about pitch provision at Lurgan Junior High School.

School Building Projects

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education to list the school building projects which (i) have been completed; (ii) are currently in progress; and (iii) are at the planning stage in the (a) Lurgan; (b) Portadown; and (c) Banbridge areas, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5584/10)

Minister of Education: In the last three years two major capital school projects have been completed in the Lurgan, Portadown and Banbridge areas. The projects are as follows:-

School	Project Details	Completion Date
Maralin P.S. Craigavon	New school	April 2008
Waringstown P.S.	Extension & Refurbishment	October 2008

Banbridge Academy is currently in the process of being extended/refurbished.

The following six major capital school projects in the Lurgan, Portadown and Banbridge areas are currently at various stages in the planning process:-

School	Project Details
Tannaghmore P.S. Lurgan	New school on existing site
St Teresa’s P.S. Lurgan	New school on extended site
St Mary’s P.S. Banbridge	New school on extended site
St Patrick’s College Banbridge	New school on extended site
Portadown College	New school on existing site
Lurgan College	New school on existing site

Post-primary Schools in the Lurgan and Portadown Areas

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education to detail all correspondence between her Deparmtnet and the Southern Education and Library Board in relation to curriculum entitlement in post-primary schools in the Lurgan and Portadown areas, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5585/10)

Minister of Education: Bhí teagmháil agus comhfhreagras rialta idir oifigigh mo Roinne agus a macasamhla ar an BOLD i dtaca leis an Chreat Teidlíochta (CT) i gceantar na Lorgan/ Phort an Dúnáin agus ní bheadh sé indéanta gach teagmháil eatarthu a mhionsonrú.

There has been very regular contact and correspondence between my Departmental officials and their counterparts in the SELB in relation to the Entitlement Framework (EF) in the Lurgan/Portadown area and it would simply not be possible to detail every single contact.

As with the work we do across the north, the focus of contact with the SELB has been to ensure that schools in this area are supported and facilitated in widening the range and balance of courses available to the young people they serve in preparation for full implementation of the Entitlement Framework from 2013. It is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that young people in the wider Craigavon/Lurgan/Portadown area can access a sufficiently wide range of courses and pathways and my Department has asked SELB to look again at the planning of post-14 education provision in the area and to set out clearly how its plans will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, sustainable provision for all young people.

Sports Complex for Malone Integrated College

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Education for an update on the proposed new purpose built sports complex for Malone Integrated College.

(AQW 5597/10)

Minister of Education: The major capital scheme for the proposed sports hall provision at Malone College is at planning stage D and final sketch plans are currently with my Department’s technical advisors for consideration.

Tá an scéim seo cuimsithe san athbhreithniú ar thionscadail chaipitil a choimisiúnaigh mé san fhómhar. Cuideoidh torthaí an athbhreithnithe seo le cur chuige níos straitéisí a fhorbairt ar infheistiú caipitil agus ar bhainistíocht eastát na scoileanna, agus cinnfidh siad an bealach chun tosaigh do gach scéim, lena n-áirítear an scéim do Malone College.

This scheme is also included in the review of capital projects which I commissioned in the Autumn. The out-workings of this review will inform a more strategic approach to capital investment and management of the schools estate and will determine the way forward for all schemes, including the one for Malone College.

Attacks on Teaching Staff

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 4829/10, how many pupils were suspended for physical attacks on teaching staff in 2008/09, broken down by Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 5599/10)

Minister of Education: Bailíonn an Roinn staitisticí ar fhionraíochtaí, lena n-áirítear na cúiseanna a bhí ar na fionraíochtaí, ó gach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ar bhonn bliantúil. Cé go mbailítear an t-eolas ar fhionraíochtaí mar gheall ar ionsaí fisiceach, ní dhéantar aon idirdhealú ar ionsaithe fisiceacha ar fhoireann mhúinteoireachta agus ionsaithe fisiceacha ar fhoireann neamh-mhúinteoireachta.

The Department collects statistics on suspensions, including reasons for them, from each of the Education and Library Boards annually. Whilst information is collected on suspensions as a result of physical attack on staff, there is no differentiation made between physical attacks on teaching staff and non-teaching staff.

The number of pupils suspended for a physical attack on staff in 2008/09, broken down by Education and Library Board area is shown in the table below.

Education and Library Board Area	Number of pupils suspended
BELB	38
NEELB	35
SEELB	43
SELB	26
WELB	49
Total	191

Notes:

1. The figures are based on pupils undertaking Key Stage 1-4 in primary, post-primary and special schools.

2. The ELB is that in which the school is located.

3. The figures refer to the number of pupils suspended. The number of suspensions for physical attack on staff is likely to be higher since a pupil can be suspended more than once for the same reason.

It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the type of physical assault on staff for which pupils were suspended as neither the Department nor the Education and Library Boards collect this information.

Attacks on Teaching Staff

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 4829/10, to provide a breakdown of the type of physical assault on teaching staff for which pupils were suspended in 2008/09.

(AQW 5600/10)

The number of pupils suspended for a physical attack on staff in 2008/09, broken down by Education and Library Board area is shown in the table below.

Education and Library Board Area	Number of pupils suspended
BELB	38
NEELB	35
SEELB	43
SELB	26
WELB	49
Total	191

Notes:

1. The figures are based on pupils undertaking Key Stage 1-4 in primary, post-primary and special schools.

2. The ELB is that in which the school is located.

Attacks on Teaching Staff

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 4829/10, whether any teachers took sick leave as a result of a physical attack in 2008/09.

(AQW 5601/10)

Minister of Education: The Department of Education does not hold this information.

Thug Príomhfheidhmeannaigh ar na 5 Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus ar Chomhairle na Scoileanna Caitliceacha faoi Chothabháil comhairle dom nach gcoinníonn siad an t-eolas a chumasóidh iad chun múinteoirí a ghlac saoire bhreoiteachta mar gheall ar ionsaí fisiceach a shainaithint.

I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the 5 Education and Library Boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools that they do not hold information that would allow them to identify any teachers who took sick leave as a result of a physical attack.

Controlled Primary Schools

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of controlled primary schools in 2007/08; (ii) the total number of children enrolled in these schools; and (iii) the total recurrent funding that controlled primary schools received in 2008/09.

(AQW 5608/10)

Minister of Education: The information provided below provides details of the number of schools, the number of funded full-time equivalent pupils (FTEs), and overall expenditure for both 2007/08 and 2008/09 for controlled primary schools.

Controlled Primary Schools ⁽¹⁾

Financial Year	Number of schools	Number of funded FTE pupils	Total Delegated & Non-Delegated Expenditure £000's
2007/08	426	80,096	£ 263,344
2008/09	417	78,356	£ 280,259

Note (1) Controlled schools includes controlled integrated primary schools; one controlled Irish-medium school; and nursery classes where appropriate.

Data source: Education & Library Boards Outturn expenditure 2007/08 & 2008/09

Faigheann scoileanna maoiniú ar bhonn bliana airgeadais in ionad ar bhonn bliain acadúil. Baintear úsáid as líon na ndaltaí atá rollaithe i ngach scoil nuair a dhéantar an daonáireamh bliantúil scoile (Deireadh Fómhair) chun leithdháiltí maoinithe a chinneadh don chéad bhliain airgeadais eile.

Schools receive funding on a financial year rather than an academic year basis. The number of pupils enrolled in each school at the time of the annual school census (October) is used in determining funding distributions for the next financial year.

Capital Budgets

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount her Department has contributed to the capital budgets of (i) controlled primary schools; (ii) Catholic maintained primary schools; and (iii) Irish- medium primary schools, in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 5609/10)

Minister of Education: Níl an t-eolas a iarradh furasta teacht air agus ní fhéadfaí é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

Information in the format requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Alternative Education Provision Review

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education when the Alternative Education Provision review will be issued for consultation.

(AQW 5610/10)

Minister of Education: The report on the review of alternative education provision and proposals for change will be published for public consultation in the autumn.

Draft proposals on the way forward for alternative education provision presumed that the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) would be established by 1 January 2010. The proposals must, therefore, be re-visited to take account of the Convergence Delivery Plan, published in February, which details how services will be maintained within existing organisations whilst moving towards a regionally managed model which should deliver consistency in provision and greater value for money.

Further work which will contribute directly to the proposals is in hand. A report of a consultation with young people in alternative education provision, to learn what could have been done better to keep them in school and to hear what they think about alternative education, is being finalised. Their views are important in shaping future provision and will be fed into the consultation paper.

The Education and Library Boards’ Regional Social, Emotional and Behaviour Difficulty (SEBD) Group is engaged in developing common referral procedures for behaviour support, including those for placement in alternative education provision, in advance of our consultation on proposals for the future model.

Níos déanaí, rinne an Roinn suirbhé ar líne ar iompar daltaí i mbunscoileanna, i scoileanna speisialta agus in iarbhunscoileanna. Thug an Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna (COO) cuairteanna leantacha le linn mhí an Mhárta chun iniúchadh cuimsitheach a dhéanamh ar shaincheisteanna a bhaineann le hiompar daltaí agus leis an tacaíocht atá ar fáil do scoileanna le dul i ngleic le daltaí dúshlánacha. Tá sé ceaptha go bhfoilseofar an tsuirbhé iomlán roimh lár na bliana 2010.

More recently, the Department has undertaken an online survey of pupil behaviour in primary, special and post-primary schools. Follow-up visits to a sample of schools were undertaken by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) during March to explore in-depth issues around pupil behaviour and the support available to schools in dealing with challenging pupils. It is intended that a report of the entire survey will be published by mid 2010.

Youth Service Provision in North Down

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the budget for youth service provision in the North Down constituency for 2010/11; and (ii) if any services or projects will no longer be funded.

(AQW 5619/10)

Minister of Education: Soláthraíonn an Roinn Oideachais maoiniú do na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne (BOLanna) le haghaidh soláthar seirbhísí don ógra ina gceantair. Tá na BOLanna freagrach as a mbuiséid a leithdháileadh, agus iad ag cur san áireamh go riartar acmhainní ar bhonn cothrom agus go bhfuil siad bunaithe ar mheasúnú ar riachtanas oibiachtúil.

The Department of Education provides funding to the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) for the provision of Youth Services in their areas. It is the responsibility of the ELBs to distribute their budgets taking account of the need to ensure that resources are allocated on an equitable basis and based on an assessment of objective need.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) who has responsibility for youth service provision in the North Down constituency area has advised that the SEELB will make a decision on the funding for local youth provision after the Department of Education (DE) has notified it of its budget allocation for 2010/11. DE officials are continuing to work to ensure that the ELBs are notified of all budget allocations as soon as possible after the Executive’s decision on DE’s budget allocation for 2010/11 is known.

Capital Spend in Schools in the North Down

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education what is the planned capital spend in schools in the North Down constituency for 2010/11.

(AQW 5620/10)

Minister of Education: There are currently three major capital projects in the North Down constituency included in my Department’s major capital programme all of which are at various stages of the planning process.

As the Department’s capital budget has not yet been finalised, it is not possible at this stage to state how much will be spent on capital works in schools in the North Down constituency in 2010/11.

Review of Capital Spend

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education when she intends to make a statement on her review of capital spend in her Department.

(AQW 5625/10)

Minister of Education: Cuideoidh an t-athbhreithniú caipitil le cur chuige níos straitéisí a fhorbairt ar chinntí infheistithe caipitil agus ar bhainistíocht eastát na scoileanna. Sa timpeallacht gheilleagrach reatha, cinnteoidh an t-athbhreithniú go n-úsáidfear gach acmhainn atá ar fáil chun na torthaí is fearr do pháistí agus an luach is fearr don cháiníocóir a bhaint amach. Mar gheall air seo, tá sé tábhachtach go ndearbhaíonn muid go bhfuil gach tionscadal caipitil ina n-infheistíonn muid inmharthana san fhadtéarma.

The capital review will inform a more strategic approach to capital investment decisions and the management of the schools estate. In the current economic climate the review will ensure that available resources are used to secure the best outcomes for children and maximum value for the taxpayer. In light of this it is important that we take time to validate that the capital projects in which we invest are viable in the long term

My officials are working to complete the process, as quickly as possible. Given the importance of this task, however, it is essential that robust evidence is collated and that full consideration is given to each project, before a decision is taken. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the near future.

Appointment of Governors

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to outline the reasons for the delay in her Department appointing governors.

(AQW 5628/10)

Minister of Education: School Boards of Governors are reconstituted every four years. Reconstitution involves a number of stages and therefore can take some time to complete. The stages can include the following: advertisement and recruitment processes for governors; the election of teacher and parent representatives by schools; consultation where required with bodies entitled to nominate, including ELBs, Trustees and the department; election of Transferor representatives from contributory primary schools in the case of controlled post primary schools; and vetting of all new governors before formal appointment.

Cé go bhfuil roinnt gobharnóirí le ceapadh go fóill, is féidir cruinnithe na mBord Gobharnóirí a thionól agus is féidir gnó a dhéanamh, a fhad is atá na cruinnithe le córam agus a fhad is a scagadh aon ghobarnóirí nua.

While some governors remain to be appointed, meetings of Boards of Governors can take place and business conducted, provided their meetings are quorate and any new governors have been vetted.

Capital Building Projects

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education to list (i) the capital building projects which have been completed since May 2007 in the North Belfast constituency; (ii) those currently underway; and (iii) those which are at the planning stage.

(AQW 5635/10)

Minister of Education: Since May 2007 one major capital school project has been completed in the North Belfast constituency. The project is as follows:-

School	Project Details	Capital Cost £m	Completion Date
Cedar Lodge Special School, Belfast	New school	4.54	August 2007

There are two major capital projects where construction work is currently underway. These are:-

School	Project Details	Estimated Capital Cost £m
Belfast Boys Model	New school on existing site	32.7
Belfast Model School for Girls	New school on existing site	30.1

The following four major capital school projects in the North Belfast constituency are currently at various stages of the planning process:-

School	Project Details	Estimated Capital Cost £m
Little Flower Girls S.S. Belfast	New school on existing site	8.96
Whitehouse P.S. Newtownabbey	New school on existing site	4.3
Edenderry Nursery School, Belfast	New school on new site	0.97
Glenwood P.S. Belfast	New school on existing site	10.37

The Economic Appraisal (EA) for Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain has not yet been approved but it is anticipated that this will be completed shortly. Further progress on the project is subject to approval to the EA, the outcomes of the ongoing review of capital projects and the availability of funding for future projects.

New Build Schools in Lagan Valley

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Education to detail the programme for new build schools in the Lagan Valley constituency for (i) 2010/11; (ii) 2011/12; and (iii) 2012/13.

(AQW 5653/10)

Minister of Education: There are currently two major capital projects in the Lagan Valley constituency included in my Department’s major capital programme both of which are at various stages of the planning process. The projects are as follows:-

SCHOOL	PROJECT DETAILS
St Colman’s Primary School, Lambeg	New school on extended site
Dromore Central Primary School	New school on new site

Capital Building Projects

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to list (i) the capital building projects which have been completed since May 2007 in the North Antrim constituency; (ii) those currently underway; and (iii) those which are at the planning stage.

(AQW 5664/10)

Minister of Education: Since May 2007 four major capital school projects have been completed in the North Antrim constituency. The projects are as follows:-

School	Project Details	Capital Cost £m	Completion Date
St Brigid’s P.S. Ballymena	New school	1.96	August 2007
St Colmcille’s P.S. Ballymena	New school	2.62	August 2007
Fourtowns P.S. Ahoghill	New school	2.34	January 2008
Moorfields P.S. Ballymena	New school	2.07	December 2008

There are two major capital projects where construction work is currently underway. These are:-

School	Project Details	Estimated Capital Cost £m
St Mary’s P.S. Portglenone	New school on extended site	3.9
St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s P.S. Ballycastle	New school on existing site	3.9

One further major capital project in the North Antrim constituency is included in my Department’s major capital programme, namely a new school building for Ballymoney H.S. This project is currently in the early stages of the planning process.

Early Years Strategy

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 631/10, whether she can confirm a date for the publication of the Early Years Strategy.

(AQW 5692/10)

Minister of Education: Creidim go bhfuil sé ceart go bhfuil mo Roinn ag glacadh an ama chun cíoradh a dhéanamh ar an lear mór saincheisteanna a bhaineann le Straitéis a fhorbairt a bhainfidh riachtanais na bpáistí amach sna cúig bliana atá le teacht agus ina ndiaidh. Tuigim go bhfuiltear ag súil le foilsiú níos luaithe in ionad níos moille agus, le hé seo a choinneáil i gcuimhne, tá sé ar intinn agam an Straitéis a fhoilsiú le haghaidh comhairlithe sa gharthodhchaí.

I believe it is right that my Department is taking the time to consider the very many issues involved in order to produce a Strategy that will meet the needs of children in the next five years and beyond. I understand the expectations of many for publication sooner rather than later, and with this in mind, I intend to publish the Strategy for consultation in the near future.

Cost of Children in Preparatory Schools Transferring to Primary Schools

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education for an estimate of the annual cost to her Department to fund all children currently in preparatory schools transferring to primary schools.

(AQW 5696/10)

It is not possible therefore to estimate how many children, if any, would transfer from preparatory schools to primary schools if this proposal is accepted. Nor is it possible to estimate the annual cost associated with any such transfers.

Meetings Held in Irish

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education whether she has held any meetings in which she insisted on speaking only Irish.

(AQW 5697/10)

Minister of Education: I have never held any meetings in which I insisted on speaking only Irish.

Bhí mórán cruinnithe agam trí mheán na Gaeilge, agus bhí Oifigigh Ghaeilge i láthair ag roinnt acu. Tionóladh cruinnithe eile i bhformáid dhátheangach, inar aontaigh Gaeilgeoirí an cruinniú a thionól i mBéarla go príomha d’fhonn go mbeadh feidhmeannaigh ón Roinn in ann páirt a ghlacadh.

I have had many meetings through the medium of Irish, some with Irish Language Officers in attendance. Other meetings were in bilingual format, where the Irish speakers agreed to the meeting being mainly in English so that officials from the Department could take part.

Department's Capital Projects

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Education for an update on the review of her Department's capital projects; and when the review will be completed and published.

(AQW 5724/10)

Minister of Education: Tá an t-athbhreithniú caipitil ar siúl agus tá m’fheidhmeannaigh ag obair chun an próiseas a chríochnú, a ghaiste is féidir. Mar gheall ar thábhacht an táisc seo, áfach, tá sé ríthábhachtach go mbailítear fianaise láidir agus go dtugtar breithniú iomlán ar gach tionscadal, sula ndéanfar aon chinneadh. Tá mé ag súil le go mbeidh mé in ann fógra a dhéanamh sa ghar-thodhchaí.

The capital review is ongoing and my officials are working to complete the process, as quickly as possible. Given the importance of this task, however, it is essential that robust evidence is collated and that full consideration is given to each project, before a decision is taken. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the near future.

Woodburn Primary School, Carrickfergus

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education for an update on the redevelopment of Woodburn Primary School, Carrickfergus, including the nature of the work currently taking place and when the new build is expected to be completed.

(AQW 5725/10)

Minister of Education: Tá an scéim mholta um móroibreacha caipitil le haghaidh Woodburn Primary School ag céim an Bhreithmheasa Eacnamaíochta (BE) faoi láthair. I mí an Mheithimh 2009, chuir mo Roinn in iúl don BOLOT gurbh éigean an BE don tionscadal a nuashonrú agus a athnuachan, i comhréir le treoir na Roinne Airgeadais agus Pearsanra. Níor cuireadh BE nuashonraithe faoi bhráid mo Roinne go fóill.

The proposed major capital works scheme for Woodburn Primary School is currently at Economic Appraisal (EA) stage. In June 2009, my Department informed the NEELB that, in line with the Department of Finance and Personnel’s guidance, the EA for the project needed to be updated and refreshed. An updated EA has not been submitted to my Department at this time.

The NEELB has advised that it is currently carrying out minor works on the site adjacent to the school to provide a temporary car park for the school on an extended site.

I would also note that in the autumn of 2009, I announced a review of all proposed major capital work projects, including that for Woodburn Primary School.

The capital review will inform a more strategic approach to capital investment decisions and the management of the schools estate. In the current economic climate the review will ensure that available resources are used to secure the best outcomes for children and maximum value for the taxpayer. In light of this it is important that we validate that the capital projects in which we invest are viable in the long term.

As the review is currently ongoing and the project has not been announced for major capital works funding, I cannot at this time provide a timeframe for a new build to be completed.

Annual Pay Increase for Staff at the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education why staff at the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment have not received their contractual annual pay increase since 1 April 2009; and when they can expect to receive this pay increase.

(AQW 5732/10)

Minister of Education: I expect the vast majority of CCEA staff will receive their 2009 pay increase shortly.

Éilíonn polasaí um pá don earnáil phoiblí cur chuige láidir ar mheasúnú gach cáis ghnó um pá, lena n-áirítear mionscrúdú an-chúramach lena chinntiú go bhfuil tograí pá i gcoibhneas le feidhmíocht ar aon dul leis an bheartas iomlán.

Public sector pay policy requires a robust approach to assessment of all pay business cases, including very careful scrutiny to ensure that performance related pay proposals align with the overall policy.

There remain some outstanding issues on pay business cases for CCEA that affect a small percentage of CCEA staff (around 9%), and work is continuing to resolve these. However, rather than holding up payments for the vast majority of staff, the Department and CCEA have worked to separate the issues and the pay business case for 91% of CCEA staff has been completed and should receive final approval shortly.

I am working to ensure that the processing of the remainder of the CCEA pay business cases is brought to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion.

New Capital Build for Bangor Grammar School

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education when she expects to announce a timescale for the new capital build for Bangor Grammar School.

(AQW 5733/10)

Minister of Education: You have asked several related questions in relation to the ongoing review of all projects in capital planning.

Firstly, I refer you to the answers I have given on the timescale for the Bangor Grammar School project in AQW 4637/10 and to AQO 928/10. The position remains unchanged.

In relation to the issue of community involvement in decisions on new capital builds; this issue is addressed within the context of an Economic Appraisal (EA) An EA is, as you will know, a pre-requisite for every major capital scheme and agreeing the options to be included in the EA involves extensive engagement with the school and its community.

Tá riachtanais chóiríochta tábhachtach. Díríonn an t-athbhreithniú ar thioscadail chaipitil ar na scéimeanna sin atá cuimsithe i bPlean Sheachadadh Infheistithe na Roinne. Sainaithníodh gach scoil atá cuimsithe sa phlean seo mar scoileanna nach bhfuil an chóiríocht acu a mbaineann na riachtanais reatha amach do scoileanna dá gcineál.

Accommodation requirements are important. The review of capital projects initially focuses on those schemes which are included in the Department’s Investment Delivery Plan. All schools included in this plan have been identified as having accommodation that does not meet the current requirements for schools of their type

It is critically important that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place and that it adheres to our statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need, regardless of school type. All schemes currently under review are subject to consideration using robust and verifiable information to ensure their consistency with current policies including Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Sustainable Schools, Irish Medium Review and the Entitlement Framework.

New Capital Builds

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education what weight will be given to community involvement in any decisions on new capital builds.

(AQW 5734/10)

Minister of Education: You have asked several related questions in relation to the ongoing review of all projects in capital planning.

Firstly, I refer you to the answers I have given on the timescale for the Bangor Grammar School project in AQW 4637/10 and to AQO 928/10. The position remains unchanged.

It is critically important that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place and that it adheres to our statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need, regardless of school type. All schemes currently under review are subject to consideration using robust and verifiable information to ensure their consistency with current policies including Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Sustainable Schools, Irish Medium Review and the Entitlement Framework.

Review of Capital Projects

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education whether the current condition of a school's accommodation will be given consideration in her Department's review of capital projects.

(AQW 5736/10)

Minister of Education: You have asked several related questions in relation to the ongoing review of all projects in capital planning.

Firstly, I refer you to the answers I have given on the timescale for the Bangor Grammar School project in AQW 4637/10 and to AQO 928/10. The position remains unchanged.

It is critically important that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place and that it adheres to our statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need, regardless of school type. All schemes currently under review are subject to consideration using robust and verifiable information to ensure their consistency with current policies including Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Sustainable Schools, Irish Medium Review and the Entitlement Framework.

Review of Capital Projects

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education whether she can give an assurance that schools in the grammar sector in need of capital investment will not be disadvantaged by her Department's review of capital projects.

(AQW 5737/10)

Minister of Education: You have asked several related questions in relation to the ongoing review of all projects in capital planning.

Firstly, I refer you to the answers I have given on the timescale for the Bangor Grammar School project in AQW 4637/10 and to AQO 928/10. The position remains unchanged.

It is critically important that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework I am putting in place and that it adheres to our statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need, regardless of school type. All schemes currently under review are subject to consideration using robust and verifiable information to ensure their consistency with current policies including Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Sustainable Schools, Irish Medium Review and the Entitlement Framework.

GCSE Gaeilge

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what grade of GCSE Gaeilge is considered a competent level of literacy.

(AQW 5742/10)

Minister of Education: Glactar go forleathan leis, d’fhormhór na ndaoine óga, go bhfuil gnóthú 5 GCSE ar a laghad ag A*-C, lena n-áirítear Matamaitic agus an Ghaeilge nó Béarla, riachtanach le dul ar aghaidh go breisoideachas agus go hardoideachas agus le postanna ar phá maith a bhaint amach.

It is widely accepted that, for the majority of young people, achievement of at least 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*-C, including Maths and Gaeilge or English, is necessary to progress to further and higher education and to well-paid jobs.

I very much recognise the importance of young people having functional competence in Gaeilge. The revised Gaeilge GCSE specification for first teaching from September 2010 has embedded within it the requirements for Level 2 functionality in Communication. This means that achievement at grade C and above in this GCSE signifies attainment of the relevant functionality.

GCSE English Language

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what grade of GCSE English Language is considered a competent level of literacy.

(AQW 5743/10)

It is widely accepted that, for the majority of young people, achievement of at least 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*-C, including Maths and Gaelige or English, is necessary to progress to further and higher education and to well-paid jobs.

I very much recognise the importance of young people having functional competence in literacy. The revised English Language and English GCSE specifications for first teaching from September 2010 have embedded within them the requirements for Level 2 functionality in Communication. This means that achievement at grade C and above in these GCSEs signifies attainment of the relevant functionality.

GCSE Maths

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what grade of GCSE Maths is considered a competent level of numeracy.

(AQW 5744/10)

I very much recognise the importance of young people having functional competence in numeracy. The revised Mathematics GCSE specification for first teaching from September 2010 has embedded within it the requirements for Level 2 functionality in Application of Number. This means that achievement at grade C and above in this GCSE signifies attainment of the relevant functionality.

Qualification Equivalent to a Competent Level of Literacy or Numeracy

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what examinations, apart from GCSEs, are offered to pupils at post-primary level in which they can gain a qualification equivalent to a competent level of literacy or numeracy.

(AQW 5745/10)

Minister of Education: Is faoi na scoileanna féin scrúduithe áirithe a thairiscint. Cé is moite de GCSEanna, tairgtear cáilíochtaí Eochairscileanna agus Scileanna Riachtanacha sa Chumarsáid agus i bhFeidhmiú na nUimhreacha.

The offer of particular examinations is a matter for individual schools. Apart from GCSEs, Key Skills and Essential Skills qualifications are offered in Communication and Application of Number. Attainment at Level 2 for Communication in either Key Skills or Essential Skills represents the target level of functional competence in that subject. Similarly, with Application of Number, attainment at Level 2 in either Key Skills or Essential Skills represents the target level of functional competence.

Youth Service Provision in Lagan Valley

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the budget for youth service provision in the Lagan Valley constituency for 2010/11; and (ii) if funding for any services or projects will no longer be available.

(AQW 5760/10)

Minister of Education: Soláthraíonn an Roinn Oideachais maoiniú do na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne (BOLanna) le haghaidh soláthar Seirbhísí don Ógra ina gceantair. Tá na BOLanna freagrach as a mbuiséid a leithdháileadh, agus iad ag cur san áireamh go riartar acmhainní ar bhonn cothrom agus go bhfuil siad bunaithe ar mheasúnú ar riachtanas oibiachtúil.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) who has responsibility for Youth Service provision in the Lagan Valley constituency area has advised that the SEELB will make a decision on the funding of local youth provision after the Department of Education (DE) has notified it of its budget allocation for 2010/11. DE officials are continuing to work to ensure that the ELBs are notified of all budget allocations as soon as possible after the Executive’s decision on DE’s budget allocation for 2010/11 is known.

New Build Schools

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education when work will commence on the new builds at (i) St Joseph's Primary School, Newry; (ii) St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Forkhill; (iii) Dromintee Primary School; (iv) St Clare's Convent Abbey Primary School, Newry; (v) St Joseph's Primary School, Madden; and (vi) Carrick Primary School, Warrenpoint.

(AQW 5777/10)

Minister of Education: I bhfómhar na bliana 2009, d’fhógair mé athbhreithniú ar gach tionscadal móroibreacha caipitil. Cuideoidh an t-athbhreithniú seo le cur chuige níos straitéisí a fhorbairt ar chinntí infheistithe caipitil agus ar bhainistíocht eastát na scoileanna. Sa timpeallacht gheilleagrach reatha, cinnteoidh an t-athbhreithniú go n-úsáidfear gach acmhainn atá ar fáil chun na torthaí is fearr do pháistí agus an luach is fearr don cháiníocóir a bhaint amach. Mar gheall air seo, tá sé tábhachtach go ndearbhaíonn muid go bhfuil gach tionscadal caipitil ina n-infheistíonn muid inmharthana san fhadtéarma.

In the autumn of 2009, I announced a review of all proposed major capital work projects. The capital review will inform a more strategic approach to capital investment decisions and the management of the schools estate. In the current economic climate the review will ensure that available resources are used to secure the best outcomes for children and maximum value for the taxpayer. In light of this it is important that we validate that the capital projects in which we invest are viable in the long term.

As the review is currently ongoing, I cannot at this time provide a timeframe for work to commence on any new build projects.

Literacy and Numeracy Taskforce

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the dates on which the Literacy and Numeracy Taskforce met with her departmental officials to discuss the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy; and what advice the Taskforce gave to her officials.

(AQW 5779/10)

Minister of Education: Bhí deis ag an Tascfhórsa um Litearthacht agus Uimhearthacht chun dréachtaí na Straitéise um Litearthacht agus Uimhearthacht a chíoradh agus phléigh sé iad seo le m’fheidhmeannaigh ag cruinnithe a tionóladh ar an 15 Meán Fómhair 2009, ar an 9 Nollaig 2009 agus ar an 10 Feabhra 2010.

The Literacy and Numeracy Taskforce has had the opportunity to consider drafts of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and discussed these with my officials at meetings held on 15 September 2009, 9 December 2009 and 10 February 2010.

At these meetings the Taskforce gave advice on a range of issues including

best practice;
long-term targets;
support for schools, including guidance to support them implementing the Strategy;
Phonics;
the definition of underachievement;
how the Strategy addresses Irish-medium Education;
actions to implement the Strategy;
assessing pupil progress, particularly in the cross-curricular skills of Communication and Using Mathematics

Irish-medium and Integrated Schools

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education to detail the total administrative costs to her Department and the wider educational system of (i) Irish-medium schools; and (ii) integrated schools, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5786/10)

Minister of Education: Tá Gaeloideachas agus oideachas comhtháite ina gcuid lárnach den chóras oideachais phríomhshrutha. Déanann foireann fud mo Roinne agus foireann eagraíochtaí eile oideachais Riarachán na scoileanna sna hearnálacha seo. Sna himthosca seo, ní féidir an caiteachas seo a dhí-chomhbhailiú.

Irish medium and integrated education are an integral part of the mainstream education system. The Administration of schools in these sectors is carried out by staff throughout my Department and other educational bodies. In these circumstances it is not possible to disaggregate this expenditure

Pupils Attending Irish-medium and Integrated Schools

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education to detail the current number of pupils, broken down by year, attending (i) Irish-medium schools; and (ii) integrated schools.

(AQW 5787/10)

Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas ar líon na ndaltaí i nGaelscoileanna agus i scoileanna comhtháite mionsonraithe sna táblaí thíos. Tá an t-eolas ar líon na ndaltaí in aonaid Ghaeilge i scoileanna eile soláthraithe freisin.

Information on the number of pupils in Irish medium and in integrated schools is detailed in the tables below. Information on the numbers of pupils in Irish medium units in other schools has also been provided.

Primary sector – Irish medium and Integrated schools enrolments by year group – 2009/10

School Type	Nursery	Reception	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Total enrolment
Irish Medium Schools	156	0	355	347	327	292	265	263	248	2,253
Irish medium units	26	5	98	94	103	107	82	89	77	681
Integrated Schools	498	12	1,191	1,230	1,146	1,159	1,104	1,148	1,127	8,615

Post primary sector – Irish medium and Integrated schools enrolments by year group – 2009/10

School Type	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	Year 12	Year 13	Year 14	Total enrolment
Irish Medium Schools	90	82	91	80	97	64	57	561
Irish medium units	30	28	26	28	29	3	1	145
Integrated Schools	2,043	2,077	2,078	2,124	2,096	948	733	12,099

Source: School census.

Note:

Figures for primary schools include pupils in nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.
Integrated schools include ‘Controlled integrated’ and ‘Grant maintained integrated’.

Religious Background of Pupils Attending Integrated Schools

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education (i) to detail the different religious background of pupils attending integrated schools; and (ii) whether any of these schools currently fail to meet any of the criteria for integrated status; and for how long has each school failed to meet the criteria.

(AQW 5788/10)

Minister of Education: My Department’s policy is that Grant Maintained Integrated schools should have at least 30% of pupils drawn from the minority community at the school. Existing schools transforming to integrated status (Controlled Integrated) must demonstrate the ability to achieve a minimum of 10% of their first year intake drawn from the minority tradition within the school’s enrolment and the potential to achieve a minimum of 30% in the longer term.

Pupils that are recorded as not belonging to either of the main traditions (Protestant or Catholic) are recorded as ‘other’ and are not included in the consideration of religious balance as there is no legislative requirement to do so.

There are currently 61 Integrated schools in the north of Ireland comprising of 41 Primary schools and 20 Post-primary schools.

Léiríonn daonáireamh scoile na bliana 2009 nach bhfuil 14 bunscoil agus 7 n-iarbhunscoil ag baint bheartas na Roinne amach um 30% den iontráil a ghlacadh ón phobal mionlaigh.

The 2009 school census indicates that 14 Primary and 7 Post-primary schools are not currently meeting the Department’s policy of achieving a 30% enrolment being drawn from the minority community.

Of the 21 schools that have been unable to meet the Department’s policy on minority enrolment for integrated schools, 2 of the schools have not achieved the required minority percentage for 7 consecutive years, 3 of the schools for 6 years, 1 for 5 years, 3 for 4 years and 2 of the schools for 3 years. Five of the schools did not reach the 30% minority intake for the second year running and for 3 of the schools 2009/10 has been the first year when they have been unable to achieve the required minority enrolment. Included in this figure are 2 newly transformed schools which require only a 10% minority intake in the initial period and which the Department will monitor to establish if a long-term enrolment of 30% can be achieved.

Wage Increase for Teachers and Auxiliary Staff

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education how Board Governors will be able to pay the wage increase for teachers and auxiliary staff of between 1% and 3%, given that funding allocated to each school has been frozen by her Department.

(AQW 5795/10)

Minister of Education: Tá sé sceidealaithe go mbuailfidh an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin ag deireadh na míosa le haontú ar bhuiséid athbhreithnithe deiridh do ranna sa bhliain 2010/11. Ní bheidh mé in ann pleananna buiséid a chur i gcrích sula mbainfear aontú an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin amach. Dearbhóidh mé buiséid a luaithe agus is féidir ina dhiaidh seo.

The Executive is scheduled to meet towards the end of the month to agree the revised final budgets for departments in 2010/11. I will be unable to finalise budget plans for the Education Budget until Executive agreement has been reached. I will confirm budgets as soon as possible after this.

Provision of a Nursery Within Ballycloghan Primary School

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what discussions she has had with (i) the South Eastern Education and Library Board; and (ii) the Board of Governors in relation to the provision of a nursery within Ballycloghan Primary School.

(AQW 5796/10)

Minister of Education: Ní raibh díospóireachtaí ar bith agam ná ag m’fheidhmeannaigh le Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt, ná le Bord Gobharnóirí ar Ballycloughan Primary School maidir le foráil na naíscolaíochta ar an scoil.

Neither I nor any of my officials have had any discussions with the South Eastern Education and Library Board, or the Board of Governors of Ballycloughan Primary School regarding the provision of a nursery at the school.

Compulsory Subjects for Post-primary Schools

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education, under the current curriculum, which subjects are compulsory for post-primary schools to teach at (i) pre GCSE Level; (ii) GCSE Level; and (iii) A Level.

(AQW 5809/10)

Minister of Education: Faoin churaclam athbhreithnithe, rud a bhfuil feidhm aige ar dhaltaí d’aois éigeantach scoile (suas go dtí 16), ní mór deiseanna chun eolas agus scileanna a fhorbairt in oideachas reiligiúnach agus sna Réimsí Foghlama seo a leanas a sholáthar do dhaltaí ag Eochairchéim 3:

Under the revised curriculum, which applies to pupils of compulsory school age (up to 16), pupils at Key Stage 3 must be provided with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in Religious Education and the following Areas of Learning:

Language and literacy
Mathematics and numeracy
Modern languages (as a minimum, pupils must study one of the official languages of the EU)
The Arts (Art and Design, Music and Drama)
Environment and Society (History and Geography)
Science and Technology
Learning for Life and Work (Employability, Local and Global citizenship, Personal Development and Home Economics)
Physical Education

The curriculum requirements at Key Stage 4 give pupils more choice and flexibility, with the focus, via implementation of the Entitlement Framework, on increasing the range and nature of courses available to young people rather than on requiring the study of specific subjects. Post-primary schools are expected to offer all pupils the opportunity to follow a GCSE or equivalent level 2 course in English or Gaelige and in Mathematics. They are also required to provide a balanced offering of courses that reflect the Areas of Learning listed above. Additionally, Religious Education, Physical Education and Learning for Life and Work (excluding Home Economics) remain compulsory at Key Stage 4.

In both Key Stages the curriculum must also include the cross-curricular skills of communication, using mathematics and using information and communications technology.

Full details of the statutory content of the revised curriculum can be found in The Education (NI) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (NI) 2007.

No subjects are compulsory at A-level.

Literacy and Numeracy Strategy

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education when the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy will be published given that the consultation period ended in November 2008.

(AQW 5815/10)

Minister of Education: Tá an Straitéis athbhreithnithe um Litearthacht agus Uimhearthacht á tabhairt chun críche faoi láthair agus eiseofar í roimh i bhfad.

The revised Literacy and Numeracy Strategy is currently being finalised and will be released shortly.

It is important that we take the time to get this strategy right and to ensure that it flows from, and is connected to, wider work on school improvement and on assessment arrangements to support the revised curriculum.

Policy on Irish-medium Education

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education when the policy on Irish-medium education will be published.

(AQW 5817/10)

Minister of Education: Mionsonraíonn an tAthbhreithniú ar an Ghaelscolaíocht, a foilsíodh le haghaidh comhairlithe i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2008, moltaí ar an bhealach chun tosaigh do chuid mhór de pholasaithe mo Roinne um Ghaeloideachas. Ghlac mé leis na moltaí seo i mí an Mhárta anuraidh agus d’oibrigh mo Roinn le heochairpháirtithe leasmhara ó shin chun na moltaí a fhorbairt trasna raoin eochair-réimsí. Chuir mo Roinn Grúpa Monatóireachta ar bun a fholaíonn ionadaithe ó Chomhairle na Gaelscolaíochta agus ó Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta le cinntiú go bhforbraítear, go bhfeidhmítear agus go bpoiblítear polasaithe de réir mar is gá.

The Review of Irish medium Education, which was published for consultation in October 2008, details recommendations on the way forward on many of my Department’s policies on Irish medium education. I accepted these recommendations in March last year and since then my Department has been working with key stakeholders to progress the recommendations across a range of key areas. My Department has established a Monitoring Group which includes representatives from Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta and Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta to ensure that policies are developed, implemented and publicised as necessary.

Home Schooling

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education how many children have been registered as being home schooled in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 5849/10)

Minister of Education: Níl aon phróiseas cláraithe ná aon cheanglas dleathach ar thuismitheoirí comhairle a thabhairt dá mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ná don Roinn maidir lena chinneadh a theagasc sa bhaile. Sholáthair na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an t-eolas sa tábla seo a leanas agus tá sé bunaithe ar fhógraí a fuarthas go bhfuil páiste á theagasc sa bhaile. Is féidir go ndearnadh na fógraí seo ag tuismitheoirí, ag iarscoil an pháiste, ag rann aistrithe an Bhoird nó ag an tSeirbhís Leasa Oideachais.

There is no registration process or legal requirement for parents to advise their Education and Library Board or the Department of their decision to home educate. The information in the following table has been provided by the Education and Library Boards and is based on notifications received that a child is being home educated. These notifications may have been made by parents, a child’s previous school, the Board’s transfer department or the Education Welfare Service.

School Year	Number of home educated children
2004/05*	170
2005/06	195
2006/07	171
2007/08	189
2008/09	204

* figures provided by the SEELB for 2004/05 and 2005/06 include pupils in the primary sector only. Post-primary figures are only available from the 2006/07 school year.

It should be noted that all figures are cumulative and therefore the same children may be included in Board figures for more than one school year.

Review of Capital Projects

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education when the review of her Department's capital projects will be completed.

(AQW 5856/10)

Bonuses

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Education for a breakdown of any bonuses paid in the 2009/10 financial year to persons, other than civil servants, from within the Department's overall budget.

(AQW 5859/10)

Minister of Education: Níor íoc mo Roinn aon bhónais le neamh-státseirbhísigh sa bhliain airgeadais 2009/10.

My Department has not paid any bonuses to non civil servants in the 2009/10 financial year.

DEPARTMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Education Maintenance Allowance

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if there is a minimum attendance (i) per week; and (ii) per term for students receiving an Education Maintenance Allowance.

(AQW 5509/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): In order to receive an Education Maintenance Allowance, eligible students must be undertaking a minimum of 15 hours of guided study per week for the duration of a course at a Further Education College or be studying full-time at school.

Responsibility for recording and monitoring attendance for students receiving Education Maintenance Allowance rests with the colleges and schools. Attendance at Further Education courses is recorded and monitored in accordance with the attendance procedures and is collated at the end of each week. Students studying full-time at school have daily attendance checks (morning and afternoon) which are collated at the end of each week. These students’ attendance records are subject to examination by my Department’s Finance and Audit Support Team.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how attendance at courses is monitored for students who receive an Education Maintenance Allowance.

(AQW 5510/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: In order to receive an Education Maintenance Allowance, eligible students must be undertaking a minimum of 15 hours of guided study per week for the duration of a course at a Further Education College or be studying full-time at school.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what criteria is used to assess students for an Education Maintenance Allowance.

(AQW 5511/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: Education Maintenance Allowance is a means-tested allowance for students who remain at a school or a Further Education College and celebrate their 16^th, 17^th, 18^th or 19^th birthdays between the 2^nd July 2008 and 1^st July 2009. Students must also be resident in the United Kingdom for three years prior to the 1^st September.

For academic year 2009/10, the following income bands were used to calculate entitlement to Education Maintenance Allowance.

Gross Household Income	EMA Entitlement (per week)
Less than £21,885	£30
£21,886 - £26,840	£20
£26,841 - £32,400	£10
£32,401 or more	£0

The allowance is linked to satisfactory attendance and is paid on a fortnightly basis. In addition to the weekly payment, students may also receive periodic bonuses of £100 if they remain on their course and make good progress with their learning.

Apprenticeships

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many people have been enrolled in apprenticeships in each of the last three years, broken down by constituency.

(AQW 5555/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The data in the table, attached in Annex A, lists the number of apprentices who have enrolled in each of the last three years by constituency.

Annex A

Table 1. Number of people commencing apprenticeships by Constituency, 2007-2009
Constituency	Number of Apprenticeships 2007	Number of Apprenticeships 2008	Number of Apprenticeships 2009
Belfast East	180	269	318
Belfast North	221	331	315
Belfast South	151	248	282
Belfast West	316	424	445
East Antrim	276	352	353
East Londonderry	209	344	368
Fermanagh and South Tyrone	346	479	539
Foyle	269	392	387
Lagan Valley	258	401	444
Mid Ulster	364	417	331
Newry and Armagh	281	417	481
North Antrim	367	487	432
North Down	175	209	220
South Antrim	321	509	425
South Down	352	502	473
Strangford	256	324	350
Upper Bann	234	371	399
West Tyrone	281	459	532
Unknown	76	160	175
Total	4933	7095	7269

Source: DEL Client Management System

Notes:

Apprenticeships are mapped to Constituency on the basis of postcode. Those with incomplete/missing postcodes are categorised as Unknown. "Unknowns" are included in the table above.

Programme-led Apprenticeship Scheme

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for an update on the measures that he intends to implement to ensure work placements for those in the Programme-led Apprenticeship scheme, particularly in areas of high unemployment.

(AQW 5556/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The main change under consideration is to increase the number of employer placement days up to a maximum of 3 days per week. This will provide an opportunity for the participant to accrue work-based evidence towards the achievement of NVQ Level 2.

It is hoped that this flexibility will mean that more employers will be prepared to provide placements, and that they will find it easier to plan something meaningful and relevant for participants. A number of Sector Skills Councils have indicated to the Department that, while they may reservations about the programme, they would be prepared to encourage employers in their sector to offer placements.

While it is largely anecdotal, the view coming from a variety of different sources is that an increase in the number of placement days permissible could make it easier for training providers to secure placements. The Programme-led apprenticeship approach is particularly relevant in areas of high unemployment, where employers have been less able to employ apprentices under the Department’s flagship ApprenticeshipsNI programme.

Full-time Lecturers Employed by the University of Ulster

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many full-time lecturers employed by the University of Ulster also have a second job.

(AQW 5594/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: This information is not collated by either my Department or the University of Ulster. It is not possible, therefore, to provide the response requested.

Future Jobs Fund

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) if he has made any representations to his counterparts in the Department of Work and Pensions for Northern Ireland to be included in the Future Jobs Fund; and (ii) what plans he has to step up a similar fund for 18-24 year olds.

(AQW 5637/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: Employment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland so it would not be appropriate for me to make representations to the Department for Work and Pensions to be included in the Future Jobs Fund in Great Britain.

My Department is currently piloting 2 schemes that will test the concept of the Future Jobs Fund in Northern Ireland. A temporary employment programme for long-term unemployed young people (18 to 24 year olds) is currently available in Belfast. This is providing 60 young people with 26 weeks work experience in local government. The scheme also makes provision for any identified training needs that might improve participants’ employment prospects in the longer term. Recruitment is underway and, not surprisingly there has been substantial interest in the jobs available.

An internship scheme for unemployed graduates is also underway. A total of 70 places are available for those unemployed in the 2008 and 2009 graduate cohorts. Provision is split between Belfast and Londonderry (50/20 places respectively). Again there has been significant interest in the scheme with the majority of posts already filled.

The Department is investing £800,000 in these pilots and will evaluate them later in the year to determine if they have any impact on the long-term employment prospects of participants. If there is clear evidence of a positive impact and subject to resource availability, the Department may consider making the schemes more widely available.

Programme-led Apprenticeship Scheme

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what feedback or complaints his Department has received regarding the Programme-led Apprenticeships scheme.

(AQO 962/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: Feedback on the Programme-Led Apprenticeship programme has been mixed. There is an appreciation that the Department is responding to the very real problem of the lack of employment of apprentices in the economic downturn, and some sectors support the concept. However, some sectors have concerns that the programme could discourage employers from employing apprentices.

The programme has proved to be very popular, with almost 3,000 young people participating on the programme. It is too soon to assess its effectiveness, but the fact that the programme is based on normal apprenticeship frameworks should help participants to progress to employed apprentice status when the economy picks up. In the meantime, my Department is trying to address the issue of employer placements, by introducing some flexibility into the placement arrangements.

The proposed changes to the programme have not yet been introduced. The Department has met with the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils to provide them with an opportunity to reflect their employers’ views on the issue. The Department will continue to work with Sector Skills Councils in implementing any changes to the programme.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to re-iterate my commitment to the employer-led AppenticeshipNI programme as the preferred model for apprenticeship training in Northern Ireland. However, employers have a responsibility to make this work by employing apprentices.

Lifelong Learning: Fees

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for an update on concessionary fees for older people involved in life-long learning.

(AQO 967/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: All six Colleges continue to provide concessionary fees to individuals, including older people, on a means tested basis, reflecting of the learners’ ability to pay. It is, however, no longer lawful for Further Education colleges to offer age-based concessions.

In addition, the Older People’s Advocate has been commissioned by the Office of First Minister and deputy First Minister to examine the impact of the withdrawal of aged based concessionary fees, following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. No. 261), which came into effect on 1st October 2006. My Department looks forward to the report’s publication, which is expected by the end of May.

Skills Challenges Facing the Economy

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the skills challenges facing the Northern Ireland economy; and how his Department and the Executive can respond to these challenges.

(AQO 968/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: In order to gain a better understanding of the current and future economy, and the likely macro level demand for skills, the Department (along with DETI and DFP) commissioned Oxford Economics to produce a report entitled ‘Forecasting Future Skill Needs in Northern Ireland’. It outlines a number of challenges which will need to be addressed if we are to have the future workforce we require. These include:

the need to upskill the current workforce including improvements in the essential skills of Literacy, Numeracy and ICT;
the need for higher level skills;
an increased demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills;
a need for increased management and leadership skills; and
the need to attract skilled people to Northern Ireland.

My Department has drafted a revised Skills Strategy which contains a number of recommendations on how to address these challenges. This has gone to the Executive for consideration.

Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for an update on the scoping study on young people not in education, employment or training.

(AQO 969/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The information-gathering stage of the scoping study on those who are not in education, employment or training is now complete and the report on the study is currently at final drafting stages within my Department. Throughout the information-gathering process officials have engaged with a wide range of relevant organisations in the statutory and voluntary and community sectors. Officials also attended the recent Employment and Learning Committee seminar on the subject, and have briefed the Committee on the emerging findings of the study.

While the Department for Employment and Learning has taken the lead in the scoping study, and has in place a wide range of programmes and activities to help people to enter and remain in education, employment or training, it is clear that the issues affecting these young people are cross-departmental and multi-agency in nature. For example, it is telling and very pertinent that in the year 2007/2008, 80% of our young people who left school at 16 did not achieve at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (including equivalents) including English and Maths. This represents a very significant level of under achievement which impacts adversely on the life chances of our young people and this would need to be addressed in any future strategy.

Students with Disabilities

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he can provide an assurance that services for students with disabilities will not be reduced in the 2010/11 financial year.

(AQO 970/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: Subject to final decisions by the Executive regarding the 2010-11 budget and its endorsement by the Assembly, my Department has no plans to reduce any services for students with disabilities in the 2010/11 financial year. However, in the current economic climate no government Department can give categorical assurance on public funding into the future.

Unemployment: Young People

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what measures he is taking to address the increase in youth unemployment.

(AQO 971/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: There is a wide range of measures in place to address the increase in youth unemployment. For young people age 16 – 18, Programme-Led Apprenticeships were introduced as an intervention measure to combat the economic downturn. This measure guaranteed training of up to 104 weeks, with the flexibility for participants to transfer to the employer-led ApprenticeshipsNI programme should the opportunity arise.

The Department’s other programmes under Training for Success are Skills for Life and Skills for Work continue to be offered to unemployed young people 16 – 18.

For those young people aged 18 – 24, a comprehensive range of services is available through my Department’s Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres and through contracted Providers to help all unemployed young people find work.

‘Steps to Work’, the main return to work programme, is available to anyone who is aged 18 years old or over and who is unemployed or economically inactive.

The Department has also introduced a range of additional measures to assist people in the current difficult economic climate. These include immediate access to ‘Step One’ provision, such as up-dating their Curriculum Vitae or improving interview / jobsearch skills; access to Step 2 provision, such as undertaking a new qualification or retraining in a new occupational area for those out of work for 13 weeks or more; provision for Construction, Engineering and Motor Vehicle Apprentices, who have lost their jobs due to the downturn, to complete the NVQ element of an Apprenticeship Framework with Steps providers; the upper limit for short-term training costs under Steps provision has been raised to £2,000; and introduction of a Waged Strand within the Steps to Work programme aimed at a specific, identified target group who have not worked for 30 months or more which will provide up to 26 weeks employment with voluntary/community sector organisations.

An internship scheme has also been introduced for unemployed graduates.

Titanic Quarter: Employment

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many Employment Service clients from East Belfast have secured employment as part of the Titanic Quarter development.

(AQO 972/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The Employment Service does not collate information on clients securing employment with particular employers. To date the majority of employment opportunities associated with the Titanic Project have been within the construction industry and the main contractors on site have subcontracted these.

Records of subcontractor employees are not retained by the main contractors.

My Department has seconded a member of staff to work with Belfast City Council on the Titanic Quarter Development.

St Mary’s University College: UCAS

Rt Hon J Donaldson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to encourage St Mary's University College, Belfast to join the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

(AQO 973/10)

Minister for Employment and Learning: As you are aware, St. Mary’s University College, as with all other Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland, is responsible for its own policies and practises, including admission procedures.

There is no obligation for any Higher Education Institution to join the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). However, Higher Education Institutions are expected to have an appropriate admissions policy which ensures that admissions are carried out on the basis of fair, transparent, reliable and objective criteria, applied equitably and consistently.

Therefore, the Department has no plans to encourage St. Mary’s to join UCAS.

DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Disadvantaged Areas Policy

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if the Disadvantaged Areas policy has been given any weighting in the scoring of tenders by her Department since it was introduced in 2006; ans to which specific tenders the weighting has been applied.

(AQW 5424/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster): DETI has not given the Disadvantaged Area map, which was published in 2006, any weighting in the scoring of tenders.

Disadvantaged Areas Policy

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what specific measures are used to implement her Department's Disadvantaged Areas policy.

(AQW 5425/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: DETI used data from the income and employment domains of the 2005 Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure (NIMDM) to draw up its current Disadvantaged Area map which identifies Strabane, Omagh, Cookstown, Newry and Mourne, Dungannon and Derry Council areas, together with pockets of Belfast, as the focus for Departmental policies and programmes which can contribute towards tackling disadvantage. DETI and its agencies aim to pay particular attention to Disadvantaged Areas through the delivery of key policies and programmes. In particular, there are two PSA targets within Programme for Government 2008-2011 relating to the targeting of Disadvantaged Areas:

PSA 1, Objective 2 includes the Invest NI target "70% of new FDI (foreign direct investment) projects secured to locate within 10 miles of an area of economic disadvantage"; and
PSA 3, Objective 3 similarly contains an Invest NI target "75% of land acquisition (acres) in areas of economic disadvantage".

By end-February 2010, 31 (or 84%) of the 37 new FDI projects secured, that have decided upon a location, have chosen to locate within 10 miles of an area of economic disadvantage and Invest NI is currently progressing land acquisition projects in four areas, three of which (Strabane, Omagh and Newry) fall within an area of economic disadvantage.

In addition to using data from NIMDM to develop its Disadvantaged Area map, DETI has used the overall NIMDM ranking for each Council area as one of the key criteria for determining those areas in which the Department would fund debt advisers as part of a new face to face debt advice service for 2009-11.

Disadvantaged Areas Policy

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how each of the following areas have benefited from her Department's Disadvantaged Areas policy (i) Newry and Mourne District Council; (ii) Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council; (iii) Derry City Council; (iv) Omagh District Council; (v) Strabane District Council; and (vi) Cookstown District Council.

(AQW 5426/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Between 1 April 2008 and 28 February 2010, each of the areas listed have benefited from Invest NI’s specific Programme for Government measures targeted at areas of economic disadvantage as follows:

(i) Five new FDI (foreign direct investment) projects have decided to locate within Newry and Mourne District Council area. These projects plan to invest approximately £3.4 million in the area creating 70 new jobs.

(ii) Three new FDI projects have decided to locate within Dungannon and South Tyrone District Council area. These projects plan to invest approximately £3.6 million in the area creating 68 new jobs.

(iv) One new FDI project has decided to locate within Omagh District Council area. This project plans to invest approximately £7.6 million in the area creating 27 new jobs.

Invest NI is also continuing to progress four land acquisition projects, three of which are in Council areas identified on DETI’s Disadvantaged Area map: Newry, Strabane & Omagh. When completed, these projects will provide property solutions that have the potential to significantly benefit businesses and facilitate future economic growth in those areas.

In rolling out a new face to face debt advice service for 2009-2011, DETI used the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure ranking for each Council area as one of the key criteria in determining those areas in which the Department would fund debt advisers. As part of an overall £550,000 contract aimed at delivering some 600 hours of debt advice per week through Advice NI, four of six Council areas listed were allocated the following hours:

(i) Newry and Mourne District Council area - 56.25 hours

(iv) Omagh District Council area -18.75 hours

(v) Strabane District Council area - 37.5 hours

(vi) Cookstown District Council area - 37.5 hours

In addition, all of the Disadvantaged Areas listed have benefitted from a range of telecommunications projects specifically aimed at addressing telecommunications needs and disadvantage.

2012 Olympics

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps she is taking to ensure local businesses can secure contracts for work in relation to the 2012 Olympics.

(AQW 5468/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Last month I met with Lord Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) in London to discuss how Northern Ireland companies might secure more business opportunities arising from the 2012 Olympics. Olympics related contracts are published on a web portal, CompeteFor, and to be successful companies must comply with criteria such as Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety, and Equal Opportunities. Invest NI has undertaken a number of activities with companies in Northern Ireland to promote business opportunities arising from the 2012 Olympics and to support them in their efforts to win contracts in relation to 2012. These activities have included:

e-zines
conferences
information seminars
a visit to the Olympic Park
facilitating meetings with tier one contractors in London
developing dedicated 2012 Games web pages
publishing a guide to professional tendering
workshops in professional tendering and Quality Management Systems
1:1 consultancy support to selected companies to prepare bids

In May 2010, Invest NI will hold a business conference at which LOCOG will present the opportunities and timescales for the procurement of the goods, works and services they require to stage and implement the Games.

Electricity Prices

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action her Department is taking to ensure that the recent rise in electricity prices does not impact on economic recovery by placing an unsustainable burden on businesses.

(AQW 5469/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: I am acutely aware of concerns about the October 2009 increase in the cost of electricity for larger businesses.

All electricity customers in Northern Ireland, including business customers, benefitted from a one-off £100million Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy rebate in January 2009, which resulted in electricity price reductions for both domestic and business consumers.

Following re-introduction of the PSO levy from 1 October 2009, concerns by some large energy users about increases in their electricity costs led to the Utility Regulator commencing an inquiry in November 2009, which focused on how energy suppliers have communicated with, and set charges for, business electricity customers. The findings of this inquiry were published on 18 March 2010.

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 continued operation of the Single Electricity Market, the planned review by the Utility Regulator of the long term power generation contracts in Northern Ireland, and by reducing our over dependence on fossil fuels and their associated price volatility through greater use of sustainable energy sources.

Jobs Lost in the Upper Bann Constituency

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people have lost their jobs in the Upper Bann constituency in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5495/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The table below provides the number of confirmed redundancies in the Upper Bann Parliamentary Constituency in each of the last three years. However, as companies are only legally required to provide details of impending redundancies of 20 or more employees, this is not a full count of job losses. Therefore, the net change in the number of unemployed claimants in the Upper Bann Parliamentary Constituency has been provided for information.

Number of Confirmed Redundancies and Net Change in Unemployed Claimants in the Upper Bann Parliamentary Constituency, 2007 - 2009

Year	Confirmed Redundancies¹	Net change in number of unemployed claimants²
2007	75	-118
2008	407	384
2009	207	1,481

¹ Please note that companies are only legally required to notify the Department of impending redundancies of 20 or more employees.

² The net change in unemployed claimants is the change in the annual average claimant count in each of the years quoted e.g. the annual average claimant count for 2009 was 1,481 higher than the annual average for 2008.

Economic Strategy and Action Plan for the Upper Bann Constituency

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline her Department's current economic strategy and action plan for the Upper Bann constituency.

(AQW 5496/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Programme for Government outlines the Executive’s economic priorities and the actions DETI and other Departments are taking to support the growth of the Northern Ireland economy as a whole. My Department is taking forward actions to promote investment and enterprise, increase innovation and exports, improve our telecoms infrastructure, and boost tourism activity across Northern Ireland.

DETI, through Invest NI, has provided considerable support for the local economy in Upper Bann. Indeed, between 2002/03 and 2008/09, Invest NI assistance to client companies in the constituency totalled over £70m. This support contributed towards planned investment of over £300m in the area. Invest NI has also assisted 1,275 start-ups in Upper Bann over that period, including a number of companies with the potential for growth outside Northern Ireland.

Looking forward, and as I indicated in my statement to the Assembly on the Independent Review of Economic Policy, I have accepted the recommendation that a sub-committee of the Executive should be established to prioritise cross-departmental action on the economy. Furthermore, I have proposed that this sub-committee take forward the development of an economic strategy.

Northern Ireland is a small region, and I firmly believe we should have a single overarching economic strategy in place to grow the economy as we emerge from the recession. I have suggested that this should be completed in time to inform the next Programme for Government, and I am currently seeking Executive agreement on how best we take this important work forward.

Promoting Entrepreneurship and Supporting Small Businesses

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail her Department's investment plans in (i) Brownlow Limited; (ii) Mayfair Business Centre; (iii) Craigavon Industrial Development Centre; and (iv) Banbridge Enterprise Agency, in relation to promoting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in the 2010/11 financial year.

(AQW 5497/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Invest NI offers support to new and existing businesses through the Enterprise Development

Programmes (EDP) which are delivered by Enterprise NI (ENI) on behalf of Invest NI. Both Craigavon Industrial Development Centre (CIDO) and Banbridge Enterprise Agency (BEA) are part of the ENI network.

The Enterprise Development Programmes are a suite of programmes tailored specifically to assist new and existing businesses to develop and grow. The Programmes consist of:

- The Go for It programme (aimed at Early Stage and Start-Ups)

- The Growth Programme (aimed at existing small businesses)

Brownlow Ltd and Mayfair Business Centre are not part of EDP delivery, nor are they part of the Enterprise NI network.

Mountain Biking Tourism

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) to provide the most up-to-date figures for the number of mountain biking tourists in each of the last 24 months; and (ii) what action her Department is taking to promote Northern Ireland as a destination for mountain biking tourism.

(AQW 5519/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: (i) Within Northern Ireland there are no official mountain bike trails, and therefore mountain bikers from other countries generally do not visit Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is unable to collect any data regarding the participation of this activity from its national passenger survey. However, the Countryside Access and Activities Network estimate participation figures within Northern Ireland to be around 15,000 per annum. Comparable figures for Scotland for mountain biking are in the region of 123,000 per annum.

(ii) The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is currently appraising several projects that include the development of mountain bike trails across Northern Ireland. The development of these trails would enable Northern Ireland to host a range of mountain biking events and the potential to market Northern Ireland as a world class short break destination for this activity.

2012 Olympics

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she has had any discussions with local businessmen in relation to obtaining contracts for work for the 2012 Olympics.

(AQW 5542/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: When I visit companies and meet with local business people, I discuss opportunities for their business and, depending on the nature of their product or service, this often includes opportunities arising from the London 2012 Olympics.

I am keen to see more Northern Ireland companies win business from the Olympics and last month I had a meeting in London with Lord Coe on this matter. In addition, Invest NI has undertaken a number of activities with companies in Northern Ireland to promote business opportunities arising from the 2012 Olympics and to support them in their efforts to win contracts in relation to 2012.

Licence for the Supply of Natural Gas

Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 5050/10, how much has been raised in revenue from firms who have applied for gas supply licences but have not activated them.

(AQW 5551/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Fees paid to the Utility Regulator by inactive natural gas supply companies to cover the licence application and administrative costs for maintaining a company’s gas supply licence have, to date, amounted to £4,000.

World Expo 2010 in Shanghai

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans there are for Northern Ireland to be represented at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

(AQO 984/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Invest Northern Ireland already has a detailed programme of market visits to Asia in place that are designed to help Northern Ireland companies access new customers and develop important business links. As such, there are no plans for Northern Ireland to have representation at Shanghai Expo 2010. In November 2009, thirty companies took part in an Invest NI trade mission to China and a further eight companies have recently returned from a mission to Malaysia and Vietnam. Invest NI's 2010 programme includes further trade missions to China in May and November and to South Korea and Taiwan in September.

Support for Reconditioned Technology

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of why support for reconditioned technology, particularly in the wind energy sector, has been omitted from (i) the UK Government's proposed Feed-in Tariff scheme; and (ii) the proposed improvements to the Renewables Obligation Certificates scheme in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 5769/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Feed-In Tariff scheme for small-scale generation, which comes into operation in GB on 1 April 2010, is not open to refurbished or renovated generating equipment. It is the UK Government’s view that such equipment has a different cost base to new technology and is therefore excluded. However, the Department of Energy and Climate Change has stated that it will keep this issue under review.

There is currently no such prohibition on reconditioned technology under the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO). However, as stated in the Government response to the statutory consultation on the NIRO published in February 2010, further work will be required on the definition of refurbishment and replacement. Proposals on how reconditioned technology will be dealt with in future will be included in the next NIRO consultation which will issue later during 2010.

Geothermal Energy

Mr B Armstrong asked e Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she is aware of any potential projects to exploit the use of geothermal energy in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 995/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Geothermal energy is now being exploited in an increasing number of commercial, public sector and housing developments in Northern Ireland.

I am pleased that Ballymena District Council was successful in securing government support for a project under the Low Carbon Communities Challenge. While the first phase is to develop a small district heating network fuelled on biomass, the Council hopes that a secondary phase would involve moving to a deep geothermal energy source.

Geological Survey Northern Ireland has received several enquiries about deep geothermal energy in other areas of Northern Ireland but is unaware of any firm project proposals.

Jobs Strategy

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if she will commit to working with her Executive colleagues to develop a cross-departmental jobs strategy.

(AQO 996/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: I continue to work closely with my Executive colleagues on all matters relating to the economy.

As I indicated in my statement to the Assembly on the Independent Review of Economic Policy, I am currently seeking agreement to establish a sub-committee of the Executive which will further prioritise action on the economy.

One of the first tasks of this sub-committee will be to produce an economic strategy that will outline how the Executive will continue to address the short-term employment issues resulting from the recession. It will also outline how we intend meeting our medium to longer term priorities, which remain the need to grow a dynamic economy and raise living standards throughout Northern Ireland.

Orange Heritage Trail

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether she will consider funding an Orange heritage trail.

(AQO 997/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: To date the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has not received a funding application for an Orange heritage trail.

However, I am supportive of the development of an Orange heritage trail which encourages tourists to visit sites which are not on the traditional tourism route.

In 2008 I jointly launched the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Williamite Trail, a tourist trail developed to encourage visitors to explore King William’s journey from Londonderry to the site of the Battle of the Boyne. Proposed Orange museums at Loughgall and Schomberg House could be integrated into this trail, providing a focus for visitors.

Electricity Prices

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action her Department has taken to date in response to the findings of the Douglas McIldoon report into electricity prices.

(AQO 998/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Mr McIldoon’s report of November 2008, welcomed the establishment of the Single Electricity Market and endorsed the electricity price setting process amongst other things.

Since then my Department, working alongside the Utility Regulator, has been considering the various recommendations contained in the report in the context of changing energy markets and work on developing a new Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland, which I hope to bring to the Executive very shortly.

UK City of Culture: Derry

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline her Department's involvement in Derry City Council's bid to become the first UK City of Culture.

(AQO 999/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: I recently addressed a business lunch in the city organised by Ilex to underline my support for the UK City of Culture bid and the wider regeneration of Londonderry.

I have also indicated my enthusiastic support to Derry City Council for their endeavours. I have written to the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure offering the practical support of my Department and its agencies.

Women in Enterprise

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the Women in Enterprise initiatives.

(AQO 1001/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The overall aim of Invest NI’s Investing in Women initiative was to increase the number of women who start up in business in Northern Ireland, and the number who grow their business performance.

The Start a Business programme ended in March 2009 and saw female participation rates reaching 48%, from a base of 37% in 2007.

In terms of growth plans in female owned businesses, the Booster Programme had participation from over 60 female owned businesses and 11 new Invest NI clients were identified.

Targets were met and lessons learnt from these female specific programmes are now embraced within the Enterprise Development Programme – both the Go For It and Growth programme. Going forward, target participation rates for women within the Enterprise Development Programme have been set at 50%.

Gas Suppliers

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans she has for a more efficient switching mechanism to allow customers to change gas suppliers so that they can avail of cheaper prices.

(AQO 1002/10)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Utility Regulator has recently approved the implementation of a semi-automated switching system to improve the capacity for switching customers on credit meters, to be in place by November 2010. The Utility Regulator has also requested Phoenix Natural Gas and firmus energy to submit proposals to improve the capacity for switching customers on pre-payment meters with a decision on a proposal expected shortly.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Heather Moorland

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment (i) what steps he is taking to retain and enhance heather moorland; and (ii) what grants are available to do so.

(AQW 4446/10)

Minister of the Environment (Mr E Poots): (i) My Department is retaining and enhancing heather moorland by:

the declaration and protection of appropriate sites as Areas of Special Scientific Interest under the Environment Order and as Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Regulations;
the publication and delivery of habitat action plans for blanket bog, lowland raised bog, upland heath, lowland heathland and montane heath and a species action plan for red grouse; and
working with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) who provide direct payments to farmers and administer agri-environment schemes.

(ii) My Department has not currently been asked to provide any financial assistance to retain and enhance heather moorland. Any requests for such assistance would be considered according to the criteria set down in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Natural Heritage Grants Programme and in the context of existing DARD funding.

Claimants to DARD for certain direct agricultural support payments must maintain their land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition; one aspect of which states that claimants must retain all semi-natural habitats including moorland.

In addition DARD agri-environment schemes provide annual management payments to manage heather moorland positively and fund heather regeneration as part of an agreed moorland management plan. Currently there are approximately 55,000 ha of heather moorland being managed under DARD agri-environment scheme agreements.

Heather Moorland

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how much heather moorland is currently retained compared to 10 years ago.

(AQW 4447/10)

Minister of the Environment: My Department does not monitor the cover of heather moorland as such but does undertake the Northern Ireland Countryside Survey (NICS). It assesses the distribution and condition of land habitat types and provides reliable estimates of how land cover changes over time. There were surveys conducted in 1998 and 2007.

The broad habitats which correspond most closely to what is referred to as heather moorland are Dwarf Shrub Heath and Bog.

Compared with 1998, the NICS 2007 survey reported a 20.4% increase in the area of Dwarf Shrub Heath, from 13,909 ha to 16,751ha. This change was associated with increased cover of heather species and is probably attributable to changes in upland grazing practices. Between 1998 and 2007, the NICS reported a small (net 2.0%) decrease in Bog, from 164,216ha to 160,902ha. However, these changes are not considered statistically significant.

In conclusion, at a broad habitat level, the NICS revealed very little overall net change in the amount of habitat which could be termed heather moorland.

Bonuses for the Planning Office

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the amount paid in bonuses for each divisional planning office in (i) 2003/04; (ii) 2004/05; (iii) 2005/06; (iv) 2006/07; ( v) 2007/08; and (vii) 2008/09.

(AQW 5376/10)

Minister of the Environment: The table below sets out the total amount of bonuses paid to Planning Service staff by financial year and divisional planning office. The bonuses fall into two separate categories:

The award of non-consolidated bonus payments is part of each year’s Pay Awards. Non-consolidated bonuses are awarded to all NICS staff whose performance, as determined through the NICS Performance Management arrangements, is judged to be above a satisfactory level (i.e. Box 1 and Box 2 performers). The level of bonuses has varied over the years but for the three years up to 2008, a Box 1 award was worth £150 and a Box 2 award £50.
The award of bonuses under the Special Bonus Scheme. Special Bonuses can be awarded to staff in civil service grades below the Senior Civil Service (up to and including Grade 6) and set in the NICS Special Bonus Scheme. The scheme gives Departments discretion to reward exceptional performance in particularly demanding tasks or situations. The overall cost of special bonuses in each Department in any year, must not exceed 0.2 per cent of the pay bill and individual awards should not normally exceed £1,000.

Financial Year	Divisional Planning Office	Non- Consolidated Bonus	Special Bonus
2003/2004	Belfast	2155	2000
	Ballymena	2725	1746
	Craigavon	2800	4005
	Downpatrick	4180	1100
	Coleraine/Londonderry	4800	1700
	Omagh/Enniskillen	5520	1600
	Total	22180	12151
2004/2005	Belfast	7350	300
	Ballymena	10650	2350
	Craigavon	13080	0
	Downpatrick	8210	900
	Coleraine/Londonderry	9780	600
	Omagh/Enniskillen	14630	2275
	Total	63700	6425
2005/2006	Belfast	4734	1800
	Ballymena	4550	1590
	Craigavon	4800	1700
	Downpatrick	3800	2450
	Coleraine/Londonderry	3600	3460
	Omagh/Enniskillen	6928	1486
	Total	28412	12486
2006/2007	Belfast	4387	2050
	Ballymena	4100	2843
	Craigavon	3700	1700
	Downpatrick	2500	1000
	Coleraine/Londonderry	3650	2925
	Omagh/Enniskillen	4729	560
	Total	23066	11078
2007/2008	Belfast	4150	250
	Ballymena	3600	1250
	Craigavon	4150	450
	Downpatrick	3500	2200
	Coleraine/Londonderry	3550	250
	Omagh/Enniskillen	5200	3200
	Total	24150	7600
2008/2009	Belfast	3550	2500
	Ballymena	5450	1100
	Craigavon	5350	800
	Downpatrick	4950	0
	Coleraine/Londonderry	4000	3430
	Omagh/Enniskillen	6450	8400
	Total	29750	16230

Electronic Planning Information for Citizens System

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on the Electronic Planning Information for Citizens system, including its projected cost and completion date.

(AQW 5452/10)

Minister of the Environment: ePIC - Current Status

Progress on the ePIC project during the present financial year has had to be curtailed pending confirmation of additional funding by the Executive. Additional funding for the ePIC project for this financial year was agreed by the Executive in the December monitoring round.
The current position on ePIC is that all of the software required to complete and implement the project has been developed and integrated. The system has been successfully tested for end-to-end functionality, has been security accredited and performance testing is currently underway. Final testing by users of the system is well advanced. Seminars have taken place for consultee organisations, including local government, on the new e-consultation and other facilities ePIC will provide. Further information seminars for planning agents and applicants are planned close to go-live. As part of the final preparations for roll-out, work is underway to transfer 1 million planning application records from the current IT system into ePIC.
Subject to capital funding being provided during 2010-11 to complete implementation of ePIC, it is planned to carry out an extensive programme of training for Planning Service managers and staff. This will coincide with the phased roll-out of the system across all Divisional Planning Offices.
ePIC Costs
The anticipated total project cost of ePIC is £20M against a cost of £17.9M approved in the original 2004 business case. The approved capital budget, and the projected capital cost of ePIC is £12.8M. Capital expenditure to end March is estimated at £11.1M with the balance required in 2010/11.

Backlog in the Strategic Planning Service

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of the Environment what steps his Department intends to take to ensure that the backlog of 111 strategic planning cases are dealt with as a matter of urgency.

(AQW 5477/10)

Minister of the Environment: The figure of 111 represents the total caseload of the Strategic Projects teams and includes applications which have only recently been submitted.

Strategic applications are in the main large scale, complex and often contentious and can take a length of time to process. I fully accept that there are a number of applications that have been in the system for a considerable time in part due to a lack of environmental information being submitted and where the Planning Service has chosen to await this rather than move to a refusal on the basis of a lack of information.

The creation of the Strategic Projects teams in October 2007 was part of the Planning Service response to the recognition that the planning system should not be an inhibitor to economic growth. They were created to specifically handle all large scale investment planning proposals including Article 31 applications and facilitate pre-application discussions (PADs). The key aim of the introduction of PADs in December 2007 is to identify key issues and obvious problems at an early stage, prior to the submission of an application and to encourage high quality applications to maximise the prospects of getting through the statutory planning process quickly leading to speedier decisions. However, the teams also inherited a number of longstanding Article 31 applications a number of which have since been processed to a decision. Nevertheless, the focus remains on reducing the number of older applications as quickly as possible.

I am acutely aware of the vital role that the Planning Service continues to play in supporting the social and economic needs of Northern Ireland and I am committed to ensuring the benefits of economic investment and job creation are realised through the timely processing of strategic applications. The two Strategic Projects teams are also committed to improving processing times and their recent performance shows positive progress.

From April 2008 to date 53 Article 31 applications have been processed by the teams and 20 other economically significant applications have been processed from April 2009 to date. These include approvals for the new Bombardier factory representing an investment of £300 million, the new eco village at Magheramourne, Larne - £100 million, the new Acute Hospital, Enniskillen - £210 million, the redevelopment of Hilden Mill, Lisburn - £100m and the redevelopment of both the Northcott and Dairy Farm Shopping Centres with a combined investment of £60m. In addition, there is the associated construction and post development employment creation.

Within the Programme for Government (PfG) there is a commitment to process large scale investment planning proposals within 6 months provided there has been PADs. To date 10 applications have met the criteria to apply the PfG target. Of these 8 have been processed on target with the remaining 2 on track for achievement, i.e. 100% record to date.

It is not possible to estimate the overall value or loss to the economy. Applicants are not required to provide financial information and figures have been included where known. Indeed, to estimate the value lost to the economy in relation to the current applications would be assuming that they would all be approvals which is unlikely to be the case. Often as noted above, time is taken to negotiate changes to an application to achieve an acceptable scheme which would otherwise be refused. Such changes may affect the initial value of a scheme.

Finally, Strategic Projects has a target of having no current applications within its control that are over 10 years old by the end of March 2010. In achieving this, it will in turn mean there will be no applications over 5 years old within the control of the Planning Service.

Backlog in the Strategic Planning Service

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of the Environment for an estimate of the value lost to the economy, in relation to the backlog of applications in the Strategic Planning Service.

(AQW 5478/10)

Minister of the Environment: The figure of 111 represents the total caseload of the Strategic Projects teams and includes applications which have only recently been submitted.

Backlog in the Strategic Planning Service

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of the Environment why the Strategic Planning Service has a large backlog of applications, some dating over 10 years.

(AQW 5479/10)

Minister of the Environment: The figure of 111 represents the total caseload of the Strategic Projects teams and includes applications which have only recently been submitted.

Breaches of Planning Regulations

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of the Environment (i) why the Planning Enforcement section is failing to enforce breaches of planning regulations; and (ii) to provide a timescale for these enforcements to be concluded.

(AQW 5480/10)

Minister of the Environment: Further to my answer to AQW 5482/10, my Department is not failing to enforce against breaches of planning control. During the last year, there have been a significant number of successful prosecutions against breaches of planning control. For example

In March 2010, a Co Tyrone man was fined £1,200 plus Departmental Court Costs of £13 and £75 in legal costs for the operation of a sand and gravel pit at a Magistrates' Court for continued non-compliance with a Planning Service Breach of Conditions Notice.
In February 2010, a Carryduff man pleaded guilty and was fined £1000 along with £75 court costs and £13 legal costs at Newtownards Magistrates Court for failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice to remove an unauthorised outbuilding and all associated materials.
In November 2009, a Co Down man was fined a total of £500, £250 Department costs and £20 court costs at Banbridge Magistrates' Court which was sitting at Newry Magistrates' Court for the breach of a Planning Service Tree Preservation Order.

The vast majority of breaches of planning control are resolved through negotiation with the owner/occupier or through the submission and consideration of a retrospective planning application.

Enforcement can be a lengthy and complex process and the time taken to achieve a satisfactory resolution varies from one case to another. As stated in Planning Service’s Enforcement Strategy, my Department will aim to bring 70% of cases to target conclusion within 39 working weeks (9 months) of receipt of a complaint. For the purposes of the Enforcement Strategy, ‘target conclusion’ means case closure, submission of a retrospective planning application, enforcement action or summons to court.

Whilst Planning Service will work to business plan targets, the timescale in relation to the final stages of the enforcement process is largely outside my Department’s control due to other statutory processes including appeals to the Planning Appeals Commission against an Enforcement Notice and/or legal proceedings and court timetables.

Planning Enforcement Section

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning cases have been passed to the Planning Enforcement section in each of the last five years; and how many of these have been enforced.

(AQW 5482/10)

Minister of the Environment: My Department is committed to maintaining up-to-date and accurate case records and to this end its existing Enforcement IT system was upgraded in 2009.

Prior to 2009, Planning Service did not retain full electronic records for Enforcement therefore, in order to provide you with accurate figures of the number of cases enforced for the time period in question, a manual check of case files would be required. This is not only disproportionate in terms of time and cost but would result in un-validated statistics being released.

		2009	2008	2007	2006	2005
Cases Opened		3938	3888	4059	4441	4033
Cases Resolved		5428	-	-	-	-
Enforcement Action :	Notices Issued	415	-	-	-	-
Enforcement Action :	Summons Issued	60	-	-	-	-

The number of enforcement cases opened in each of the last 5 years and enforced and resolved (2009) by my Department is set out in the table below.

These figures have been extracted from a live dataset which is continuously updated and validated. They should therefore be regarded as indicative only at this point in time and should not be compared with any previous figures published by the Agency.

Enforcement Action is taken by my Department in accordance with the relevant legislation as set out in the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. However, it should be noted that the figures provided do not include those cases whereby a breach of planning control has been resolved through negotiation with the owner/occupier or through the submission and consideration of a retrospective planning application.

Road Safety Initiative 'Live to Play'

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of the Environment what contact his Department has had with the GAA in relation to its road safety initiative 'Live to Play'.

(AQW 5484/10)

Minister of the Environment: The Lifestyle & Wellbeing Manager in the GAA first approached DOE Road Safety in 2008 to ask for help in compiling online blogs with a road safety message aimed at their members. The GAA were keen that any message they were going to deliver would be consistent with DOE Road Safety messages. We were happy to assist and the GAA said that, in time, they hoped this would evolve into a more high profile initiative.

In January of this year, the GAA contacted DOE again to advise that they were launching the new road safety initiative ‘Live to Play’.

On 30 January 2010 Ulster GAA launched the initiative at the Dr McKenna Cup Final. The launch was the first of a series of promotional initiatives which will roll out across Ulster in the coming months. Information on the website will warn of the main causational factors, speed, alcohol/drugs and inattention. My Department welcomes this initiative and we are happy to provide supporting material. We have already made arrangements for digital adverts to run on the site and have issued the organisation with recent communications relating to many of the various DOE road safety messages.

Officials and GAA representatives are meeting on the 24 March 2010to discuss the initiative and to see how DOE can further support the activities associated with ‘Live to Play’.

The current DOE Road Safety digital campaign targets many websites, including IFA and the GAA. DOE Road Safety considers all advertising and publicity approaches from relevant organisations.

Planning Enforcement Section

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of staff employed (i) currently; and (ii) in each of the last five years in the Planning Enforcement section.

(AQW 5515/10)

Minister of the Environment: The number of staff employed in each of the last five years in the Planning Service enforcement section is provided in the table below. There are also eight planning officers at PPTO (Principal Planner) grade, 6 of whom are involved with enforcement work combined with their other duties. These are included as 5 full time equivalents i.e. – 2 full time and 6 x ½ time.

	2009/10 (currently)	2008/09	2007/08	2006/07	2005/06
Number of staff employed in enforcement	50	45	39	43	34

Planning Application for Knock Golf Club in Belfast

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment what undertakings have been made by the South Eastern Health Trust to enable the Planning Service to address issues relating to open space in the planning application for Knock Golf Club in Belfast.

(AQW 5523/10)

Minister of the Environment: Belfast Divisional Planning Office has regular meetings with the DHSSPS Health Estates Department, who act on behalf of and in support of all the local hospitals and Trusts about development proposals on various hospital sites in the Belfast Area. Discussions have taken place in relation to development of the Ulster Hospital site and the land occupied by Knock Golf Club. A planning application for the extension of the Ulster Hospital onto lands which are part of the practice area at Knock Golf Club was submitted in 2006 but later withdrawn.

Planning Service received a letter from the Director of Planning, Information and Performance Management in the Health Trust which had been sent to the Knock Golf Club on 1 February 2008 welcoming the proposed return of the lands to the Trust. That letter was copied to other officials in the Trust.

The Planning Office is currently negotiating a planning agreement under Article 40 of the Planning N.I. Order 1991 in order to ensure the delivery of the community benefits, including the return of the lands to the Trust, as proposed as part of the overall package put forward by the applicants for the development at Knock Golf Club. This Agreement is at early stages as the normal procedure is that discussions begin after Council is consulted on the application. However it will be finalised before the decision notice is issued.

Planning Applications

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning applications were originally recommended for refusal but subsequently approved after overcoming policy issues relating to the loss of open space, broken down by Council area, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5526/10)

Minister of the Environment: My Department does not hold centrally statistics on the number of planning applications relating to the loss of open space where a refusal opinion was changed to an approval opinion. To provide an accurate response would require manual checking of files for each Council area which could not be carried out in the time available and would also involve disproportionate costs.

Waste Tyres Site at Chapel Hill, Mayobridge

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1605/10, for an update on the storage capacity for tyres at the approved waste tyres site at Chapel Hill, Mayobridge.

(AQW 5528/10)

Minister of the Environment: The licensed facility is permitted to accept up to 7000 tonnes of tyres at the site per year. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency regularly inspects the site and has recorded no non-compliances.
The Agency believes that unauthorised storage of tyres may be taking place outside the licensed boundary and an investigation is ongoing into possible breaches of waste legislation.
Planning Service is also investigating the unauthorised external storage of tyres at the site and has commenced enforcement action. An Enforcement Notice has issued on 5 March 2010 seeking the cessation of the importation of tyres onto this part of the site and the removal of all tyres externally stored at the site. This Notice takes effect on 8 April 2010 unless an appeal is made beforehand. At the same time, Planning Service issued a Stop Notice against the importation of further tyres onto the site and it took effect on 8 March 2010.

Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of the Environment if he has had any discussions with (i) the Minister for Social Development; and (ii) the Planning Service in relation to changing the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan zone to include social housing on the Nelson Street site.

(AQW 5539/10)

Minister of the Environment: The site in question at Nelson Street was included in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Social Housing Programme prior to 2004, and was subsequently zoned in the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP), published in November 2004. This site was zoned for social housing in draft BMAP at the request of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and there were no objections to the proposed zoning.

A planning application to redevelop the site and provide housing comprising 48 apartments and 18 terraced houses was approved by Planning Service in January 2006. In April 2008 Planning Service received a further application seeking approval for the construction of 238 apartments. This application is currently under consideration by Planning Service. The agent has written to Planning Service stating that it is his client’s intention to consider the availability of social units within the scheme in line with Planning Policy Statement 12 and BMAP.

I can confirm that I have not had any discussions with the Minister for Social Development concerning the site. Nor have I had any discussions with Planning Service. However, I have been advised that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, for which the Minister for Social and Development is responsible, has had discussions with Planning Service, in relation to the social housing aspect of the site.

Defective Buses Carrying School Children

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of the Environment how many buses, carrying school children, have been found to be defective in each of the last three years, broken down by Council area.

(AQW 5552/10)

Minister of the Environment: The following statistics refer to buses being used to carry school children and which were subject to compliance spot checks by enforcement officers attached to the Driver & Vehicle Agency.

Owing to the manner in which the information is retained, it has only been possible to present the data by county as opposed to by council area.

Period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008

County	Vehicles Checked	Number Defective
Armagh	8	0
Fermanagh	8	0
Antrim	10	0
Londonderry	1	0
Down	105	19
Tyrone	14	0

Period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009

County	Vehicles Checked	Number Defective
Armagh	2	0
Fermanagh	0	0
Antrim	5	0
Londonderry	0	0
Down	22	0
Tyrone	0	0

Period 1 April 2009 to 15 March 2010

County	Vehicles Checked	Number Defective
Armagh	0	0
Fermanagh	0	0
Antrim	0	0
Londonderry	0	0
Down	24	6
Tyrone	1	1

Safety and Legal Requirements on Bus Companies

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of the Environment what safety and legal requirements are placed on bus companies (i) from Northern Ireland; and (ii) from outside Northern Ireland which service school journeys.

(AQW 5553/10)

Minister of the Environment: A Road Service Licence (RSL) is required before a bus company can provide bus services (including school services) in Northern Ireland. A RSL is issued to applicants who meet the legal requirements of being of good repute, having sufficient financial standing and having appropriate levels of professional competence. All the buses that the company owns are required to be properly maintained and insured and have public service vehicle test certificates. All drivers are required to meet all the relevant driving licence requirements. These controls give assurance that passengers will be travelling in safe vehicles with properly trained drivers.

Bus companies from outside Northern Ireland must meet all the statutory requirements for the country they are registered in and hold a Community Licence to allow them to operate in Northern Ireland.

Planning Applications in the East Antrim Constituency

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 5016/10, to list the planning applications in the East Antrim constituency in relation to which his predecessor Mr Sammy Wilson (i) made supportive representations; (ii) objected; and (iii) indicated no preference during his tenure as Environment Minister.

(AQW 5567/10)

Minister of the Environment: I have attached a list drawn up from my Department’s records of all planning applications on which Sammy Wilson MP MLA made representations to the Planning Service in relation to his East Antrim constituency during his tenure as Environment Minister. The list includes details of correspondence where it relates to specific planning applications and to applications discussed in office meetings with the Divisional Planning Manager. The applications are open to public scrutiny by request to the appropriate Divisional Planning Office.

PPS 18

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on PPS 18 and any associated Supplementary Planning Guidance.

(AQW 5595/10)

Minister of the Environment: I will shortly receive from my officials in NIEA a new version of the Supplementary Planning Guidelines which has been revised to take account of comments received during the consultation on PPS18.

PPS 18 Supplementary Planning Guidance

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what criteria were used to award the contract for PPS 18 Supplementary Planning Guidance; and why those awarded were successful above other applicants.

(AQW 5596/10)

Minister of the Environment: The criteria used in the evaluation of the contract were:

Methodology and Understanding of the Requirement;
Relevant Experience of the Service Provider and Personnel; and
Study Timetable.

The company selected had the highest total score against these criteria. The tender documents clearly showed that the company to whom the contract was awarded has longstanding experience in landscape assessment. This included landscape and visual impact assessments of major wind farm projects for developers. NIEA was therefore confident that this company would take a professional and balanced approach to the contract it was awarding.

Planning Application Fee

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of the Environment if a new start-up business can stagger the payment of a planning application fee when the application is for a change of use.

(AQW 5598/10)

Minister of the Environment: Regulation 3 of the Planning (Fees) Regulations (NI) 2005 requires that where an application for planning permission or approval of reserved matters is made to the Department, a fee for that application will be paid in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations. There is no provision within the current legislation to stagger the payment of a planning application fee for a change of use application or any other application.

Vehicles Clamped or Seized

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment how many vehicles have been (i) clamped; or (ii) seized in the last 12 months, in the Larne area.

(AQW 5663/10)

Minister of the Environment: The number of vehicles clamped or seized in the last 12 months in the Larne area was 77.

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Wind Energy Development

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment when the Supplementary Planning Guidance on wind energy development will be completed and if he will make a statement on this issue.

(AQW 5673/10)

Minister of the Environment: I will shortly receive from my officials in NIEA a new version of the Supplementary Planning Guidance which has been revised to take account of comments received during the consultation on PPS18. I will carefully consider this document and announce my decision at a later date.

20mph Speed Limit

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has had with the Minister of Regional Development in relation to the 20mph speed limit, as part the Road Safety Strategy.

(AQW 5698/10)

Minister of the Environment: In my Statement to the Assembly on 15 March 2010, I explained how the proposals in the document, now out for consultation, were developed. My officials worked closely with road safety partners in developing the consultation paper. This included counterparts in the Department for Regional Development, particularly with regard to those commitments that fall to that department, which included measures relating to the 20mph speed limit.

All measures included in the draft consultation paper were agreed and approved by the Road Safety Strategy Project Board, established to oversee the development of a new strategy, of which the Department for Regional Development is a member. On the paper being presented to me, I provided it to all Executive colleagues for consideration.

The Regional Development Minister responded to confirm that he was content with the overall direction and thrust of the proposed new road safety strategy and the proposed action measures as reflected in the consultation document. The paper was subsequently agreed at the Executive meeting of 25 February 2010.

Roads Safety Strategy

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has had with the PSNI in relation to additional average speed cameras, as part of the Roads Safety Strategy.

(AQW 5699/10)

Minister of the Environment: In my Statement to the Assembly on 15 March 2010, I explained how the proposals in the document, now out for consultation, were developed. My officials worked closely with road safety partners in developing the consultation paper. This included counterparts in the PSNI, particularly with regard to those commitments that fall to the police, including measures relating to average speed cameras.

All measures included in the draft consultation paper were agreed and approved by the Road Safety Strategy Project Board, established to oversee the development of a new strategy, of which PSNI is a member. On the paper being presented to me, I wrote to the appropriate Assistant Chief Constable who responded with his assurance of the PSNI’s support for the contents of the consultation paper.

Planning Service Running Costs in Ards and Downpatrick

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the annual running costs of the Planning Service in the Ards and Downpatrick areas in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5715/10)

Minister of the Environment: The annual running costs of the Downpatrick Divisional office of the Planning Service in each of the last three years was as follows:

2006/07 - £2,903,417

2007/08 - £2,881,473

2008/09 - £3,270,161

Information on running costs is only available at Divisional level and not by council area. The Downpatrick Divisional office processes planning applications for the Down, Lisburn, North Down and Ards council areas.

George Best Belfast City Airport

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 5315/10 and AQW 5124/10, (i) whether he is still considering the request from George Best Belfast City Airport to lift the 'Seats for Sale' limit in its planning agreement; (ii) whether he has received legal advice in relation to this request; and (iii) if this advice will be published.

(AQW 5726/10)

Minister of the Environment: My Department has concluded that George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA) may not apply to modify the Agreement prior to the expiry of the relevant period on 14 October 2013. However, my Department may remove the restriction at any time if it has good reason to do so. This view is based on legal advice.

It is normal practice not to release legal advice and I see no reason for departing from this practice in this case.

Planning Applications

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to list all planning applications for the North Antrim constituency that have been completed by the Strategic Projects Unit since its inception.

(AQW 5727/10)

Minister of the Environment: The following tables set out the applications completed and those currently being processed by the Strategic Projects teams for the North Antrim constituency area.

Applications completed

Reference Number	Description
E/2002/0065/F	Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Visitors Centre
E/2008/0065/F	Replacement Visitors Centre, Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills
G/2009/0205/F	Extension and refurbishment of Sainsbury’s store Braidwater Retail Park, Ballymena
E/2009/0161/LB	Alteration and extension to the Causeway Hotel (listed building consent)
E/2009/0162/F	Alteration and extension to the Causeway Hotel
E/2009/0239/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign

Applications currently being processed including timescales

Reference number	Description	Processing time to date
E/2007/0075/F	Proposed Golf Resort, Runkerry, Bushmills	25 months
E/2009/0238/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	8 months
E/2009/0240/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	8 months
E/2009/0241/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	8 months
E/2009/0354/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	4 months

Planning Applications

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to list all planning applications for the North Antrim constituency that are currently being dealt with by the Strategic Projects Unit, including the length of time taken for each application to be processed.

(AQW 5729/10)

Minister of the Environment: The following tables set out the applications completed and those currently being processed by the Strategic Projects teams for the North Antrim constituency area.

Applications completed

Reference Number	Description
E/2002/0065/F	Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Visitors Centre
E/2008/0065/F	Replacement Visitors Centre, Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills
G/2009/0205/F	Extension and refurbishment of Sainsbury’s store Braidwater Retail Park, Ballymena
E/2009/0161/LB	Alteration and extension to the Causeway Hotel (listed building consent)
E/2009/0162/F	Alteration and extension to the Causeway Hotel
E/2009/0239/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign

Applications currently being processed including timescales

Reference number	Description	Processing time to date
E/2007/0075/F	Proposed Golf Resort, Runkerry, Bushmills	25 months
E/2009/0238/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	8 months
E/2009/0240/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	8 months
E/2009/0241/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	8 months
E/2009/0354/F	Giant’s Causeway variable message sign	4 months

Planning Applications

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how much revenue was generated through planning applications in the Ards and Downpatrick areas, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5747/10)

Minister of the Environment: The revenue generated through planning applications in the Downpatrick Divisional office in each of the last three years was as follows:

2006/07 - £2,805,400

2007/08 - £3,207,551

2008/09 - £2,635,934

Income information is only available at Divisional level and not by council area. The Downpatrick Divisional office processes planning applications for the Down, Lisburn, North Down and Ards council areas.

Hanwood Trust Company Limited

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment to list the planning applications that the Hanwood Trust Company Limited has (i) submitted; (ii) supported; (iii) opposed; and (iv) otherwise communicated with the Planning service about in the (i) Castlereagh; (ii) Belfast; (iii) North Down; and (iv) Ards areas.

(AQW 5758/10)

Minister of the Environment: I have attached a list drawn up from my Department’s records of planning applications received from Hanwood Trust Company Ltd. The list includes the correspondence received from Hanwood Trust Company Ltd.

Applications

Reference	Site Address	Proposal	Decision
Y/2002/0392/F	Tullycarnet Resource Centre, Kinross Avenue, Tullycarnet.	Petrol Station with shops and retail units, start-up business units, professional services retail units, junior pitch and 7-a side	Approved 28/02/2006
Y/2003/0052/F	Tullycarnet Resource Centre, Kinross Avenue, Tullycarnet.	Construction of children's playground, extension to resource centre for IT training, changing rooms and car parking.	Approved 6/08/2003
Y/2006/0481/F	Tullycarnet Resource Centre, Kinross Avenue, Tullycarnet, Belfast	Junior grass pitch, full size synthetic pitch, petrol station with shop and retail units, start-up business units.	Approved 22/11/2006
Y/2009/0057/A	Hanwood Business Park, Old Dundonald Road, Belfast BT16 1DL	Erection of entrance sign	Consent 27/04/2009

Representation received.

Reference	Site Address	Proposal	Type
Z/2006/0599/O	Land at Knock Golf Club, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast	Development at Knock Golf course incorporating a residential development (revised scheme) with access to Stoney Road, car parking, formal and informal open space, the retention of a 9-hole golf course and conversion of existing clubhouse to community use	Letter of support

Proposed Incinerator at Glenavy

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of the Environment whether he has considered holding a public inquiry in relation to the proposed incinerator at Glenavy, given the Environment Committee's support for such an inquiry and the controversy surrounding the proposals.

(AQW 5872/10)

Minister of the Environment: The Rose Energy planning application for a biomass fuelled power plant was submitted in June 2008 and is accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES). 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.

A further planning application by Rose Energy for water abstraction from Lough Neagh and an associated pipeline was submitted on 12 June 2009. The application for water abstraction is also accompanied by an Environmental Statement. Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 was applied to the water abstraction application on 11 August 2009, designating the proposal as a major application. The water abstraction application is being processed in tandem with the power plant application.

Planning officials are currently finalising their consideration of the applications, and shortly hope to be in a position to make a recommendation to me on the way forward. Careful consideration of the planning applications and associated environmental information, and all representations made in relation to them, is necessary before I would be in a position to decide whether to proceed by way of a public inquiry as the most appropriate action. It would not be appropriate therefore at this stage to indicate whether I would call a public inquiry.

Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment what consultation his Department has had with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in relation to the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.

(AQW 5876/10)

Minister of the Environment: My Department has consulted regularly with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) on issues contained in the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill which relate to DARD’s area of responsibility. These issues include powers within DARD’s Forestry Bill to protect woodland from damage by deer and certain other wild animals. Discussions have also taken place on the regulation of the use of snares and traps as DARD brings forward its Welfare of Animals Bill.

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Chief Executive and Cha irperson of Non-departmental Public Bodies

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the salary and expenses claimed by the Chief Executive and Chairperson of each non-departmental public body in each of the last three years.

(AQW 4762/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr S Wilson): Salary information for Chief Executives and Chairpersons of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) sponsored by the Northern Ireland departments, is available in the annual Public Bodies report (with the exception of Health and Social Care Trusts).

Public Bodies reports covering financial years 2006/07, 2007/08, and 2008/09 can be obtained from the Assembly library or alternatively can be downloaded as follows:-

Public Bodies 2007 - http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/public_bodies_2007-4.doc

Public Bodies 2008 - http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/public_bodies_2008-6.doc

Public Bodies 2009 - http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/public_bodies_2009__2_-8.pdf

The 2009 report refers to the 2008/09 financial year, which is the most recent information available.

Salary information in relation to Health and Social Care Trusts can be obtained through the links in Annex A, while information on expenses is contained in Annex B.

Several bodies, including public corporations, special agencies and other bodies, which are not strictly NDPBs, have also been included, as they are listed in the annual Public Bodies report.

Annex A

Belfast HSC Trust

www.belfasttrust.hscni.net/pubinfo/Annual_Report_2007-08.pdf

www.belfasttrust.hscni.net/pubinfo/Annual_Report_2008-09.pdf

Western HSC Trust

www.westerntrust.hscni.net/corporate/Our%20Priorities%20and%20How%20We%20Are%20Doing/Annual%20Report%202007-08.pdf

www.westerntrust.hscni.net/corporate/Our%20Priorities%20and%20How%20We%20Are%20Doing/Annual%20Report%202008-09.pdf

South Eastern HSC Trust

www.setrust.hscni.net/pubinfo/Annual_Report_07-08.pdf

www.setrust.hscni.net/pubinfo/Annual_Report_08-09.pdf

Southern HSC Trust

www.southerntrust.hscni.net/corporate/spend/Annual%20Report%202007-08.pdf

www.southerntrust.hscni.net/pubinfo/Annual%20Report%202008%20-%202009.pdf

Northern HSC Trust

www.northerntrust.hscni.net/pdf/Annual_Report_07_08.pdf

www.northerntrust.hscni.net/pdf/Annual_Report_08-09.pdf

NI Ambulance HSC Trust

www.niamb.co.uk/docs/documents/annual_reports/annual_report_06_07.pdf

www.niamb.co.uk/docs/documents/annual_reports/annual_report_07_08.pdf

www.niamb.co.uk/docs/documents/08833%20NIAS%20Annual%20Report.pdf

Annex B

Chairperson and Chief Executive Expenses
	Chairperson (or equivalent)			Chief Executive (or equivalent)
	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09
DFP
Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee	Nil	Nil	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A
Statistics Advisory Committee	Nil	Nil	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A
OFMDFM
Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment	1557	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Commissioner for Children & Young People	985^	1317^	1067^	Nil	Nil	546
Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland	1388	410	Nil	1146	222	189
ILEX Urban Regeneration Company	1290	4974	23470	1405	2875	3048
Planning Appeals Commission / Water Appeals Commission	1117^	788^	913^	N/A	N/A	N/A
Statute Law Committee	Nil	Nil	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A
Strategic Investment Board	6042	5443	3352	24057	22228	14013
Commission for Victims and Survivors	N/A	Nil	Nil	N/A	Nil	Nil
Older Peoples Advocate	N/A	N/A	79	N/A	N/A	N/A
DCAL
Arts Council Northern Ireland	624	1553	253	1715	1670	1213
Fisheries Conservancy Board	290	701	876	1290	2938	2501
National Museums Northern Ireland	Nil	Nil	Nil	1895	1171	2033
Northern Ireland Museums Council	Nil	778	357	3384#	1549#	1267#
Sport Northern Ireland	8124	5746	719	6919	3233	3130
DOE
NI Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee	911	38	728	4860***	5285***	4821***
Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC)	872	892	930	1088	2174	1935
Historic Monuments Council (HMC)	737	1046	1143	N/A	N/A	N/A
Historic Buildings Council (HBC)	741	913	838	N/A	N/A	N/A
Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC)	7145	5728	3632	N/A	N/A	N/A
DARD
Drainage Council (DC)	120	120	120	N/A	N/A	N/A
Pig Production Development Committee (PPDC)	105	10	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Research and Education Advisory Panel (REAP)	171	236	32	N/A	N/A	N/A
Agricultural Wages Board (AWB)	82	131	224	N/A	N/A	N/A
NI Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA)	497	478	390	1740	2095	1808
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Livestock and Meat Commission for NI (LMC)	220	324	94	2854	2884	2468
DRD
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company	2654	1154	1209	Nil	Nil	Nil
Northern Ireland Water	N/A	2600	23419	Nil	Nil	Nil
DENI
Belfast Education & Library Board	31	Nil	Nil	1589	2136	1786
North Eastern Education & Library Board	5245	2645	2048	2858	1953	2399
South Eastern Education & Library Board	7107	5010	4244	1023	1816	2741
Southern Education & Library Board	1647	2187	1748	Nil	Nil	Nil
Western Education & Library Board	2857	Nil	2674	3542	5171	3907
Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment	1515	3599	2287	1867	1643	1406
Staff Commission	64	131	122	1447	1308	1559
CCMS	Nil	Nil	Nil	6391	4836	6563
Youth Council	792	625	314	1729	1708	1090
DSD
Northern Ireland Housing Executive	2587	3433	7843	1443	1553	1929
Laganside*
DETI
Invest NI	Nil	Nil	4298	5592	4480	8766
Northern Ireland Tourist Board	2065	1868	1809	4677	5515	4952
Health & Safety Executive NI	1060	1379	678	616	650	749
General Consumer Council NI	268	Nil	324	3355	3567	4728
DEL
Industrial Court	341	464	72	N/A	N/A	N/A
Construction Industry Training Board	1716	2116	156	1102	1520	2405
Ulster Supported Employment Limited	922	864	806	1207	1507	1649
Labour Relations Agency	407	1177	542	336	1115	1589
Enterprise Ulster	**	**	N/A	**	**	N/A
Fair Employment Tribunal	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Industrial Tribunal	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
DHSSPS****
Belfast HSC Trust	N/A	3093	713	N/A	1897	1955
Western HSC Trust	N/A	719	1627	N/A	2961	1636
South Eastern HSC Trust	N/A	1052	383	N/A	642	2416
Southern HSC Trust	N/A	6299	3734	N/A	8421	2767
Northern HSC Trust	N/A	5116	5385	N/A	3810	4518
NI Ambulance HSC Trust	251	681	1183	3843	2457	3397
NI Practice and Education Council	0	0	0	1868	1106	1297
NI Medical and Dental Training Agency	2980	1776	1924	11408	11083	12129
NI Social Care Council	24	0	0	2991	1962	2291
NI Fire and Rescue Service	6199	5602	5606	689	868	1603
NI Guardian Ad Litem Agency	682	389	381	2626	1748	1555
NI Blood Transfusion Service	0	0	0	1774	2463	704
Care Tribunal	714	139	452	N/A	N/A	N/A
NI Clinical Excellence Awards Committee	154	614	79	N/A	N/A	N/A
RQIA	945	465	675	N/A	N/A	433

# Refers to Director
* Not possible to provide information within the timeframe.
** Accounts for the Financial Years 2006/07 & 2007/08 contain an overall remuneration figure. There is no breakdown in relation to expenses.
*** Refers to Secretary
**** DHSSPS has not included Information for organisations which were in existence before RPA, as this would not be directly comparable and in the case of the Trusts would not be readily available.
^ Refers to Commissioner/Chief Commissioner

Lone Pensioner Allowance

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many Lone Pensioner Allowance awards have been made in this financial year to date, broken down by District Council area.

(AQW 5362/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: As of 28 February 2010, there are 25,709 current awards of Lone Pensioner Allowance (LPA). 6,061 of these are new awards of LPA in the period 01 April 2009 – 28 February 2010.

Land & Property Services administers 20,461 current LPA awards to home owners, including 4,556 new awards in the current financial year to date. A breakdown of the number of awards made in each district council area, and their value, is set out in Table 1.

Awards of LPA for ratepayers in the social and private rented sectors are made by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Executive has 5,248 current awards under the scheme, including 1,505 new awards in the current financial year. The Executive is able to supply details by district council but is not currently able to break down the value of the awards by council area. The NIHE figures are shown in Table 2.

Work is in hand to enable supply of values by district council, and LPS and NIHE plan to provide LPA figures on the web, on a quarterly basis, during 2010-11.

The structures of the LPS and NIHE ratepayer records mean that recording is to district council and not to Parliamentary constituencies.

Table 1

Land and Property Services awards of LPA

LPS awards by council area	No of current awards	Total value of current awards	No of new awards made 01/04/09 – 28/02/10	Total value of new awards made 01/04/09 – 28/02/10
Antrim	472	£78,276	107	£18,518
Ards	1070	£192,031	235	£47,881
Armagh	607	£98,312	149	£27,249
Ballymena	808	£138,416	184	£40,670
Ballymoney	290	£47,528	73	£14,126
Banbridge	398	£61,285	107	£18,980
Belfast	3667	£690,369	712	£140,911
Carrickfergus	550	£92,629	119	£24,446
Castlereagh	1391	£219,184	242	£42,982
Coleraine	847	£154,565	180	£37,549
Cookstown	229	£35,267	66	£11,765
Craigavon	773	£115,017	201	£30,204
Derry	717	£128,040	190	£39,325
Down	783	£144,315	201	£46,833
Dungannon & South Tyrone	386	£57,232	93	£15,706
Fermanagh	590	£84,250	121	£19,277
Larne	476	£66,437	112	£17,572
Limavady	218	£36,156	65	£12,046
Lisburn	1385	£235,796	303	£61,482
Magherafelt	267	£37,879	82	£12,688
Moyle	205	£37,485	59	£11,469
Newry & Mourne	702	£124,662	170	£36,767
Newtownabbey	1237	£186,948	297	£50,304
North Down	1727	£341,387	314	£73,806
Omagh	419	£63,768	105	£19,724
Strabane	247	£34,397	69	£10,083
TOTAL	20,461	£3,501,631	4,556	£882,363

Table 2

NIHE awards of LPA

NIHE awards by region	No of current awards
Antrim	136
Ards	270
Armagh	153
Ballymena	244
Ballymoney	75
Banbridge	141
Belfast	914
Carrickfergus	201
Castlereagh	285
Coleraine	222
Cookstown	55
Craigavon	271
Derry	198
Down	179
Dungannon & South Tyrone	87
Fermanagh	129
Larne	139
Limavady	52
Lisburn	407
Magherafelt	68
Moyle	51
Newry & Mourne	143
Newtownabbey	332
North Down	352
Omagh	87
Strabane	57
Total	5,248
Total value of current awards	£453,502

Departmental Posts

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what consideration he has given to posts within his Department that could be relocated or decentralised.

(AQW 5441/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: At present I have no firm plans for any relocation or decentralisation of posts within the Department of Finance & Personnel.

Staff Grievances by Civil Servants

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 4516/10, if it was normal practice, prior to the introduction of HR Connect, not to record the amount of compensation paid to staff who had their grievances upheld.

(AQW 5483/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Pursuant to AQW 4516/10, I can confirm that prior to HRConnect it was not normal practice to record the amount of compensation paid to staff who had their grievances upheld. I can also confirm that since 2007, when records of such payments were introduced through the HR Connect system, that no compensation was paid to staff who had a grievance upheld.

Staff Grievances by Civil Servants

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 4516/10, if it was normal practice for each Department's Personnel section to record all the details requested, prior to the introduction of HR Connect.

(AQW 5503/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Pursuant to AQW 4516/10, prior to the introduction of HRConnect the recording of the details requested varied throughout Departments. Due to differing recording methods in Departments, not all Personnel sections held all the details requested.

Staff Grievances by Civil Servants

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 4516/10, what other policies and procedures are in place to limit costly grievance procedures being taken by staff.

(AQW 5506/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: There are no other policies and procedures in place to limit costly grievances being taken by staff. The Northern Ireland Civil Service grievance policy complies with the statutory procedures. Within the grievance policy there are both informal and formal procedures to deal with the grievance in order to resolve at the earliest opportunity.

Pleural Plaques

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for an update on the progress of legislation to allow people with Pleural Plaques to claim compensation.

(AQW 5538/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: I have carefully considered the submissions made during DFP’s consultation exercise on pleural plaques and the developments in the other constituent jurisdictions of the UK post-consultation and will shortly be placing recommendations on the way forward in Northern Ireland before Executive colleagues.

Staff Grievances by Civil Servants

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 4516/10, if these figures show that no payments were made to staff who had a grievance upheld.

(AQW 5559/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Pursuant to AQW 4516/10, the figures show that from October 2007 when HRConnect was introduced, there were no payments made to staff who had a grievance upheld.

Equal Pay Agreement

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether Assembly staff will be entitled to avail of the Equal Pay agreement recently agreed between his Department and NIPSA.

(AQW 5563/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Employees of the Northern Ireland Civil Service seconded to the Assembly will be included in the terms of the equal pay settlement for the period that NICS determined their pay, provided all other eligibility criteria are met. Direct recruits to the Assembly are not included in the settlement as the NICS does not determine their pay.

Sub-contractors Employed on Public Procurement Projects

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what measures are in place to ensure that proper terms and conditions are offered to sub-contractors employed on public procurement projects.

(AQW 5565/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The NEC3 form of contract, adopted by Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) for all construction works and services contracts, complies fully with the ‘Achieving Excellence in Construction’ principles of collaboration, partnership and team working. It requires the main contractor to use NEC3 subcontracts, with terms that are consistent with the main contract, or to seek the prior approval of the Project Manager if other forms of subcontract are proposed.

CPD, the Centres of Procurement Expertise and the Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland have agreed further measures aimed at improving payment progress to subcontractors.

These actions, developed in response to the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland Procurement Task Group Report, mean that in new construction works contracts tendered after 1 March 2010:-

the main contractor will be required to comply with a revised ‘Code of Practice for Government Construction Clients and their Supply Chains’ which includes a ‘Fair Payment’ Charter;
payment to subcontractors will be a standing item on the agenda at project meetings;
the main contractor will provide a report to the Project Manager on payments made to subcontractors at each project meeting; and
the Project Manager will carry out periodic checks with subcontractors on the payment performance of the main contractor.

Supplies and services contracts also require main contractors to enter into subcontracts on the same terms and conditions as the main contract. CPD is currently considering if the approach taken in construction contracts would be practicable in supplies and services contracts.

Rate Relief

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many people aged 65 and over are currently in receipt of rate relief, broken down by religious background.

(AQW 5652/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: As of 15 March 2010, there were 7,184 people aged 65 and over, or with a partner aged 65 or over, in receipt of rate relief. My Department does not hold any records of claimants’ religious background.

Current and Capital Funding

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how much has been distributed during the in-year monitoring rounds in both current and capital funding since May 2007, broken down by Department.

(AQW 5656/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Additional funding distributed to departments through the in-year monitoring process, since May 2007 is summarised in the attached table.

This included funding in respect of the Secretary of State’s Priority Funding Packages in 2007-08, and Integrated Development Funding in all years.

Department	Current Expenditure	Capital Investment £ million
DARD	38.0	27.9
DCAL	8.1	10.0
DE	82.7	33.0
DEL	14.4	7.1
DETI	10.1	4.2
DFP	51.2	26.6
DHSSPS	65.3	14.7
DOE	24.2	8.5
DRD	150.3	169.3
DSD	105.9	185.4
OFMDFM	5.8
AOCC	0.1	0.0
NIA	3.1	3.4
NIAO	0.4	0.1
NIAUR		0.1
FSA ¹		0.0
Total	559.4	490.2

Lone Pensioner Rates Relief Allowance

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many successful applications have been made for the Lone Pensioner rates relief allowance from people living in the South Antrim constituency since it was introduced; and the total value of these awards.

(AQW 5684/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Land & Property Services administers (LPS) Lone Pensioners’ Allowance (LPA) for home owners. The structures of the LPS ratepayer records mean that recording is to District Council area and not to Parliamentary constituencies.

The significant district council areas within the South Antrim parliamentary constituency are Antrim and Newtownabbey, and a breakdown of the number of awards made to home owners in each district council area, and their value, is set out in the table below.

	No. of awards 2008/09	Value of awards 2008/09	No. of awards 2009/10	Value of awards 2009/10
Antrim	406	£59,798	472	£78,276
Newtownabbey	1,026	£145,406	1237	£186,948

Awards of LPA for ratepayers in the social and private rented sectors are made by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Executive is able to supply details of the number of applications by district council, for the current year only, but is not presently able to break down the value of the awards by council area. The Executive has made 5,248 LPA awards in 2009-10 with a value of £453,502, averaging £86 per award. There have been 136 awards made for the Antrim council area and 332 for the Newtownabbey council area in the 2009/10 to date.

Work is in hand to enable supply of values by district council, and LPS and NIHE plan to provide LPA figures on the web, on a quarterly basis, during 2010-11.

Staff Grievances by Civil Servants

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 4516/10, if he can confirm that no compensation was paid to any member of staff who had a grievance upheld during the period specified.

(AQW 5690/10)

2011 Census

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will include a question in the 2011 census inviting citizens to state their future constitutional preference.

(AQW 5700/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The proposed content of the 2011 Census has been developed through a detailed consultation and question testing process over recent years, which is now complete. The Census is designed to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the population rather than specific political opinion. Topics considered for inclusion have focussed on those that provide information essential for public service provision; and are required either for small geographic areas or small subgroups of the population. The content of the Census is also shaped by the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 763/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union that requires the provision of statistical information for small geographic areas across Europe.

Senior Civil Servants Pay

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he plans to freeze the pay of senior civil servants; and to outline the total expected savings this would generate annually.

(AQW 5717/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: I have not made any decisions yet on the 2010 pay award for senior civil servants. The savings that would be generated as a result of a pay freeze could only be estimated by comparison with what the pay award would otherwise have been. As no decision has been taken on an award for 2010, and no previously agreed pay award is in place, it is not possible to estimate the level of savings that would result from a pay freeze.

Deaths from Multiple Sclerosis

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel the number of deaths in each of the last three years in which Multiple Sclerosis was a contributory factor.

(AQW 5754/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The table below provides the registered number of deaths with a mention of multiple sclerosis¹ in Northern Ireland, 2006 to 2009 Quarter 1 – Quarter 3^P.

Registration Year	Deaths with mention of multiple sclerosis
2006	51
2007	51
2008	64
2009 Q1-Q3^P	45

¹Multiple sclerosis is defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD10) code G35. Deaths were included where multiple sclerosis was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate.

^P Provisional data.

Lone Pensioner Allowance

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many awards of Lone Pensioner Allowance have been made in the Lagan Valley Constituency; and the total value of these awards to date.

(AQW 5757/10)

The significant district council area within the Lagan Valley parliamentary constituency is Lisburn, and a breakdown of the number of awards made to home owners in Lisburn district council area, and their value, is set out in the table below.

	No. of awards 2008/09	Value of awards 2008/09	No. of awards 2009/10	Value of awards 2009/10
Lisburn	1,170	£179,822	1385	£235,796

Awards of LPA for ratepayers in the social and private rented sectors are made by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Executive is able to supply details of the number of applications by district council, for the current year only, but is not presently able to break down the value of the awards by council area. The Executive has made 5,248 LPA awards in 2009-10 with a value of £453,502, averaging £86 per award. There have been 407 awards made for the Lisburn council area in the 2009/10 to date.

Work is in hand to enable supply of values by district council, and LPS and NIHE plan to provide LPA figures on the web, on a quarterly basis, during 2010-11.

Belfast City Airport

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the economic benefits to Northern Ireland of Belfast City Airport.

(AQW 5871/10)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The provision of a modern and efficient transport network is critically important to regional economic growth. Clearly a competitive, efficient airport infrastructure is an important part of the wider local transport network.

There are a number of economic benefits associated with Belfast City Airport that are worth highlighting. In addition to obvious benefits such as reductions in commuting time, inter-airport fare competition and employment opportunities in East Belfast and beyond, the existence of George Best Belfast City Airport actively reinforces the image of Northern Ireland as an outward-looking region.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Out-of-Hours Services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the potential impact on mortality rates of a reduction in Out-of-Hours services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area.

(AQW 5393/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): I am advised that the proposed operational changes will have minimal impact for patients in terms of access to the out of hours service. Patients will continue to be seen within the timescales as set out in the Northern Ireland Quality Standards.

Out-of-Hours Services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) the projected impact that a reduction in Out-of-Hours services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust might have on emergency call-outs for the Ambulance Service; (ii) the projected savings that will be made by Western Urgent Care by reducing the Out-of-Hours service; and (iii) the projected cost to the Ambulance Service of this reduction.

(AQW 5394/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There will be no reduction in Out-of-Hours services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area. It is not envisaged that any of the proposed changes to the service will have any impact on emergency call-outs or costs relating to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

The Western HSC Trust has advised that projected savings from this proposal will be £500k in the 2010/11 year with equivalent full year savings of £600k thereafter.

It is the Trust’s expectation that patients will continue to be seen within the timescales set out in the NI Quality Standards. For urgent face to face consultations, this is within 1 hour, with less urgent being within 2 hours and routine being within 6 hours of initial triage.

Out-of-Hours Service, Limavady

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the impact on patient recovery of a minimum twenty minute waiting time under the Out-of-Hours service for a doctor to attend an emergency call-out in Limavady.

(AQW 5395/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: All Out of Hours service providers in Northern Ireland are required to provide the service within the context of the regionally agreed access target framework.

Whether applied in Limavady, or any other part of Northern Ireland, the access targets help underpin a safe, appropriately responsive and quality service being provided to patients. The response is based appropriately on patient need, and the degree of urgency.

2006 Caring for Carers Strategy

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if there are any plans to strengthen the 2006 Caring for Carers Strategy to ensure that statutory bodies have a mandatory requirement to meet the needs of young carers.

(AQW 5396/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: It is the policy of the Department to treat all children who are providing care as children first and carers second. Where children are under 16 and providing care, Trusts already have a statutory obligation to ensure their needs are assessed, and services provided, under the provisions of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

16 or 17 year olds may be assessed by Trusts, if requested to do so, either under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 or the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002.

My Department has allocated funding to put in place support services for young carers which includes services to improve young carers' access to and support in education, and also awareness raising for young carers about the specific conditions of the 'cared for' person in their family.

Waiting Times for Out-patient Appointments or Diagnostic Tests

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if any patients had to wait longer than the 9 week target set in 2009 for their first out-patient appointment or diagnostic test; and if any patients awaiting treatment had to wait longer than the targeted 13 week waiting period.

(AQW 5402/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of patients that waited longer than (i) 9 weeks for their first outpatient appointment; (ii) 9 weeks for a selected diagnostic test and (iii) 13 weeks for inpatient admission, at 31^st March 2009, was published in the Northern Ireland Waiting List Bulletin for March 2009, which can be found at the following link:

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-activity_stats-2/waiting_times/waiting_times-2.htm#waitinglist

In-patient Admissions

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many in-patient admissions there were per 1000 population in (i) 2006/07; (ii) 2007/08; and (iii) 2008-2009.

(AQW 5403/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of in-patient admissions per 1000 population during (i) 2006/07; (ii) 2007/08 and (iii) 2008/09 are detailed in the following table:-

Year	Inpatient Admissions per 1000 Population
2006/07	163
2007/08	168
2008/09	170

Source:- Hospital Inpatient System

Figures shown in the table exclude regular day/night admissions. The number of inpatient admissions relates to those patients admitted electively and as an emergency.

Note:- Deaths and discharges have been used to approximate admissions. These figures should not be used to denote individuals as a person may be admitted to hospital more than once in a year or across a number of years.

Health Service Staff

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) medical staff; (ii) dental staff; (iii) qualified midwives; (iv) qualified nurses; (v) professional and technical staff; (vi) social care staff; and (vii) administrative and clerical staff employed by the Health Service in (a) 2006; (b) 2007; (c) 2008 and (d) 2009.

(AQW 5407/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested can be found in the quarterly Key Facts Workforce Bulletin on the DHSSPS website at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/work_force/stats-research.htm

Funding for the Regional Care Advisors Post for Muscular Dystrophy

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration has been given to continued funding for the Regional Care Advisors post for Muscular Dystrophy.

(AQW 5411/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A business case for the recurrent funding of a Neuromuscular Care Advisor post has been developed by the Belfast Trust and is currently being considered by the Health and Social Care Board.

Out-of-Hours Services

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the other Health and Social Care Trusts are following the Western Trust in cutting their Out-of-Hours services by 40%.

(AQW 5412/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Out-of Hours services provided by Western Urgent Care are not being cut by 40%. There is a proposal to reduce the number of GPs from 5 to 3 GPs between midnight and 8.30am. However, a further 3 GPs will be on-call and a nurse will be employed to triage the calls during this period.

The other Out of Hours Services providers have no plans at this stage to reduce the level of service provided by them. However, they will continue to review their service delivery to ensure that resources are deployed in a most efficient and effective manner that meets the needs of the population they serve.

Out-patient Appointments

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many 'Did Not Attends' were recorded for out-patient appointments in the last financial year.

(AQW 5416/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of patients that did not attend their outpatient appointment in 2008/09 was published in Table 1.3a of the 2008/09 edition of Northern Ireland Hospital Statistics, which can be found at the following link:

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-activity_stats-2/hospital_statistics.htm

North-South body on Health

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much is spent annually by his Department on the North-South body on health.

(AQW 5417/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is available on the Food Safety Promotion Board’s website at www.safefood.eu/en/Publication/Corporate-publications.

Out-patient Clinics

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many out-patient clinics were cancelled in each of the last four months in each Health and Social Care Trust; and how many in total were cancelled in the last financial year.

(AQW 5418/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on outpatient cancellations is collected on an appointment, not clinic, basis.

Cost of Treating People from the Republic of Ireland

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the cost to the Health Service of treating people from the Republic of Ireland in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5419/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Please refer to my answer given in response to AQW 2433/10.

Funding for Muscular Dystrophy

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding his Department made available to tackle Muscular Dystrophy in the last financial year; and how much of this money is recurrent.

(AQW 5427/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information is not available in the format requested.

Muscular Dystrophy

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his Department's plans after May 2010 to support people who have Muscular Dystrophy.

(AQW 5428/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I remain committed to providing appropriate care for people affected by disability in Northern Ireland, including those affected by Muscular Dystrophy. They will continue to have access to services, which include: wheelchair provision, physiotherapy, residential and nursing care, domiciliary support, community nursing support, respite, occupational therapy and day support. Their carers are also offered a Carer’s Assessment to determine their needs. My Department is currently developing a disability strategy, which will include neuro-disability. The Strategy will complement existing strategies and partnerships to improve the health and well being of all people with a disability in Northern Ireland.

Regional Care Advisor for Muscular Dystrophy

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether his Department will support and fund a Regional Care Advisor for Muscular Dystrophy.

(AQW 5429/10)

Waiting Lists

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he intends to take to reduce the times patients spend on waiting lists.

(AQW 5430/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department has made excellent progress in reducing hospital waiting times since 2005. The deterioration in performance during 2009/10 is the result of a number of factors, the most significant of which was the uncertainty until recently around the financial position of the Health and Social Care sector in Northern Ireland. The fact that the health service is facing ever increasing demand for its services also has a substantial bearing on the delivery of the waiting times standards now and in the future.

The financial position for the remainder of the 2009/10 is now clear. Each Health and Social Care Trust is currently implementing action plans that seek to improve performance with respect to access times across the full range of specialities for the rest of 2009/10 and beyond.

Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what engagement his Department has had, or intends to have, with the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit.

(AQW 5431/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department has not engaged with the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit.

Departmental Posts

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration he has given to posts within his Department that could be relocated or decentralised.

(AQW 5442/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I have no plans for the relocation or decentralisation of posts within the Department.

Numbers of Practising General Practitioners

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of practising General Practitioners in each year since 2006, broken down by full-time and part-time practice.

(AQW 5443/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of General Practitioners in each year since 2006 is shown in the table below. Due to changes in the GMS contract in 2004 information is no longer collected on whole -time equivalent (WTE) status of GPs, therefore a breakdown of General Practitioners by full-time and part-time practice could not be provided.

Number of General Practioners in Northern Ireland, 2006 – 2009.

Date	Number of General Practitioners¹
October 2006	1,111²
October 2007	1,128
October 2008	1,148
October 2009	1,156

Source: Family Practitioner Services - HSC Business Services Organisation

Notes:

¹Headcount of unrestricted principals or equivalents, and salaried GPs are included. Other types of general practitioner, such as locums, assistants, and associates are not included.

²Revised from the previously published figure of 1,110.

Swine Flu Planning

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) when Health and Social Care Trusts were directed to prioritise swine flu planning over addressing waiting times; (ii) how this decision was arrived at; and (iii) to provide a copy of the directive, if available.

(AQW 5448/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department did not direct Health and Social Care Trusts to prioritise essential preparedness for Swine Flu over waiting list targets. Swine Flu preparedness planning laid particular emphasis on the maintenance of ‘business as usual’, alongside containing the outbreak, and making preparations for a severe surge.

The decisions taken by Trusts to defer further expenditure on waiting list initiatives arose from financial uncertainty. My Department’s bid for additional funds in June Monitoring had been rejected while demand was increasing across the service. At that stage, no funding was confirmed to meet projected Swine Flu costs despite guarantees as part of the budget settlement, nor was any indication made that my Department would receive the £20m first call on available resources that the Department had been previously guaranteed.

When, after five months of delay, funding was eventually confirmed by DFP in October, Trusts had already taken the decision to pause elective activity across the majority of the independent sector in order to ensure budgets were not exceeded. When funding was confirmed for Swine Flu, I was able to release my budget for waiting list activity. Contracts were brought back online as soon as possible, but the turn around time between the decision to reactivate these services and appointments for patients is typically six to eights weeks.

The majority of patients continue to receive their care within a reasonable timeframe and waiting lists are significantly better compared to the years of direct rule.

PSA 18 Targets in the Programme for Government

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on progress and outcomes in the delivery of PSA 18 targets in the Programme for Government in relation to (i) promoting independent living and a reduction in avoidable admissions to hospital; (ii) shorter waiting times for access to specialist drugs, specialist hospital services, and elective treatment; and (iii) improving outcomes and survival rates in key specialisms.

(AQW 5449/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The latest published update on progress and outcomes in the delivery of PSA 18 targets in the Programme for Government in relation to (i) promoting independent living and a reduction in avoidable admissions to hospital; (ii) shorter waiting times for access to specialist drugs, specialist hospital services, and elective treatment; and (iii) improving outcomes and survival rates in key specialisms, can be found at the following link:-

http://www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk/pfg_delivery_report_q4_08_09_-final_-__pdf_version-5.pdf

Allegations of Ill-treatment of Patients

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 4988/10, (i) how many of the allegations involve the 30 care companies contracted by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust; (ii) how many individual staff members this involved; and (iii) what action was taken against staff members where the allegations were upheld.

(AQW 5461/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:

(i) Two allegations of ill-treatment of patients involved staff from the list of 30 private care companies contracted by the Southern Health Care Trust to provide domiciliary care.

(ii) It is Trust policy not to comment on individual cases.

(iii) Disciplinary action against staff employed by the care company is a matter for that company.

Costs Incurred by the Use of Interpreters

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 4777/10, if there is an opportunity to recover some, or all, of the costs incurred by the use of interpreters from the European Union or the countries of origin involved.

(AQW 5473/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The need to have an interpreting service is underpinned by equality legislation and is about giving equal access to health services for all. Further, the equality legislation does not have any reference to costs or their recovery.

Therefore, I am not aware of any mechanism or opportunity to recover costs from the EU or other countries of origin.

Sign Language Communicators

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much has been spent on sign language communicators in each Health and Social Care Trust, in each of the last two years.

(AQW 5474/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I refer Mr Morrow to my response to AQW1877 in which this question is answered for 2007/08 and 2008/09.

Physiotherapists with Neuro-physiotherapy Training

Mr B Leonard asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what measures he will take to increase the number of physiotherapists with neuro-physiotherapy training and skills in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area, so that Multiple Sclerosis patients can receive appropriate, focused and ongoing treatment at a local level.

(AQW 5491/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department has recently established a short-term working group to examine the neuro-physiotherapy service in Northern Ireland, benchmark this against the current NICE guidelines, assess staffing levels and consider options for promoting neuro-physiotherapy amongst physiotherapists. All undergraduate physiotherapy students study neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, in the second and third years of their course and specialist development programmes are available post-qualification on neurological conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis Nurses

Mr B Leonard asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) when the Causeway Hospital will have a Multiple Sclerosis nurse in place; (ii) how many MS nurses are employed in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area; and (iii) how this number compares with the other Health Trusts.

(AQW 5493/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:

(i) There are no plans to have an MS specialist nurse based locally at Causeway hospital.

(ii) Northern Trust has a 0.5 WTE funded position which has become vacant recently and the Trust is currently in the process of recruitment. This post works in partnership with MS specialist nurses who provide an outreach service from the Belfast Trust for the Northern Trust area.

(iii) There are a total of 9.6 WTE Specialist Multiple Sclerosis Nurses in Northern Ireland.

In addition to the 0.5 WTE in the Northern Trust there are 7.3 WTE MS nurses based in Belfast Trust and provide a regional service to patients in Southern, South Eastern, Belfast and Northern Trust areas with 1WTE based permanently in Craigavon Hospital.

Western Trust also has 1.8 WTE nurses in post; one nurse covering the South and one in the North.

Diabetes

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people have been diagnosed with (i) type one; and (ii) type two diabetes in the Lagan Valley constituency in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5501/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not available centrally.

Swine Flu Vaccines

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many swine flu vaccines were distributed in North Down.

(AQW 5520/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information could only be supplied at disproportionate cost. All GP Practices across Northern Ireland can order swine flu vaccines as and when required.

Funding for Education, Training and Advocacy Organisations Representing Deaf and Blind People

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of mainstream funding made available for education, training and advocacy organisations representing (i) deaf people; and (ii) blind people, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5521/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

Emergency Ambulance Vehicles

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to detail the number of emergency ambulance vehicles (a) that are more than three years old; and (b) that have more than 100,000 miles registered; and (ii) to outline the policies in place to minimise the risk of breakdowns related to age and high mileage.

(AQW 5522/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) currently has 78 A&E ambulances which are over three years old all of which have a mileage of more than 100,000.

To minimise the risk of breakdowns, ambulance crews carry out a vehicle inspection at the start of each shift and report any defects; emergency ambulances are serviced in advance of manufacturer’s recommended intervals and are prioritised for replacement on the basis of age and mileage. Furthermore, NIAS's Fleet Strategy specifies that its A& E ambulances should be replaced after five years which is a standard widely used throughout the UK.

In addition, I have made available £17.4 million capital over the CSR period to modernise NIAS's fleet, estate, equipment and IT infrastructure. This investment will primarily be used to begin replacing NIAS’s fleet, allowing, among other things, around 20 A&E ambulances to be replaced annually.

Bonuses for Senior Staff

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) if he sought a 4% bonus from the Minister of Finance and Personnel for a senior member of staff in his Department in 2008/09; (ii) to provide details of the grade and function of the member of staff in question; and (iii) to detail any other bonuses he sought for other senior members of staff in 2008/09.

(AQW 5546/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I sought no bonuses for any senior members of staff in my Department in 2008/09.

Agenda for Change

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on Agenda for Change.

(AQW 5574/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Agenda for Change implementation process is being carried out in partnership between management and Trade Union representatives in HSC organisations. Latest reports show that over 71,000, or 99.8% of the AfC workforce, have been paid their AfC arrears. This leaves less than 1% of the current AfC workforce that have yet to be paid arrears due to them. In addition over 9,700 former staff have yet to receive their arrears. HSC organisations are making every effort to clear the backlog of arrears payments at the earliest possible date.

17%, or over 12,000, of the AfC workforce have submitted applications to have their grading reviewed and nearly 45% of these reviews have been processed. HSC organisations plan to have all the review applications processed by the end of September 2010.

Over 180 posts will require full job evaluation. HSC organisations are currently looking at job evaluation training for both management and Trade Union staff with a view to this process commencing once the review process has been complete.

Asbestos

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any findings of asbestos in buildings owned or managed by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in the last ten years.

(AQW 5590/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (NI) 2007, maintains Asbestos Registers for all properties in which asbestos has been identified.

These registers contain a vast amount of related data which would be impractical to detail in this answer.

Cardiac Surgeons

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cardiac surgeons practising cardiac bypasses were employed by the Belfast Health and Social Trust in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5592/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The requested information is provided in the table below.

Cardiac Consultant Surgeons employed by Belfast HSC Trust to carry out Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts (CABG)

Year	Headcount
2005	6
2006	7
2007	8
2008	8
2009	8

Source: Belfast Health & Social Care (HSC) Trust

Notes:

It is not possible to provide a whole-time equivalent figure as actual time spent practicing bypasses will vary according to workload.

Waiting Lists for Cardiac Bypasses

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many patients were on waiting lists for cardiac bypasses in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5593/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of patients on the inpatient waiting list for a cardiac bypass in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, at 31^st December, in each of the last three years¹, is shown in the table below.

Quarter Ending	No. of patients on waiting list for a cardiac bypass in BHSCT
31^st December 2009	248
31^st December 2008	209
31^st December 2007	206

Source: DHSSPS Inpatient Waiting Times Dataset

¹The Department commenced the collection of inpatient waiting time data at patient level in 2007/08.

Prior to this, the Department collected inpatient waiting time data on an aggregate data return that recorded patients waiting by specialty. It is not possible to identify the intended procedure for which a patient was awaiting admission prior to 2007/08.

Adoption of Children Bill

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the proposals for the adoption of children bill.

(AQW 5629/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I issued a draft paper to the Executive on 6 June 2009 seeking agreement to the development of an Adoption and Children Bill. To date responses to the draft paper have been received from nine Departments, with one response still outstanding from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). The Adoption and Children Bill is currently scheduled to be enacted in 2011; however the final timetable for the introduction of the Bill is dependent on Executive approval for the Bill as well as other legislative priorities. Until comments have been received from OFMDFM in relation to the draft Executive paper, I am unable to progress the development of a new Adoption and Children Bill any further.

Partnerships in Care UK

Rt Hon J Donaldson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much the Health Service has paid to Partnerships in Care UK for the provision of psychiatric or mental health care in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5722/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In 2009/10 Partnerships in Care UK were paid £548k for the provision of psychiatric care. No services were commissioned from the organisation in the previous 2 years.

Residential Care in the Moyle District Council Area

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will carry out a needs analysis on the future of residential care in the Moyle District Council area.

(AQW 5731/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A needs analysis of the dependency levels and the accommodation needs of older people in the Moyle area was carried out by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in November 2009.

Rathmoyle Nursing Home

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the needs analysis carried out on Rathmoyle Nursing Home did not take into consideration the future residential care needs.

(AQW 5765/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The needs assessment carried by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in the Moyle area took account of all the likely future social care needs of the older people in the area, including the future provision of residential care.

Partnerships in Health UK

Rt Hon J Donaldson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much it would cost the Health Service to provide the services currently delivered by Partnerships in Health UK for patients requiring psychiatric or mental health care.

(AQW 5766/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Partnerships in Health UK is providing specialist care for patients who need to be accommodated in a low secure setting. Currently there are no dedicated low secure units in Northern Ireland. My Department has established a working group to scope the need for local low secure facilities and the cost of providing these. The Group is expected to report its findings to the Department by the Summer of 2010.

Mephedrone

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many people have been treated in hospital for suspected consumption of mephedrone in the last 3 years; (ii) the age of the people treated; and (iii) what plans he has to work with the Minister of Education to roll out a proactive education campaign among young people and parents on the harmful effects of this drug.

(AQW 5785/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information is not available on the number of hospital admissions that could be related to the suspected consumption of mephedrone. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is likely to be recommending to the UK Government further action including probable legal controls on mephedrone when it meets on 29 March and we will reviewing our own position and response following that meeting. However, the Public Health Agency has already produced a fact sheet for parents and adults which has been made available to the Department of Education, with whom my Department works closely on a range of health-related behaviours including alcohol and drug misuse.

Belfast City Hospital Site

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what proposals he has received from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust about the potential rationalisation of services and/or facilities on the Belfast City Hospital site; and what discussions he has had with the Trust on this issue.

(AQW 5837/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Proposals for the rationalisation of services and/or facilities are made by Trusts in conjunction with the Health and Social Care Board based on need, priority and value for money.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 5272/10, if he has received a response from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in relation to the recommendations contained within the Department of Finance and Personnel's independent report; and to outline the deatils of that response.

(AQW 5883/10)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue (NIFRS) has provided its initial observations on the review report. These provide some observations and make a small number of suggestions. NIFRS has also provided comments on a number of the report’s recommendations, which I am currently considering.

DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Proposed A5 Road

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development what discussions he has had with (i) the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; and (ii) the Minister of the Environment, in relation to the environmental issues surrounding the proposed A5 road.

(AQW 5548/10)

Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): I have not had any formal meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development or the Minister of the Environment in relation to the environmental issues surrounding the proposed A5 road.

Proposed A5 Road

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development when the detail of the proposed A5 Road scheme was brought to the Executive; and if the proposal received approval from all other Ministers.

(AQW 5549/10)

Minister for Regional Development: Proposals for the A5 road scheme are contained in the Investment Strategy (ISNI) 2008 - 2018, which was agreed by the Executive and endorsed by the Assembly in January 2008.

The Strategy sets ‘Key Goals’ one of which highlights the upgrading of key transport corridors connecting major towns and cities to regional gateways, the Belfast metropolitan area and the Southern road network. These key goals are complemented by milestones, including one for the A5 dualling scheme, setting a target for completion within the lifetime of the strategy.

The Investment Delivery Plan (IDP) for Roads, which was published in April 2008, outlines the expanded major roads programme, including the A5 dualling. My Department’s Roads Service develops each scheme within the programme in accordance with established procedures, which do not require referral to the Executive or Assembly. Ministers will also have been kept informed of progress on the A5 scheme through papers presented to the North South Ministerial Council.

Road Conditions in Newry and Armagh

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of the condition of the roads in the Newry and Armagh constituency.

(AQW 5570/10)

Minister for Regional Development: The repeated freeze and thaw cycles experienced during the recent prolonged period of very cold weather, has had a serious impact on the condition of roads across the whole of the North, including roads in the Newry and Armagh constituency. Problems have included rapid surface and foundation deterioration and, on occasion, the complete stripping of bituminous layers. During this period, my Department’s Roads Service focused on providing its front line service, by keeping the gritted network operational, and dealing with the demands of the public. However, repair priorities were kept under review, as the impact of these conditions became evident.

All of the North’s roads are currently being inspected in accordance with Roads Service’s maintenance standards, and considerable effort has been made since the period of cold weather, by Roads Service and its contractors, to reduce the backlog of road surface defects.

It is a matter of record that the overall investment level for the structural maintenance of roads still falls significantly short of that recommended. However, I am satisfied that the limited resources available to maintain the road network in the North are fairly distributed, and that the Newry and Armagh constituency continues to receive a fair share of the available resources. Road Service’s structural maintenance funds are distributed on the basis of need, assessed with reference to road length, volume of defects and population.

Completion of the Armagh East Link and the West Link

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the timescale for completion of (i) the Armagh East Link; and (ii) the West Link.

(AQW 5572/10)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the proposed Armagh East Link is included within the schedule of schemes that could be started within the next ten years, subject to satisfactory economic and other appraisals, availability of funding and satisfactory progression through the Statutory Procedures.

The proposed Armagh North and West Link is included in Roads Service’s Preparation Pool which contains schemes that are expected to start within the next five years, subject to satisfactory completion of the necessary Statutory Procedures and the level of funding available at that time.

Upgrading of the Keady to Castleblaney Road

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the upgrading of the Keady to Castleblaney Road.

(AQW 5573/10)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that a number of improvement schemes have recently been completed on this stretch of the B3 from Keady, including:-

in July 2009, the provision of a right turning lane, along with associated works, at the junction with Derrynoose, at a cost in the region of £350,000; and
in January 2009, road safety improvements, including the provision of bend warning signage, high visibility chevrons and road studs, near Carnagh.

In addition, Roads Service has also advised of a planned realignment scheme at a bend near Murphy’s Corner, approximately a half a mile south of Keady. This scheme is being currently developed, but has not been programmed for completion.

Roads Service will continue to inspect this stretch of the B3 and note any actionable defects for repair in accordance with their maintenance guidelines.

Parking Spaces in the Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Borough Council Areas

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of (i) disabled; (ii) free; and (iii) pay and display parking spaces available in the (a) Larne Borough Council; (b) Carrickfergus Borough Council; and (c) Newtownabbey Borough Council areas, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5575/10)

Minister for Regional Development: Details of the number of disabled, free and pay-and-display (P&D) parking spaces available for use in my Department’s Roads Service off-street car parks, in each of the last five financial years, is provided in the table below:

OFF-STREET CAR PARKING SPACES
	LarneBorough Council			CarrickfergusBorough Council			NewtownabbeyBorough Council
	Disabled	Free	P&D	Disabled	Free	P&D	Disabled	Free	P&D
05/06	33	378	291	25	23	487	18	288	127
06/07	33	378	291	25	23	487	18	288	127
07/08	33	378	291	25	23	487	18	288	127
08/09	33	378	283	25	23	487	18	288	127
09/10	33	378	283	25	23	487	18	288	127

The number of disabled parking spaces includes both free and charged spaces and is additional to the figures in the ‘Free’ and ‘P&D’ columns.

With regard to on-street parking spaces within these Council areas, details of the number of on-street disabled parking bays, available in each of the last five financial years, is provided in the table below:

DISABLED ON-STREET PARKING SPACES
	LarneBorough Council	CarrickfergusBorough Council	NewtownabbeyBorough Council
05/06	26	12	14
06/07	30	15	14
07/08	33	18	15
08/09	37	19	18
09/10	39	19	18

The number of free on-street parking bays are not available. However, I can advise that free on-street parking is widely available to motorists whether or not parking bays have been specifically marked out, unless specific restrictions such as bus stops, loading bays or waiting restrictions have been provided. There are no on-street charged parking spaces in these Council areas.

Park$ing Tickets Issued by National Car Parks

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) how many parking tickets have been issued by the National Car Parks, since the start of their contract, to vehicles registered in (a) the Republic of Ireland; (b) Britain; (c) other EU countries; and (d) non-EU countries; and (ii) how many of these fines have been (a) paid; (b) not paid; and (c) repealed.

(AQW 5586/10)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that separate figures are only available in relation to Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued to vehicles registered in the South. Figures are not available in relation to PCNs issued to vehicles registered in Britain, other EU and non-EU countries.

My Department’s contract for the Operation of Parking and Enforcement Services with NSL Ltd (previously NCP), commenced in October 2006. The figures for southern registered vehicles, for the period 1 November 2006 to 28 February 2010, are detailed in the table below:-

	Southern registered vehicles
PCNs Issued	41,236
PCNs Paid	10,171
PCNs Unpaid	28,558
PCNs Cancelled	2,507

Enterprise Train Service

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development why a peak time hourly Enterprise train service between Belfast and Dublin is not in operation; and to provide an estimate of the costs of introducing such a service.

(AQW 5587/10)

Minister for Regional Development: An hourly Enterprise service is not available at peak times because the additional rolling stock required to run such services is not available. NI Railways have been in discussion with DRD and Iarnród Éireann about alternative rolling stock options to support an hourly frequency.

To provide hourly service frequencies, the Enterprise train fleet would need to be increased from 3 operational trains to 6 operational trains. The cost of the additional trains would be in the region of £40m and operating costs would be circa £5m per year, which could be partially offset by the increase in passenger revenue. These costs would be shared between Iarnród Éireann and NI Railways or passed to the respective departments in terms of increased Public Service Obligations. This is a significant budgetary issue.

NI Water

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps NI Water has taken to prevent its activities causing pollution; and for his assessment of the recent fine imposed on NI Water following an inspection on 8 December 2008.

(AQW 5589/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it is committed to addressing the legacy of underinvestment in wastewater installations and infrastructure that has proved a major contributing factor to the number of pollution incidents attributed to NIW. In developing its programme of capital delivery, NIW worked closely with the Environmental Regulators to prioritise projects to ensure maximum benefit is achieved. The upgrading of wastewater treatment works (WWTW) through the Capital Works Programme and Drainage Areas Plans will contribute to a future reduction in the number of pollution incidents. The Rural Wastewater Investment Programme, which targets small rural WWTWs for upgrade, is also being implemented across the North. These schemes have also been prioritised by the Environmental Regulator.

With regard to the sewerage system, NIW is installing monitors and alarms at high risk Combined Sewer Overflows and strategic sites to give early warnings of potential problems which will enable operators to take evasive action before an actual discharge occurs. The majority of pollution incidents in the sewerage system are due to blockages caused by the disposal of inappropriate materials such as nappies, baby wipes and sanitary items which the systems are not designed to deal with. NIW has initiated a "Bag it and Bin it" campaign to inform the public of the issues associated with inappropriate flushing of materials of this nature. The campaign includes NIW Education Officers engaging with schools, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries and community groups.

NIW is continually improving its overall response time to reported incidents. Internal training programmes have been implemented to increase staff awareness of all the issues associated with pollution incidents and to further improve the critical aspects of dealing with pollution incidents.

The fine of £2,000 was imposed on NIW in respect of a pollution incident in the River Lagan on 8 December 2008. The incident resulted from an overflow from a storm tank at Newtownbreda Wastewater Treatment Works. The level of the fine reflects NIW’s prompt response in dealing with the incident.

Damage to Roads

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Regional Development why, in light of the serious damage to roads caused by the cold weather in December and January, his Department did not bid for capital funding in the February monitoring round.

(AQW 5618/10)

Minister for Regional Development: The final monitoring round of the year was commissioned in February of this year, with an expected outcome in March. This round is normally to facilitate final adjustments to budgets and few bids are made or met, as by the time the outcome is known, Spring Supplementary Estimates have already been finalised. As part of any proposed bids, the Department must confirm that funds received will be spent by the end of the financial year, which given the timing of the outcome in March, left only weeks for any funds to be expended.

Roads Service did receive £15m of additional capital funding, at the outcome of the December round, which was announced in early January 2010. However, during the period from December to February, the North experienced some of the worst winter weather in decades. As a result, expenditure on maintenance schemes, including the additional £15m, has progressed much slower than expected.

Consequently, Roads Service and the Department considered that there was a substantial risk that a February bid, even if successful, could not be spent by the end of the financial year, therefore, Roads Service did not submit a bid in the February round. Roads Service will, however, continue to submit bids in the 2010/11 year, to seek funds to repair the damage done to the network by the recent bad weather and to address the significant shortfall in maintenance funding.

Plumbing Inspectors

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) what was the grade of plumbing inspectors in the Water Service; and (ii) what is the grade of plumbing inspectors in NI Water.

(AQW 5627/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that within Water Service the four Plumbing Inspectors were graded as industrial posts. Two were graded at Craft Grade A and two were graded at Class I. The grading of the posts did not change when NIW was established on 1 April 2007.

Traffic Calming Schemes in North Belfast

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the traffic calming schemes (i) implemented since May 2007; (ii) currently underway; and (iii) at the planning or consultation stage in the North Belfast constituency.

(AQW 5633/10)

Minister for Regional Development: Details of traffic calming schemes completed by my Department’s Roads Service in the North Belfast constituency since May 2007 are set out in the table below:

Traffic Calming Schemes implemented since May 2007
Name of Scheme	Streets included in scheme
Duncairn Gardens	Duncairn Gardens.
Lepper Street	Lepper Street, Spamount Street, Churchill Street, Dawson Street, Sheridan Street, Upper Meadow Street, Stratheden Street, Hallidays Road.
Alexandra Gardens	Alexandra Gardens
Bilston Road	Bilston Road, Tedburn Park, Glenbank Place, Leroy Street, Primrose Street.
Ballysillan Park	Ballysillan Park.
Jellicoe Avenue	Jellicoe Avenue.

Roads Service has advised that there are no traffic calming schemes underway at present.

Details of traffic calming schemes currently at the planning or consultation stage in the North Belfast constituency are set out in the table below:

Traffic Calming Schemes currently at the planning or consultation stage
Cambrai Street	Bowness Street
Crimea Street	Kilcoole Park
Snugville Street	Duncoole Park
Sydney Street West	Rosscoole Park
Geoffrey Street	Mountcoole Park
Danube Street	Brianville Park
Silvio Street	Slievedarragh Park
Keswick Street	Slievetoye Park

I would remind the Member that information on completed and proposed roads schemes can be found in 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

NI Water

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development how many complaints NI Water has received from business customers in the last five years, broken down by the nature of the complaint.

(AQW 5638/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it only holds total records of complaints prior to October 2007 and is unable to provide the breakdown of information for business customers sought prior to that date. The table below therefore shows a total of 21,966 complaints (telephone and written) received from October 2007 to 18 March 2010 and includes a breakdown of the nature of these complaints.

Nature of Complaint	2007 (from October)	2008	2009	2010 (to 18 March)
Billing	141	144	34	5
Customer Service	617	932	350	54
Operational	310	389	77	11
Sewerage	622	1,525	1,758	445
Water	1,337	3,543	5,664	2,994
Other	770	185	51	8
Total	3,797	6,718	7,934	3,517

Enterprise Railway Service

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 4974/10, to detail (i) the number of journeys made on the Enterprise Railway service; and (ii) the amount of revenue generated, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5639/10)

Minister for Regional Development: Translink have provided the following passenger number and revenue information. Please note that data for 2009/10 is only available up to and including period 11.

Year	Passenger Journeys (‘000)	Revenue (£’m)
2005/06	820	5.5
2006/07	862	6.2
2007/08	883	6.5
2008/09	834	6.6
Periods 1-11 2009/10	637*	4.4

(* Iarnród Éireann settlements estimated)

Note the revenue figures are not comparable with previous years as a discounted fare scheme has run since November 2009 and because of Malahide bridge collapse.

Potholes

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development how many potholes have been repaired from January 2010 to date; and how does this compare to the same period in each of the last three years.

(AQW 5640/10)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it does not maintain figures solely in relation to the number of potholes either recorded or repaired. However, the table below provides details of the total number of surface defects recorded during the first two months of this year, as well as comparable figures for the first two months in each of the previous three years.

	1 January – 28 February 2007	1 January – 29 February 2008	1 January – 28 February 2009	1 January – 28 February 2010
Number ofdefects recorded¹	26744	26600	37694	45523

1. Total number of recorded surface defects (including potholes) in the carriageway, hard shoulder and lay-bys.

EU Structural Funds

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to which areas of funding from the EU Structural Funds can his Department apply.

(AQW 5641/10)

Minister for Regional Development: Applications for EU Structural Funds can be made by my Department through the European Territorial Cooperation Programme (INTERREG IV).

There are three main strands under INTERREG IV: Cross-border cooperation; Trans-national cooperation; and Interregional cooperation. My Department can make an application for funding under all of these strands subject to projects meeting the set criteria.

Water and Sewerage Infrastructure in Lagan Valley

Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans NI Water has for water and sewerage infrastructure in the Lagan Valley constituency, in each of the next three years.

(AQW 5648/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that it is currently reviewing its capital investment plans following the final determination of its business plan proposals for the three years ending 31 March 2013 by the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.

It is therefore not in a position at this time to provide final details of plans for water and sewerage projects in the Lagan Valley constituency, but an investment of around £18 million is anticipated during 2010/11.

This investment will include the continuation of projects such as Crewhill Service Reservoir, Hook’s Corner Wastewater Treatment Works and Maghaberry Flood Alleviation and the commencement of new projects such as Dunmurry Wastewater Treatment Works and watermain network improvements in the Fofanny/Banbridge area.

CO 71 Contract Services Tender

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development how many respondents fulfilled the staff criteria for the CO 71 contract services tender.

(AQW 5661/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the four contractors who submitted bids for tender C071 indicated in their bid how they would meet the evaluation criteria against which the award of contract was made. This included the provision of adequate numbers of temporary technicians to properly resource the contract to meet NIW’s needs.

CO 71 Contract Services Tender

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of responses that NI Water received for the CO 71 contract services tender; and, of those who responded, to list those companies based (i) in Northern Ireland; and (ii) outside Northern Ireland.

(AQW 5662/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that four bids were received for tender C071 by the designated closing date and time. The bids were from the following companies based here-

Graham Facilities Management

S O'Connor

TES Limited

Williams Industrial

Plumbing Inspector

Mr A Bresland asked Minister for Regional Development if the post of Plumbing Inspector has been upgraded since the inception of NI Water, and if so, to detail (i) the reasons for this upgrade; and (ii) the costs involved.

(AQW 5665/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the post of Plumbing Inspector has not been upgraded since the inception of NIW.

Non-domestic Water Charges

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development why community buildings used only by non-profit making community groups are subject to non-domestic water charges.

(AQW 5680/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that all properties not used exclusively for domestic purposes are subject to water and sewerage charges, and trade effluent charges where applicable. Community buildings are classed as non-domestic in the same way as charities and other non-profit organisations such as churches and schools.

Enterprise Railway Service

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development how much revenue has been generated from the sale of food, drink and other sundries on the Enterprise railway service in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5683/10)

Minister for Regional Development: Translink has advised me that it does not generate revenue from the sale of food, drink and other sundries on Enterprise services. Instead Translink has a tendered contract for the supply of such services.

Details of revenue generated are considered as commercially sensitive information to the company delivering the contract.

Enterprise Railway Service

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the exchange rate between pounds sterling and the euro currently used on the Enterprise railway service; and (ii) how this rate is calculated.

(AQW 5685/10)

Minister for Regional Development: NI Railways uses a rate of exchange of £1 = €1.15 for those passengers tendering Euro to purchase their tickets. The current exchange rate has been in place since May 2009.

Practice is to conduct sales in the currency of the country of jurisdiction. Passengers have the facility of changing currency at Central Station, as well as the facility of paying by credit card. Under existing arrangements both rail companies share, partly, in overall revenue generated. For this reason it is considered important to maintain stability in pricing.

Removing Dead Animals from Roads

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development who is responsible for removing dead animals from (i) rural roads; (ii) urban roads; and (iii) motorways and carriageways.

(AQW 5687/10)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service is responsible for clearing animal carcasses from the motorway network. In the case of all other roads, responsibility for this task lies with district councils.

NI Water

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the possible (i) implications; and (ii) costs to NI Water and the tax-payer of NI Water's awarding of contracts by single tender actions.

(AQW 5688/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it is currently working through the findings of the Independent Review Team’s review of procurement governance. It will assess the nature and extent of the issues and prepare a detailed programme of work to ensure that any control weaknesses are addressed as a matter of urgency. Until this work is complete, NIW will not be in a position to comment on the possible implications or the costs involved of awarding contracts by single tender action.

NI Water Board Members

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a breakdown of payments made to the four NI Water Board members, recently dismissed, including (i) salary; (ii) bonuses; (iii) expenses; and (iv) any other payments, for the entirety of their time with NI Water.

(AQW 5689/10)

Minister for Regional Development: Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has provided details of the fees and expenses paid to the four non-executive NIW Board members for the entirety of their time with NIW and these are set out in the table below. None of these non-executive Board members received any bonus or other payments during their time with NIW.

	Fees	Expenses	Fees	Expenses	Fees	Expenses
	2007/08		2008/09		2009/10
Christopher Mellor	£70,500	£2,600	£159,000*	£23,419*	£87,882*	£15,829*
Ruth Thompson	£26,167	£1,145	£24,750	£5,270	£20,250	£3,450
John Ballard	£30,375	£1,459	£24,000	£9,187	£20,250	£5,713
Declan Gormley	£0	£0	£12,000	£1,167	£21,750	£886

* These fees and expenses figures reflect the fact that for part of 2008/09 and part of 2009/10 the NIW Chairman had undertaken a joint role as Chairman and Chief Executive within NIW.

Bonuses Paid to the Executive Directors of NI Water

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development, following his statement on 15 March 2010 in relation to NI Water (i) whether the bonuses paid to the Executive Directors of NI Water (a) were paid as part of their contract; (b) were contractual obligations; and (c) were in line with wider civil service pay policy; and (ii) if his Department had any discretion in approving the bonuses.

(AQW 5790/10)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that, in relation to (i) (a) & (b), under the Executive Directors’ terms and conditions of employment, there is the potential for discretionary bonus payments, however these are not contractual obligations. I can confirm that the bonuses paid for 2008/09 were (c) in line with the 2008 NI Civil Service Pay Strategy as advised by the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP); and (ii) my Department had discretion in approving the bonuses and was required to seek DFP approval, which it did.

Translink Website

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister for Regional Development if Translink has plans to improve its website.

(AQW 5808/10)

Minister for Regional Development: A project to redesign and upgrade the Translink website is nearing completion and the new website should be launched within the coming weeks.

DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Village Redevelopment Area of South Belfast

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties (i) that have been blocked up: and (ii) that are due to be blocked up as a result of the Advance Purchase Scheme in the Village redevelopment area of south Belfast.

(AQW 5406/10)

Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): To date, 129 properties have been acquired in the Village area by the Housing Executive under the Advance Purchase Scheme and work has been undertaken on each to make them secure. A further 12 applications are currently being considered and will also be secured upon completion.

Village Redevelopment Area of South Belfast

Ms A Lo asked e Minister for Social Development to detail the total cost to date of blocking up properties, including the cost of advance purchases, home loss and disturbance payments, in the Village redevelopment area of south Belfast.

(AQW 5409/10)

Minister for Social Development: To date the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has acquired 129 properties in the Village through the Advance Purchase Scheme. The cost of acquiring these properties was £15,852,500. The cost of Home Loss payments in respect of these properties was £1,585,250 and disturbance payments totalling £158,630 have been made.

The cost of securing these properties has been approximately based on an average cost of £500 to secure each property.

Village Area of South Belfast

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development how many houses in the Village area of south Belfast are over 100 years old; and how many of these are in the redevelopment area.

(AQW 5410/10)

Minister for Social Development: All 1312 properties within the Village Urban Renewal Area were constructed between 1900 and 1910 or during the inter war period.

The Housing Executive is currently undertaking an analysis of these dwellings and expects this information will be available in the coming weeks.

Village Redevelopment Area of South Belfast

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development what help is available to people with mortgages and/or home improvement loans in the Village redevelopment area of south Belfast following the vesting of their homes.

(AQW 5413/10)

Minister for Social Development: Compensation equivalent to market value, home loss and disturbance payments will be available for those who own homes in the Village which have to be acquired to make way for redevelopment activity.

Eligibility will vary depending on the precise circumstances of each applicant and the Housing Executive will be happy to discuss those with all interested parties directly.

In addition I will shortly publish new proposals designed specifically to support owner occupiers living in redevelopment areas remain in their community after redevelopment has taken place.

Village Redevelopment Area of South Belfast

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development if she will consider free or 'peppercorn' rent for residents living in the Village redevelopment area of south Belfast to encourage them to stay in the area.

(AQW 5415/10)

Minister for Social Development: At the operative date of vesting, all occupiers of privately owned dwellings in the Village redevelopment area of south Belfast will become Housing Executive tenants and liable to pay rent, albeit a substantially reduced amount of rent.

Rents will be assessed based on the rent point system operated by the Housing Executive and when assessed will be reduced to just one third of that figure to take account of the circumstances under which the Housing Executive acquired the home.

Relocation and Decentralisation of Jobs

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development what consideration she has given to posts within her Department that could be relocated or decentralised.

(AQW 5439/10)

Minister for Social Development: My Department is already well dispersed to locations outside Belfast. Some 2,800 DSD staff are already located outside Belfast.

In November 2008, as part of the exercise associated with the Bain report, I gave consideration to which posts might be relocated outside the Belfast area and I again commissioned a further exercise to be carried out in October 2009. Both exercises concluded that there are significant constraints at both operational and financial level to relocating existing posts. I will however keep the position under review. I am committed to ensuring that every opportunity is taken, where possible, to locate new jobs outside of the Belfast area and it is my intention to locate the new Charities Commission, which is a non-departmental public body, in a location outside of the Belfast.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what mechanisms are in place to ensure an appropriate standard of workmanship in individual cases of work carried out under a Disabled Facilities Grant.

(AQW 5444/10)

Minister for Social Development: Where the approved cost of grant works exceeds £5000, the Housing Executive sets a condition that the applicant must use a builder who is a member of one of the following recognised Warranted Builders Schemes:-

- Building Guarantee Scheme (BGS)

- Contractors Insurance Guarantee Services (CIGS)

- Construction Insurance Direct (CID)

- Contractors Register Ltd (CRL)

- National Register of Warranted Builders (NRWB)

Where the cost of works is under £5000, payment is usually only made when the Housing Executive and the Occupational Therapist confirm that the work has been completed to their satisfaction. The Housing Executive also recommends that applicants should retain their own surveyor to ensure works are carried out to a satisfactory standard.

Disabled Facilities Grant Scheme

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development on how many occasions has work carried out by contractors, under the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme, not been approved by her Department in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5445/10)

Minister for Social Development: There were two instances in the last five years, both in 2005/2006, where work carried out by contractors under the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme was not approved by the Housing Executive.

Disabled Facilities Grants

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development how many contractors have been removed from departmental lists of approved contractors as a result of sub-standard work carried out under Disabled Facilities Grants.

(AQW 5446/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive does not hold a list of contractors for private sector grants work.

Village Redevelopment Area of South Belfast

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development if she will consider increasing the home loss payments for home owners in the Village redevelopment area of south Belfast who feel that they are being forced to sell their homes to the Housing Executive during a recession.

(AQW 5453/10)

Minister for Social Development: Compensation equivalent to 10% of the market value of the property being acquired is payable to owner occupiers who qualify for this Home Loss payment. The 10% payable is subject to a minimum payment of £4,500 and a maximum of £45,000.

For other non owner occupiers, a flat rate disturbance payment of £4,500 is payable.

These limits are determined by the provisions of the Land Acquisition & Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 Part 1V, Articles 30 & 31 and there are no plans at this stage to change that legislation.

Ex-military Houses

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development if her Department has purchased any ex-military houses, other than Pond Park in Lisburn, in this financial year.

(AQW 5476/10)

Minister for Social Development: No ex-Ministry of Defence properties have been purchased for social housing during this financial year (1 April 2009 – 31 March 2010).

Fold Housing Association is currently in negotiations to acquire 47 existing properties at St Patricks Barracks, Ballymena for social housing.

Subject to acquisition, it is anticipated that Fold will commence refurbishment work early in the 2010/11 financial year with a view to making the properties available to tenants later that same year.

Regional Private Rent Deposit Scheme

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the Regional Private Rent Deposit Scheme.

(AQW 5481/10)

Minister for Social Development: There is currently no private rent deposit scheme in Northern Ireland. However, last year I consulted on a range of proposals for the private rented sector and in order to address the difficulties which surround the return of tenants’ deposits I intend to introduce a rent deposit scheme. This scheme will safeguard tenants’ deposits and allow for any disputes to be dealt with speedily and independently. I intend to bring forward the necessary enabling legislation at the first availability opportunity.

Partner Landlord Scheme

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the progress made between the Hosing Executive and private landlords on the Partner Landlord Scheme.

(AQW 5485/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive has introduced a Partner Landlord Scheme initially in the Newry District. The key elements of this web-based Scheme are:-

- Landlords will agree to let properties at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates and at an acceptable standard.

- A website facility will be made available for:-

- Landlords to advertise properties; and

- Applicants to view and make contact with the relevant Landlords

- Applicants taking up any such tenancies agree to come off the social housing waiting list and any homeless duty under the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order, 1988, will be deemed to have been met in full.

- Landlords providing tenancies to waiting list applicants will be offered a rent guarantee equivalent to one months rent in lieu of deposit.

- Landlords agree to let such properties for a minimum two year leasing period.

The pilot scheme is being implemented on a phased basis during March and April and it is the Housing Executive’s intention to roll out the initiative across all their District Offices upon evaluation of the pilot.

Housing Legislation

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development what arrangements are in place to ensure landlords comply with relevant housing legislation.

(AQW 5486/10)

Minister for Social Development: Under the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Rent (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 local Councils have enforcement powers where landlords are in breach of the law. Such breaches attract fines imposed by the Courts. Where appropriate rent control may be applied. My answer to your question about fitness standards in the private rented sector provides further details. (AQW 5561/10)

Housing Community Network

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development how many rural groups involved in the Housing Community Network in the Coleraine Borough Council area have taken the opportunity to develop and understand media literacy and avail of the digital inclusion training through the Housing Executive.

(AQW 5504/10)

Minister for Social Development: There are five rural community groups in the Housing Community Network in the Coleraine area; four of these have received the facility of a mini website and appropriate training through the Housing Executive’s Digital Inclusion Initiative.

Warden Service in the Limavady and Coleraine Borough Council Areas

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions the Housing Executive has had with (i) Limavady Borough Council; and (ii) Coleraine Borough Council concerning the provision of a warden service in their rural estates and surrounding areas.

(AQW 5505/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive is currently working in partnership with Limavady Borough Council and other stakeholders to provide a Night time Warden Service. The wardens work mainly at the weekends in estates identified by the PSNI as having the highest need. The Warden Service is monitored by the Steering Group consisting of the stakeholders and if a need is determined by PSNI or any other stakeholder for other areas including rural areas, the wardens can be redeployed as required. The Housing Executive has not had any discussions with Coleraine Borough Council regarding the provision of a warden service in rural areas or estates. There is currently one Estate Warden employed in the Coleraine District, originally to deal with the Ballysally Estate, but their duties have been widened to take in some other estates in Coleraine and Portrush.

Registered Charity

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the procedure for a charity to become registered under the new legislation; and what criteria must be met to become a registered charity.

(AQW 5527/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 requires that every institution, which is a charity under the law of Northern Ireland, must be registered in the register of charities which will be kept by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

In order to comply with the Charity Test, an organisation must have one or more charitable purposes as outlined in Section 2 (2) of the Act. In addition, the Charity Commission must be satisfied that the body meets the public benefit test.

The Charity Commission is currently developing an online register together with advice and guidance notes. Hard copy forms will also be available for completion.

Subject to the necessary enabling legislation being passed in Westminster, it is intended that HM Revenue and Customs will transfer the records they hold for charities who have sought tax relief status, to the Charity Commission. This database will be used to contact those bodies and invite them to complete registration details. For bodies that have not sought charitable tax reliefs with HM Revenue and Customs and are therefore not on the list, the Charity Commission will work with network bodies, use advertising and promotion and other available databases to invite all charities to register.

Registration is likely to start from May 2010 on a phased basis, starting with organisations with a gross income of over £500k and working in subsequent phases to register charities in the bands £101k to £500k and finally those with income of £100k or less.

It is appreciated that it may take some time for all charities here to become aware of their responsibility to register and how to do so. The target would be to have the majority of charities on the register by the end of 2010.

It should be noted that under the new Charities Act it is a legal obligation for all charities to register without exception.

Masterplan for the Harbour Area

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions she has had with the Belfast Harbour Commission regarding (i) plans to provide social housing; and (ii) her Department's draft Masterplan for the harbour area.

(AQW 5534/10)

Minister for Social Development: Officials from my Department and the Housing Executive have met with Belfast Harbour Commission to discuss both the issue of social housing and the draft masterplan for the Harbour area.

In September 2009, Housing Executive staff met with representatives of the consultancy team commissioned by Belfast Harbour Commission to undertake the City Quays Master Planning exercise.

It is the Housing Executive’s view that mixed tenure housing as indicated on the concept layout could be supported as an integral part of the mixed use draft development plan.

Officials from my Department have also met with the Chief Executive and Commercial Director of Belfast Harbour Commission to discuss the emerging draft masterplan for the Greater Clarendon (Sailorstown) area.

Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development if she, or her Department, has had any discussions with (i) the Minister of the Environment; and (ii) the Planning Service, regarding the change in the zone definition for social housing in Nelson Street that occurred in the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

(AQW 5535/10)

Minister for Social Development: There has been no change in the zone definition for social housing in Nelson Street as outlined in the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she has had any discussions with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation to enable the plumbing sector to take advantage of any boiler scrappage scheme.

(AQW 5544/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Director of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation wrote to Arlene Foster MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment about the boiler scrappage scheme. As my Department is responsible for domestic energy efficiency the letter was passed to me for reply.

Officials replied to the Director of SNIPEF saying that the boiler scrappage scheme announced by the Chancellor in his Pre-Budget Report would not apply in Northern Ireland.

State Pension Increase

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions she has had with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to ensure that the state pension increase is not subject to tax that would negate any monetry advantage of the pension increase.

(AQW 5545/10)

Minister for Social Development: Taxation is an excepted matter under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. I have had no discussions with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in relation to the taxation of the increase in the State Pension.

However no pensioner whose sole income is State Pension or State Pension Credit will be liable for income tax on the increase in their pension.

Co-ownership Scheme

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development how many applications were made to the Co-ownership scheme; and how many homes have been purchased through the scheme, in the 2009/10 financial year.

(AQW 5560/10)

Minister for Social Development: In the period 1 April 2009 to 11 March 2010, a total of 1051 applications were received by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association and 441 homes were purchased through the Co-Ownership scheme.

Private Rented Accommodation

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development what her Department is doing to address the problem of private rented accommodation which is unfit to live in.

(AQW 5561/10)

Minister for Social Development: Under the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 any property built before 1945 with a tenancy commencing after April 2007, must have a fitness certificate (unless exempt). Those properties that do not have fitness certificates are subject to rent control. This means the landlord is prevented from charging a market rent until the property is made fit.

Sub-contractors Employed on Social Housing Building Projects

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development what measures are in place to ensure that proper terms and conditions are offered to sub-contractors employed on social housing building projects.

(AQW 5564/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Procurement Strategy for the Social Housing Development Programme will ensure that the procurement of social housing will embrace construction procurement best practice including the recent proposals of the Construction Industry Forum (CIFNI) Procurement Task Group Report Addendum. It is anticipated that these proposals will be fully effective within the social housing sector later this year.

Flats at Rathmullan Drive in the Scrabo Estate, Newtownards

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development what plans there are to develop the block of flats at Rathmullan Drive in the Scrabo Estate, Newtownards; and what is the timescale for any redevelopment.

(AQW 5566/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive has prepared an Economic Appraisal outlining a number of options regarding the future of these flats. That Appraisal is now undergoing technical assessment within my Department and subject to the findings of that assessment; I expect to be able to make an announcement in the coming weeks.

Replacement Kitchens in East Londonderry

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development how many replacement kitchens the Housing Executive has fitted in the East Londonderry constituency in the 2009/10 financial year.

(AQW 5604/10)

Minister for Social Development: The information is not available in the format requested. However, the Housing Executive replaced 103 kitchens in its Coleraine and Limavady District Office areas in 2009/10.

Multi-element Scheme for Woodend Park in Articlave, Coleraine

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development when a full Multi-element Scheme will be in place for Woodend Park in Articlave, Coleraine.

(AQW 5605/10)

Minister for Social Development: As the budget has not yet been agreed for 2010/11, there are as yet no Multi Element Improvement schemes planned in 2010/11.

Rental Agreements

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development if her Department offers any guidance and advice to landlords and private tenants on their rental agreements.

(AQW 5606/10)

Minister for Social Development: My Department’s website contains a large amount of guidance and advice for landlords and private tenants, including a model tenancy agreement, a Statement of Tenancy Terms and a template for a rent book. This information is supplemented by practical guides for private landlords and tenants which have been made widely available. In addition my officials, in conjunction with local councils, have also recently been delivering awareness sessions for private landlords as part of my strategy for the private rented sector. Further awareness sessions are planned.

Housing Executive Properties: Heating

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister for Social Development (i) how many Housing Executive properties, still reliant on (a) Economy 7; and (b) basic electricity, have natural gas potentially available within their locality, broken down by Housing Executive area; (ii) what the average cost per dwelling is of installing natural gas; and (iii) if she is aware of the savings tenants could make a result of switching to gas.

(AQW 5611/10)

Minister for Social Development: It is difficult to be specific about the precise locations where natural gas is available or will become available. There may also be some dwellings in areas where gas is available but which are outside the main District town and so may not be on the gas network. However, in relation to (i) the table below shows the number of Housing Executive properties which still have Economy 7, basic electricity heating, by Housing Executive District Office area, and whether natural gas is available.

Housing Executive District Office Area	*Economy 7/ basic electricity heating	Natural Gas available? (Yes / No)
West Belfast	471	Yes
East Belfast	473	Yes
South Belfast	390	Yes
North Belfast	859	Yes
Shankill	302	Yes
Ballymena	512	Yes
Antrim	278	Yes
Newtownabbey 1	439	Yes
Newtownabbey 2	292	Yes
Carrickfergus	154	Yes
Larne	255	Yes
Ballycastle	11	No
Ballymoney	91	Yes
Coleraine	523	Yes
Banbridge	96	Yes
Newry	264	Yes
Armagh	195	Yes
Lurgan Brownlow	541	Yes
Portadown	315	Yes
Dungannon	109	No
Fermanagh	140	No
Bangor	559	Yes
Newtownards	440	Yes
Castlereagh	1077	Yes
Lisburn Antrim	634	Yes
Lisburn Dairyfarm	34	Yes
Downpatrick	339	No
Waterloo Place	226	Yes
Waterside	216	Yes
Collon Terrace	312	Yes
Limavady	145	Yes
Magherafelt	53	No
Strabane	17	No
Omagh	84	No
Cookstown	57	No

In relation to (ii) the average cost of installing gas in Housing Executive properties that previously had Economy 7 basic electricity is £5,204. In relation to (iii) the average cost saving for a property moving from Economy 7 basic electricity to natural gas is £193 per year.

Note

* There is no difference between Economy 7 and basic electricity heating other than the size of the system as basic electricity is a smaller form of the standard Economy 7 heating system.

Housing Executive Properties: Heating

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the enviromental benefits of Housing Executive properties, still reliant on (i) Economy 7; and (ii) basic electricity for heating, switching their fuel source to natural gas; and how any carbon emission savings from such a switch could be quantified.

(AQW 5612/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive’s heating replacement scheme aim is to switch from inefficient fuels like solid fuel and electricity to systems such as natural gas and oil which provide the following environmental benefits:

- they are more energy efficient; and

- are less polluting.

The typical carbon savings for a Housing Executive property switching from Economy 7 to natural gas is 2119kgCO2/year per property. This is an average figure collated over the last three years based on data using Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedures (RdSAP) which is used to calculate energy usages on the Energy Performance Certificates.

Carers Allowance

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many people in the East Antrim constituency have correctly claimed carers allowance in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5613/10)

Minister for Social Development: The table below details how many people in the East Antrim constituency have successfully claimed Carers Allowance in each of the last five calendar years.

Year	Number of Successful Carers Allowance Claims
2005	407
2006	332
2007	424
2008	466
2009	404

Small Pockets of Deprivation Programme

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development what funding will be available for East Antrim under the Small Pockets of Deprivation programme in the 2010 / 2011 financial year.

(AQW 5614/10)

Minister for Social Development: There are two groups eligible to apply for SPOD funding in the East Antrim constituency, these are; the Carrickfergus Community Forum and Bawnmore and District Residents’ Association. The NIHE, on behalf of DSD has met with representatives of the Carrickfergus group who will be submitting an application before 31 March 2010; and are likely to be awarded salary and running costs. A meeting has also taken place with the Bawnmore group on 15 March 2010 and they are currently being assisted with the preparation of an application for running costs only. Upon receipt of the formal applications a decision will be taken on the level of funding to be awarded to each group.

Boiler Scrappage Scheme

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development if any money has been allocated from central Government for a proposed boiler scrappage scheme.

(AQW 5622/10)

Minister for Social Development: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced funding for a Greener Boiler Incentive in England during his 2009 Pre-Budget Report (PBR) statement on 9 December 2009.

Although the majority of the funding for this scheme came from a reprioritisation of the existing budget allocation for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, an additional allocation of £20 million was made to the department as part of the PBR.

As a consequence of this decision, the Northern Ireland Executive received £0.7 million in additional capital funding for 2010-11, through the Barnett formula.

However, any and all allocations received from the Barnett Formula are available to the Executive to spend in correspondence with local needs and priorities.

As part of the Review of 2010-11 Spending Plans, the Executive has proposed that all the additional Barnett consequentials from the 2009 PBR are used to offset the spending pressures for 2010-11.

Sale of Land

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how much land her Department aims to sell in the 2010/11 financial year.

(AQW 5624/10)

Minister for Social Development: The scope to sell land falls to the Urban Regeneration Group of the Department. There is a budget requirement to achieve £13 million in capital receipts in 2010-11 and the Urban Group intends disposing of land to achieve this target.

Benefit Entitlements

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of her Department's efforts to ensure that all people who are entitled to benefits are claiming them.

(AQW 5626/10)

Minister for Social Development: My Department takes significant steps in providing a wide range of services to make people aware of their entitlements. This includes outreach services, participation in local promotional activity, the production of specific publications, some in minority ethnic languages, DSD and NIHE websites, a new online Benefits Adviser Service and general assistance with advice and information through our network of local and centralised offices.

In addition, a targeted approach to benefit uptake was introduced in 2005. Specific exercises, targeting people with potential benefit entitlement, were undertaken. By June 2009 this work had generated an additional £27 million of annual benefit and arrears; a substantial amount available to go back into the economy.

The current Benefit Uptake Programme has provided over 25,000 people the opportunity of a benefit assessment through Citizens Advice. In addition, a new Outreach Approach commenced in late November focusing on making sure older people are aware of their potential entitlement across four Council areas with a high older population but with relatively low uptake of the main pensioner benefits.

The deployment of new IT has also aided benefit uptake. For example, enhanced telephony under the Pensions Transformation Programme has resulted in approximately 90% of claims being taken by telephone and when a customer calls to make a claim to State Pension, they are also asked if they would like to find out more about Pension Credit. If the customer is interested they are transferred to a dedicated State Pension Credit claim line.

Girdwood Site in North Belfast

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the 200 new social homes that she announced would be built on the Girdwood site in North Belfast.

(AQW 5632/10)

Minister for Social Development: As part of the wider Masterplan being developed for the Girdwood site, I have asked the Housing Executive to appoint a Housing Association to take forward the development of 200 new social and affordable homes, subject to securing the necessary approvals.

The first 100 units are provisionally planned to start in 2011/12 and the second phase of another 100 units are provisionally planned to commence in 2012/13.

Transfer of Functions

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development (i) what discussions her Department has had to date with local councils in preparation for the transfer of functions; and (ii) what equality mechanisms she will put in place for the transfer of budgets to local government.

(AQW 5634/10)

Minister for Social Development: My Department has been fully engaged with the various regional and sub-regional bodies and structures established by the Minister of the Environment to implement Ministers’ decisions on the Review of Public Administration. At a local level, this engagement includes the Department being represented on the Transition Management Teams set up under the 11 Transition Committees to implement change within each new local Council area.

DSD proposes to transfer very significant functions to local government including Urban Regeneration and Community Development.

A range of budgets will be transferred to the new local Councils. My Department will consider any equality issues pertinent to each of these as part of the normal process of policy development and in the context of the forthcoming Spending Round outturn.

Cross-border Benefit Fraud

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 5329/10, to detail the sum total of benefits fraudulently claimed by these individuals.

(AQW 5642/10)

Minister for Social Development: The table below shows details of the sum total of benefits fraudulently claimed by the individuals detailed in AQW 5329/10. Information is only held in respect of the last 3 years plus the current year.

Year	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009	2009 – 3 March 2010
Sum Total of Benefits Fraudulently Claimed	£154,554	£177,193	£262,412	£152,113

People Aged 65 and Over in receipt of Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development how many people aged 65 and over are currently in receipt of (i) Attendance Allowance; and (ii) Pension Credit, broken down by religious background.

(AQW 5650/10)

Minister for Social Development: The information requested is not held by my Department as data relating to religious or community background for benefit recipients is not collected.

At February 2010, there were:

57,845 people aged 65 or over in receipt of Attendance Allowance, and
80,098 people aged 65 or over in receipt of State Pension Credit.

The information provided is derived from 100% un-validated Attendance Allowance and State Pension Credit scans and the verified data is not available until September 2010.

Housing Executive Waiting List

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development how many people aged 65 and over are on the Housing Executive waiting list in each local government district, broken down by religious background.

(AQW 5655/10)

Minister for Social Development: The information is not available in the format requested. However, the table below details the number of applicants aged 65 and over on the waiting list, broken down by religious background, by Housing Executive District Office area, at 30 September 2009:-

Housing Executive District Office	Catholic	Protestant	Other	Unknown/Undisclosed
Belfast East	10	349	15	35
Belfast North	104	93	7	64
Belfast South	54	114	20	33
Belfast West	187	<5	5	20
Shankill	<5	134	0	6
Antrim	42	40	22	7
Ballycastle	9	11	<5	9
Ballymena	13	166	9	63
Ballymoney	8	34	<5	12
Carrickfergus	11	239	8	30
Coleraine	25	119	16	26
Larne	15	55	<5	13
N'abbey 1	10	107	8	17
N'abbey 2	<5	159	7	13
Armagh	38	31	5	10
Banbridge	25	72	<5	19
Dungannon	24	29	-	12
Fermanagh	68	38	8	9
Lurgan	85	62	7	7
Newry	105	16	<5	33
Portadown	12	70	5	7
Bangor	25	431	44	95
Castlereagh	<5	225	10	31
Downpatrick	58	52	24	39
Lisburn Antrim St	30	286	16	50
Lisburn Dairy Farm	10	-	-	-
Newtownards	20	208	35	36
Cookstown	21	27	<5	<5
Derry 1	67	<5	<5	5
Derry 2	31	50	6	10
Derry 3	61	-	-	<5
Limavady	10	20	<5	12
Magherafelt	11	19	5	6
Omagh	39	24	<5	7
Strabane	33	18	-	5

Note

<5 = where there are less than 5 applicants these are not identified for Data protection purposes and to prevent identification of the individual applicant

Housing Executive Maintenance Programmes

Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Social Development to list the Housing Executive maintenance programmes scheduled for the (i) Lisburn office; and (ii) the Dairy Farm office, in the 2010/11 financial year.

(AQW 5657/10)

Minister for Social Development: The schemes listed below are currently included in the Housing Executive’s draft programme for 2010/11. However, these schemes are dependent on the availability of funding and the Housing Executive will review its programmes of activity when budgets for 2010/11 have been confirmed.

Lisburn (Antrim Street):-

- Knockmore Heating Replacement

- Seymour Hill Phase 2 Heating Replacement

- Miltown/Barnfield External Cyclical Maintenance

- Rushmore/Knockburn External Cyclical Maintenance

- Hilden & Low Road External Cyclical Maintenance

Lisburn (Dairy Farm):

- Colinvale Heating Replacement

- Colinvale/Glendowan External Cyclical Maintenance

Community Care Grants

Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Social Development how many applications were submitted for Community Care grants in the Lagan Valley constituency; and how many of these were successful, in each of the last two years.

(AQW 5658/10)

Minister for Social Development: This information is not recorded in the format requested.

Winter Fuel Payment

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development what steps she has taken to persuade the Minister for Work and Pensions to have the Winter Fuel Payment extended to cancer sufferers in line with the Macmillan campaign.

(AQW 5667/10)

Minister for Social Development: I recognise that people with cancer can face extra costs as a result of their condition but people suffering from many other life limiting illnesses face the same financial challenges. I consider that it would be unfair to single out those suffering from a particular illness for special consideration. It is more equitable to ensure that the extent of an individual’s need for personal care is addressed, rather than one medical category.

My Department currently addresses this need through the provision of a range of social security benefits including Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. In addition, people aged 60 and over who are suffering from cancer or any other illness or disability can benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment scheme.

However I will include eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments as one of many topics I will cover in future discussions with the UK Minister responsible for the benefits system.

New Jobs and Benefits Office for Newtownards

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on plans for a new Jobs and Benefits Office for Newtownards.

(AQW 5672/10)

Minister for Social Development: Plans for the delivery of a Jobs & Benefits office on a new site in Newtownards are being progressed and a site is currently being explored within the Castlebawn development but this will be subject to successful procurement. Outline plans for the office are being developed to allow a planning application to be submitted. Whilst there is no definite date for delivery of the Newtownards Jobs & Benefits office, the current planning assumptions would suggest that the earliest date for the start of construction is March 2011. Delivery will be subject to the availability of funding beyond the current Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) window ending March 2011.

Housing Associations

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development whether Housing Associations can only purchase built dwellings which are smaller than 115 sq metres; and to outline the reason for this rule, and how it can be changed.

(AQW 5718/10)

Minister for Social Development: To the contrary there is no such rule stipulating that housing associations can only purchase built dwellings which are smaller than 115 sq metres. In fact, housing associations can and often acquire homes that exceed this size standard. This is particularly the case when a home is being acquired for a family with specific needs. The space standards in those homes will be dictated by the needs of the individual and supported by Occupational Therapist assessment.

Co-ownership

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development whether there have been any changes to the selection process that determines who can access co-ownership; and if there have been any changes to how the scheme is funded.

(AQW 5719/10)

Minister for Social Development: Responsibility for the administration of the Co-Ownership Scheme rests with the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association. In April 2009, in response to a substantial increase in the volume of applications to the scheme, the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association introduced a monthly quota system to manage demand throughout the financial year. This monthly cap may flex up or down throughout the year to take account of both the level of applications received as well as completions; it is essential to prevent the scheme from becoming oversubscribed and, as a result, being unable to accept or process new applications on an ongoing basis.

In November 2009, an innovative funding arrangement was put in place for the Co-Ownership scheme. Alongside core funding from the Department for Social Development, totalling £15m annually, the Bank of Ireland and Barclays Bank have provided a facility of up to £48m which should deliver some 1,500 affordable homes through the Co-Ownership scheme over a 3 year period ending 31 March 2012.

Co-ownership Schemes

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development if the construction industry is permitted to form co-ownership schemes.

(AQW 5720/10)

Minister for Social Development: In launching the New Housing Agenda in 2008, I stated the belief that an important element in delivering extra social and affordable housing to address need and demand would be the involvement of developers through a number of mechanisms, including the provision of shared equity or shared ownership schemes.

Developers may offer shared equity or shared ownership schemes if they wish and I would encourage them, where possible, to deliver such initiatives, offering more people the opportunity to gain a first step on the housing ladder.

Rising Cost of Fuel

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of the impact on famililes of the rising cost of fuel.

(AQW 5741/10)

Minister for Social Development: I am very aware that the rising cost of fuel is causing difficulties for many families throughout Northern Ireland. Government influence on fuel prices is limited as fuel prices are determined largely by world markets. In response to the rise in fuel prices my department made a one-off Household Fuel Payment of £150 to almost 167,000 vulnerable households.

I am committed to tackling fuel poverty and making a real difference and this year my department will spend £27 million improving the energy efficiency of vulnerable households through the Warm Homes Scheme and the Housing Executive’s Heating Replacement Scheme. I am delighted to report that we are on track to meet our Public Service Agreement target of assisting 9,000 households with energy efficiency measures. The introduction of Working Tax Credit as a qualifying benefit for the Warm Homes Scheme has meant that for the first time families with young children can access a range of heating measures available under the scheme.

Alongside these schemes my department also administers on Benefit Uptake campaign to encourage people to claim their full benefit entitlement, makes Cold Weather Payments to qualifying persons and administers the Winter Fuel Payment to all persons aged 60 or over.

My officials are preparing a consultation document on a new Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland. This document will seek comment on proposed changes to the 2004 strategy and will set out a range of proposals for tackling fuel poverty in the future.

REVISED WRITTEN ANSWERS

Friday 26 March 2010

(AQW 4829/10)

The Department of Education does not collect the information requested.

Bailítear staitisticí ar na fáthanna ar fhionraíocht agus díbirt daltaí gach scoilbhliain ó na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne. Soláthraíonn an tábla thíos eolas ar líon na n-ócáidí a fionraíodh nó a díbríodh daltaí mar gheall ar ionsaí fisiciúil ar fhoireann i ngach bliain den dá scoilbhliain a chuaigh thart:-

However, statistics on the reasons for suspensions and expulsions of pupils are gathered each school year from Education and Library Boards. The table below provides the number of occasions where pupils were suspended or expelled for physical attack on staff in each of the last two school years:-

	Number of suspensions for physical attack on staff	Number of expulsions for physical attack on staff
2007/08	228	1
2008/09	265	2

Notes

1. These figures relate to all pupils undertaking Key Stage 1-4 in primary and post-primary schools.

2. The information reflects the number of individual suspensions, as opposed to the number of pupils suspended. Pupils may be suspended more than once.

A working group was established last year under the aegis of the Teacher Negotiating Committee (TNC) to examine the problem of abuse of teachers, whether physical, verbal or electronic. A new document, Tackling Violence against Teachers, has been agreed by the TNC and will issue to schools shortly. The document includes guidance on the handling, recording and reporting of violent incidents against staff in schools.

(AQW 5010/10)

Details of the number of Article 11 procedures served by my Department’s Roads Service on building contractors / developers, who have been unable to complete roads in developments in each of the last two years, broken down by council area, are set out in the tables below:

Article 11 procedures served on building contractors/developers in 2008/09
Council Area	Number
Armagh	4
Craigavon	6
Ards	1*
Newry & Mourne	1
Belfast	1
Castlereagh	3
Carrickfergus	2
Lisburn	3
Newtownabbey	2
Derry	4
Larne	1
Coleraine	1
Fermanagh	2
Omagh	9
Strabane	2
TOTAL	42
* Developer in receivership at an estimated cost to the Department of £2,211.
Article 11 procedures served on building contractors/developers in 2009/10
Council Area		Number
Armagh		2
Banbridge		1
Craigavon		2
Down		1
Belfast		6
Castlereagh		3
Carrickfergus		3
Lisburn		8
Newtownabbey		5
North Down		6
Antrim		1
Ballymena		2
Ballymoney		1
Dungannon		3
Strabane		2
Cookstown		1
TOTAL		47

As indicated in the tables above, over the last two years, the Department served Article 11 procedures on 89 occasions and incurred costs of £2,211 when completing 1 development. In all other instances, the costs associated with completing each of the developments are recovered from developers’ road bonds.

(AQW 5176/10)

The proposals made by my Department in relation to the ‘Invest to Save’ Fund are listed in the table below. This list was compiled following consideration of the assessment criteria provided by DFP i.e. "Each Proposal will be assessed not only on the ratio of upfront cost to net present value of future savings, but also deliverability".

Although addressing communal segregation in service provision and the promotion of integration were not specific considerations in compiling these proposals, improvements to transport and roads infrastructure would support these actions.

Invest to Save Bids

PROPOSAL	COST £m
Structural Maintenance - By funding a programme of appropriately timed and hence planned maintenance of a proper magnitude, long term savings can be achieved.	26.000
Street Lighting Lantern Replacement – By replacing selected old high wattage street lighting lanterns with new, more efficient, versions with lower power consumption	1.000
Bridge Maintenance – Preventative maintenance/ early repair resulting in savings.	0.500
Enterprise Locomotive Modernisation – By reconfiguring the 3 existing Enterprise train sets, resulting in improvements to fuel efficiency, operational efficiency and reliability.	1.365
Replacement of fluorescent lighting – fit energy efficient T5 Fluorescent lighting across Translink network of sites	0.500
Driver Monitoring for Fuel Economy - supply and fit Monitoring Devices to 1500 Translink buses and coaches and provide feedback to driver to reduce fuel consumption.	2.000
Installation of gas radiant heating system at York Road running workshops to replace oil fired forced warm air heating. – resulting in fuel saving	0.400
Upgrade of Class 3000 Trains Lighting System - resulting in fuel saving	0.096

Friday 26 March 2010

Written Answers to Questions

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Projects Supporting Victims and Survivors of Conflict in North Down

Legislation Awaiting Clearance by OFMdFM

Victims and Survivors Service

Policing and Justice: Funding

Hillsborough Agreement: Working Groups

Executive Papers

Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy

Hillsborough Agreement: Working Groups

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Leader Programme in South Armagh

Financial Incentives Available to Farmers

Table 1: Agri-environment scheme participation

Car Park at Hillsborough Forest

Grants to Protect Bio-diversity on Farms

Single Farm Payment

Annex A

SFP 2009 - Finalised Claim Details (By Postcode)

Department's Rural Proofing Policies and Practices

Undesignated Watercourses

Testing of Badgers for Tuberculosis and Other Diseases

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Irish Language Projects

Foras na Gaeilge

An Cheathrú Gaeltachta Teo (The Gaeltacht Quarter Development Company) (West Belfast)

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Colmcille

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

An Culturlann

Integrated Development Fund

Arts Infrastructure (DCAL)

An Gaelaras

North West Challenge Fund

An Gaelaras

Integrated Development Fund

Arts infrastructure (DCAL)

Traditional Music Projects

ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING ALLOCATED TO TRADITIONAL MUSIC PROJECTS

Ulster Scots Agency

Projects to Celebrate St Patrick's Day

Irish Football Association

£5m Funding for Ulster Scots

Irish and Local Studies Library in Armagh

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Departmental Posts

Funding for Preparatory Departments

Funding for Preparatory Departments

Funding for Preparatory Departments

Per Capita Spend on Schools

Footnotes:

Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

Capital Spend

Transfer 2010

Preparatory Departments of Grammar Schools

Education Advisory Forum

Sectoral Support Bodies

Capital Spend on Schools in Upper Bann

Pupils Enrolled in Primary Schools in the Southern Education and Library Board Area.

Post-primary Education Planning in the Lurgan and Portadown Areas

School Building Projects

Post-primary Schools in the Lurgan and Portadown Areas

Sports Complex for Malone Integrated College

Attacks on Teaching Staff

Notes:

Attacks on Teaching Staff

Notes:

Attacks on Teaching Staff

Controlled Primary Schools

Controlled Primary Schools (1)

Data source: Education & Library Boards Outturn expenditure 2007/08 & 2008/09

Capital Budgets

Alternative Education Provision Review

Youth Service Provision in North Down

Capital Spend in Schools in the North Down

Review of Capital Spend

Appointment of Governors

Capital Building Projects

New Build Schools in Lagan Valley

Controlled Primary Schools ⁽¹⁾