This publication contains the written answers to questions tabled by Members. The content of the responses is as received at the time from the relevant Minister or representative of the Assembly Commission and has not been subject to the official reporting process or changed in any way.
Friday 30 April 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
Justice
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission
Revised Written Answers
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
'Invest to Save' Initiative
Dr S Farry asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what bids their Department has made in relation to the 'Invest to Save' initiative; and what consideration was given to bids that seek to address communal segregation in service provision and to promote integration.
(AQW 5168/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): The purpose of the ‘Invest to Save’ fund is to provide additional financial support to Departments to cover the upfront costs of making efficiency savings in 2010/11 and beyond. Having carefully considered the intended purpose of the fund, our Department, has not at this stage, identified a need for additional financial support to assist with the delivery of our efficiency savings.
Whilst we have not identified any specific projects requiring support from the ‘Invest to Save’ fund per se, our core functions will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the efficient and effective use of public funds in the future. For example, improving relationships between and within communities in Northern Ireland and building a shared and better future continue to be high priorities for OFMDFM and the Executive. The programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration is currently being developed and funding for the promotion of community relations and good race relations has been increased by a third to almost £30 million during 2008-2011. In addition, our Department has provided funding for a number of initiatives aimed at improving community relations which when effective reduce the future requirement for separate and sometimes less efficient facilities and services.
Undocumented Irish Immigrants in America
Mr P J Bradley asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what representations were made, on behalf of undocumented Irish immigrants in America, when they met with President Obama in Washington.
(AQW 5903/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: During our meeting with President Obama on Wednesday 17 March the plight of the undocumented Irish was raised by the deputy First Minister. The deputy First Minister’s comments in support of the undocumented Irish were acknowledged, not only by the President, but also by Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton and General Jones, Director of the National Security Council, who were all present at that meeting.
Childcare Places in Women's Centres
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans they have to support childcare places in women's centres to assist women returning to employment, education and training.
(AQW 5986/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: There is a small amount of support for childcare in 13 women’s centres currently funded by the Department for Social Development. However, Ministers are aware of the wide range of issues existing in this area and the need for a more strategic approach to the problem.The Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People tasked members of its cross-departmental sub-group on Child Poverty to undertake an exercise to consider issues around the provision of good quality, affordable childcare. A preliminary report was completed in June 2009 and the Sub-Committee agreed that an economic appraisal be carried out on a range of strategic options.
Due to the fragmented nature of the childcare sector, it has taken some time to gather the considerable amount of detailed information required from several departments on the funding and nature of existing childcare provision including provision in Women’s Centres.It is hoped the economic appraisal report will be completed by the end of April at which time Ministers will consider the way forward. Therefore, at this time it is too early to draw conclusions about future provision.
A timeline for the launch of a draft childcare strategy for consultation will be dependent on the outcome of the appraisal and subsequent decisions by Ministers on the recommendations of the report.
Projects in North Belfast
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the projects their Department initiated or funded between 2000 and 2007 which have a direct impact on the residents of the North Belfast constituency.
(AQW 6191/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: OFMDFM does not hold the information in the format requested for the period 2000 to 2007 as some projects are sponsored through the Belfast City Council who are unable to identify projects for the North Belfast constituency but rather, those which have benefited the North Belfast area.Similarly, there have been projects administered through the Department of Education’s Youth Intervention Scheme and the Community Relations Council that have directly benefited that area.
Since these are administered by a third body, officials are not able to provide a breakdown.We are able to provide a list of projects for the North Belfast area covering part of the period requested and these are set out below.Funding from OFMDFM has been channelled through the Community Empowerment Partnerships (CEPs). The CEPs are a confederation of stakeholder organisations operating in or on behalf of the various North Belfast communities
Funding from OFMDFM
| Organisation | Project Summary |
|---|---|
| Advice | Development and training, volunteer programme |
| Ardoyne & Marrowbone | Respect Programme, Assist, Youth Programmes, Development of Community Forum |
| Citizen Youth | Scout groups aged 6-18 years, Youth and leadership programmes |
| Cliftonville | Development of CARR management committee, Youth Forums, Team Building, CEP Newsletter, Common Purpose projects, Positive Images Project |
| Developing Leadership Initiative | Transforming Communities, Growing an Active Community, Developing Shared Spaces |
| Greater Ballysillan | Person-centred planning, Youth Cross community, Time Warp Project, Community Assistance Panels |
| Greater Greencastle | Focus Groups, Newssheet, Young Women’s Cultural Awareness Programme, CEP & Citizen Youth Programme |
| Ligoniel | Communications Strategy, Newssheets, ESCAPE, Creating Communities |
| Lower North | Youth Forum, Energise, Peer Education, Cross Community Strategic Plan, Community Planning, Child Protection, Intergenerational Programme |
| New Lodge | Focus Groups, Implement Shared Future, Intergenerational, Youth Intervention, Economic Empowerment |
| Rathcoole | Strategic Cross CEP event, OCN introduction to Youth Work, Community Leadership, Youth Leadership, Focus Groups |
| Upper Ardoyne | Youth Forum, Young Person’s Cross Community Project, Capacity Building/Informal Education Programme, Consultancy Support, Community Newssheet |
| Upper North | Cross-community dialogue, mentoring and coaching, youth forums/leadership |
| North and West Parades and cultural forum | Salary and travel costs |
| Belfast Reconciliation Network | Salary and running costs |
Other Projects – funding from Community Relations Council
| Organisation | Project Summary |
|---|---|
| Ashton Community Trust | To develop and implement a co-ordinated approach to community relations work in Catholic communities across North Belfast and to develop co-operative linkages with organisations in the Protestant community in order to develop both intra and inter community relations. |
| Intercomm | To build capacity within communities in North Belfast for conflicts to be resolved without violence and to engage in processes of peace building |
| 174 Trust | To promote the building of bridges and good relations between all the communities in North Belfast by encouraging mutual understanding through honest dialogue and meaningful engagement. |
| Ashton Community Trust | To develop and implement a co-ordinated approach to community relations work in Catholic communities across North Belfast and to develop co-operative linkages with organisations in the Protestant community |
| Belfast Interface Project | To engage in the development of creative approaches towards the regeneration of Belfast's interface areas. |
| Belfast Interface Project | Additional Core Funding Support |
| LINC Resource Centre | Additional Core Funding Support |
| 174 Trust | Additional Core Funding Support |
| Holy Family Youth Centre | A 9 month programme of activity designed to celebrate and raise awareness about the many traditions and cultures of people living in Northern Ireland. |
| Holy Family Youth Centre | Community Relations Training as part of staff and volunteer development at Holy Family Youth Centre in North Belfast. |
| Deanby Youth Centre | CR Training Programme. |
| Holy Family Youth Centre | A project exploring religious and cultural diversity for youth of North Belfast combining a series of educational tours and photographic workshops to record findings. |
| Crumlin Road Presbyterian Church | Seeding support towards the establishment of inter-church reconciliation study. |
| Link Resource Centre | Community mentoring programme aimed building capacity within interface community. |
| Ballysillan Presbyterian Church | Strengthening Civic Society 2007 Event to help support community cohesion within North Belfast. |
| Belfast Interface Project | Survey of membership needs. |
| Ashton Community Trust | North Belfast Interface Network: Summer Intervention Programme. |
| Upper Ardoyne Youth Centre | Summer scheme with a difference as we aim to share with Deanby Youth Club (Catholic based group in the area). The activities will be the usual day trips away for young people. |
| Crumlin Road Presbyterian Church | Inter-church dialogue project aimed at promoting interface co-operation and understanding between differing communities. |
| Institute for Conflict Research | Documentation of key projects across a range of peace-building activities. |
| Belfast Interface Project | A comprehensive map of interface areas in Belfast concentrating on the dividing structures which were not purpose built by the NIO. |
| Mid Skegoneill Community Group | A detailed three year operational plan to enable the group to develop a long term approach to community relations. |
| Tar Isteach | Community event aimed at providing diversionary activities during a particular period of interface tension. |
| North Belfast Alternatives | A project providing activity along an interface area in North Belfast which will encourage youth to come together and engage in a series of activities encouraging partnership working. |
| Linc Resource Centre | To support Salary Costs to establish effective communication links between LINC Resource Centre and a broad range of other agencies/groups to build good relations. |
Other Projects – funding from Belfast City Council
| Organisation | Project Summary |
|---|---|
| LINC Resource Centre | To deliver a mentoring programme to new local voluntary community activists who will establish long term partnerships on intra and inter community basis as well as with civic society on issues such as tackling sectarianism, developing shared neighbourhood spaces and other good relations themes. |
| Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil Group | Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil Project – to deliver the ‘North Belfast looks Forward’ debate, the annual Frank McCallum lecture and the Celebration of Faiths event on 6th & 7th August. |
| Ballysillan Presbyterian Church | Civic/church relationship conference - To run a conference in the autumn of 2007 involving members of local civic and faith communities in North Belfast as a contribution to community relations work. |
| North Belfast Women’s Initiative & Support Project | A series of events aimed at bringing women and children from Glenbryn together with women and children from other cultures to build relationships, explore common interests and cultural differences. |
| Arts for All | Arts for All will examine a number of community art projects throughout north Belfast to assess how this medium lends itself to addressing difficult and contentious issues around good relations themes and produce a piece of best practice research. |
| Corner House Cross Community Family Centre & Duncairn Community Centre in Tiger’s Bay | This project aims to offer 15 women from Tigers Bay and the New Lodge areas of Belfast the opportunity to participate in a cross community residential in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The residential will focus on issues of conflict resolution and strengthening local intercommunity relationships. |
| Dance Starz | To work with local community artists, dance tutors young people and adults from the North Belfast area in the preparation and delivery of a dance festival next April. |
| KABOSH Theatre | The Jewish Memory Project - This project aims to create an oral history programme involving 100 participants – archiving the stories of the aging Jewish community in Belfast and Northern Ireland as well as those who recently emigrated. This oral history project will then be used to inform an innovative premiere theatre production, exhibition and publication that tells the story and history of the Jewish community within Belfast and Northern Ireland. |
| Community Engagement (Duncairn) | A celebration of the music and life of James Galway, and the musical heritage of the Duncairn/Tigers Bay area. |
| Upper North Belfast Community Empowerment Partnership | Look at Me - This proposal will begin the process of exploring the culture and traditions of this loyalist community, explore how they are viewed by the wider unionist community and how they perceive the nationalist community. The findings will be published as a qualitative piece of research. |
| Shankill Women’s Group | This proposal is to bring 24 women, 12 from the Shankill area and 12 from the Falls Rd and Oldpark area together to engage in cross community and capacity building activities culminating in a number of site visits. |
| Indian Community Centre | A 3 day training programme on anti-racism between members of the Indian Community Centre and local people from North Belfast. |
Community Relations Council
Mr P Weir asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the total budget of the Community Relations Council; and (ii) the total amount in grants allocated by the Council to groups, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6222/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: Please see the information below regarding the Community Relations Council’s total Budget and the total amount of grants allocated to groups for each of the last five years.
| Financial Year | Total Budget £ |
Total Grants Allocated to Groups £ |
|---|---|---|
2009/10 * |
8,680,086 |
6,686,229 |
2008/09 |
7,354,196 |
5,943,243 |
2007/08 |
6,428,866 |
4,821,219 |
2006/07 |
6,423,704 |
5,092,078 |
2005/06 |
5,979,215 |
4,713,583 |
* Figures for 2009/10 have not yet been finalised by CRC accountants.
It should be noted that the above figures include only grants awarded from OFMDFM funding and do not include projects funded by CRC through the Community Bridges Programme of the International Fund for Ireland or the European Peace and Reconciliation Programme. Information on these funding schemes is available from the published CRC Annual Reports which are available on the www.nicrc.org.uk website.
Executive for the North-South Ministerial Council
Mr G Savage asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for a breakdown of the costs incurred by the Executive for the North-South Ministerial Council in each of the last three financial years.
(AQW 6241/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: The cost to the Executive for the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) includes the running costs of the NSMC Joint Secretariat (North) which is incurred by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and the costs of Executive Ministers attending NSMC meetings.The total cost incurred by OFMDFM in each of the last three financial years, therefore, excludes the travel and subsistence of other Executive Ministers and their officials and was as follows:
2007 - 2008 |
£862, 140.25 |
2008 - 2009 |
£744, 147.60 |
2009 - 2010 |
£645, 349.27 |
The cost of travel and subsistence for other Executive Ministers and their officials attending NSMC meetings is incurred from the respective Departmental budgets.
Where practicable, future NSMC meetings will be held in the NSMC Joint Secretariat new accommodation in Armagh. This will represent a more cost effective and efficient use of resources.
Quangos
Mr G Savage asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for a breakdown of the funding his Department has allocated to quangos in each of the last three financial years.
(AQW 6244/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: Each department is responsible for funding their own public bodies. Information on public bodies sponsored by Northern Ireland departments, including the amount of government funding received by each, is contained in the annual Public Bodies Report. Reports for the last three financial years are held in the Assembly Library, or are available at:
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/public_bodies_2007-4.doc
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/public_bodies_2008-6.doc
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/public_bodies_2009__2_-8.pdf
Executive's Senior Legal Officer
Mr D McNarry asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister who is the Executive's current Senior Legal Officer.
(AQW 6311/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: The senior law officer of the Executive is the Attorney General for Northern Ireland. We intend to make an appointment to this office in the near future. Pending this appointment, the Departmental Solicitor is the senior legal adviser to the Executive.
International Ambassadors and Honorary Consuls
Mr B McElduff asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister if they can provide the names and contact details of all international Ambassadors and/or Honorary Consuls who are based in (i) Northern Ireland; and (ii) the Republic of Ireland.
(AQW 6322/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: OFMDFM does not currently hold or update the list of Honorary Consuls in post. We have, however, obtained the updated list of Honorary Consuls as circulated by the Secretary of the Consular Association of Northern Ireland (CA-NI). CA-NI has confirmed that the list covers all local Consular representation. There are no International Ambassadors residing in Northern Ireland.
Below is the most current list of Honorary Consuls.
| BELGIUM | SPAIN |
|---|---|
| Mr Jacques Vandervrer, Hon. Consul | Mr Gerry McClure, Hon. Consul |
| e-mail: vdv@ntlworld.com | e-mail: joanmccorkill@thompsons.law.co.uk |
| SWEDEN | ITALY |
|---|---|
| Mr David Clarke, Hon. Consul | Mr Leo D’Agostino, Hon. Consul |
| e-mail: info@heyn.co.uk | e-mail: leo@dagostino42.fsnet.co.uk |
| PORTUGAL | NETHERLANDS |
|---|---|
| Ms Cecilia Bouman, Hon. Consul | Mr Carson McMullan, Hon. Consul |
| e-mail: cecilia128@btinternet.com | e-mail: shipping@allroute.com |
| GERMANY | DENMARK |
|---|---|
| Mr Frank Hewitt, Hon. Consul | Mr Donald Price, Hon. Consul |
| e-mail: german.consulni@btinternet.com | e-mail: danish.consul@northernbank.co.uk |
| GREECE | CHILE |
|---|---|
| Mr John F Ewings, Hon. Consul | Lord Ballyedmond OBE JP, Hon. Consul |
| e-mail: info@mfewings.com | email: chairman@norbrook.co.uk |
| FRANCE | LITHUANIA |
|---|---|
| Mme Regine McCullough, Hon. Consul | Mr William Harper Sinnerton, Hon. Consul |
| email: regineonline@hotmail.co.uk | e-mail: bsinnerton@aol.com |
| CZECH REPUBLIC | MALTA |
|---|---|
| Mr Milan Mladek, Hon. Consul | Tom Kelly, Hon. Consul |
| e-mail: milan@marm.co.uk, belfast@honorary.mzv.cz | e-mail: tomkelly@stakeholdergroup.com |
| CYPRUS | POLAND |
|---|---|
| Mr Nick Lestas, Hon. Consul | Mr Jerome Mullen, Hon. Consul |
| email: nick@lestasconsulting.com | email: jerome@seafields.co.uk, jeromemullen@polishconsulateni.org |
| SLOVAK REPUBLIC | ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES |
|---|---|
| Mr Tom Sullivan, Hon. Consul | Dr Christopher Garry Stange, Hon. Consul |
| email: sullivant@csp.org.uk | email: consul@svgconsulate.co.uk |
| NORWAY | SWITZERLAND |
|---|---|
| Mr Michael Ewings, Hon. Consul | Ms Franziska Hewitt, Hon. Consul |
| email: info@mfewings.com | email : belfast@honorarvertretung.ch |
| CANADA | NEW ZEALAND |
|---|---|
| Mrs Lynne Zeller, Hon. Consul | Mrs Margaret Lee, MBE, Hon. Consul |
| email: honconcanbelfast@yahoo.co.uk | email: nzconsul@googlemail.com |
| USA | INDIA |
1. Ms Kamala S. Lakhdhir, Consul General |
Lord Rana, MBE , Hon. Consul |
1. email: lakhdhirks@state.gov |
email: dsrana@andrashouse.co.uk |
| ICELAND | MAURITIUS |
|---|---|
| Professor James Nixon, FRCS, Hon. Consul | Mr Ramesh Rana, Hon. Consul |
| email: nixon-j@sky.com | email: ramesh.rana@hotelheads.com |
| MONGOLIA | SLOVENIA (designate) Currently being finalised by FCO |
|---|---|
| Mr Richard Holmes, Hon. Consul | Ms Suzanne Hill, Hon. Consul |
| email: mongolia_ni@yahoo.co.uk | email : suzanne@handelexport.com |
| LATVIA | ROMANIA |
|---|---|
| Dr Gerard O'Hare CBE, Hon. Consul | Declan O’Loan MLA, Hon. Consul |
| email: wg@parkergreen.com | email : declanoloanmla@hotmail.com, d.oloan@sdlp.ie |
We do not hold or have access to details of International Ambassadors and/or Honorary Consuls based in the Republic of Ireland. Enquiries in that regard should be directed to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.
Disadvantaged Communities
Mr M Brady asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they are considering any measures to assist the most disadvantaged communities given the duration of the current economic downturn.
(AQO 1092/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: It is not possible to predict the full extent of the current economic downturn. Members will be aware that in December 2008 the Executive announced its first consolidated package of measures to address the local impacts of the economic downturn. Some measures addressed fuel poverty directly; for example, £25 million in total was spent on the fuel credit and the Warm Homes Schemes. The work of the Cross Sector Advisory Forum has culminated in the production of specific recommendations for priority actions. This paper – "The Executive’s Priority Measures to deal with the Economic Downturn" – was agreed by the Executive on 25 March 2010.There are specific measures aimed at addressing hardship, poverty and debt and cover areas such as: providing off-site facilities to help facilitate applications for benefits; promoting benefit entitlement; providing a central point of information on sources of support to address poverty; addressing financial exclusion of younger people; continued insulation of homes under the Warm Homes Scheme; and researching the extent of illegal money lending and scoping a study to research possible alternatives.
More specifically, the Executive Sub-Committee on Poverty & Social Inclusion, which met for the third time on 29 March, is progressing work on a number of priorities which address issues relating to poverty and social inclusion here.
We are keen to advance programmes or initiatives that target the most vulnerable in our society including the most disadvantaged communities, and officials have been tasked to take forward this work – one such example is the work on childcare which has been identified as a major barrier for people joining or rejoining the workforce. Work on this initiative will, we hope, benefit vulnerable groups such as lone parents and low income families, and contribute to efforts to reduce child poverty.As deprived areas include people on low incomes, any programme or initiative that benefits individuals and families should also benefit their communities.
The Poverty & Social Inclusion Sub-Committee will continue to look closely at the wide range of existing programmes and initiatives across all Departments, to identify gaps in provision and explore means by which such gaps may be addressed, taking into account resource constraints. Area-based initiatives such as Neighbourhood Renewal will form part of this consideration.
Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy
Mr R McCartney asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the timeline for consultation on, and adoption of, the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy.
(AQO 1095/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: Improving relationships between and within communities in Northern Ireland and building a shared and better future is a high priority for OFMDFM and the Executive and the careful development of the new good relations programme reflects this. We recently agreed the core of the programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration. Officials have circulated a draft copy of the document to all departments, including the newly established Department of Justice for input of policies, programmes and activities that will begin to construct the cross-cutting elements of the programme. A copy has also been sent to the OFMDFM Committee for discussion.
Departmental replies have begun to come in and officials in OFMDFM are continuing the development of the document with this material. A more complete version of the draft programme will be referred to the Assembly Committee and the Executive for further consideration. A full public consultation will also take place, providing an opportunity for all stakeholder groups to comment and contribute to its development. The public consultation is likely to begin in June 2010 and continue until at least the end of September.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 policy of achieving ‘a peaceful, fair and prosperous society here with respect for the rule of law’.Once the responses to the consultation have been collated and the programme revised accordingly, the redrafted programme will again be considered by the Assembly Committee and the Executive before it is formally launched.
It is anticipated that the final agreed programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration will be published before the end of the year.
Honours System
Mr B Armstrong asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the operation of the Honours system in Northern Ireland and how many full-time and part-time staff are involved.
(AQO 1097/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: The present Honours system is a non-political official process that seeks to recognise the contributions of individuals in all sectors of the community.Honours are an excepted matter under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and recommendations for Honours are a matter for the Prime Minister.To preserve a non-political approach, the Prime Minister asks the Head of the GB Civil Service, in association with his colleagues, including the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, to make recommendations for his consideration. Awards are made to all sectors of society covering business, sport, arts and media, health, education, public service and the voluntary and community sectors.Some 60 percent of awards in Northern Ireland go to people in the community, voluntary and local services sectors.Any member of the public can nominate someone for an award; some 50 percent of awards are made to people who have been publicly nominated.
Individuals can also be nominated by national associations, bodies or businesses (or government staff in the field) to the government department which sponsors them or their activities.Recommendations from Northern Ireland are considered, along with those from government departments in England, Scotland and Wales, by individual specialist committees which comprise a non-civil service chair and a majority of non-civil service members, all selected after open advertisement.The committees are made up from people who have expert knowledge in the field of the particular committee, for example business, the arts, the media, health, education etc.
There is currently one full-time member of staff (at Deputy Principal level) and one part-time member of staff (at Executive Officer level) involved in the administration of the Honours System in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
Presbyterian Mutual Society
Rev Dr R Coulter asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the current position on their proposed solution submitted to HM Treasury regarding the Presbyterian Mutual Society.
(AQO 1099/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: We wrote to Gordon Brown on 24 March to set out a proposal for addressing the crisis in the PMS. He has subsequently replied recognising the importance of continuing our work to resolve the PMS crisis and the need to finalise the way forward as urgent business once the general election is concluded.On 16 April the Executive agreed in principle the key features of this package of measures to support PMS members. These include the provision of loans both to a hardship fund and to the Administrator to facilitate the orderly run-down of the PMS over a period of 7 to 10 years. A meeting of the Presbyterian Church’s special general assembly on 13 April endorsed a proposal that the church should make a contribution to a hardship fund designed to help PMS members. This is a very welcome development.
Beyond the support of the Assembly and the Executive, this proposal will need the support of the Treasury and the Prime Minister to be implemented. It also needs to be tested against State Aids rules and cleared through the European Commission. However, we can assure the Assembly and PMS members that we will do all that we can to resolve this matter as quickly as we can.
Victims’ Groups: Funding
Mr M Storey asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the core funding arrangements for groups dealing with victims.
(AQO 1100/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Victims and Survivors Core Funding scheme was established in 2002 and was designed to provide funding support to non-statutory organisations working with victims and survivors. It has been administered by the Community Relations Council on behalf of OFMDFM since then.Since 2005, the scheme has been extended on an annual basis to allow a total of 48 groups to carry out their work.
In the last financial year, over £2.3m was allocated to the scheme.In preparation for the new Victims and Survivors Service, we have recently announced transitional funding arrangements which will ensure support to the sector over the next two years. These transitional arrangements include a merging of the Core and Development grant schemes and a re-opening of the new merged scheme for new applications from existing groups and those not currently funded. The Community Relations Council will be meeting with groups shortly to explain the implications of the changes.
In the meantime, all existing core funded groups have been issued with contracts for 2010/11. These contracts will be reviewed subject to the revised applications and work plans received from groups in the coming months.
Sustainable Development Commissioner
Mrs N Long asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the process and timeframe for the appointment of a Sustainable Development Commissioner.
(AQO 1101/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: We view the appointment of a NI Commissioner, within the Sustainable Development Commission, as an important part of our plans to progress the sustainable development agenda both within government and in the wider public domain.Following the completion of a selection process, we are currently considering candidates with a view to recommending appointment of a Commissioner.
We continue to engage closely with the Sustainable Development Commission and this appointment remains a key part of our plans to support the organisation’s work here.
Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy
Mr T Clarke asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister when they will publish the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration strategy for public consultation.
(AQO 1102/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Cohesion, Sharing and Integration strategy will be subject to a full public consultation which will provide an opportunity for all stakeholder groups to comment and contribute to its development.
The public consultation is likely to begin after the general election and continue until the end of September.
Child Sexual Abuse
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister if they will take the lead in directing the Executive's response to the report from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety on the way forward in dealing with historical child sex abuse.
(AQO 1103/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has circulated a paper to Executive Ministers setting out options for addressing the issue of historical child abuse. The Executive, which we jointly chair, has had initial but wide-ranging discussion on the Health Minister’s paper and we are committed to ensuring that the Executive continues to give further detailed consideration and reaches early agreement on its response to this important issue.
Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy
Mr M Durkan asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the timeframe for Executive sign-off on the proposed Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy.
(AQO 1104/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: We recently agreed the core of the programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration. Officials have circulated a draft copy of the document to devolved departments and the Northern Ireland Office for the input of policies, programmes and activities that will begin to construct the cross-cutting elements of the programme. A draft copy has also been circulated to the OFMDFM Committee.
Once departments have replied, the draft programme will again be referred to the Assembly Committee and will be considered by the Executive. The programme will then be the subject of a full public consultation which will provide an opportunity for all stakeholder groups to comment and contribute to its development. The public consultation is likely to begin in June 2010 and continue until at least the end of September.Once the responses to the consultation have been collated they will be taken on board within the context of a revised text as appropriate. The re-drafted programme will again be referred to the Assembly Committee and the Executive for final clearance. It is anticipated that the final agreed programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration will be published before the end of the year.
NI Direct
Mr D McClarty asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether there is any evidence of increased usage by the public of the NI Direct website over the past year.
(AQO 1105/10)
First Minister and deputy First Minister: NI Direct or www.nidirect.gov.uk is a key programme within the Northern Ireland Civil Service reform programme. NI Direct has a clear objective to improve citizens’ access to government information and services.
To date (18 April 2010) the website has registered over 4.5m page impressions and 1.6m visits. Traffic to NI Direct has increased steadily from its launch in March 2009 - during the first full month of operation in April 2009 there were over 137,000 page impressions and 43,000 visits to the website. In March 2010, NI Direct had over 483,000 page impressions and 175,000 visits. This makes it one of our most accessed public sector websites. It is also now used as the platform for all citizens facing Government advertising campaigns.Some examples of early successes include:
- Last August information for school children who had just received their GCSE and A Level results was co-ordinated on NI Direct. This resulted in nearly 24,000 visits across the months of August and September.
- Towards the end of last year, DSD’s Benefit Advisory Service was launched on the site. This had been previously available on Directgov but people from here couldn’t fully access the service.
- For the first time, DEL’s Essential Skills campaign was featured on the site in the Autumn. They got their highest ever response.
We believe NI Direct is already demonstrating its value, with a significant growth in traffic since launch. The next stage will be to improve the site by transferring additional content and online transactions from departmental sites on to NI Direct.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Farm Modernisation Scheme
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she plans to de-emphasise the land classification criteria in tranche two of the Farm Modernisation Scheme, given the potential disadvantage this may pose to many applicants.
(AQW 6109/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): I have requested that my officials carry out a consultation exercise on the equality screening template for the proposed selection criteria for Tranche 2 of the Farm Modernisation Programme. Consultees are invited to submit their views to my Department by 12 May 2010. Officials will then undertake an analysis of the responses received and I will consider all the views of consultees.
North-South Animal Health Hotline
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the arrangements in place for the operation of the North-South Animal Health Hotline.
(AQW 6243/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Close co-operation on animal health issues on the island of Ireland has the potential to help reduce and prevent animal disease spread, to facilitate trade and to improve the sustainability of farming.In the event of an outbreak of a serious epizootic animal disease in either or both jurisdictions, it is recognised that sustained co-operation between both administrations will be essential to prevent the further spread of disease. The problems in Britain due to Foot and Mouth, Avian Flu and Bluetongue have put the spotlight on the value of this approach on the island.Contingency plan common chapters have now been agreed for Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza and Bluetongue and are included in the respective epizootic contingency plans for these diseases.
These chapters put protocols in place to ensure timely communication in the event of a disease outbreak. They set out agreed lines of communication at various levels in each Department and with key external stakeholders. In addition to dealing with these three key diseases, the model can be adapted in order to deal with any new and emerging diseases, therefore it provides a sound basis for the development of other contingency plans that may be needed. These early warning systems for serious animal disease outbreaks have been extended to cover other major incidents, including for example in areas such as pesticides, residues, meat and dairy, animal feed and plant health.
Funding for Rural Development Projects
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the level of match funding available for the initial preparation of rural development projects and how this compares with the funding available in England and Wales.
(AQW 6274/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I understand your question to refer to the level of match funding available for preparation of applications under the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP). There are two key elements to technical support available under the Axis 3 measures of the NIRDP 2007-13.
Firstly under co-operation projects technical support provides for grant assistance of up to 75% of eligible preparatory costs up to a maximum amount of £5,000 to assist Local Action Groups with the development of a detailed co-operation project proposal. Eligible expenditure may relate to meetings with potential partners; for example travel, accommodation, and interpreter’s fees, or project pre-development cost (for example feasibility study, consulting for specific issues, translation costs) and providing technical support for compiling the dossier.However, under mainstream projects, technical support assistance is available at a grant rate of up to 75% of eligible expenditure for the social economy, voluntary or community sector, or up to 50% for the private sector up to a maximum amount of £5,000. This technical support element is available to help investigate project potential depending on the Axis 3 measure relevant to the project proposal.
It is my understanding that the Rural Development Programme for England does not provide any support for the development of project applications. I believe, however, that support may be provided indirectly through elements of activity supported under Axis 4 Measure 413: Implementation of the local development strategies, or possibly Axis 4 Measure 421: Implementing co-operation projects.The position in Wales is different again in that a Food Business Advisory Scheme provides assistance towards the submission of Axis 1 Processing and Marketing and Supply Chain Efficiency grants. Funding is available at up to 100% and is normally limited to £1,500 per client per financial year for grant applications and £1,500 to £2000 for additional specialist work. In addition, under Axis 4 Measure 421 preparatory technical support is funded, where appropriate, at 100% grant to help develop projects. This is capped at €5,000.
Sheep Farmers
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if preparations are being made to help sheep farmers in advance of next winter, given the problems they encountered during the recent severe winter conditions.
(AQW 6279/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I am fully aware of the impact the recent severe weather has had on the north and I sympathise with farmers who are understandably distressed. I recently raised the issue of hardship payments for sheep losses as a consequence of the severe weather with the Executive and secured agreement to bid for funding in June monitoring.Furthermore, the Executive agreed that I ask officials to hold discussions with the farming and insurance industries to see if there are any ways of making insurance more accessible to farmers as this is the direction we would like to see the industry follow.My Department has issued practical advice to help minimise losses particularly in regard to ewes with young lambs. Sheep farmers seeking practical advice to minimise losses as a result of the poor weather should contact their local DARD Development Advisor.
Dangerous Dogs
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of times police have been called to incidents involving dangerous dogs in each of the last five years; (ii) the outcome of any prosecutions; and (iii) the number of dogs seized or destroyed as a result of these incidents.
(AQW 6287/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Local councils are responsible for enforcing all aspects of the Dogs Order 1983, including the provisions on dangerous dogs, and provide statistical information to my Department relating to the operation of the Order.Councils may call on the police for assistance, but my Department does not require them to provide statistics on this. The following table shows the total number of incidents involving dangerous dogs investigated by the Councils in the last five years; the number of successful prosecutions; and the number of dangerous dogs destroyed. Information on the outcome of prosecutions which are not successful is not provided to my Department, nor is the number of dogs seized pending prosecution.
Table 1.
| Year | (i) Incidents investigated | (ii) Number of successful prosecutions | (iii) Number of dangerous dogs destroyed |
|---|---|---|---|
2005 |
26 |
Not known |
Not known |
2006 |
198 |
6 |
55 |
2007 |
751 |
22 |
77 |
2008 |
306 |
9 |
18 |
2009 |
123 |
9 |
12 |
Closet River, Kinnego
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when the Closet River, Kinnego (i) was last; and (ii) will be next (a) dredged; and (b) cleaned.
(AQW 6304/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Closet River is designated under the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 for maintenance to ensure free flow. As a result DARD Rivers Agency carries out routine inspections of the watercourse and performs maintenance works as necessary. The river was last subject to maintenance works in October 2002 and inspections were carried out in 2004 and 2007. However, at those times no maintenance works were carried out due to the presence of pollutants. NI Water is currently developing a programme of works to remove the pollutants from the Closet River. Once this has been completed Rivers Agency will recommence maintenance works as necessary
Closet River, Kinnego
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what Rivers Agency is doing to address the blockages at the mouth of the Closet River where it meets Lough Neagh.
(AQW 6307/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My officials in DARD Rivers Agency have received no reports of any blockages at the mouth of the Closet River. They are aware of the presence of pollutants in the watercourse at this location and works being undertaken by NI Water to remove these. Any obstruction at the mouth of the Closet River will be removed during this process. Once NI Water has completed their programme of works, Rivers Agency will recommence inspection and maintenance as required
Administrative Burden on Farmers
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what her Department has done since May 2007 to ease the administrative burden on farmers.
(AQW 6312/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I have taken a number of initiatives to reduce the administrative burden on farmers. First, I gave an independent panel the task of reviewing regulations and recommending simplification. That panel reported in April 2009, and we published their report and sought additional comments through an informal consultation which ended in September. I will shortly be publishing my Department’s response to the independent review.
In addition, I have taken action both on the regulatory burden, and the administrative arrangements for grants and subsidies. For example, in July 2009, we secured a very important derogation which will benefit flock keepers as the new sheep electronic identification system is rolled out; this concession provides for the establishment of central points of recording which will reduce the administrative burden on flock keepers, who will not need in general to buy EID readers. Similarly, when I launched the first tranche of the Farm Modernisation Scheme, I took steps to make the application process as simple as possible. We will be holding to that principle when we launch tranche 2.
In both cases, the Department consulted industry leaders on the process, and they have influenced how we are administering these arrangements. Looking ahead the Department will shortly launch a consultation on how we propose to review and improve the accessibility of our services. I am satisfied there will be considerable benefits for farmers if they access our services by the most appropriate and efficient means.
Bovine Tuberculosis
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she has taken or plans to (i) eliminate; and (ii) reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in wildlife.
(AQW 6315/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The ultimate aim of our TB strategy is to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in the north. My Department has a rigorous TB programme in place, approved by the EU, which includes a strand to address the wildlife factor. Action to deal with cattle to cattle transmission of TB will continue to be an important element of my strategy as we move forward. Interventions to address the wildlife factor may include improving biosecurity, as well as options for more direct intervention such as the vaccination of badgers which may be the most feasible solution in the long-term. As the badger is a protected species any direct interventions will be subject to the agreement of the Environment Minister, where necessary, and to the availability of the substantial additional funding that will be required.The issue of TB in badgers and TB in cattle is a complex one. We know there is a link between bovine TB in badgers and bovine TB in cattle but we do not know the extent to which badgers contribute to the incidence of TB in cattle here. Moreover, research involving badger culling elsewhere presents a mixed picture of its effectiveness in reducing disease levels in cattle. Recently published results from the Randomised Badger Control Trials in England suggest that the impact in the areas where culling took place was short lived, that the perturbation of badgers led to an increase in TB in surrounding areas and that the costs were prohibitive, outweighing by two or three times the savings from fewer TB herd breakdowns.
We plan to carry out a TB Biosecurity Study this year to assess what critical differences there are between infected and non-infected herds in a TB high incidence area in County Down. Consideration of both selected cattle and wildlife factors will be key elements of this Study which will help inform new biosecurity advice for farmers.My officials will continue to track the progress of the badger cull in Wales and the outcomes of the various culls carried out in England and in the south of Ireland. They will also monitor closely the progress of the work that is on-going in the south and in Britain to develop a viable oral badger vaccine and a cost effective means of vaccine deployment. We are also working with the Agri-Food Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to establish critical knowledge gaps in relation to TB, taking account of work that is ongoing here, in the south and in Britain. This will enable us to identify further relevant research and development projects.
There is no indication that other wildlife species are a significant issue for TB in cattle. A Deer Survey completed in 2009 found that the prevalence of TB in deer was low at less than 2 per cent.
Funding to Groups in Lagan Valley
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the amount; (ii) and the nature of any funding her Department has provided to groups in the Lagan Valley constituency in the last year.
(AQW 6355/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department has provided a total of £190k of funding to groups in the Lagan Valley constituency.The nature of this funding relates to the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (Annual Premia) paid under Axis 2 of the NI Rural Development Programme, Anti-Poverty social exclusion challenge programme and Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme.The grant aid with regard to Anti-Poverty and Axis 3 has been offered to various projects but has not yet been drawn down. The Department is not in a position to provide figures on the extent of Anti-Poverty funding which will eventually be drawn down by individual projects in the Lagan Valley constituency.
Single Farm Payments
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many applications for Single Farm Payments were received, by constituency, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 6405/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: A total of 38,609 applications to the Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme were received by the Department for the 2009 scheme year. 38,764 and 39,004 were received for the 2008 and 2007 scheme years respectively.
The Department does not hold SFP details on a constituency basis. The data is currently held by county and postcode where known. A list of the total numbers of applications received for scheme years 2007, 2008 and 2009, as at 22 April 2010, for each postcode area is attached at Annex A.
ANNEX A
NUMBERS OF SINGLE FARM PAYMENT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED (2007 – 2009) BY POST CODE AREA
Postcode |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT1 | 24 |
25 |
25 |
| BT2 | 12 |
11 |
9 |
| BT3 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| BT4 | 29 |
29 |
29 |
| BT5 | 39 |
40 |
40 |
| BT6 | 31 |
32 |
30 |
| BT7 | 11 |
11 |
11 |
| BT8 | 116 |
116 |
115 |
| BT9 | 44 |
40 |
38 |
| BT10 | 5 |
6 |
6 |
| BT11 | 7 |
7 |
6 |
| BT12 | 3 |
3 |
1 |
| BT13 | 3 |
4 |
4 |
| BT14 | 44 |
43 |
44 |
| BT15 | 14 |
12 |
12 |
| BT16 | 46 |
47 |
42 |
| BT17 | 18 |
18 |
18 |
| BT18 | 54 |
53 |
53 |
| BT19 | 80 |
79 |
79 |
| BT20 | 17 |
17 |
17 |
| BT21 | 70 |
68 |
68 |
| BT22 | 465 |
465 |
463 |
| BT23 | 594 |
587 |
584 |
| BT24 | 595 |
597 |
595 |
| BT25 | 591 |
588 |
587 |
| BT26 | 265 |
259 |
260 |
| BT27 | 300 |
296 |
298 |
| BT28 | 379 |
371 |
366 |
| BT29 | 391 |
391 |
380 |
| BT30 | 910 |
895 |
887 |
| BT31 | 485 |
480 |
475 |
| BT32 | 770 |
762 |
763 |
| BT33 | 143 |
143 |
144 |
| BT34 | 1999 |
1973 |
1965 |
| BT35 | 1726 |
1724 |
1716 |
| BT36 | 113 |
113 |
113 |
| BT37 | 16 |
15 |
14 |
| BT38 | 194 |
194 |
197 |
| BT39 | 647 |
650 |
641 |
| BT40 | 437 |
438 |
430 |
| BT41 | 717 |
710 |
701 |
| BT42 | 1002 |
1005 |
1003 |
| BT43 | 487 |
479 |
467 |
| BT44 | 1408 |
1418 |
1426 |
| BT45 | 1486 |
1482 |
1474 |
| BT46 | 549 |
545 |
547 |
| BT47 | 1112 |
1109 |
1111 |
| BT48 | 67 |
65 |
65 |
| BT49 | 469 |
459 |
457 |
| BT50 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| BT51 | 931 |
924 |
941 |
| BT52 | 174 |
169 |
162 |
| BT53 | 908 |
898 |
884 |
| BT54 | 286 |
280 |
282 |
| BT55 | 35 |
30 |
31 |
| BT56 | 40 |
40 |
39 |
| BT57 | 199 |
202 |
201 |
| BT58 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| BT59 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| BT60 | 1705 |
1690 |
1683 |
| BT61 | 493 |
490 |
485 |
| BT62 | 696 |
695 |
679 |
| BT63 | 308 |
302 |
303 |
| BT64 | 2 |
1 |
0 |
| BT65 | 4 |
5 |
5 |
| BT66 | 311 |
312 |
303 |
| BT67 | 341 |
336 |
339 |
| BT68 | 86 |
87 |
87 |
| BT69 | 204 |
202 |
205 |
| BT70 | 1387 |
1375 |
1372 |
| BT71 | 1158 |
1152 |
1150 |
| BT72 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| BT73 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| BT74 | 548 |
544 |
533 |
| BT75 | 307 |
302 |
301 |
| BT76 | 206 |
207 |
204 |
| BT77 | 140 |
139 |
140 |
| BT78 | 1761 |
1750 |
1737 |
| BT79 | 1584 |
1583 |
1587 |
| BT80 | 1061 |
1049 |
1038 |
| BT81 | 562 |
554 |
559 |
| BT82 | 669 |
665 |
665 |
| BT83 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT84 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT85 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT86 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT87 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT88 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT89 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT90 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT91 | 0 |
0 |
|
| BT92 | 1567 |
1566 |
1570 |
| BT93 | 1012 |
1017 |
1024 |
| BT94 | 1004 |
1010 |
1013 |
| No BT Postcode Held | 331 |
314 |
311 |
Totals |
39004 |
38764 |
38609 |
Fishing Organisations
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with fishing organisations to ensure that vessel modernisation is targeted at those fishermen who need it most.
(AQW 6444/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department conducted a Vessel Modernisation Needs Survey in 2009 to determine how best to utilise European Fisheries Funding to meet the modernisation needs of the local fishing industry. The two local producer organisations and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency were involved in developing the questionnaire. In total, 331 survey forms were issued and 42% of fishermen responded.
Seed Mussel Fishery at Copeland Sound, Donaghadee
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if the seed mussel fishery at Copeland Sound, Donaghadee will re-open on 3 May 2010.
(AQW 6459/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Having considered the report of a recent scientific survey by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute of the mussel resource at Copeland Sound I have agreed that the resource should be shared between those wishing to develop a wild mussel fishery and the bottom grown mussel sector. The seed mussel fishery will therefore re-open on 4 May and will be subject to appropriate management.
Bee Health Strategy
Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on (i) the contingency plan for bee health; and (ii) the local bee health strategy which were expected to be completed last year.
(AQW 6535/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: (i) The Contingency Plan for Exotic Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees, was published in January 2010. It can be viewed on the DARD Website at: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/bee-health-contingency-plan-2010.doc.
(ii) The Bee Health Strategy is in the final stages of drafting, following preliminary discussions with the two Beekeeping Associations. It is anticipated that it will be issued for public consultation in the coming weeks.
Farm Modernisation Programme
Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consultation has taken place with the farming unions regarding the Farm Modernisation Scheme.
(AQO 1120/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 1 and 9 together.My officials commenced engagement with the farming unions on the Farm Modernisation Programme last summer and met with the Ulster Farmers Union on 24th June 2009 and the NI Agricultural Producers Association on 11th July 2009. At both meetings the views of the industry representatives were sought to ensure the FMP is targeted on projects most able to demonstrate modernisation.
These included: prioritisation of investment areas; format of application; maximum grant rate or variations; maximum grant amount; and procurement methodology.
In these discussions with the unions representatives they indicated there should be a focus on young farmers and this has been included in the Tranche 2 selection proposals. Since the beginning of 2010 officials have met with both the UFU and NIAPA on 20 January and with a further UFU delegation on 28 January. Both farming unions are represented on the NIRDP Monitoring Committee which was consulted on 3 February. At the beginning of March the UFU wrote advising that they would not engage in an industry representative steering group being convened to consider the modernisation priorities of the items eligible for assistance in the next tranche of the programme funding.
During the No Day Named Motion Debate on the Farm Modernisation Programme on 8 March I invited them to re-engage but unfortunately the UFU were not represented when NIAPA and other industry representatives met on 19 March.Finally, both farming unions are currently being consulted on an equality screening exercise on the Farm Modernisation Programme. The Equality Screening Template is now out to consultation with Section 75 consultees and industry stakeholders. I have recently decided to extend the consultation period deadline by 1 week from 05 May to 12 May to allow further time for responses to be received.On the question of additional funding for the Farm Modernisation Programme my officials have recently commissioned a mid-term evaluation of the Rural Development Programme which will provide an opportunity to look at allocations and spend under each of its schemes.
The findings and recommendations of the evaluation will feed into any decisions I may make, subsequently, to amend the content or financing within the programme.However, in the current economic climate, spend within the programme will be subject to the same scrutiny as the rest of my Department’s spending plans.
Rural Childcare Programme
Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the Rural Childcare Programme.
(AQO 1125/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: When I first came into office, I set up the Rural Childcare Stakeholders Group to consider the difficulties with childcare provision in rural areas and to make recommendations on how to best tackle these difficulties.The Rural Childcare Stakeholders Group produced a report which detailed specific challenges facing rural areas including transport/access to existing facilities, affordability of childcare and current provider’s ability to access further training courses.The report recommended that DARD should work in partnership with others to establish a rural childcare funding programme with the aim of addressing these rural specific needs and circumstances.
Taking this recommendation into consideration I, through my Department’s Anti-Poverty and Social Exclusion work, initiated the Rural Childcare Programme.Following a comprehensive application, appraisal and assessment process carried out during the summer and autumn of last year the Rural Childcare Programme issued Letters of Offer to successful childcare organisations in October and November. As a result we are currently supporting 20 rural childcare projects to the value of £1.3m.Implementation plans have been agreed for all the childcare projects and regular project monitoring meetings are being carried out to review progress and to ensure that the project activity remains focused and on schedule. Project activity is now well underway for most of the 20 childcare projects.
Livestock Theft
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many livestock have been reported stolen in the last twelve months.
(AQO 1129/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The Department is aware that cattle and sheep are reported as being stolen from time to time. The Department does update its Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) database when made aware of such reports, for purposes of disease control etc, but does not maintain specific statistics. Livestock theft, like other property crime, is a matter for the PSNI. I personally have raised this issue at a very senior level with the PSNI and I am sure that the Member could also raise it at Policing Board level.
Ploughing Championships
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much financial assistance her Department intends to give to the Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships this year.
(AQO 1130/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department may provide financial assistance to local agricultural events in the form of sponsorship of the event and other associated costs for staging DARD exhibitions at such events. These other costs can include the cost of hiring trade space at an event or placing an advertisement in the event catalogue. In respect to these costs, DARD paid a total of £14,060 to local agricultural event organisers during 2009. These costs are not yet known for this year..
Wind Turbines
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what grants are available within her Department for the provision of wind turbines.
(AQO 1131/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Following approaches made to the European Commission and discussions within my department and with other departments and agencies I am pleased to announce that under revised scheme rules Axis three of the rural development programme can now accept applications for stand alone renewable energy projects which may include wind turbines. Under Axis 3 of the programme funds will be available to eligible projects approved by the Local Action Groups within the funding limits and aid intensities as detailed in the programme measure sheets, details of which can be obtained from the Local Action Groups or the DARD website. Furthermore given the interest in biomass fuelled technologies within the agricultural sector DARD propose to launch a Biomass Processing Challenge Fund, subject to securing the necessary approvals.
The purpose of this Fund is to support the purchase of a range of technologies that improve business efficiency and environmental sustainability at farm level by utilising cost effective and sustainable methods of processing agricultural wastes and other appropriate biomass material to generate renewable energy. A grant rate of up to 40% of capital and installation costs to a maximum of €400,000 per project will be made available to fund technologies ranging from biomass boilers to anaerobic digesters.The Fund will be operated on a competitive basis and all applications will be scored against eligibility and pre set assessment criteria.These are good examples of departments and partner organisations working together to achieve a favourable result for the farmers, businesses and rural dwellers and shows my departments continued commitment to green energy and reducing emissions.
Livestock Marts: Help Desks
Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she can confirm that help desk facilities at Saturday livestock marts will continue in operation.
(AQO 1132/10)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Department staff will continue to provide a Saturday Help Desk for cattle markets for the immediate future. A meeting is currently being organised between the NI Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (NILAA) and officials to discuss arrangements for the longer term. However the principal responsibility for complying with animal health restrictions and ensuring animals are eligible to move rests with the herd or flock keeper. The Department has repeatedly emphasised this to keepers and market operators.
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Government Funding of Clubs and Facilities
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for an up-to-date assessment of the calls to remove Government funding from clubs and facilities that are named after individuals who had previously been involved in terrorism.
(AQW 6319/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr N McCausland): I believe it is totally inappropriate for any organisation engaged in sport, the arts or culture to be named after individuals who had previously been involved in terrorism or other criminal behaviour. Both the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and its statutory arms length bodies have an obligation under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to ensure that they continue to promote (1) equality of opportunity and (2) good relations.
Following concerns raised about public funding to sports clubs and facilities that are named after individuals who had previously been involved in terrorism, I asked officials to review the equity clause in the terms and conditions of Sport Northern Ireland’s funding programmes and to advise if changes should be considered. This review, which is ongoing, has raised a number of issues on which my Department is currently seeking advice and clarification.
Libraries NI
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in relation to libraries previously controlled by the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) but which are now under the control of Libraries NI, to detail (i) the services provided; (ii) the number of people employed; and (iii) the pay, grade and job description of employees, at each of these libraries (a) now; and (b) when they were under the control of the BELB.
(AQW 6375/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: i (a)&(b) The Services provided in all libraries are the same now as when under the control of BELB. These services are detailed in Table 1:
TABLE 1
| Library | Services Provided |
|---|---|
| Andersonstown |
|
| Ardoyne |
|
| Ballyhackamore |
|
| Ballymacarrett |
|
| Belfast Central Library |
|
| Chichester |
|
| Falls Road |
|
| Finaghy |
|
| Grove |
|
| Holywood Arches |
|
| Ligoniel |
|
| Lisburn Road |
|
| Oldpark |
|
| Ormeau Road |
|
| Sandy Row |
|
| Shankill |
|
| Suffolk |
|
| Whiterock |
|
| Whitewell |
|
| Woodstock |
|
In addition to the branch libraries a mobile library service is provided in Belfast. Services provided include Adult and Children’s Book lending and internet access.
ii a) The number of people employed in each library, together with their job title, on 31 March 2009 (i.e. when libraries were the responsibility of the BELB) who subsequently transferred to Libraries NI on 1 April 2009 is shown in Table 2 below. Some members of staff work in more than one library but are only counted once (i.e. in their substantive post). Not all staff were full time. Note that the figure for Belfast Central includes staff who worked in an administrative role in the former BELB Library Service.
Table 2
| Library | Number of people employed (BELB) |
Job Title |
|---|---|---|
| Andersonstown | 3 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 1 x Library Assistant 1 x Library Patrol Attendant |
| Ardoyne | 7 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 4 x Library Assistants 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Ballyhackamore | 8 |
2 x Assistant Librarians 1 x Senior Library Assistant 4 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Ballymacarrett | 4 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 2 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Belfast Central | 91 |
1 x Principal Officer 5 x Senior Librarians 11 x Assistant Librarians 1 x Senior Executive Officer (Corporate Services) 9 x Senior Library Assistants 35 x Library Assistants 1 x Personal Assistant 1 x Technician 31 x Clerical Officer 1 x Telephonist 2 x Clerk Typists 1 x Building Superintendent 2 x Mobile Library Drivers 2 x Library Driver Attendants 2 x Senior Library Attendants 7 x Library Attendants 9 x Cleaners |
| Chichester | 6 |
1 Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Falls Road | 6 |
1 x Branch Library Manager 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Finaghy | 6 |
2 x Senior Library Assistants 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Grove | 7 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Holywood Arches | 5 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Ligoniel | 4 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 1 x Library Assistant 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Lisburn Road | 5 |
1 x Branch Library Manager 4 x Library Assistants |
| Oldpark | 1 |
1 x Cleaner |
| Ormeau Road | 7 |
1 x Senior Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 4 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Sandy Row | 1 |
1 x Cleaner |
| Shankill | 7 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Suffolk | 5 |
1 x Senior Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 2 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Whiterock | 5 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 1 x Library Assistant 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Whitewell | 1 |
1 x Library Patrol Attendant |
| Woodstock | 8 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 5 x Library Assistants 1 Cleaner |
TOTAL |
187 |
ii b) The number of people employed in each library on 1 April 2010 is shown in Table 3 below. Some staff work in more than one library but are only counted once (i.e. in their substantive post). Not all staff are full time. The figure for Belfast Central includes staff who work in a regional role within Libraries NI corporate services functions.
Table 3
| Library | Number of people employed (Libraries NI) | Job Title |
|---|---|---|
| Andersonstown | 3 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 1 x Library Assistant 1 x Library Patrol Attendant |
| Ardoyne | 6 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Ballyhackamore | 8 |
2 x Assistant Librarians 1 x Senior Library Assistant 4 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Ballymacarrett | 3 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 1 x Library Assistant 1 x Cleaner |
| Belfast Central | 81 |
1 x Business Manager 2 x Area Managers 3 x Senior Librarians 10 x Assistant Librarians 1 x Senior Executive Officer (Corporate Services) 8 x Senior Library Assistants 32 x Library Assistants 1 x Personal Assistant 1 x Clerical Officer 1 x Telephonist 2 x Clerk Typists 1 x Building Superintendent 2 x Mobile Library Drivers 1 x Library Driver Attendant 2 x Senior Library Attendants 5 x Library Attendants 8 x Cleaners |
| Chichester | 6 |
1 Assistant Librarian 1 x Branch Library Manager 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Falls Road | 5 |
1 x Branch Library Manager 3 x Library Assistants 1 Library Patrol Attendant |
| Finaghy | 6 |
2 x Senior Library Assistants 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Grove | 7 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Holywood Arches | 4 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 2 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Ligoniel | 4 |
1 x Senior Library Assistant 1 x Library Assistant 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Lisburn Road | 5 |
1 x Branch Library Manager 4 x Library Assistants |
| Oldpark | 1 |
1 x Cleaner |
| Ormeau Road | 7 |
1 x Senior Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 4 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Sandy Row | 1 |
1 x Cleaner |
| Shankill | 7 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 3 x Library Assistants 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Suffolk | 5 |
1 x Senior Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 2 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
| Whiterock | 6 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Branch Library Manager 2 x Library Assistans 1 x Library Patrol Attendant 1 x Cleaner |
| Whitewell | 1 |
1 x Library Patrol Attendant |
| Woodstock | 8 |
1 x Assistant Librarian 1 x Senior Library Assistant 5 x Library Assistants 1 x Cleaner |
TOTAL |
174 |
iii (a) & (b) The following table shows a summarised version of the pay, grade and job description of each of the posts.
Description |
Grade |
Salary Scale |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cleaner | Clerical Officer | £13,589 - £14,733 |
| 2. | Assistant Librarian | Senior Clerical Officer | £15,570 - £16,991 |
| 3. | Branch Library Manager | Executive Officer | £17,161 - £21,519 |
| 4. | Community Librarian | Senior Executive Officer | £22,221 - £26,276 |
| 5. | Senior Librarian (Community) | Admin Officer | £27,849 - £30,011 |
| 6. | Senior Library Assistant (mobile services); Mobile Library Driver | Executive Officer | £17,161 - £21,519 |
| 7. | Library Patrol Assistant | Former Ancillary & General Staff | £12,488 - £13,190 |
| 8. | Personal Assistant | Executive Officer | £17,161 - £21,519 |
| 9. | Clerical Officer/Typist | Clerk Officer | £12,145 - £13,874 |
| 10. | Telephonist/Receptionist | Clerical Officer | £12,145 - £13,874 |
| 11. | Library Attendant/ Assistant | Clerical Officer | £13,589 - £14,733 |
| 12. | Building Superintendant | Admin Officer | £27,849 - £30,011 |
| 13. | Senior Library Assistant | Executive Officer | £17,161 - £21,519 |
| 14. | Business Manager | Education Officer | £49,288 - £51,866 |
| 15. | Principal Officer - Frontline Services | Principal Officer | £38,961 - £41,616 |
| 16. | Administration Manager(Senior Executive Officer) | Senior Library Manger | £22,221 - £26,276 |
| 17. | Area Manager | Assistant Principal Officer | £35,430 - £38,042 |
| 18. | Maintenance Technician | Executive Officer | £17,161 - £21,519 |
| 19. | Senior Library Attendant | Scale 2 | £14,733 - £15,444 |
| 20. | Library Driver Attendant | Scale Point 1C – Points 9 -11 | £13,589 - £14,733 |
The individual salaries of members of staff have not been included since individuals could be identified and this information is protected by Data Protection legislation. A full job description for each post is available in the Assembly Library.
Libraries NI
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in relation to libraries previously controlled by the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) but which are now under the control of Libraries NI, how much funding was allocated to each of these libraries when they were under the control of the BELB; and how much funding is currently allocated to each of these libraries.
(AQW 6376/10)
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The spend attributed to each branch library in 2008/09 (by BELB) and in 2009/10 (by Libraries NI) was as follows:
| 2008/09 spend (£)* |
2009/10 spend (£)** |
|
|---|---|---|
| Belfast Central Library*** | 3,325,893 |
2,398,214 |
| Andersonstown | 67,544 |
73,488 |
| Ardoyne | 68,973 |
97,138 |
| Ballyhackamore | 155,618 |
161,417 |
| Ballymacarrett | 110,635 |
100,199 |
| Chichester | 129,861 |
153,743 |
| Falls Road | 129,148 |
126,909 |
| Finaghy | 120,735 |
124,666 |
| Holywood Road | 127,184 |
130,351 |
| Ligoniel | 64,009 |
72,564 |
| Lisburn Road | 120,172 |
122,190 |
| Oldpark | 17,240 |
26,343 |
| Ormeau | 158,496 |
167,478 |
| Sandy Row | 21,159 |
17,402 |
| Shankill | 157,448 |
151,171 |
| Suffolk | 132,523 |
161,374 |
| Whiterock | 150,377 |
156,552 |
| Whitewell | 8,628 |
5,175 |
| Woodstock | 152,984 |
159,716 |
| Grove Wellbeing Centre | 170,652 |
149,807 |
Total |
5,389,279 |
4,555,897 |
| Mobile libraries | 113,268 |
100,928 |
* The Chief Executive of BELB has advised me of the spend attributed to each branch library under his control as Accounting Officer in 2008/9.** The Accounts for Libraries NI have not yet been finalised and audited. These draft figures may be subject to adjustment.*** Most stock expenditure by BELB was coded to Belfast Central Library, as was some administration expenditure (e.g. Chief Librarian’s salary, stock purchases, preparing invoices for payment etc.). In 2008/09 BELB reported expenditure of approximately £516,000 on stock purchases. The 2008/09 figure also includes £312,000 allocated for a redundancy scheme in March 2009. Libraries NI does not code stock to individual branches nor are central services or senior management team costs included.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Irish-medium Schools
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Education how many children from the Protestant community attend each Irish-medium school.
(AQW 6044/10)
Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane ): Tá 23 Gaelscoil. Tá 5 dalta san iomlán acu atá taifeadta mar chuid den phobal Protastúnach; tá 2,630 dalta ón phobal Caitliceach; tá 9 dalta taifeadta mar ‘Críostaí Eile’; agus tá 170 dalta a bhfuil a gcreidimh taifeadta mar ‘anaithnid/ gan creideamh’.
There are 23 Irish medium schools. These have 5 pupils in total, recorded as being from the Protestant community; 2,630 pupils from the Catholic community; 9 pupils recorded as ‘Other Christian’; and 170 pupils with religion recorded as ‘not stated/none’. There are 11 Irish medium units situated in English medium primary or post primary schools, with a total of 681 pupils: no pupils in those units were recorded as being Protestant; and, of the others, less than 5 have their religion recorded as something other than ‘Catholic’.
Of the 435 children in funded places in the 35 Irish medium voluntary and private pre-school centres: 331 children have their religion recorded as Catholic; 96 children have their religion recorded as ‘not stated/none’; and, 8 children have their religion recorded as ‘Protestant’ or ‘Other Christian’.
Integrated Schools Enrolment
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5788/10, to define what is meant by the 'longer term' in relation to the requirements under departmental regulations for integrated schools to achieve a 30% level of enrolment from the minority community in its catchment area.
(AQW 6091/10)
Minister of Education: Dhíreoinn aird an chomhalta ar an fhreagra a thug mé ar AQW 5788/10, a foilsíodh sa Tuairisc Oifigiúil ar 26 Márta 2010, inar mhínigh mé nach mór do scoileanna reatha atá ag athrú go stádas comhtháite (Comhtháite Rialaithe) an ábaltacht a léiriú chun 10% dá gcuid iontrála sa chéad bhliain, laistigh de rollú na scoile, a tharraingt ón phobal mionlaigh agus go bhféadfaidís íosmhéid de 30% a bhaint amach sa téarma níos faide.
I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 5788/10, published in the Official report on 26 March 2010 where I explained that 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.It is important to recognise that transformation is a process of change with integration as the objective. When the policy on transformation was introduced it was anticipated that following transformation to integrated status my Department would carry out a formal review after 10 years.
Integrated Schools: Enrolment
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5788/10, to list the integrated schools which have not achieved the required minority percentage enrolment for the last (i) seven years; (ii) six years; (iii) five years; (iv) four years; and (v) three years.
(AQW 6092/10)
Minister of Education: Leagtar amach sa tábla seo thíos na scoileanna comhtháite nár tharraing 30% dá gcuid daltaí ón phobal mionlaigh le linn tréimhse de 10 mbliana ón bhliain 2000/01 go 2009/10. Leagtar amach sa tábla fosta céadatán na ndaltaí a tarraingíodh ón phobal mionlaigh.
The following table sets out the integrated schools which have not drawn 30% of their pupils from the minority community over the 10 year period from 2000/01 to 2009/10. The table also set out what percentage of pupils are drawn from the minority community Schools which have transformed to integrated status should demonstrate the ability to achieve a minimum of 10% of their first year intake from the minority community and the potential to achieve 30% in the longer term.
Table showing actual % enrolment of pupils drawn from the minority community where the school is situated.
| School | 09/10 | 08/09 | 07/08 | 06/07 | 05/06 | 04/05 | 03/04 | 02/03 | 01/02 | 00/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priory College | 10.4 |
10.7 |
4.73 |
6.18 |
7.63 |
6.69 |
5.26 |
5.38 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
| Fort Hill College | 7.76 |
7.4 |
7.71 |
8.99 |
8.61 |
8.51 |
9.45 |
8.77 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
| Bangor Central IPS | 13.14 |
12.7 |
10.14 |
8.38 |
8.05 |
8.65 |
9.02 |
8.23 |
6.0 |
5.0 |
| Round Tower IPS | 26.03 |
25.8 |
24.02 |
15.58 |
25.0 |
20.31 |
17.7 |
|||
| Portaferry IPS | 24.62 |
20.5 |
21.79 |
25.00 |
16.47 |
27.38 |
19.77 |
|||
| Strangford College | 24.95 |
24.1 |
24.85 |
24.18 |
26.35 |
27.37 |
||||
| Kilbroney IPS | 23.15 |
23.8 |
20.0 |
20.21 |
22.34 |
26.09 |
||||
| Glencraig IPS | 17.35 |
16.40 |
15.35 |
12.83 |
12.8 |
10.16 |
||||
| All Children’s IPS | 20.28 |
21.1 |
24.62 |
24.49 |
28.42 |
|||||
| Forge IPS | 25.97 |
26.0 |
20.80 |
19.42 |
||||||
| Maine IPS | 28.7 |
28.0 |
20.45 |
12.86 |
||||||
| Oakgrove Integrated College | 26.53 |
24.6 |
28.83 |
|||||||
| Drumragh College | 27.20 |
26.0 |
27.35 |
Integrated Schools: Enrolment
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5788/10, what action her Department has taken in relation to each of the schools which failed to meet the 30% level of minority enrolment required for integrated status.
(AQW 6107/10)
Minister of Education: In five of the schools referred to in AQW 5788/10, Focused Inspections were carried out by the Education and Training Inspectorate. In general Focussed Inspections found that schools which had transformed had successfully introduced an ethos of integration. The ethos of an integrated school is now considered as an integral part of the Inspection process.Déanann na Roinn monatóireacht ar chothrom creidimh gach scoile comhtháite. I gcásanna nach bhfuil scoileanna in ann 30% dá gcuid daltaí a tharraingt as an phobal mionlaigh, iarrann an Roinn go nglacfaidh an Bord Gobharnóirí na bearta cuí agus go soláthrófar plean ina leagtar amach an dóigh a rachaidh an scoil in ngleic leis an easnamh.
My Department also monitors the religious balance in all integrated schools. Where schools are unable to draw 30% of their pupils from the minority community, the Department requests that the school’s Board of Governors takes appropriate action and that a plan is provided setting out how the school will address the shortfall.
Integrated Schools: Enrolment
Mr S Gardiner asked e Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5788/10, how much additional funding each of the schools received in each of the years in which they failed to meet the 30% level of minority enrolment required for integrated status.
(AQW 6108/10)
Minister of Education: Faoin Fhoirmle Choitinn Mhaoinithe (FCM) um Bhainistíocht Áitiúil Scoileanna (BÁS), déileáiltear le scoileanna san earnáil rialaithe, lena n-áirítear na scoileanna sin san earnáil chomhtháite rialaithe, ar an dóigh chéanna agus a ndéileáiltear le scoileanna a bhfuil tréithe cosúla acu san earnáil faoi chothabháil. Ní chuirfear san áireamh cothrom creidimh ná cineál bainistíochta aon scoile nuair a chinntear a leithdháileadh faoin fhoirmle choitinn.
Under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) Common Funding Formula (CFF), schools in the controlled sector, including those in the controlled integrated sector, are treated exactly the same as those with similar characteristics in the maintained sector. No account is taken of the religious balance or management type of any school in determining its funding formula allocation.All grant-aided schools are funded according to their relative need. Common monetary values have been set for each factor in the formula and these will determine the size of the budget for each school. All schools are funded on a consistent and equitable basis, regardless of their geographical location, management type or sector.
My Department does have a small budget which provides additional resources to transforming schools to assist with the process of transformation. Schools which transform to integrated status are only required to demonstrate the ability to achieve a 10% of their first year intake drawn from the minority community and the potential to achieve a minimum of 30% in the longer term. Details of additional funding allocated to transformed schools from this transformation budget in the years which they did not draw 30% of their enrolment from the minority community is in the table below.
| School | 00/01 £ |
01/02 £ |
02/03 £ |
03/04 £ |
04/05 £ |
05/06 £ |
06/07 £ |
07/08 £ |
08/09 £ |
09/10 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballymoney CIPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,800 |
| Bangor Central CIPS | 43,641 |
42,560 |
25,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cliftonville CIPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,071 |
24,048 |
| Fort Hill CIC | 26,000 |
23,750 |
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Glencraig CIPS |
|
|
|
|
39,186 |
33,801 |
40,447 |
30,509 |
|
|
| Groarty CIPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,394 |
| Kilbroney CIPS |
|
|
|
|
23,000 |
34,959 |
|
4,044 |
|
|
| Portaferry CIPS |
|
|
|
19,500 |
21,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Priory College | 50,100 |
36,789 |
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Round Tower Integrated Primary |
|
|
|
20,800 |
35,095 |
38,214 |
39,845 |
37,492 |
17,000 |
|
School Building Projects
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5584/10, when she expects the area based planning process to be completed.
(AQW 6111/10)
Minister of Education: Beidh lánfhreagracht ar an Údarás um Oideachas agus Scileanna, nuair a bhunófar é, as pleananna de réir ceantair a thabhairt chun tosaigh. San idirthréimhse, leanfaidh mo Roinn de bheith ag cur saincheisteanna sa cheantar aitíuil san áireamh agus tá sí ag obair go gar le gach údarás um scoileanna a bhainistiú chun cur chuige straitéiseach ar phleanáil a fhorbairt.
The Education and Skills Authority, when established, will have full responsibility for bringing forward area-based plans. In the interim period, my Department will continue to take account of local area issues and is working closely with all school managing authorities to develop a strategic approach to planning.
C2K Contract
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5865/10 (i) what aspects of C2K are outsourced and to which organisations; and (ii) when each is due for renewal.
(AQW 6129/10)
Minister of Education: Tá seirbhís bhainistihe Classroom 2000 (C2K) á sholáthar trí roinnt conarthaí ar a dtugtar Lots, a chumasaíonn seirbhísí le haghaidh scoileanna le tabhairt chun críche ó shainsholáthróirí. Maireann na conarthaí ar feadh tréimhse de 5-bliana, agus tá rogha acu ar thréimhse shínithe de suas le dhá bhliain.
The Classroom 2000 (C2k) managed service is being delivered through contracts known as Lots, which enable services for schools to be procured from specialist providers. The contracts are generally for a 5-year period, with the option of an extension period of up to two years.The current C2k contracts are:Lot 3 – post-primary and special schools’ equipment and internal networks – the contract holder is Northgate and the renewal date is November 2010.Lot 5 – wide area network and learning platform for all schools – the contract holder is Hewlett Packard and the renewal date is June 2011.Lot 6 – primary schools’ equipment and internal networks and additional laptops for all schools – the contract holder is Northgate and the renewal date is November 2011.There is also a contract to provide schools with a management information system (SIMS) as part of their C2k network – the contract holder is Capita and the renewal date is March 2012.C2k is currently working to procure replacement contracts for Lots 3 and 5, and the SIMS contract.
Funding for the Northern Ireland Youth Forum
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education if funding for the Northern Ireland Youth Forum will be continued; and when this funding will be made available to the group.
(AQW 6168/10)
Minister of Education: Faigheann an Fóram don Ógra a chuid cistithe ó Chomhairle na Óige trína Scéim um Chistiú Bonneagair d’Eagraíocht Dheonach Réigiúnach don Ógra. D’eisigh Comhairle na hÓige litir ar 1 Aibreán 2010, inar thairg sí leithdháileadh eatramhach buiséid don chéad cheathrú den bhliain airgeadais 2010/11 don Fhóram don Ógra.
The Youth Forum receives its funding from the Youth Council through their Regional Voluntary Youth Organisation Infrastructure Funding Scheme. The Youth Council issued a letter on 1 April 2010 offering the Youth Forum an interim budget allocation for the first quarter of the 2010/11 financial year.
The Chief Executive of the Youth Council has advised that the Youth Council will make final decisions on its funding allocations for 2010/11 when it has been notified of its full youth budget for 2010/11, at which time the Youth Forum will be advised of its full budget allocation for the 2010/11 financial year.
Post-primary Education Planning in the Lurgan and Portadown Areas
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5583/10, to define the term 'considerable' in relation to the amount of correspondence between her Department and the Southern Education and Library Board.
(AQW 6170/10)
Minister of Education: Pursuant to my answer to AQW 5583/10. Bíonn mo Roinn ag obair go gar le Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Deiscirt (BOLD) ar na scéimeanna ollchaipitil do Lurgan College agus do Portadown College. Le linn na trí bliana a chuaigh thart, rinneadh athmheas ar na Breithmheasa Eacnamíochta do Lurgan College ar chúig ócáid agus do Portadown College ar dhá ócáid. Le linn an phróisis de gach leasú ar na BE, chuaigh feidhmeannaigh mo Roinne i ngleic leis an BOLD i bhfoirm litreacha agus ríomhphost, go pearsanta agus trí ghuthán ar roinnt ócáidí maidir le gnéithe éagsúla de na breithmheasa agus de phleananna le haghaidh na scoileanna.
My Department has been working closely with the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) on the major capital schemes for both Lurgan College and Portadown College. Over the course of the last three years the Economic Appraisal for Lurgan College has been revised on five occasions and for Portadown College on two occasions. During the process of each revision of the EAs, my departmental officials have engaged with the SELB in the form of letters and emails, in person and by telephone on numerous occasions regarding various aspects of the appraisals and plans for the schools.
Primary Schools Enrolment
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of primary schools in each Education and Library Board Area that are below the minimum enrolment of 140 for urban areas and 105 for rural areas; and (ii) the number of primary schools closed down in each Education and Library Board area since 2007.
(AQW 6173/10)
Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh mionsonraithe sa tábla thíos.The information requested is detailed in the table below.
Primary schools with an enrolment1 of less than 140 for urban2 areas and 105 for rural areas by ELB, 2009/10 and school closures from 2007
| ELB | No of schools below enrolment thresholds | No of schools closed since 2007 | No of schools closed since 2007 due to amalgamation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELB | 21 |
2 |
2 forming 1 |
| WELB | 97 |
4 |
2 forming 1 |
| NEELB | 87 |
1 |
6 forming 3 |
| SEELB | 37 |
12 |
2 forming 1 |
| SELB | 96 |
6 |
4 forming 2 |
TOTAL |
338 | 25 | 16 forming 8 |
Source: School census.Note:
- Enrolment thresholds relate to Year 1 – 7 classes. Urban is defined as Belfast and Derry District Council areas. All other areas are considered to be rural.
- Information provided includes details of two or more schools that have amalgamated to form one school
The enrolment thresholds of 140 and 105 for urban and rural primary schools respectively are included in the department’s Sustainable Schools Policy which specifies six criteria to be used in assessing a school’s educational viability. Schools are not closed automatically if enrolments fall under the thresholds but rather are considered on a case-by-case basis against the full set of criteria set out in the policy. The overriding consideration is the quality of education provided.
Education and Skills Authority
Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education to detail the costs, to date, of setting up the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 6175/10)
Minister of Education: Tá sonraí ar na costais go dtí seo a bhaineann le bunú an Údaráis um Oideachas agus Scileanna leagtha amach sa tábla thíos:
Details of the costs to date in respect of the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority are set out in the table below:
| 05/06 £’000 |
06/07 £’000 |
07/08 £’000 |
08/09 £’000 |
09/10* £’000 |
Total £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESA Implementation Team | - |
258 |
1,032 |
1,909 |
2,095 |
5,294 |
| RPA Policy and Legislative Team | 107 |
956 |
832 |
810 |
530 |
3,235 |
Total |
107 | 1,214 | 1,864 | 2,719 | 684 | 8,529 |
Figures are disclosed as at 29 March 2010
Springhill Primary School, Belfast
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education for a timescale for the commencement of work on a new build for Springhill Primary School, Belfast.
(AQW 6193/10)
Minister of Education: You will be aware that the review of all proposed major capital work projects, including that for Springhill Primary School, is ongoing and my officials are working to complete the process. 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 validate 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 planning develops, these policies will drive the reshaping of our estate and the consequential investment plans.I am not, therefore, in a position at present to give details of a timescale for the proposed new build for Springhill Primary School.
Integrated Schools: Enrolment
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5788/10, to detail by how much each school failed to meet the required minority percentage for integrated status in each of the consecutive years listed.
(AQW 6194/10)
Minister of Education: Leagtar amach sa tábla seo thíos na scoileanna comhtháite nár tharraing 30% dá gcuid daltaí ón phobal mionlaigh le linn tréimhse de 10 mbliana ón bhliain 2000/01 go 2009/10. Leagtar amach sa tábla fosta céadatán na ndaltaí a tarraingíodh ón phobal mionlaigh.
The following table sets out the integrated schools which have not drawn 30% of their pupils from the minority community over the 10 year period from 2000/01 to 2009/10. The table also set out what percentage of pupils are drawn from the minority community Schools which have transformed to integrated status should demonstrate the ability to achieve a minimum of 10% of their first year intake from the minority community and the potential to achieve 30% in the longer term.
Table showing actual % enrolment of pupils drawn from the minority community where the school is situated.
| School | 09/10 | 08/09 | 07/08 | 06/07 | 05/06 | 04/05 | 03/04 | 02/03 | 01/02 | 00/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priory College | 10.4 |
10.7 |
4.73 |
6.18 |
7.63 |
6.69 |
5.26 |
5.38 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
| Fort Hill College | 7.76 |
7.4 |
7.71 |
8.99 |
8.61 |
8.51 |
9.45 |
8.77 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
| Bangor Central IPS | 13.14 |
12.7 |
10.14 |
8.38 |
8.05 |
8.65 |
9.02 |
8.23 |
6.0 |
5.0 |
| Round Tower IPS | 26.03 |
25.8 |
24.02 |
15.58 |
25.0 |
20.31 |
17.7 |
|||
| Portaferry IPS | 24.62 |
20.5 |
21.79 |
25.00 |
16.47 |
27.38 |
19.77 |
|||
| Strangford College | 24.95 |
24.1 |
24.85 |
24.18 |
26.35 |
27.37 |
||||
| Kilbroney IPS | 23.15 |
23.8 |
20.0 |
20.21 |
22.34 |
26.09 |
||||
| Glencraig IPS | 17.35 |
16.40 |
15.35 |
12.83 |
12.8 |
10.16 |
||||
| All Children’s IPS | 20.28 |
21.1 |
24.62 |
24.49 |
28.42 |
|||||
| Forge IPS | 25.97 |
26.0 |
20.80 |
19.42 |
||||||
| Maine IPS | 28.7 |
28.0 |
20.45 |
12.86 |
||||||
| Oakgrove Integrated College | 26.53 |
24.6 |
28.83 |
|||||||
| Drumragh College | 27.20 |
26.0 |
27.35 |
Boards of Governors
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5788/10, to list the Boards of Governors of each of the schools.
(AQW 6195/10)
Minister of Education: Tá na baill de na Boird Ghobharnóirí liostaithe thíos, de réir cheantar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ina bhfuil siad suite.
The members of the Boards of Governors are listed below according to the education and library board area in which they are situated.
BELFAST EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD AREA
Cliftonville Controlled Integrated Primary School
Mr A Campbell
Ms D Carrigan
Reverend A Dorrian
Reverend D Leal
Reverend L Rosca
Ms M Thompson
Mr M Watley
Reverend Dr J Williamson
Forge Controlled Integrated Primary School
Ms M Andrews
Ms C Humphrey
Ms G Kerr
Mr P McCartney
Ms C McMullan
Mr J P Napier
Mr M Prendergast
Mr C Spence
Mr D Thompson
Ms D Toner
NORTH EASTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
Ballymoney Controlled Integrated Primary School
Mr J Brown
Ms R Carson
Mr J Donaghy
Ms B Herron
Mr B Knight
Reverend J Magowan
Mr S Montgomery
Ms H McConaghie
Mr P Sleet
Mr M Storey
Mr A Walker
Mr W Witherow
Carhill Controlled Integrated Primary School
Ms C Armour
Ms J Brownlow
Mr H Clyde
Mr T Heaney
Mr N Hyland
Miss B Kearney
Mr H Kearney
Ms M Mullan
Mr J McClenaghan
Mr A McQuillan
Ms S Russell
Ms R Ryan
Reverend P Whittaker
Ms M Williamson
Parkhall Controlled Integrated College
Miss R Aiken
Mr M Alexander
Mr W Carson
Mr P Connolly
Ms L Elkin
Mr S Greer
Mr S Hall
Mr D Hamilton
Ms J Kiskonis
Ms G Laverty
Reverend I McKee
Mr K McMeekin
Mr A Ritchie
Mr M Thompson
Mr A Watson
Round Tower Controlled Integrated Primary School
Ms F Allen
Ms B Black
Mr J Cosby
Mr S Davies
Mr D Ford
Mr S Greer
Miss C Heffron
Ms M Kirkpatrick
Dr S McBride
Reverend I McKee
Ms E Maconkey
Ms R Moran
Mr G Sloan
Maine Grant Maintained Integrated Primary School
Ms A Adair
Ms E Crowe
Mr J Hamilton
Ms D Houston
Ms L Kelly
Mr B Lawrence
Ms D Mallon
Ms H McCann
Ms C McCavana
Mr K McCavanna
Ms J McTaggart
Ms E Murray
Ms G O’Boyle
Ms E Robb
North Coast Grant Maintained Integrated College
Mr R Adams
Ms D Bacon
Professor D Eastwood
Ms C Guyer
Ms K Hunter
Mr A Kane
Mr J McCartney
Ms D McCombe
Mr T McGonigle
Ms C Mullin
Mr S O’Hara
Ms S Osborne
Ms E Reynolds
Dr L Stevens
SOUTH EASTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
All Children’s Controlled Integrated Primary School
Mr P Corrigan
Ms H Craig
Mr D George
Reverend Dr G Graham
Mr M Houlahan
Mr R McMahon
Ms S McMullan
Ms E McNeilly
Ms J Rodgers
Ms A Taylor
Ms E Whitson
Ms M Wilson
Ms P Wilson
Ms T Wishart
Bangor Controlled Integrated Central Primary School
Mr D Allen
Ms N Ardill
Ms M Dornan
Ms R Connolly
Cllr Ms R Dunlop
Mr N J Grimshaw
Miss S Hamilton
Ms M E Holland
Ms V Hutchinson
Mr D W Ireland
Mr D McDermid
Ms C McKenzie
Mr T Scroggie
Ms L Stevenson
Fort Hill Controlled Integrated College
Mr B Allison
Reverend B Anderson
Mr A Blythe
Reverend J Brackenridge
Mr H Gorman
Miss C L’Estrange
Mr D Mayers
Dr R Montgomery
Ms S Moran
Ms K Playfair
Ms F Steele
Mr B J Stuart
Miss M E Wilcox
Fort Hill Controlled Integrated Primary School
Reverend B Anderson
Ms G Best
Ms W Dennison
Mr B Dooley
Mr J Dumigan
Mr D Dunlop
Ms A Ferguson
Mr C Grant
Mr C Leitch
Ms A McBratney
Cllr Ms J Palmer
Alderman P Porter
Mr S White
Mr S Weatherall
Glencraig Controlled Integrated Primary School
Mr J Beattie
Ms A Bluementhal-Arlow
Ms M E Brown
Ms S Cheetham
Mr B J Delaney
Miss G Duncan
Ms E Furbank
Dr B Gough
Mr R Gray
Ms L Heatherley
Ms N Magrath
Mr P McMaw
Mr S Rutherford
Mr J Wright
Portaferry Controlled Integrated Primary School
Ms N Allen
Ms N Aston
Cllr J Boyle
Ms J Doherty
Dr M Doyle
Reverend D Gray
Alderman K McCarthy
Ms S McGuinness
Ms D McKeating
Dr D Peacock
Mr A Ritchie
Ms J Taggart
Reverend G Withers
Priory Controlled Integrated College
Ms L Allen
Mr S Clarke
Mr R Couser
Ms L P Douglas
Dr S Farry
Ms S Gardiner
Ms C Hart
Mr J C Langtry
Ms N Lynagh
Mr H Minion
Ms S Murray
Ms D Nelson
Ms E M Robinson
Ms F Todd
Strangford Grant Maintained Integrated College
Dr S Adair
Mr J Allen
Ms V Bryson
Ms L Calvin
Ms H Cousins
Ms R Dennison
Mr M Ferguson
Mr G Flynn
Ms K Hannah
Ms A McGimpsey
Mr B McGowan-Smyth
Mr P McIntyre
Ms H Strain
SOUTHERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
Kilbroney Controlled Integrated Primary School
Ms F Boyle
Mr J Cavan
Mr P Conway
Ms J Corkey
Mr S Donaldson
Reverend D Jameson
Mr P Leneghan
Ms E Newell
Ms C Payne
Ms N Quinn
Ms D Sands
Reverend D Somerville
Portadown Grant Maintained Integrated Primary School
Mr J Bustard
Mr I Chapman
Mr J Cullen
Mr P Devlin
Ms S Edgar
Ms K Foy
Mr B Friar
Ms F Gallagher
Mr M Hogg
Ms T Johnston
Ms B McCann
Mr C McSherry
Mr P Njoroge
WESTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD AREA
Groarty Controlled Integrated Primary School
Mr J Arbuckle
Ms K Brown
Ms M Cowan
Mr D Crockett
Mr G Elder
Ms D Gillon
Ms T Harrison
Ms P Jackson
Ms T Keys
Ms M McKittrick
Dr R McLaughlin
Ms B Moran
Ms N Porter
Drumragh Grant Maintained Integrated College
Mr I Booth
Mr E Bullick
Mr R Collins
Ms N Grant
Mr D Hamilton
Ms I Kirk
Mr M McBride
Ms E McCaffery
Ms G McKenna
Ms A Millar
Mr K Murnaghan
Mr N Stewart
Mr S Webb
Oakgrove Grant Maintained Integrated College
Mr J Baird
Ms R Barrow
Ms T Blackbourn
Mr C M Cavanagh
Mr R Cowan
Ms W Crothers
Ms M Forester
Mr P Haslam
Mr D Hasson
Mr J Laverty
Dr D Lee
Mr T Lindsay
Mr B McMurray
Mr B Montgomery
Ms B Webster
Oakgrove Grant Maintained Integrated Primary School
Mr I Bennett
Ms M Cowan
Ms S Curley
Mr A Donaghey
Ms G Fraser
Mr J Gray
Ms J Greaves
Ms K Laverty
Ms I Lindsay
Ms S McCallion
Ms A McMonagle
Mr H Montgomery
Mr S Page
Ms C Ryan
Mr C Schnurr
Mr T Webster
Integrated Schools: Enrolment
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 5788/10, to detail the annual budgetary deficit or surplus of each of the schools which failed to meet the required minority percentage for integrated status in each of the consecutive years listed.
(AQW 6196/10)
Minister of Education: Is í an bhliain is déanaí dona bhfuil sonraí ar barrachas carnach/ easnamh carnach le fáil ná an bhliain 2008/09. Soláthraítear sa tábla thíos an staid um barrachas carnach/ easnamh carnach do na blianta riachtanacha airgeadais do gach scoil ar tagraíodh dóibh sa fhreagra a tugadh ar AQW 5788/10 (Freagra Ceartaithe).
The latest full financial year for which cumulative surplus/deficit data is available is 2008/09. The table below provides the cumulative surplus/deficit position for the requisite financial years in relation to each of the schools collectively referred to in the answer provided for AQW 5788/10 (Corrected Answer).
| SCHOOL NAME | CUMULATIVE SURPLUS/DEFICIT POSITION IN EACH OF THE FINANCIAL YEARS (£) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999/00 | 2000/01 | 2001/02 | 2002/03 | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | |
| Bangor Central IPS | 51,534 |
66,142 |
111,301 |
73,027 |
51,723 |
33,353 |
75,840 |
109,054 |
155,414 |
166,518 |
| Priory Integrated College | 63,131 |
15,176 |
-2,992 |
13,722 |
-74,206 |
-133,206 |
-106,013 |
-41,904 |
-38,230 |
-95,281 |
| Fort Hill Integrated College | 248,125 |
448,835 |
530,817 |
726,411 |
866,971 |
960,770 |
913,003 |
902,672 |
965,004 |
953,801 |
| Round Tower IPS (i) |
|
|
|
1,246 |
4,382 |
6,263 |
59,286 |
57,318 |
40,884 |
24,636 |
| Portaferry IPS |
|
|
|
74,741 |
94,110 |
108,807 |
93,122 |
97,180 |
88,922 |
41,622 |
| Glencraig IPS (ii) |
|
|
|
-46,732 |
-26,314 |
-39,923 |
14,885 |
52,339 |
100,797 |
|
| Kilbroney IPS |
|
|
|
81,248 |
92,253 |
101,001 |
86,113 |
73,658 |
86,571 |
|
| Strangford Integrated College | 96,656 |
118,494 |
128,054 |
170,019 |
175,515 |
142,712 |
||||
| All Children's IPS |
|
|
|
-4,720 |
-28,024 |
-30,664 |
-24,847 |
-30,978 |
||
| Forge IPS |
|
|
|
49,685 |
78,913 |
135,924 |
146,963 |
|||
| Maine IPS | 63,561 |
82,184 |
107,907 |
71,306 |
||||||
| Oakgrove Integrated College | -35,125 |
-53,184 |
-79,231 |
|||||||
| Drumragh Integrated College | 73,902 |
58,097 |
-16,730 |
|||||||
| Cliftonville IPS (iii) |
|
|
|
62,806 |
6,225 |
|||||
| Oakgrove IPS | 81,610 |
87,028 |
||||||||
| Groarty IPS |
|
|
|
50,607 |
||||||
| Ballymoney IPS (vi) |
|
|
|
-13,814 |
||||||
| Carhill IPS |
|
|
|
6,395 |
||||||
| Parkhall Integrated College (vi) |
|
|
|
138,812 |
||||||
| Fort Hill IPS (v) |
|
|
|
121,213 |
||||||
| Portadown IPS | 141,807 |
|||||||||
| North Coast Integrated College | 108,405 |
|||||||||
Footnotes:
(i) Round Tower IPS Transformed to Controlled Integrated Status 2003
(ii) Glencraig IPS Transformed to Controlled Integrated Status 2004
(iii) Cliftonville IPS Transformed to Controlled Integrated Status 2008
(iv) Parkhall Int College Transformed to Controlled Integrated Status 2008
(v) Fort Hill IPS transformed to Controlled Integrated Status 2008
(vi) Ballymoney IPS Transformed to Controlled Integrated Status 2009
Vandalism of Schools
Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Minister of Education how much her Department spent in 2009 on repairing damage caused by vandalism of schools.
(AQW 6199/10)
Minister of Education: Meastar go sealadach gurbh é an costas a bhí ar dhamáiste i scoileanna, a raibh loitiméireacht ina chúis leis, a dheisiú ná £1.3m sa bhliain airgeadais 2009/10. Níorbh eol an figiúr deireanach go dtí go dtabharfar na cuntais bhliantúla chun críche i lár mhí na Bealtaine.
The cost of repairing damage caused by vandalism in schools in 2009/10 financial year is provisionally estimated to be £1.3. The final figure will not be known until the annual accounts are completed in mid May.
Youth Service Provision
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how much funding has been allocated to youth service provision in the North Down constituency, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6225/10)
Minister of Education: Le linn na 5 bliana a chuaigh thart, tá cistiú soláthraithe ag an Roinn do Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt, d’Iontaobhas an Phrionsa agus do Thairg Seirbhís de do Dheoin Féin Anois (roimhe seo An Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha Deonaigh) do sholáthar seirbhíse don Ógra i dtoghcheantar an Dúin Thuaidh.
Over the past 5 years, the Department has provided funding to the South Eastern Education and Library Board, the Prince’s Trust and Volunteer Now (formerly the Volunteer Development Agency) for youth service provision in the North Down Constituency area.
The Chief Executive/Directors of these organisations have provided the following information about funding for youth service provision in the Constituency in each of the last 5 years:
|
2005/06 (£) |
2006/07 (£) |
2007/08 (£) |
2008/09 (£) |
2009/10 (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resource | 468,881 |
470,601 |
495,387 |
523,600 |
509,641 |
| Capital | - |
- |
- |
121,198 |
30,254 |
Total |
468,881 | 470,601 | 495,387 | 644,798 | 539,895 |
In addition to the figures above, the Department also funds the Youth Council, which allocates funding to Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations to provide support for voluntary youth organisations. Due to the regional nature of this funding, it would not be possible to provide details on the amount used in an individual Constituency area.
The Department has also allocated capital funding to some voluntary youth sector organisations in the Constituency during this period. However, this information is not held in the format required by this request and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
Business Studies, Post Graduate Certificate in Education
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Education what steps her Department has taken to introduce a Business Studies, Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
(AQW 6229/10)
Minister of Education: I mí na Samhna 2009, bhuail feidhmeannaigh na Roinne ina nduine agus ina nduine lenár soláthróirí oiliúna múinteoireachta tosaigh (OMT) chun plé a dhéanamh ar chinneadh bliantúil na n-iontógálacha OMT agus ar sholáthar iomchuí cúrsa. Le linn na gcruinnithe seo, d’ardaigh Ollscoil Uladh saincheist de Theastas Iarchéime san Oideachas (TIO) i Staidéir Ghnó.
In November 2009, Department officials met separately with our local initial teacher education (ITE) providers to discuss the annual determination of ITE intakes and appropriate course provision. During the course of these meetings, the University of Ulster raised the issue of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Business Studies.Currently the only route to becoming a teacher of Business Studies here is through a 4-year Bachelor of Education course, provided at both Stranmillis University College and St Mary’s University College. The introduction of a PGCE in Business Studies would need to take account of existing provision and evidence from the 2009/10 Teacher Vacancy Return that there is currently an adequate supply of Business Studies teachers here.
The Department will consider this issue carefully whilst taking forward the out-workings of the Teacher Education Review.
Classroom Assistants
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the financial arrangements her Department has in place to provide an income for classroom assistants during the school summer holiday period.
(AQW 6250/10)
Minister of Education: Ní hé mo Roinn fostóir na gcúntóirí ranga mar tá na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus na Scoileanna Deonacha Gramadaí/ na Scoileanna Comhtháite Deontaschúnta freagrach as an dualgas seo. Mar sin de, d’fhorbródh an fostóir aon tograí chun ioncam a thabhairt do na cúntóirí ranga sin atá fostaithe ar chonarthaí scoil-bhliana.
My Department is not the employer for classroom assistants rather this function is undertaken by the Education and Library Boards and the Voluntary Grammar/Grant Maintained Integrated Schools. As such therefore any proposals to provide an income to those classroom assistants currently employed on term time contracts would be developed by the employer. I can confirm however that the Joint Negotiating Council agreement in 2001 made new provision for all classroom assistants employed on term time contracts by the Education and Library Boards. Under the agreement staff had a number of options:
- They could transfer to a 52 week contract of employment, thereby avoided the unpaid periods, particularly during the summer holidays;
- Transfer to a 52 week contract of employment but retain the option to request periods of unpaid leave during any extended school closures – such requests would be subject to the normal approval arrangements but permission would not be unreasonably withheld;
- Retain their existing contract of employment without change;
- Opt for an extension of two weeks paid work based on the existing number of contractual weekly hours.
Classroom Assistants
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education what representations she has made to the Executive or other Departments to ensure that classroom assistants receive an income during the school summer holiday period.
(AQW 6251/10)
Minister of Education: Ní hé mo Roinn fostóir na gcúntóirí ranga mar tá na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus na Scoileanna Deonacha Gramadaí/ na Scoileanna Comhtháite Deontaschúnta freagrach as an dualgas seo. Mar sin de, d’fhorbródh an fostóir aon tograí chun ioncam a thabhairt do na cúntóirí ranga sin atá fostaithe ar chonarthaí scoil-bhliana.My Department is not the employer for classroom assistants rather this function is undertaken by the Education and Library Boards and the Voluntary Grammar/Grant Maintained Integrated Schools. As such therefore any proposals to provide an income to those classroom assistants currently employed on term time contracts would be developed by the employer. I can confirm however that the Joint Negotiating Council agreement in 2001 made new provision for all classroom assistants employed on term time contracts by the Education and Library Boards. Under the agreement staff had a number of options:
- They could transfer to a 52 week contract of employment, thereby avoided the unpaid periods, particularly during the summer holidays;
- Transfer to a 52 week contract of employment but retain the option to request periods of unpaid leave during any extended school closures – such requests would be subject to the normal approval arrangements but permission would not be unreasonably withheld;
- Retain their existing contract of employment without change;
Opt for an extension of two weeks paid work based on the existing number of contractual weekly hours.
Job Evaluations within the Education and Library Board
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the equality implications of delays in processing job evaluations within the Education and Library Board structure.
(AQW 6255/10)
Minister of Education: Rinneadh an Scéim phost-mheastóireachta, a bhí déanta ag na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne, ar bhealach cothrom a bhí i gcomhréir leis an chomhaontú le Foireann Ceardchumainn sa bhliain 1995.
The Job Evaluation Scheme, which has been undertaken by the Education & Library Boards, has been carried out in fair and equitable manner consistent with the 1995 agreement with Trade Union Side. The Scheme has been implemented across the five Boards on the basis of a rolling programme of evaluations in line with Boards’ prioritised needs. As part of the process it was agreed that staff should not be disadvantaged because of their place in the job evaluation queue and that any regrading would be automatically backdated. As a result regrading is being backdated to 1 January 1995 for former non-manual staff and to 1 January 2002 for former manual staff (or the date the post holder commenced the duties of the post).
I have expressed my concerns about the time taken to complete this process to the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards and instructed them to ensure that all outstanding cases are processed without delay.
Primary School Funding
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education how much funding each primary school in the Colin area received for (i) special needs provision; and (ii) children with dyslexia, in each of the last two financial years.
(AQW 6283/10)
Minister of Education: Cuireadh Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt (BOLOD) comhairle dom gur mar seo a leanas atá an cistiú a soláthraíodh i ngach bliain de na dhá bhliain airgeadais a chuaigh thart le haghaidh na bpáistí a sainaithníodh go raibh soláthar oideachais speisialta de dhíth orthu, ag gach céim den Chód Cleachtais de Shainaithint agus Measúnacht ar Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais, i ngach bunscoil i gCeantar Athnuachan Comharsanachta Cholainn:-
I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the South-Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) that funding provided for the numbers of children identified as requiring special needs provision, at all stages of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, in each primary school in the Colin Neighbourhood Renewal Area in each of the last two financial years is as follows:-
| 2008/09 (£) | 2009/10 (£) | |
|---|---|---|
| St. Luke’s Primary School | 101,744 |
99,377 |
| St. Mark’s Primary School | 146,337 |
123,521 |
| The Good Shepherd Primary School | 176,378 |
159,677 |
| St. Kieran’s Primary School | 200,356 |
195,949 |
| Scoil na Fuiseoige | 36,212 |
30,753 |
The Chief Executive advised that the above figures do not include additional support provided through the Board’s Outreach Service which operates from Beechlawn School throughout the SEELB or any funding which may have been provided through the Integrated Development Fund.It is not possible to specify the amount of funding in respect of children with dyslexia as this service is provided by the Board’s Outreach Service.
Education and Skills Authority
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Education for a timescale for the introduction of the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 6293/10)
Minister of Education: Dhíreoinn aird an chomhalta ar an fhreagra a thug mé di ar AQW 6227/10, a foilsíodh sa Tuairisc Oifigiúil ar 23 Aibreán 2010.
I refer the member to the answer I provided her to AQW 6227/10, published in the Official Report on 23 April 2010.
Retention of Grammar Schools
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Education if she is giving any consideration to the demand from the rest of the UK for the retention of grammar schools when considering options for the post primary sector.
(AQW 6302/10)
Minister of Education: Ní chreidim go bhfuil roghnú acadúil feiliúnach do chóras oideachais atá nua-aimseartha agus oiriúnach don fheidhm in Éirinn nó in áit ar bith eile ar an domhan. Creidim sa chomhionannas agus gur chóir go bhfaigheadh gach páiste an deis chun a gcumas a bhaint amach .
I do not consider that there is any place for academic selection within a modern and fit for purpose education system in Ireland or anywhere in the world.In believe in equality and that every child should get the opportunity to reach her or his potential.The proposed area based approach to planning which will be taken forward by the ESA, when established, will enable stakeholders to input into the area planning process. This will ensure that there is a range of different types of schools, each contributing to delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum to meet the needs of all young people in the local area.
New Build for Ebrington Primary School, Londonderry
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Education for a timescale for the new build for (i) Ebrington Primary School, Londonderry; and (ii) all other new builds for schools in the Foyle and Londonderry area.
(AQW 6303/10)
Minister of Education: There are currently nine projects in the Foyle and East Derry constituencies included in my Department’s major capital programme. Construction work is currently ongoing on three of these projects, namely, (i) St Cecilia’s College, Creggan; (ii) St Mary’s College, Creggan; and (iii) Lisnagelvin P.S. Both colleges are due to be completed in September 2010. The new school building for Lisnagelvin P.S. was completed in early April 2010 with the remaining demolition / site works due to be completed in July 2010. Tá na sé thionscadal eile, lena n-áirítear an tionscadal do Ebrington P.S., ag céimeanna éagsúla den phróiseas pleanála. Mar is eol duit, tá an t-athbhreithniú ar gach tionscadal caipitil atá ag an chéim pleanála ar siúl go fóill agus tá mo chuid feidhmeannach ag obair chun an próiseas seo a chríochnú. Mar gheall ar an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an tásc seo, áfach, is riachtanach go mbailítear fianaise láidir agus go dtugtar lánbhreithniú do gach tionscadal, sula ndéantar aon chinneadh. Níl mé in ann, mar sin, dátaí sonracha le haghaidh chríochnú an athbhreithnithe nó le haghaidh dhul chun cinn aon scéime ar leith sa todhchaí atá fós ag an chéim pleanála a thabhairt faoi láthair.The remaining six projects, including Ebrington P.S., are all at various stages of the planning process. As you are aware, however, a review of all capital projects still in planning is ongoing and my officials are working to complete the process. Given the importance of this task it is essential that robust evidence is collated and that full consideration is given to each project before a decision is taken. I am not therefore, in a position at present to give specific dates for completion of the review or future progress of any particular project still in planning.
I CAN Early Years Centre in Ballynahinch Primary School
Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Education if she will reverse her decision to close the I CAN Early Years Centre in Ballynahinch Primary School which provides specialist speech and language therapy for 20 children.
(AQW 6305/10)
Minister of Education: I have made no decision to close the ICAN Early Years Centre in Ballynahinch Primary School.
The Department of Education (DE) does not provide direct funding to services such as the ICAN Early Years Centre. The Department distributes to Education and Library Boards (ELBs) a block grant each year from which they fund a range of services, including special education. This funding is distributed on an equitable basis to Boards who have a statutory duty to identify and make provision for children with special educational needs. They are best placed to direct those funds to local provision that most effectively meets the special educational needs of children in their Board area.In 2006/07 DE was able to release the sum of £83k to each of the ELBs to relieve pressures on special educational needs (SEN) within each Board area. This was to be spent entirely at the discretion of the ELB in meeting local needs and it was the decision of the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) to direct that sum towards the funding of ICAN. It was also the SEELB’s decision, in conjunction with the South-Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, to provide funding in the succeeding years. I have visited the Centre and have seen for myself the work they are doing for young children. It is generally accepted that early intervention to address barriers to learning can make a difference to life chances and may result in lower spend at later stages. D’iarr mé ar an BOLOD comhairle a thabhairt dom ar straitéis an Bhoird chun riachtanais gach páiste a bhfuil deacrachtaí urlabhra agus cumarsáide acu i luathbhlianta a bhaint amach, lena n-áirítear riachtanais na bpáistí sin atá ag freastal ar Ionad ICAN faoi láthair, agus scríobh mé chuig an Aire Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteacht an Phobail faoin chaoi a bhféadfadh ár n-earnálacha a obair le chéile i dtaca leis an chineál soláthair seo.
I have asked the SEELB to advise me of the Board’s strategy to meet the needs of all children with speech language and communication difficulties in early years, including those currently attending the ICAN Centre and to meet with me to discuss this issue. I have also written to the Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safety about how our sectors might continue to work together in relation to this type of provision.
Teacher Sickness Rates
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the teacher sickness rates in (i) primary schools; and (ii) post-primary schools in the North Down constituency, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6335/10)
Minister of Education: Mionsonraítear sa tábla thíos an t-eolas a iarradh: -
The information requested is detailed in the table below: -
| Primary | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No of Teachers | 1725 |
2218 |
1770 |
1498 |
1644 |
| Sick days | 322 |
312 |
308 |
295 |
300 |
Average |
5.36 |
7.11 |
5.75 |
5.08 |
5.48 |
| Post Primary | |||||
| No of Teachers | 1576 |
1807 |
1751 |
1696 |
1909 |
| Sick Days | 270 |
269 |
261 |
255 |
253 |
Average |
5.84 |
6.72 |
6.71 |
6.65 |
7.55 |
Pupil Absenteeism
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the level of pupil absenteeism in the North Down constituency, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6336/10)
Minister of Education: Taifeadtar freastal de réir seisiúin leathlae- seisiún maidine agus seisiún tráthnóna. Bailíodh eolas ar fhreastal daltaí den chéad uair sa Daonáireamh Scoile i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2008 agus, mar sin de, níl eolas ar fáil ach do na blianta acadúla 2007/08 agus 2008/09.
Attendance is measured in half day sessions, morning and afternoon. Pupil level attendance was first collected in the annual School Census in October 2008 and therefore is only available for the 2007/08 and 2008/09 academic years.The absence rate for pupils attending primary schools in the North Down constituency in 2007/08 was 4.8% of the total half days. The corresponding rate for all primary schools was 5.2%. In the same year, post-primary schools in North Down had an absence rate of 7.9% of the total half days, compared with 7.8% in all post-primary schools.
In 2008/09, the absence rate for pupils attending primary schools in the North Down constituency was 4.7% of the total half days. The corresponding rate for all primary schools was 5.1%. In post-primary schools in North Down, the absence rate was 7.6% in 2008/09, compared with 7.7% in all post-primary schools.
Whitehouse Primary School
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education why the re-build of Whitehouse Primary School has been subject to further delay despite the Ministers' statement in July 2009 that her Department was working to progress the planned new school as quickly as possible.
(AQW 6344/10)
Minister of Education: I recognise the difficulties facing the pupils and teachers of Whitehouse P.S. following the arson attack in July 2009. It is critical that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework and adheres to the department's 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, the Irish Medium Review and the Entitlement Framework. This is why I have commissioned a review of all capital projects to inform a more strategic approach to capital investment decisions and management of the schools estate. It will ensure that we put the right size and type of school in the right location to meet the needs of children and young people.
I want to build new schools, including that for White House Primary School, however the rate at which we can do this is dependent on the available resources. The Education budget as you will be aware is set by the Executive. In my budget statement on 21 April 2010 I highlighted the challenging financial position being faced. My Department has tough decisions to make and I look forward to support from all parties when I make bids for additional funding during in year monitoring rounds.
I have to emphasis that I have not withdrawn funding for any school. However currently, and inevitably in the future, finance will be limited and difficult decisions will be the order of the day as the impact of the reduced capital budget takes hold.
Given the challenges we face, I am not in a position to give specific dates for completion of the review or to give future progress on any particular scheme at this time.
St Paul's College, Kilrea
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Education whether she intends to increase the intake of first year students to St Paul's College, Kilrea, to enable it to meet demand.
(AQW 6364/10)
Minister of Education: Tá an próiseas um páistí a chur in iarbhunscoileanna faoi bhealach faoi láthair agus ní chríochnófar é go dtí go gcuirfidh na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne litreacha chuig tuismitheoirí le cur in iúl dóibh cén scoil ar cuireadh a gcuid páistí inti. Le linn an phróisis seo, fuair an Roinn iarratas ó Choláiste Naomh Pól, Cill Ria, maidir le líon na n-iontrálacha a mhéadú ó 54 go 67 don scoilbhliain 2010/11 agus tá an togra seo faoi bhreathnú faoi láthair.
The process for placing children in post primary schools is currently underway and will not be complete until Education and Library Boards issue letters to parents on 28 May 2010 advising in which post-primary school their child has been placed in. During the process, the Department has received a request from St Paul’s College, Kilrea to increase the admissions number from 54 to 67 for the 2010/11 school year and this is currently under consideration. When a school is oversubscribed with applications the Board of Governors is required to apply its published admissions criteria. Responsibility for drawing up and applying the admissions criteria rests entirely with the Board of Governors of each school and reflects the Governors’ priorities for admission to that school. The Department’s power to grant temporary variations in this context can be used to alleviate short term pressures in an area as a whole; however, the Department will not generally increase the admissions number of one particular school where there remain places available in other suitable schools in the area. The medium to longer term position must also be considered in the context of post-primary transfer policy, area based planning of post-primary provision, and any capital projects which may necessitate a review of the school’s long term enrolment figure.
Preparatory Schools
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how much financial assistance her Department has given to preparatory schools in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6393/10)
Minister of Education: Leagtar amach sa tábla thíos an cistiú tarmligthe agus an cistiú neamhtharmligthe a sholáthair mo Roinn do ranna ullmhúcháin i scoileanna gramadaí i ngach bliain de na blianta airgeadais ó 2005-06 go 2009-10.The total amounts of delegated and non-delegated funding which my department provided to preparatory departments of grammar schools in each of the financial years 2005-06 to 2009-10 is shown in the table below.
| Financial Year | Total £ |
|---|---|
2005-06 |
1,864,741 |
2006-07 |
1,993,278 |
2007-08 |
2,051,441 |
2008-09 |
2,135,926 |
2009-10 |
2,220,889 |
Footnote:
- The above figures do not include non-delegated funding information in relation to the preparatory departments attached to the three controlled grammar schools. The South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that it is unable to accurately identify non-delegated funding or expenditure for the preparatory departments of controlled grammar schools as it is contained in the overall funding and expenditure of the host grammar schools.
After School Homework Club
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to list the schools in the North Down constituency which provide an after school homework club, and of these, how many have a teacher present.
(AQW 6396/10)
Minister of Education: Information on after schools clubs is not routinely collected. However, the Department’s Extended Schools (ES) programme provides a recognised funding stream for those schools serving the most deprived and disadvantaged areas to provide for a wide range of services and activities outside of the traditional school day and this can include homework clubs.Sa bhliain airgeadais 2009/10, tugadh cistiú do 2 scoil i dtoghcheantar an Dúin Thuaidh tríd an pholasaí Scoileanna Sínithe. Dhearbhaigh an Priómhfheidhmeannach ar an BOLOD go dtairgeann an dá scoil seo, Millisle Primary School agus Kilcooley Primary School, Beannchar, imeachtaí taobh amuigh den scoil chun tacú le foghlaim a dtacaítear leo ag cistiú Scoileanna Sínithe.
In the 2009/10 financial year, Extended Schools funding issued to 2 schools in the North Down constituency. The Chief Executive of the SEELB has confirmed that both of these schools, Millisle Primary School and Kilcooley Primary School, Bangor offer after school learning support activities supported by Extended Schools funding.
Free Nursery Places
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how many children were refused a free nursery place in the North Down constituency, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6397/10)
Minister of Education: Chuir Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt (BOLOD) in iúl gur mar seo a leanas atá líon na bpáistí ar diúltaíodh áit shaor ar naíscoil dóibh ag deireadh an phróisis iontrála ag deireadh mhí Aibreáin/ ag tús mhí na Bealtaine, i dtoghcheantar an Dúin Thuaidh i ngach bliain de na cúig bliana a chuaigh thart:The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) have advised that the number of children refused a free nursery place, at the conclusion of the admissions process in late April / early May, in the North Down constituency, in each of the last five years is as follows:
| Year | Number Unplaced |
|---|---|
2005/06 |
8 |
2006/07 |
52 |
2007/08 |
43 |
2008/09 |
37 |
2009/10 |
39 |
They have also advised that many children who are unplaced at the conclusion of the admissions process secure a free nursery place before the start of the school year in September.
Boards of Governors
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to list the schools which have not had the Boards of Governors reconstituted in the last 12 months.
(AQW 6421/10)
Minister of Education: Is iad seo a leanas na scoileanna nach ndearnadh cleachtadh athbhunaithe orthu sa 12 mhí a chuaigh thart:
The schools which have not undergone a reconstitution exercise in the last 12 months are as follows:
Grant Maintained Integrated Schools
Acorn Integrated Primary
Blackwater Integrated College
Braidside Integrated Primary
Bridge Integrated Primary
Cedar Integrated Primary
Corran Integrated Primary
Cranmore Integrated Primary
Drumlins Integrated Primary
Drumragh Integrated College
Enniskillen Integrated Primary
Erne Integrated College
Hazelwood Integrated Primary
Hazelwood Integrated College
Integrated College, Dungannon
Lagan Integrated College
Loughview Integrated Primary
Maine Integrated Primary
Malone Integrated College
Mill Strand Integrated Primary
Millenium Integrated Primary
Newbridge Integrated College
North Coast Integrated College
Oakgrove Integrated College
Oakgrove Integrated Primary
Oakwood Integrated Primary
Omagh Integrated Primary
Phoenix Integrated Primary
Portadown Integrated Primary
Roe Valley Integrated Primary
Rowandale Integrated Primary
Saints and Scholars Integrated Primary
Shimna Integrated College
Slemish Integrated College
Sperrin Integrated College
Spires Integrated Primary
Strangford Integrated College
Ulidia Integrated College
Windmill Integrated Primary
Voluntary Grammar Schools
Ballymena Academy
Campbell College
Dominican College
Hunterhouse College
St Patrick’s Academy
St Patrick’s Grammar
Victoria College
Boards of Governors
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how many Boards of Governors of schools (i) have been newly reconstituted in the last 12 months; and (ii) remain unreconstituted.
(AQW 6423/10)
Minister of Education: Rinneadh cleachtadh athbhuanaithe ar 1,166 scoil- scoil rialaithe, scoil faoi chothabháil agus scoil dheonach ghramadaí- sa 12 mhí a chuaigh thart. Tá na nósanna imeachta críochnaithe d’fhormhór na scoileanna, ach tá céatadán beag de cheapacháin ghobarnóirí ar leith fós le dearbhú.
A total of 1,166 controlled, maintained and voluntary grammar schools have been undergoing reconstitution in the last 12 months. The procedures for most of the schools have now been completed with a small percentage of individual governor appointments remaining to be confirmed.
There are a total 45 grant maintained integrated and voluntary grammar schools which were not due to be reconstituted in the last 12 months.
Emotional Well-being in Schools
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 4197/10, to detail the level of investment in each of the activities undertaken by schools that contribute to positive emotional health in (i) 2007/08; (ii) 2008/09; and (iii) 2009/10.
(AQW 6454/10)
Minister of Education: Schools undertake a wide range of activities which contribute to positive emotional health. My Department does not hold details of the level of investment that schools make in each of the activities they undertake.
State Funded Nursery Places
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how many state funded nursery places there are currently in the North Down constituency.
(AQW 6478/10)
Minister of Education: Tá 856 áit chistithe réamhscoile i dtoghcheantar Dhún Thuaidh faoi láthair: tá 546 acu i naíscoileanna reachtúla agus in aonaid reachtúla naíolainne atá ceangailte le bunscoileanna; agus tá 310 acu san earnáil dheonach/phríobháideach.
There are currently 856 funded pre-school places in the North Down constituency: 546 in statutory nursery schools and units attached to primary schools; and 310 in the voluntary/private sector.
Whitehouse Primary School
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education (i) if she is aware that the temporary accommodation in place for Whitehouse Primary School, within Newtownabbey High School, has been described as 'not fit for purpose' and cannot be considered a permanent solution; and (ii) what steps she intends to take to urgently address this issue.
(AQW 6486/10)
Minister of Education: Ba mhaith liom aitheantas a thabhairt do na deacrachtaí atá roimh dhaltaí agus roimh mhúinteoirí Whitehouse P.S. tar éis ionsaí coirloiscthe i mí Iúil 2009. Ní heol dom aon tuairisc ina gcuirtear síos ar an chóiríocht shealadach atá i bhfeidhm mar "neamhoiriúnach don fheidhm".
I would like to acknowledge the difficulties facing the pupils and teachers of Whitehouse P.S. following the arson attack in July 2009. I am not aware of any report that refers to the temporary accommodation in place as being "not fit for purpose".The accommodation currently being provided at Newtownabbey H.S., supplemented by the provision of new temporary accommodation, is not being considered as a permanent accommodation solution.The Education budget as you will be aware is set by the Executive. In my budget statement on 21 April 2010 I highlighted the challenging financial position being faced. My Department has tough decisions to make and I look forward to support from all parties when I make bids for additional funding during in year monitoring rounds. All capital projects including Whitehouse P.S. need to be considered against the policy framework in place and in light of the budget available.
In light of this situation, I cannot give any commitment at this time to when construction work on the new school building for Whitehouse P.S. will commence. I am fully aware of the difficult circumstances relating to the Whitehouse project and do not believe there is anything to be gained by a visit at this time.
Whitehouse Primary School
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education whether she will visit Whitehouse Primary School and the adjoining nursery unit, as a matter of urgency, in order to ascertain the limitations of the temporary arrangements and accommodation on the pupils and staff.
(AQW 6487/10)
Minister of Education: Ba mhaith liom aitheantas a thabhairt do na deacrachtaí atá roimh dhaltaí agus roimh mhúinteoirí Whitehouse P.S. tar éis ionsaí coirloiscthe i mí Iúil 2009. Ní heol dom aon tuairisc ina gcuirtear síos ar an chóiríocht shealadach atá i bhfeidhm mar "neamhoiriúnach don fheidhm".
I would like to acknowledge the difficulties facing the pupils and teachers of Whitehouse P.S. following the arson attack in July 2009. I am not aware of any report that refers to the temporary accommodation in place as being "not fit for purpose".The accommodation currently being provided at Newtownabbey H.S., supplemented by the provision of new temporary accommodation, is not being considered as a permanent accommodation solution.The Education budget as you will be aware is set by the Executive. In my budget statement on 21 April 2010 I highlighted the challenging financial position being faced. My Department has tough decisions to make and I look forward to support from all parties when I make bids for additional funding during in year monitoring rounds. All capital projects including Whitehouse P.S. need to be considered against the policy framework in place and in light of the budget available.In light of this situation, I cannot give any commitment at this time to when construction work on the new school building for Whitehouse P.S. will commence. I am fully aware of the difficult circumstances relating to the Whitehouse project and do not believe there is anything to be gained by a visit at this time.
Whitehouse Primary School
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to explain the delay in answering the two-day priority written Assembly Question, AQW 6344/10, due for answer on 23 April 2010.
(AQW 6520/10)
Minister of Education: Is saincheist thábhachtach í seo agus b’éigean dom mo bhreathnú iomlán a thabhairt do na saincheisteanna sula dtabharfainn freagra duit.
This is an important matter and I needed to give the issues my full consideration before responding to you.
DEPARTMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING
South Eastern Regional College
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) how many staff within the communications department of the South Eastern Regional College were on stress-related sick leave in each of the last three years; (ii) how many working days were lost as a result; and (iii) what percentage of the total working days were lost.
(AQW 6094/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): My Department does not keep records of college personnel. While I have a general responsibility for the performance of the college and its use of public funds the performance of individual staff members is a matter for the Director of the College and the Governing Body. I have asked the Director to write to the Member.
Essential Skills Programmes
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline (i) his Department's long-term plans for sustaining essential skills provision; and (ii) the role of Further and Higher Education Colleges in delivering essential skills programmes.
(AQW 6150/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning: (i) The Programme for Government 2008 – 2011 detailed a key goal of increasing the number of adult learners achieving a qualification in literacy, numeracy and ICT skills by 90,000 by 2015 to support the attainment of a growing and innovative economy. My Department has ensured the Budget 2008-11 allocations have been utilised to ensure the continued provision of Essential Skills and there has been a yearly increase in funding from 2007/08 to date. The empirical evidence indicates that the programme has been successful in addressing many individuals Essential Skills’ needs. Subject to the amount of future resourcing available my Department remains committed to addressing the Essential Skills needs within Northern Ireland.
(ii) The Further and Higher Education Colleges have important roles in supporting the delivery of Essential Skills programme. The Further Education sector has been the principal provider of Essential Skills courses and this role will continue. The Higher Education Sector has had an important role in ensuring the Essential Skills tutor education policy delivers a highly qualified workforce and this role will continue.
Regional Colleges of Further and Higher Education
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the level of absence due to sickness amongst teaching staff within each of the six Regional Colleges of Further and Higher Education in each month since their merger in August 2007.
(AQW 6152/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning: The six Further Education Colleges have confirmed the number of lecturers from each college absent due to sickness in each month since August 2007, as detailed in Annex A.
Annex A
2007
| Month | BMC | NRC | NWRC | SERC | SRC | SWC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2007 | 23 |
8 |
9 |
7 |
6 |
3 |
| September 2007 | 44 |
26 |
34 |
20 |
34 |
24 |
| October 2007 | 70 |
52 |
47 |
35 |
55 |
42 |
| November 2007 | 108 |
69 |
54 |
44 |
72 |
48 |
| December 2007 | 78 |
47 |
44 |
47 |
43 |
36 |
2008
| Month | BMC | NRC | NWRC | SERC | SRC | SWC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2008 | 97 |
61 |
74 |
32 |
64 |
43 |
| February 2008 | 87 |
77 |
62 |
40 |
52 |
31 |
| March 2008 | 68 |
51 |
32 |
31 |
23 |
27 |
| April 2008 | 81 |
60 |
47 |
32 |
25 |
32 |
| May 2008 | 44 |
32 |
26 |
13 |
28 |
20 |
| June2008 | 51 |
25 |
18 |
12 |
16 |
13 |
| July2008 | 13 |
9 |
13 |
3 |
8 |
8 |
| August 2008 | 12 |
10 |
14 |
3 |
10 |
13 |
| September 2008 | 46 |
26 |
36 |
10 |
33 |
22 |
| October 2008 | 52 |
37 |
53 |
24 |
50 |
29 |
| November 2008 | 84 |
51 |
67 |
29 |
63 |
34 |
| December 2008 | 68 |
34 |
60 |
36 |
58 |
34 |
2009
| Month | BMC | NRC | NWRC | SERC | SRC | SWC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2009 | 103 |
61 |
68 |
28 |
45 |
34 |
| February 2009 | 70 |
47 |
47 |
18 |
38 |
25 |
| March 2009 | 86 |
44 |
35 |
20 |
49 |
24 |
| April 2009 | 55 |
30 |
34 |
18 |
32 |
12 |
| May 2009 | 53 |
27 |
44 |
15 |
33 |
18 |
| June 2009 | 44 |
15 |
24 |
15 |
20 |
16 |
| July 2009 | 15 |
10 |
14 |
2 |
2 |
8 |
| August 2009 | 18 |
7 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
5 |
| September 2009 | 76 |
33 |
48 |
23 |
40 |
18 |
| October 2009 | 91 |
64 |
57 |
46 |
60 |
30 |
| November 2009 | 105 |
69 |
72 |
46 |
75 |
37 |
| December 2009 | 70 |
52 |
55 |
29 |
62 |
19 |
2010
| Month | BMC | NRC | NWRC | SERC | SRC | SWC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2010 | 93 |
71 |
61 |
40 |
63 |
32 |
| February 2010 | 88 |
52 |
63 |
32 |
49 |
29 |
| March 2010 | 72 |
60 |
46 |
25 |
Figures not yet available |
23 |
Note: the above data relates specifically to the number of lecturers absent from each college in any given month.
Lecturers
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, in relation to the initiative to increase the contracted hours of associated lecturers within Further and Higher Education Colleges (i) how many lecturers applied to have their hours increased; (ii) how many were successful; (iii) to provide a breakdown by college of those who were not successful; and (iv) whether any college offered, or considered offering, a lower number of increased hours than those requested by applicants.
(AQW 6154/10)
Minister for Employment and Learning: All contractual matters relating to staff employed within Further Education Colleges are a matter for the College’s Governing Body.I am advised that an Associate Lecturer who has been in post for at least two years may apply to have his/her contract varied up to a maximum of a pro-rata 0.75 contract, subject to demonstrating agreed criteria.
The information requested by the member is outlined in the tables below:
| College Name | No. of associate lecturers applying for increased hours |
|---|---|
| Belfast Metropolitan College | 32 |
| Northern Regional College | 15 |
| North West Regional College | 38 |
| South Eastern Regional College | 11 |
| Southern Regional College | 4 |
| South West College | 2 |
| College Name | No. of associate lecturers who had hours increased |
|---|---|
| Belfast Metropolitan College | 28 |
| Northern Regional College | 10 |
| North West Regional College | 9 (3 applications still pending) |
| South Eastern Regional College | 11 |
| Southern Regional College | 4 |
| South West College | Process ongoing |
| College Name | No. of associate lecturers who were not successful |
|---|---|
| Belfast Metropolitan College | 4 |
| Northern Regional College | 5 |
| North West Regional College | 26 |
| South Eastern Regional College | 0 |
| Southern Regional College | 0 |
| South West College | N/A |
| College Name | No. of associate lecturers who had their hours increased, but by a lower number than requested |
|---|---|
| Belfast Metropolitan College | 0 |
| Northern Regional College | 2 |
| North West Regional College | 0 |
| South Eastern Regional College | 0 |
| Southern Regional College | 0 |
| South West College | N/A |
DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of trips abroad by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) destination; (ii) cost; (iii) reason for travel; and (iv) the benefit to Northern Ireland as a direct result of the trip.
(AQW 6076/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster): The attached table (Appendix 1) details the number of trips to each destination, the cost of the trips and the reason for travel for the period 1st April 2007 – 31st March 2010. There was exceptional unusual travel in 2007/08 to support the Northern Ireland showcase at the Smithsonian Event in Washington.The benefits to Northern Ireland were to contribute to the marketing of Northern Ireland to a wide range of clients in a variety of activities, to see and learn from best practice on how to develop tourism products in Northern Ireland and to build relationships with US and European Business Tourism Buyers to encourage them to suggest Northern Ireland to their clients for future conferences and incentive trips.
Appendix 1
NITB TRIPS ABROAD (1st April 2007 – 31st March 2010)
| DESTINATION: | TRIPS: | COST (£): | REASON: |
|---|---|---|---|
2007/08: |
|||
| Frankfurt, Germany | 1 |
1127 |
Attendance at IMEX Business Tourism Show |
| Washington, USA | 7 |
18218 |
Representing NITB at Smithsonian Event in Washington |
| Berlin, Germany | 2 |
873 |
Attendance at TIL European Conference |
| Toronto, Canada | 1 |
1571 |
Attendance at Incentive Works Trade Show for Business Tourism |
| Chicago, USA | 1 |
2265 |
Attendance at Motivation Trade Show Chicago for Business Tourism |
| Toronto, Canada & Los Angeles/New York, USA | 1 |
4073 |
Attendance at Visit Europe Media Exchange, Toronto, Los Angeles & New York |
| Barcelona, Spain | 1 |
875 |
Attendance at EIBTM Trade Show for Business Tourism |
TOTAL: |
14 |
29002 |
|
2008/09:
|
|||
| Frankfurt, Germany | 1 |
1008 |
Attendance at IMEX Business Tourism Show |
| Quebec, Canada | 1 |
1479 |
Attendance at Incentive Works Trade Show for Business Tourism |
| Chicago, USA | 1 |
1344 |
Attendance at Motivation Trade Show Chicago for Business Tourism |
| Barcelona, Spain | 1 |
820 |
Attendance at EIBTM Trade Show for Business Tourism |
| Madrid, Spain | 1 |
833 |
Quarterly Statutory Tourist Boards CE's Meeting |
TOTAL: |
5 |
5484 |
|
2009/10:
|
|||
| Frankfurt, Germany | 1 |
1226 |
Attendance at IMEX Business Tourism Show |
| Charlottesville, USA | 1 |
2869 |
Course for CEO on Leadership for a Democratic Society at FEI |
| Gothenburg, Sweden | 1 |
458 |
ECM Annual Event - Events & Meetings in the City |
| Toronto, Canada | 1 |
1284 |
Attendance at Incentive Works Trade Show |
| Chicago, USA | 1 |
1398 |
Attendance at Motivation Trade Show for Business Tourism. |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 1 |
319 |
Attendance at Business Tourism Trade Show. |
| Malaga, Spain | 1 |
45 |
NITB made a presentation at annual conference of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM). |
| Barcelona, Spain | 1 |
166 |
Attendance at EIBTM Trade Show for Business Tourism |
| New York, USA | 1 |
2705 |
St Patrick’s Week with Minister in US |
| Santiago, Spain | 2 |
2328 |
Learning journey to look at best practice in Santiago de Compostela, World Heritage City. |
TOTAL: |
11 |
12798 |
|
| |
|||
GRAND TOTAL |
30 |
47284 |
|
Legacy of the Titanic
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has in place to celebrate the legacy of the Titanic leading up to 2012/13.
(AQW 6077/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: One of Northern Irelands five signature projects, identified in the Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007, is the Titanic Signature Project (TSP). DETI supported by NITB is fully engaged to deliver this project by 2012 to coincide with and commemorate the Titanic centenary and celebrate the legacy of Titanic.One of the key elements of the Titanic Signature Project is a new Titanic inspired visitor attraction. The NI Executive has committed £36.95m towards the construction of the iconic Titanic Signature Building. This is being administered through the NITB and will be the focus of other associated developments in Titanic Quarter and beyond.
The Signature building will house a world class visitor exhibition which will include state-of-the-art displays on the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s industrial, shipbuilding and maritime history attracting up to 400,000 visitors annually. NITB is also part funding some key heritage projects associated with the legacy of the Titanic, through its Tourism Development Scheme. These will be open to the public in the lead up to 2012 and beyond. These projects are important authentic assets and include the £1.2m restoration of Thompson Dock & Pump-House (completed 2008), restoration of Hamilton Dock and SS Nomadic (for completion 2011). MV Confiance is also being restored and developed as a heritage visitor attraction (opening 2010) and will include a maritime theme. NITB is leading and co-ordinating the development of a Titanic focused marketing and communications strategy with key partners, to ensure that the tourist potential of the centenary is captured. A budget of £100k has been allocated by NITB to carry out this marketing and communications activity for 2010-11. NITB is also working with other government departments and Belfast City Council to support and promote events to commemorate the centenary, which will encourage tourists to visit from all over the world.
The draft events programme builds from May 2011, when Titanic was launched in Belfast.DETI working closely with NITB to develop a proposal for an NI 2012 programme of events and activities, which is also likely to include Titanic themed celebrations and commemorations. DETI will be working with key partners including Belfast City Council to develop proposals. Plans are also well underway with Belfast City Council and the Department of Social Development to carry out an assessment of, and establish a vision for, Titanic and maritime Belfast. This will assess how current, planned and future developments (tourism, public realm, transport, infrastructure and commercial) impact on the waterfront and how they connect to the wider city, to the strength of Belfast’s maritime heritage offer and assets, and deliver best practice as can be seen in other maritime destinations. The objective is to realise the full tourism and regeneration potential of Belfast and Greater Belfast’s Titanic and maritime heritage.
Belfast City Council has agreed a Titanic Cities Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southampton, Liverpool, Cherbourg and Cobh. NITB is actively supporting this MOU which encourages cities which have a Titanic legacy to reap the benefits of partnership to create a fitting commemorative programme for the centenary as well as gain economies of scale in marketing and promotion.Funds to deliver the outlined activity from 2011 onwards will be subject to the outcome of the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
Legacy of the Titanic
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans her Department has in place to celebrate the legacy of the Titanic leading up to 2012/13.
(AQW 6078/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: One of Northern Irelands five signature projects, identified in the Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007, is the Titanic Signature Project (TSP). DETI supported by NITB is fully engaged to deliver this project by 2012 to coincide with and commemorate the Titanic centenary and celebrate the legacy of Titanic.One of the key elements of the Titanic Signature Project is a new Titanic inspired visitor attraction. The NI Executive has committed £36.95m towards the construction of the iconic Titanic Signature Building. This is being administered through the NITB and will be the focus of other associated developments in Titanic Quarter and beyond.
The Signature building will house a world class visitor exhibition which will include state-of-the-art displays on the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s industrial, shipbuilding and maritime history attracting up to 400,000 visitors annually. NITB is also part funding some key heritage projects associated with the legacy of the Titanic, through its Tourism Development Scheme. These will be open to the public in the lead up to 2012 and beyond. These projects are important authentic assets and include the £1.2m restoration of Thompson Dock & Pump-House (completed 2008), restoration of Hamilton Dock and SS Nomadic (for completion 2011). MV Confiance is also being restored and developed as a heritage visitor attraction (opening 2010) and will include a maritime theme. NITB is leading and co-ordinating the development of a Titanic focused marketing and communications strategy with key partners, to ensure that the tourist potential of the centenary is captured. A budget of £100k has been allocated by NITB to carry out this marketing and communications activity for 2010-11. NITB is also working with other government departments and Belfast City Council to support and promote events to commemorate the centenary, which will encourage tourists to visit from all over the world.
The draft events programme builds from May 2011, when Titanic was launched in Belfast.DETI working closely with NITB to develop a proposal for an NI 2012 programme of events and activities, which is also likely to include Titanic themed celebrations and commemorations. DETI will be working with key partners including Belfast City Council to develop proposals. Plans are also well underway with Belfast City Council and the Department of Social Development to carry out an assessment of, and establish a vision for, Titanic and maritime Belfast. This will assess how current, planned and future developments (tourism, public realm, transport, infrastructure and commercial) impact on the waterfront and how they connect to the wider city, to the strength of Belfast’s maritime heritage offer and assets, and deliver best practice as can be seen in other maritime destinations. The objective is to realise the full tourism and regeneration potential of Belfast and Greater Belfast’s Titanic and maritime heritage.
Belfast City Council has agreed a Titanic Cities Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southampton, Liverpool, Cherbourg and Cobh. NITB is actively supporting this MOU which encourages cities which have a Titanic legacy to reap the benefits of partnership to create a fitting commemorative programme for the centenary as well as gain economies of scale in marketing and promotion.Funds to deliver the outlined activity from 2011 onwards will be subject to the outcome of the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
Legacy of the Titanic
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much money has been set aside to assist the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to (i) plan; and (ii) promote the legacy of the Titanic leading up to 2012/13.
(AQW 6080/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: One of Northern Irelands five signature projects, identified in the Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007, is the Titanic Signature Project (TSP). DETI supported by NITB is fully engaged to deliver this project by 2012 to coincide with and commemorate the Titanic centenary and celebrate the legacy of Titanic.One of the key elements of the Titanic Signature Project is a new Titanic inspired visitor attraction. The NI Executive has committed £36.95m towards the construction of the iconic Titanic Signature Building. This is being administered through the NITB and will be the focus of other associated developments in Titanic Quarter and beyond.
The Signature building will house a world class visitor exhibition which will include state-of-the-art displays on the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s industrial, shipbuilding and maritime history attracting up to 400,000 visitors annually. NITB is also part funding some key heritage projects associated with the legacy of the Titanic, through its Tourism Development Scheme. These will be open to the public in the lead up to 2012 and beyond. These projects are important authentic assets and include the £1.2m restoration of Thompson Dock & Pump-House (completed 2008), restoration of Hamilton Dock and SS Nomadic (for completion 2011). MV Confiance is also being restored and developed as a heritage visitor attraction (opening 2010) and will include a maritime theme. NITB is leading and co-ordinating the development of a Titanic focused marketing and communications strategy with key partners, to ensure that the tourist potential of the centenary is captured. A budget of £100k has been allocated by NITB to carry out this marketing and communications activity for 2010-11. NITB is also working with other government departments and Belfast City Council to support and promote events to commemorate the centenary, which will encourage tourists to visit from all over the world.
The draft events programme builds from May 2011, when Titanic was launched in Belfast.DETI working closely with NITB to develop a proposal for an NI 2012 programme of events and activities, which is also likely to include Titanic themed celebrations and commemorations. DETI will be working with key partners including Belfast City Council to develop proposals. Plans are also well underway with Belfast City Council and the Department of Social Development to carry out an assessment of, and establish a vision for, Titanic and maritime Belfast. This will assess how current, planned and future developments (tourism, public realm, transport, infrastructure and commercial) impact on the waterfront and how they connect to the wider city, to the strength of Belfast’s maritime heritage offer and assets, and deliver best practice as can be seen in other maritime destinations. The objective is to realise the full tourism and regeneration potential of Belfast and Greater Belfast’s Titanic and maritime heritage.
Belfast City Council has agreed a Titanic Cities Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southampton, Liverpool, Cherbourg and Cobh. NITB is actively supporting this MOU which encourages cities which have a Titanic legacy to reap the benefits of partnership to create a fitting commemorative programme for the centenary as well as gain economies of scale in marketing and promotion.Funds to deliver the outlined activity from 2011 onwards will be subject to the outcome of the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
Legacy of the Titanic
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much money her Department has set aside to (i) plan; and (ii) promote the legacy of the Titanic in the lead up to 2012/13.
(AQW 6140/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: One of Northern Irelands five signature projects, identified in the Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007, is the Titanic Signature Project (TSP). DETI supported by NITB is fully engaged to deliver this project by 2012 to coincide with and commemorate the Titanic centenary and celebrate the legacy of Titanic.One of the key elements of the Titanic Signature Project is a new Titanic inspired visitor attraction. The NI Executive has committed £36.95m towards the construction of the iconic Titanic Signature Building. This is being administered through the NITB and will be the focus of other associated developments in Titanic Quarter and beyond.
The Signature building will house a world class visitor exhibition which will include state-of-the-art displays on the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s industrial, shipbuilding and maritime history attracting up to 400,000 visitors annually. NITB is also part funding some key heritage projects associated with the legacy of the Titanic, through its Tourism Development Scheme. These will be open to the public in the lead up to 2012 and beyond. These projects are important authentic assets and include the £1.2m restoration of Thompson Dock & Pump-House (completed 2008), restoration of Hamilton Dock and SS Nomadic (for completion 2011). MV Confiance is also being restored and developed as a heritage visitor attraction (opening 2010) and will include a maritime theme. NITB is leading and co-ordinating the development of a Titanic focused marketing and communications strategy with key partners, to ensure that the tourist potential of the centenary is captured. A budget of £100k has been allocated by NITB to carry out this marketing and communications activity for 2010-11. NITB is also working with other government departments and Belfast City Council to support and promote events to commemorate the centenary, which will encourage tourists to visit from all over the world.
The draft events programme builds from May 2011, when Titanic was launched in Belfast.DETI working closely with NITB to develop a proposal for an NI 2012 programme of events and activities, which is also likely to include Titanic themed celebrations and commemorations. DETI will be working with key partners including Belfast City Council to develop proposals. Plans are also well underway with Belfast City Council and the Department of Social Development to carry out an assessment of, and establish a vision for, Titanic and maritime Belfast. This will assess how current, planned and future developments (tourism, public realm, transport, infrastructure and commercial) impact on the waterfront and how they connect to the wider city, to the strength of Belfast’s maritime heritage offer and assets, and deliver best practice as can be seen in other maritime destinations. The objective is to realise the full tourism and regeneration potential of Belfast and Greater Belfast’s Titanic and maritime heritage.
Belfast City Council has agreed a Titanic Cities Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southampton, Liverpool, Cherbourg and Cobh. NITB is actively supporting this MOU which encourages cities which have a Titanic legacy to reap the benefits of partnership to create a fitting commemorative programme for the centenary as well as gain economies of scale in marketing and promotion.Funds to deliver the outlined activity from 2011 onwards will be subject to the outcome of the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
Legacy of the Titanic
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether she has presented any proposals to the Executive in relation to celebrating the legacy of the Titanic in the lead up to 2012/13.
(AQW 6142/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: One of Northern Irelands five signature projects, identified in the Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007, is the Titanic Signature Project (TSP). DETI supported by NITB is fully engaged to deliver this project by 2012 to coincide with and commemorate the Titanic centenary and celebrate the legacy of Titanic.One of the key elements of the Titanic Signature Project is a new Titanic inspired visitor attraction. The NI Executive has committed £36.95m towards the construction of the iconic Titanic Signature Building. This is being administered through the NITB and will be the focus of other associated developments in Titanic Quarter and beyond.
The Signature building will house a world class visitor exhibition which will include state-of-the-art displays on the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s industrial, shipbuilding and maritime history attracting up to 400,000 visitors annually. NITB is also part funding some key heritage projects associated with the legacy of the Titanic, through its Tourism Development Scheme. These will be open to the public in the lead up to 2012 and beyond. These projects are important authentic assets and include the £1.2m restoration of Thompson Dock & Pump-House (completed 2008), restoration of Hamilton Dock and SS Nomadic (for completion 2011). MV Confiance is also being restored and developed as a heritage visitor attraction (opening 2010) and will include a maritime theme. NITB is leading and co-ordinating the development of a Titanic focused marketing and communications strategy with key partners, to ensure that the tourist potential of the centenary is captured. A budget of £100k has been allocated by NITB to carry out this marketing and communications activity for 2010-11. NITB is also working with other government departments and Belfast City Council to support and promote events to commemorate the centenary, which will encourage tourists to visit from all over the world.
The draft events programme builds from May 2011, when Titanic was launched in Belfast.DETI working closely with NITB to develop a proposal for an NI 2012 programme of events and activities, which is also likely to include Titanic themed celebrations and commemorations. DETI will be working with key partners including Belfast City Council to develop proposals. Plans are also well underway with Belfast City Council and the Department of Social Development to carry out an assessment of, and establish a vision for, Titanic and maritime Belfast. This will assess how current, planned and future developments (tourism, public realm, transport, infrastructure and commercial) impact on the waterfront and how they connect to the wider city, to the strength of Belfast’s maritime heritage offer and assets, and deliver best practice as can be seen in other maritime destinations. The objective is to realise the full tourism and regeneration potential of Belfast and Greater Belfast’s Titanic and maritime heritage.
Belfast City Council has agreed a Titanic Cities Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southampton, Liverpool, Cherbourg and Cobh. NITB is actively supporting this MOU which encourages cities which have a Titanic legacy to reap the benefits of partnership to create a fitting commemorative programme for the centenary as well as gain economies of scale in marketing and promotion.Funds to deliver the outlined activity from 2011 onwards will be subject to the outcome of the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
Legacy of the Titanic
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if any representation has been made to Belfast City Council in relation to planning and promoting the legacy of the Titanic in the lead up to 2012/13.
(AQW 6144/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: One of Northern Irelands five signature projects, identified in the Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007, is the Titanic Signature Project (TSP). DETI supported by NITB is fully engaged to deliver this project by 2012 to coincide with and commemorate the Titanic centenary and celebrate the legacy of Titanic.One of the key elements of the Titanic Signature Project is a new Titanic inspired visitor attraction. The NI Executive has committed £36.95m towards the construction of the iconic Titanic Signature Building. This is being administered through the NITB and will be the focus of other associated developments in Titanic Quarter and beyond.
The Signature building will house a world class visitor exhibition which will include state-of-the-art displays on the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s industrial, shipbuilding and maritime history attracting up to 400,000 visitors annually. NITB is also part funding some key heritage projects associated with the legacy of the Titanic, through its Tourism Development Scheme. These will be open to the public in the lead up to 2012 and beyond. These projects are important authentic assets and include the £1.2m restoration of Thompson Dock & Pump-House (completed 2008), restoration of Hamilton Dock and SS Nomadic (for completion 2011). MV Confiance is also being restored and developed as a heritage visitor attraction (opening 2010) and will include a maritime theme. NITB is leading and co-ordinating the development of a Titanic focused marketing and communications strategy with key partners, to ensure that the tourist potential of the centenary is captured. A budget of £100k has been allocated by NITB to carry out this marketing and communications activity for 2010-11. NITB is also working with other government departments and Belfast City Council to support and promote events to commemorate the centenary, which will encourage tourists to visit from all over the world.
The draft events programme builds from May 2011, when Titanic was launched in Belfast.DETI working closely with NITB to develop a proposal for an NI 2012 programme of events and activities, which is also likely to include Titanic themed celebrations and commemorations. DETI will be working with key partners including Belfast City Council to develop proposals. Plans are also well underway with Belfast City Council and the Department of Social Development to carry out an assessment of, and establish a vision for, Titanic and maritime Belfast. This will assess how current, planned and future developments (tourism, public realm, transport, infrastructure and commercial) impact on the waterfront and how they connect to the wider city, to the strength of Belfast’s maritime heritage offer and assets, and deliver best practice as can be seen in other maritime destinations. The objective is to realise the full tourism and regeneration potential of Belfast and Greater Belfast’s Titanic and maritime heritage.
Belfast City Council has agreed a Titanic Cities Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southampton, Liverpool, Cherbourg and Cobh. NITB is actively supporting this MOU which encourages cities which have a Titanic legacy to reap the benefits of partnership to create a fitting commemorative programme for the centenary as well as gain economies of scale in marketing and promotion.Funds to deliver the outlined activity from 2011 onwards will be subject to the outcome of the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
Funding Debt Services
Mr F McCann asked e Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investmentif his Department will be assuming responsibility for funding debt services, as is the case in the English and Welsh jurisdictions.
(AQW 6233/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: My Department has had no discussions with OFMDFM or officials in the new Department of Justice on this matter.Funding for both face to face and telephone debt advice in Northern Ireland is currently the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.My Department has funded free face to face debt advice services since 2005. It continues to fund both face to face and more recently telephone debt advice services with an annual budget of £1m.My Department has recently commissioned KPMG to conduct research and report on current and future debt advice provision in Northern Ireland. I expect to receive the final report during the summer of 2010.
Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020
Mr B Leonard asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment why the Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020 was 'screened out' from the Equality Impact Assessment process.
(AQW 6240/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020 was equality screened in line with DETI’s statutory obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The screening found that the draft Tourism Strategy is unlikely to have a significant differential impact on any of the Section 75 groups. It is a high level, over-arching strategy from which policies/actions will be developed for the long-term benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.
The plans and actions to be implemented under the umbrella of the new Tourism Strategy will be delivered by a wide range of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. These activities will be assessed in their own right against their impact on the Section 75 Groups by the organisations responsible, and further screening and impact assessments carried out as appropriate.The completed screening template for the draft Tourism Strategy is available from DETI upon request and any comments on the draft Tourism Strategy may be forwarded to the Department as part of the current consultation exercise on the Strategy which ends on 20 May 2010.
Migrant Workers
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the current number of migrant workers.
(AQW 6326/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: There is no definitive source of migrant worker information in the UK. The closest approximation is sourced to the Northern Ireland Labour Force Survey (LFS) and relates to the number of people currently employed in Northern Ireland who were born overseas.In October-December 2009, the LFS estimated there were 767,000 people in employment in Northern Ireland. Of these, an estimated 43,000 (5.7%)1 were born outside the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.
1 Please note that these estimates are sourced to a sample survey and are subject to sampling error. Also, the LFS may undercount the numbers of persons who were born overseas, as people living in certain types of communal establishment (such as hostels, hotels or boarding houses) are not covered by the LFS sample.
NVQ Level 2
Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the percentage of people of working age in the Foyle Constituency with NVQ Level 2 or lower as their highest qualification; and how this percentage compares to Northern Ireland as a whole.
(AQO 1168/10)
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Figures from the 2008 annual Labour Force Survey (LFS) database estimated that 61.9%1 of people of working age in the Foyle Constituency had NVQ Level 2 or lower as their highest qualification. This compared to a figure of 55.0% for Northern Ireland as a whole.
1 The LFS is a sample survey and estimates sourced to it are subject to sampling error.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Local Government Chief Executives
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the salaries for each of the 26 Local Government Chief Executives.
(AQW 6059/10)
Minister of the Environment (Mr E Poots): The table below details the salary band range for all 26 District Council Chief Executives for the financial year 2008/2009, the last year for which certified figures are available.
| SALARY BAND RANGE | NUMBER | COUNCIL |
|---|---|---|
120k-130k |
1 |
Belfast |
110-120k |
1 |
Newry & Mourne |
90-100k |
6 |
Castlereagh Derry Down Lisburn Newtownabbey North Down |
80-90k |
11 |
Antrim Ards Armagh Ballymoney Carrickfergus Cookstown Craigavon Fermanagh Magherafelt Omagh Strabane |
70-80k |
7 |
Ballymena Banbridge Coleraine Dungannon & S Tyrone Larne Limavady Moyle |
| TOTAL | 26 |
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment what consideration he has given to transferring responsibility for administering domestic discharge consents from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to local councils.
(AQW 6114/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Department has not given formal consideration to the transfer of responsibility for administering domestic consents to local Councils. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) currently administers the process for issuing domestic consents under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. There are a number of reasons why this work could not readily be transferred out of the Department to Local Councils at this time.
It is a legal requirement that any discharge of trade or sewage effluent to a waterway or water contained in any underground strata has consent under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. Article 7A (3) (a) of the Order specifically states that this consent must be issued by the Department (defined in Article 3 (1) of the Order as the Department of the Environment). Therefore legally it is not possible to transfer the responsibility for consent issue outside of the Department.
The purpose of a Water Order consent to discharge is to protect water quality in the receiving aquatic environment and to ensure achievement of environmental objectives set under the Water Framework Directive. The Department, through NIEA, is the competent authority charged with responsibility for implementing the Directive and is, therefore, best placed to issue consents to discharge with conditions formulated to ensure that these environmental requirements are met.
General Grant given to Local Councils
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the level of general grant given to each of the 26 local councils in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6153/10)
Minister of the Environment: General grant is made up of two elements, de-rating and resources. The level of general grant given to each of the 26 local councils in each of the last five years is set out in the tables below.
| District Council | General Grant De-rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006/2007 £ |
2007/2008 £ |
2008/2009 £ |
2009/2010 £ |
2010/2011(Estimated ) £ |
|
| Antrim | 847,245 |
877,284 |
946,715 |
1,034,215 |
1,034,215 |
| Ards | 572,907 |
566,376 |
574,070 |
596,841 |
596,841 |
| Armagh | 588,511 |
598,757 |
646,024 |
690,292 |
690,292 |
| Ballymena | 1,085,387 |
1,144,706 |
1,167,055 |
1,212,474 |
1,212,474 |
| Ballymoney | 312,904 |
293,965 |
297,655 |
281,000 |
281,000 |
| Banbridge | 448,773 |
406,633 |
424,313 |
448,244 |
448,244 |
| Belfast | 4,753,074 |
4,040,967 |
4,246,910 |
4,372,476 |
4,372,476 |
| Carrickfergus | 488,074 |
438,050 |
500,902 |
537,334 |
537,334 |
| Castlereagh | 650,121 |
647,128 |
673,449 |
684,084 |
684,084 |
| Coleraine | 526,856 |
538,037 |
587,356 |
596,213 |
596,213 |
| Cookstown | 655,241 |
672,615 |
785,744 |
817,510 |
817,510 |
| Craigavon | 2,031,039 |
2,030,455 |
2,056,081 |
2,144,907 |
2,144,907 |
| Derry | 1,376,474 |
1,399,641 |
1,372,924 |
1,407,484 |
1,407,484 |
| Down | 443,756 |
409,343 |
447,133 |
487,918 |
487,918 |
| Dungannon & South Tyrone | 1,329,961 |
1,373,529 |
1,502,211 |
1,583,210 |
1,583,210 |
| Fermanagh | 732,291 |
719,087 |
783,175 |
861,691 |
861,691 |
| Larne | 465,528 |
467,719 |
476,748 |
441,082 |
441,082 |
| Limavady | 188,949 |
205,929 |
223,151 |
165,002 |
165,002 |
| Lisburn | 1,598,621 |
1,543,160 |
1,582,548 |
1,708,872 |
1,708,872 |
| Magherafelt | 597,663 |
616,994 |
637,506 |
694,746 |
694,746 |
| Moyle | 152,274 |
159,508 |
171,715 |
179,585 |
179,585 |
| Newry & Mourne | 1,008,815 |
997,357 |
1,086,576 |
1,164,675 |
1,164,675 |
| Newtownabbey | 1,313,528 |
1,260,091 |
1,383,804 |
1,374,603 |
1,374,603 |
| North Down | 477,481 |
473,982 |
515,771 |
560,168 |
560,168 |
| Omagh | 483,400 |
503,320 |
532,223 |
540,751 |
540,751 |
| Strabane | 321,959 |
311,430 |
260,619 |
287,322 |
287,322 |
| District Council | General Grant Resources | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006/2007 £ |
2007/2008 £ |
2008/2009 £ |
2009/2010 £ |
2010/2011 £ |
|
| Antrim | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Ards | 1,381,172 |
1,435,528 |
1,193,565 |
886,455 |
835,126 |
| Armagh | 1,455,962 |
1,616,643 |
1,617,037 |
1,615,563 |
1,567,840 |
| Ballymena | 0 |
0 |
1,939 |
0 |
0 |
| Ballymoney | 915,511 |
1,069,768 |
1,118,710 |
1,087,188 |
1,032,567 |
| Banbridge | 1,005,136 |
1,231,275 |
1,104,630 |
1,072,464 |
1,037,637 |
| Belfast | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Carrickfergus | 369,564 |
511,880 |
608,586 |
653,040 |
581,566 |
| Castlereagh | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Coleraine | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Cookstown | 890,226 |
987,971 |
851,627 |
665,130 |
618,262 |
| Craigavon | 0 |
903,470 |
645,762 |
970,527 |
968,275 |
| Derry | 1,188,657 |
1,402,830 |
1,299,086 |
1,371,381 |
1,370,642 |
| Down | 1,709,521 |
1,847,118 |
1,757,243 |
1,528,437 |
1,445,679 |
| Dungannon & South Tyrone | 909,843 |
1,096,781 |
972,805 |
948,033 |
951,896 |
| Fermanagh | 1,417,182 |
1,604,221 |
1,480,862 |
1,258,804 |
1,125,316 |
| Larne | 0 |
201,431 |
237,244 |
212,217 |
111,789 |
| Limavady | 1,266,695 |
1,493,009 |
1,444,168 |
1,341,942 |
1,318,671 |
| Lisburn | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Magherafelt | 1,380,881 |
1,391,643 |
1,213,322 |
1,174,811 |
1,109,458 |
| Moyle | 550,314 |
624,107 |
602,314 |
581,278 |
510,448 |
| Newry & Mourne | 1,771,737 |
2,079,148 |
1,983,190 |
1,664,227 |
1,660,626 |
| Newtownabbey | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| North Down | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Omagh | 1,336,901 |
1,534,039 |
1,445,936 |
1,452,552 |
1,377,870 |
| Strabane | 1,947,698 |
2,121,019 |
2,001,032 |
2,012,951 |
1,873,332 |
Private Research Papers
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to make publicly available private research papers on (i) industrial architecture; (ii) historic buildings; (iii) industrial archaeology; and (iv) built heritage.
(AQW 6188/10)
Minister of the Environment: As part of its work to record the historic built environment the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA): Built Heritage Directorate has accumulated a substantial archive of information about the historic environment, including archaeological sites, historic monuments, historic buildings, maritime and industrial heritage sites, historic park, gardens and demesnes, battlefields and 20th century defence heritage structures.
This information is stored in, and made available to the public through, the Northern Ireland Monuments and Buildings Record (the MBR). The archive material includes databases, reports, research papers, surveys, maps, photographic, drawn and digital material and a library collection. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency is committed to making the information it holds about the historic environment available to the public in a form that is convenient and easy to use. Most of the material held in the MBR can be accessed in person by visiting the Pat Collins Reading Room in the MBR, where a member of staff will assist with any research queries. Information can also be requested by writing to, telephoning or emailing the MBR.
Much of the material is also available online through the Built Heritage section of the NIEA website, with work ongoing to add additional databases, in particular the Industrial Heritage database, to the existing online material. Further details of each of these archives can also be accessed through the Monuments and Buildings Record page on the NIEA website at: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/built-home/recording.htm.
Private Research Papers
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how much money the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has spent in the last three years on purchasing private research papers for public access.
(AQW 6189/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has not purchased private research papers in the last three years. Although we made a substantial offer for the ‘private’ part of the McCutcheon archive on Industrial Archaeology, etc, our offer was not accepted. However, there have been several donations of such material by members of the public, free of charge, to the Monuments and Buildings Record within that time. Occasionally the Agency makes a financial contribution to relevant publications, which may include research papers.
Industrial Archaeology and Built Heritage
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the archives held by his Department on (i) industrial archaeology; and (ii) built heritage.
(AQW 6190/10)
Minister of the Environment: All of the archives referred to below form part of the Northern Ireland Monuments and Buildings Record.Information about Industrial Heritage and Industrial Archaeology is normally contained within the Industrial Heritage Record (IHR). The IHR contains details on over 16,000 industrial sites. The major part of the record consists of the extensive McCutcheon Collection, which is held on loan from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.
The collection consists of over 27,000 black and white photographs and a colour slide collection taken by Dr W A McCutcheon during his comprehensive industrial heritage survey of Northern Ireland, commissioned by the then Ancient Monuments Advisory Council (which was superseded in 1971 by the Historic Monuments Council), as well as associated notes and papers. Information about other forms of Built Heritage is contained within several discrete archives within the MBR. Information about sites of archaeological interest, other than industrial heritage, is normally contained within the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR). The SMR holds information on over 16,000 archaeological sites and historic monuments, such as standing stones or ruined churches. Detailed field descriptions of each monument are available as well as associated historic reference material. Information about historic buildings and other structures of architectural or historic interest is normally contained in the Historic Buildings Record (HBR).
The HBR archive holds information on over 8,500 historic buildings, based on the so called ‘First Survey’ carried out between 1969 and 1993. A ‘Second Survey’ of historic buildings is currently underway and extensive, detailed, new information is being added to the existing historic buildings record. Much of the information in this archive relates to Listed Buildings. The Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Archive contains a comprehensive record for over 700 historic parks, gardens and demesnes. Work on this archive was initiated by the NI Heritage Gardens committee with information gathered through site inspection, map and documentary research. Work on this archive is continuing, with the development of a Register and Supplementary list of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Maritime Record is currently being developed in partnership with the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at the University of Ulster.
Surveys have already been undertaken on Strangford Lough and Rathlin Island, with ongoing surveys of the remainder of Northern Ireland’s coastline and territorial waters. The results of these surveys are added to the record.The Defence Heritage Record holds details about over 500 sites of twentieth-century defence heritage interest, recorded by volunteers, as part of the Defence Heritage Project. This record contributes to the wider Defence of Britain Project, run by the Council for British Archaeology. Recorded sites are predominantly associated with military features from the First and Second World Wars, as well as some Cold War installations, and include trenches, gun and searchlight emplacements, pill boxes, observation posts, airfields, harbours, naval and flying boat bases and air raid shelters. The Architectural Drawings Archive includes collections from several notable architects who designed or worked on some of Northern Ireland’s most important historic buildings.
The archive contains c.15,000 McGeagh drawings, c.2,200 McKinstry drawings, several hundred Bell drawings and the Clokey stained glass collection. Also included is the Ministry of Finance collection, consisting of material from the original Board of Works files of the Ministry of Finance (NI) dating from 1923 to 1952. The Photographic Archive consists of over 50,000 black and white photographs, 100,000 colour slides and an increasing number of digital images detailing historic sites, monuments and buildings. The archive also holds a number of collections, such as material deposited by the architectural historian Sir Charles Brett; the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society; G P Bell; the University of Cambridge aerial photograph collection, and; the Seeds architectural collection.
If you require further information on archives relating to the built heritage of Northern Ireland, staff at the NIEA: Built Heritage Monuments and Buildings Record will be happy to assist.
Illegal Dumping
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment how many people have been subject to enforcement action by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency for illegal dumping in (i) Larne; (ii) Carrickfergus; and (iii) Newtownabbey, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6239/10)
Minister of the Environment: The table below sets out the number of successful prosecution cases for illegal dumping in each of the following District Council areas since 2005, making a total of 4 prosecutions in Larne, 2 in Carrickfergus and 3 in Newtownabbey. The figures in brackets indicate the number of warning letters issued, for those years where records are available.
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larne | 1 |
1 |
0 |
1 (0) |
1 (1) |
| Carrickfergus | 1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (0) |
0 (4) |
| Newtownabbey | 1 |
0 |
1 |
1 (6) |
0 (6) |
Proposed Hotel at Magherafelt Road, Castledawson
Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of the Environment why there is a delay in issuing planning approval for a proposed hotel at Magherafelt Road, Castledawson, Ref H/2008/0089, given that the application received corporate council approval in June 2009.
(AQW 6242/10)
Minister of the Environment: I have recently met Dr McCrea representing objectors to this planning application. I am currently considering further briefing prepared by my officials on the issues involved. The proposal represents a significant economic investment and I am aware of the interest of the applicant in having this matter resolved. In this respect I would hope to conclude my consideration as soon as possible.
Planning Application E/2008/0346/F
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on retrospective planning application E/2008/0346/F at Portbradden Road, Portbradden.
(AQW 6266/10)
Minister of the Environment: Planning Service wrote to the agent on 11 February 2010 to seek amended drawings to address the issues raised by the Roads Service consultation response which was received on 9 February 2010.The agent has sought an extension of time to allow the submission of the outstanding information. The application is being held pending a response from the applicant’s agent.
Driving Licences
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment how many driving licences posted (i) to ; and (ii) from the Driver and Vehicle Agency have been 'lost in the post' in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6270/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Driver & Vehicle Agency does not keep records of the numbers of licences lost en route to the Agency.
The following table indicates the numbers of licences issued free of charge where previously issued licences were declared lost in the post within a period of six weeks from the dates of issue of the original licences.
| Financial Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 |
2592 |
3109 |
1150 |
498 |
295 |
Where a licence is declared lost outside the six week period, or lost, destroyed or damaged in other circumstances, the customer is obliged to apply for a duplicate licence and pay the appropriate fee. Agency records do not distinguish the nature of duplicate licences. The following table indicates the number of duplicate licences issued on application:
| Financial Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 |
13018 |
15160 |
19550 |
20810 |
14807 |
Driving Licences
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment how many driving licences have been recorded as 'lost' by the Driver and Vehicle Agency in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6271/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) issues duplicate licences to replace licences which have been declared lost, stolen or destroyed. DVA records do not distinguish between the reasons for duplicate licences except where a licence is declared "lost in post". In these circumstances, the Agency will issue a replacement licence free of charge, provided the loss is reported within six weeks of the date of issue of the original licence.The following table indicates the number of licences issued as replacements for licences declared lost, stolen or destroyed, or for licences which were declared lost in post.
| Category | Financial Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | |
| Lost In Post | 2592 |
3109 |
1150 |
498 |
295 |
| Lost, Stolen or Destroyed | 13018 |
15160 |
19550 |
20810 |
14807 |
George Best Belfast City Airport
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment whether he can confirm that the current planning issues in relation to the George Best Belfast City Airport will not affect the prioritisation of public inquiries for retail developments at (i) Sprucefield ; and (ii) Newtownards.
(AQW 6280/10)
Minister of the Environment: As the GBBCA is technical in nature, it would be a different type of hearing than Sprucefield and Newtownards appeals that deal with retailing. Newtownards is the next hearing of its type after Sprucefield. At the same time, Planning Service confirmed that the Department wished to withdraw application X/2005/1156 (Castlebawn/Tesco, Newtownards) from consideration at public inquiry. The PAC was also asked to proceed to arrange a co-joined public inquiry for the other two Newtownards retail applications, the extension to Ards Shopping Centre and the Castlebawn proposal.
Proposed Public Inquiry on Retail Developments in Newtownards
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment whether the Planning Service and Tesco have exchanged written correspondence in relation to Tesco's involvement in the proposed public inquiry on retail developments in Newtownards; and to outline the outcome of this correspondence.
(AQW 6281/10)
Minister of the Environment: My officials have written to Tesco’s agent stating that Planning Service will ask the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) to proceed with the public inquiry without the inclusion of application X/2005/1156 which proposes a Tesco store and six individual retail units, comprising a total of 14,933sqm of retail floorspace. Since the submission of this application, I have agreed in principle to approve a Tesco store on same site. The PAC has now been asked to proceed to arrange a co-joined public inquiry for X/2004/1800, an extension to Ards Shopping Centre, and X2005/0653, the Castlebawn retail proposal.
Hanwood Trust Filling Station
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment why the planning application for the Hanwood Trust Filling Station, Y/2009/0440/F, was approved despite the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan team's opinion that the application could be refused on prematurity grounds.
(AQW 6313/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Planning Service formed the opinion to grant planning permission for this proposal because at the time this application was submitted development had already commenced on foot of an extant planning permission which incorporated this site. In circumstances where the principle of development was firmly established, the issue of prematurity does not arise and no purpose would be served in consulting the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan team. Consequently it is not correct that the BMAP team’s opinion was that the application could be refused on prematurity grounds.
Hanwood Trust Filling Station
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment how the planning application for the Hanwood Trust Filling Station, Y/2009/0440/F, was recommended for approval without being referred to the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan team.
(AQW 6316/10)
Minister of the Environment: The Planning Service formed the opinion to grant planning permission for this proposal because at the time this application was submitted development had already commenced on foot of an extant planning permission which incorporated this site. In circumstances where the principle of development was firmly established, the issue of prematurity does not arise and there was no purpose to be served in consulting the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan team.
PPS5 Policy Statement
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (i) the current status of the draft PPS5 policy statement; (ii) when the judicial review is likely to be completed, and (iii) pending the outcome of the review, what policy is in place for the protection of traditional town centres.
(AQW 6360/10)
Minister of the Environment: My Department is still awaiting the outcome of the Judicial Review of draft PPS 5 – Retailing, Town Centres and Commercial Leisure Development which was heard in the High Court in January 2009. My Department currently has no indication of when this is likely to be expected. The current statutory planning policy for town centres is PPS 5 – Retailing and Town Centres which expresses the Department’s commitment to protecting the vitality and viability of existing town centres.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL
Northern Ireland Prison Service and Northern Ireland Court Service
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) for a breakdown of staff by community background in (a) the Northern Ireland Prison Service; (b) the Northern Ireland Court Service; and (c) the Department of Justice; (ii) for his assessment of whether different communities are proportionately represented in each; and (iii) what steps he intends to take to address any under-representation which may exist.
(AQW 6104/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr S Wilson): The Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service are now part of the Department of Justice and as such their staff are members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. For the purposes of the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998 the Northern Ireland Civil Service is treated as a single employer and responsibility for monitoring falls to my Department. Community background information is collected for the purpose of providing statutory returns to the Equality Commission and to enable the Service to monitor the effectiveness of its equal opportunities policies.
The information is not processed in a way that identifies the community background profile of parts of Departments. To provide the information in the format required would require my Department to further process the data in a way that is not compatible with the reasons for which it is collected and consequently it cannot be provided.As required by the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998, my Department will continue to carry out regular reviews of the extent of fair participation across the NI Civil Service and will take appropriate action where a lack of fair participation is found.
Domestic Rate Payers
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many domestic rate payers have been denied an early payment discount because they have paid their rates bill in full either one, two, or three days after the payment deadline has passed, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6124/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: The total number of ratepayers who were not automatically awarded an early payment discount during the rating year 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 because they had paid their rates bill in full either one, two or three days after the payment deadline had passed is as follows:2008-2009 9,2902009-2010 4,854 Land & Property Services does not hold this information prior to 2008.
Small Business Rates Relief Scheme
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many businesses have benefited from the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme in each constituency to date.
(AQW 6218/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: Tables showing the number of businesses awarded relief and the monetary value, by district council and ward have been placed in the Library. This information is not available by constituency.
Non Domestic Rates
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) how non domestic rates are calculated; and (ii) how much revenue is generated annually by (a) non-domestic rates in out of town properties; and (b) non-domestic rates in city/town centres in each constituency.
(AQW 6219/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: The non domestic rate consists of a non domestic district rate and non domestic regional rate. The non domestic regional rate is agreed annually by the Executive. Each council sets its own individual non domestic district rate each year, based on the expenditure needs of the council for that particular year.
Approximately £522 million of revenue is generated annually through non domestic rating, which is broadly equivalent to 52% of the total revenue collected annually, however, Land & Property Services does not hold or record information regarding the amount of revenue generated annually by (a) non-domestic rates in out of town properties; and (b) non-domestic rates in city/town centres in each constituency.
Surplus Property Assets
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how his Department enables local authorities to link with the central asset clearing house (i) to bid for surplus public property for which other Departments or Agencies do not have a continuing need; and (ii) to establish if other public bodies have a requirement for properties that are surplus to current local authority requirements.[R]
(AQW 6275/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: The policy and procedures relating to the sale or transfer of surplus property assets within the public sector are set out in guidelines published by the Central Advisory Unit within my Department’s Land & Property Services Agency. The guidance is available on the website, www.lpsni.gov.uk.
It is obligatory for NI Government Departments and their Executive Agencies, Non Departmental Public Bodies and Education & Library Boards to comply with this disposal policy. Other public sector bodies including Local Authorities are encouraged to treat the guidance as best practice and to adopt it voluntarily.Under the "clearing house procedure", details of surplus property notified to Land & Property Services are trawled throughout the public sector including Local Authorities.
A Local Authority may express interest in having the property or part of it transferred to it. Providing the Local Authority has a qualifying need and no other interest has been expressed in the property, this transfer will be arranged at a value assessed by the District Valuer.Local Authorities may also notify Land & Property Services of their surplus property and have it trawled to other public sector users. As this is voluntary, it is rarely used except where the property would have very limited demand if sold on the open market.
Ratepayers
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when it will be possible for ratepayers to make payments by debit or credit card for amounts which exceed £1,000, without having to make two or more transactions.
(AQW 6362/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: Land & Property Services does not impose restrictions on the amount that can be paid in a single transaction. Debit card payments for rate bills are currently available through an online payment channel, in post offices and in some payzone outlets. Credit card payments for rate bills are available through an online payment channel. No limits are imposed on the online payment service, which is provided by Santander to LPS. However, an individual’s credit card company or bank may impose maximum transaction amounts based on factors such as their credit limit and available funds. In addition, payment providers impose the following restrictions to a single transaction:
- Post Office: maximum £999.99
- Payzone: maximum £300
These limits are imposed by the Post Office and Payzone to prevent money laundering.
Projected Birth Rates
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for the projected birth rates in the electoral wards of (i) Clonallon; and (ii) Seaview for each of the next three years.
(AQW 6367/10)
Minister of Finance and Personnel: Birth rates are not projected at electoral ward level; fertility data for 2007 to 2009 has been supplied in the table below alongside Northern Ireland fertility data for these years.
| Registration Year | Newry & Mourne Clonallan (95VV07) |
Newry & Mourne Seaview (95VV24) |
Northern Ireland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Births | Rate per 1,000 population | Births | Rate per 1,000 population | Births | Rate per 1,000 population | |
2007 |
57 |
12.7 |
34 |
10.9 |
24,451 |
13.9 |
2008 |
58 |
12.9 |
36 |
11.4 |
25,631 |
14.4 |
2009P |
66 |
14.7* |
42 |
13.3* |
24,910 |
13.9** |
P Provisional data
* 2009 birth rates for Clonallan and Seaview based on 2008 population estimate ** 2009 birth rate for Northern Ireland based on the latest Northern Ireland population projections for 2009
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Northern Ireland 2008;
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the uses made of the 38 horses listed in the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Northern Ireland 2008; and the 102 procedures carried out on them.
(AQW 3343/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): The 102 procedures carried out on 38 horses in 2008 were completed for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. The cats were sourced from outside the countries of the Council of Europe (which includes the EU). They were used for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. Cats were used as they were the most suitable animal for the purpose of the research.The eight cats and six dogs listed were first used in 2008 for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. These animals and those first used in previous years were certified as healthy by a veterinarian prior to reuse and this reduced the number of animals being used.
There is no limit to the number of times an animal can be reused provided that the animal remains healthy and suitable for the research. The severity limit for the procedures was mild. No non-human primates have been used for research in Northern Ireland since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.This Act is regarded as the most rigorous piece of legislation of its type in the world, offering a high level of protection to animals whilst recognising the need to use animals in research. The Department and its Inspector are actively working to ensure that the highest standards of animal welfare are adhered to and that animals are used in scientific procedures only where this is fully justified
Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Northern Ireland 2008
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) the source of the cats listed as coming from 'other sources', in the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Northern Ireland 2008; (ii) what they were used for; and (iii) what the justification was for using these specific animals.
(AQW 3344/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The 102 procedures carried out on 38 horses in 2008 were completed for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. The cats were sourced from outside the countries of the Council of Europe (which includes the EU). They were used for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. Cats were used as they were the most suitable animal for the purpose of the research.The eight cats and six dogs listed were first used in 2008 for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. These animals and those first used in previous years were certified as healthy by a veterinarian prior to reuse and this reduced the number of animals being used.
There is no limit to the number of times an animal can be reused provided that the animal remains healthy and suitable for the research. The severity limit for the procedures was mild. No non-human primates have been used for research in Northern Ireland since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.This Act is regarded as the most rigorous piece of legislation of its type in the world, offering a high level of protection to animals whilst recognising the need to use animals in research. The Department and its Inspector are actively working to ensure that the highest standards of animal welfare are adhered to and that animals are used in scientific procedures only where this is fully justified
Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland 2008
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) the uses made of the eight cats and six dogs listed in the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland 2008; (ii) why they were repeatedly re-used; (iii) if there is a limit on the number of times an animal can be re-used; and (iv) what the severity limit was for these procedures.
(AQW 3345/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The 102 procedures carried out on 38 horses in 2008 were completed for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. The cats were sourced from outside the countries of the Council of Europe (which includes the EU). They were used for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. Cats were used as they were the most suitable animal for the purpose of the research.The eight cats and six dogs listed were first used in 2008 for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. These animals and those first used in previous years were certified as healthy by a veterinarian prior to reuse and this reduced the number of animals being used.
There is no limit to the number of times an animal can be reused provided that the animal remains healthy and suitable for the research. The severity limit for the procedures was mild. No non-human primates have been used for research in Northern Ireland since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.This Act is regarded as the most rigorous piece of legislation of its type in the world, offering a high level of protection to animals whilst recognising the need to use animals in research. The Department and its Inspector are actively working to ensure that the highest standards of animal welfare are adhered to and that animals are used in scientific procedures only where this is fully justified
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why abstracts for the project licences issued under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 do not feature on his Department's website.
(AQW 3346/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Because Northern Ireland is a relatively small geographical area, the Department does not publish abstracts for project licences on the Departmental website; this is to protect those working in research in Northern Ireland. Abstracts are forwarded to the Home Office to publish on a UK-wide basis.Twenty-two new project licences were issued in 2008. Of these ten were of mild severity and 12 were of moderate severity. Of the 130 licences reporting returns in 2008, 62 were mild, 63 were moderate, 3 were substantial and 2 were unclassified.
Procedures on Living Animals
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many new projects involving procedures on living animals were licensed in 2008; and what was the severity band of these procedures.
(AQW 3347/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Because Northern Ireland is a relatively small geographical area, the Department does not publish abstracts for project licences on the Departmental website; this is to protect those working in research in Northern Ireland. Abstracts are forwarded to the Home Office to publish on a UK-wide basis.Twenty-two new project licences were issued in 2008. Of these ten were of mild severity and 12 were of moderate severity. Of the 130 licences reporting returns in 2008, 62 were mild, 63 were moderate, 3 were substantial and 2 were unclassified.
Animal Experiment Projects
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what was the severity band of the animal experiment projects reporting returns in 2008.
(AQW 3374/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Because Northern Ireland is a relatively small geographical area, the Department does not publish abstracts for project licences on the Departmental website; this is to protect those working in research in Northern Ireland. Abstracts are forwarded to the Home Office to publish on a UK-wide basis.Twenty-two new project licences were issued in 2008. Of these ten were of mild severity and 12 were of moderate severity. Of the 130 licences reporting returns in 2008, 62 were mild, 63 were moderate, 3 were substantial and 2 were unclassified.
Animals Used for Toxicity Testing
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when an animal was last used for toxicity testing of (i) pollutants; (ii) agricultural products; or (iii) industrial chemicals.
(AQW 3376/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of pollutants in 2000. Animals were last used for toxicity testing of agricultural products in 2004. No animals have been used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of industrial chemicals, of cosmetic products or ingredients; of food additives; of household products; and for tobacco and alcohol research since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.Providing all the information requested on the 753 mice would breach statistical confidentiality relating to individual establishments. The procedures were of substantial severity.
Toxicology accounted for 6% of all procedures in 2008. An explanation as to why not all techniques are required is given in the introductory notes of the statistical publication available at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/animal_stats_2008.pdf
Animals Used for Toxicity Testing
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when an animal was last used for toxicity testing (i) of cosmetic products or ingredients; (ii) of food additives; (iii) of household products; and (iv) for tobacco and alcohol research.
(AQW 3378/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of pollutants in 2000. Animals were last used for toxicity testing of agricultural products in 2004. No animals have been used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of industrial chemicals, of cosmetic products or ingredients; of food additives; of household products; and for tobacco and alcohol research since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.Providing all the information requested on the 753 mice would breach statistical confidentiality relating to individual establishments. The procedures were of substantial severity.
Toxicology accounted for 6% of all procedures in 2008. An explanation as to why not all techniques are required is given in the introductory notes of the statistical publication available at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/animal_stats_2008.pdf
Animal Testing Procedures
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in relation to animal testing procedures, when an animal was last used for education and training purposes.
(AQW 3380/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used for education and training purposes in 2006. There is one inspector of animal research facilities in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland 11 facilities have been in operation since 2005. The Inspector has visited all 11 facilities during this period.
The number of animals used in 2008 was 17,077, an increase of 12.7% from the 15,154 used in 2007. Significant percentage fluctuations in the statistics in Northern Ireland are common, owing to the relatively small numbers of animals used. The numbers of animal procedures carried out in Northern Ireland in each year since 1990 are as follows.
| Year | No. of Procedures | Year | No. of Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
1990 |
14,684 |
2000 |
14,742 |
1991 |
17,160 |
2001 |
15,269 |
1992 |
21,360 |
2002 |
19,566 |
1993 |
15,062 |
2003 |
19,379 |
1994 |
16,799 |
2004 |
20,805 |
1995 |
12,610 |
2005 |
18,095 |
1996 |
15,291 |
2006 |
17,434 |
1997 |
16,704 |
2007 |
15,525 |
1998 |
15,711 |
2008 |
17,875 |
1999 |
14,547 |
The development of a number of new drugs, and medical and veterinary technologies, which help to reduce suffering and prevent large-scale infections among humans and animals continues to depend on use of animals
Non-human Primate
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when an experiment was last carried out on a non-human primate.
(AQW 3382/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The 102 procedures carried out on 38 horses in 2008 were completed for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. The cats were sourced from outside the countries of the Council of Europe (which includes the EU). They were used for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. Cats were used as they were the most suitable animal for the purpose of the research.The eight cats and six dogs listed were first used in 2008 for the purposes of research into veterinary medicine. These animals and those first used in previous years were certified as healthy by a veterinarian prior to reuse and this reduced the number of animals being used.
There is no limit to the number of times an animal can be reused provided that the animal remains healthy and suitable for the research. The severity limit for the procedures was mild. No non-human primates have been used for research in Northern Ireland since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.This Act is regarded as the most rigorous piece of legislation of its type in the world, offering a high level of protection to animals whilst recognising the need to use animals in research. The Department and its Inspector are actively working to ensure that the highest standards of animal welfare are adhered to and that animals are used in scientific procedures only where this is fully justified
Animal Research Facility Inspectors
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many animal research facility inspectors are currently employed; and (ii) how many facilities have they visited since 2005.
(AQW 3431/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used for education and training purposes in 2006. There is one inspector of animal research facilities in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland 11 facilities have been in operation since 2005. The Inspector has visited all 11 facilities during this period.
The number of animals used in 2008 was 17,077, an increase of 12.7% from the 15,154 used in 2007. Significant percentage fluctuations in the statistics in Northern Ireland are common, owing to the relatively small numbers of animals used. The numbers of animal procedures carried out in Northern Ireland in each year since 1990 are as follows.
| Year | No. of Procedures | Year | No. of Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
1990 |
14,684 |
2000 |
14,742 |
1991 |
17,160 |
2001 |
15,269 |
1992 |
21,360 |
2002 |
19,566 |
1993 |
15,062 |
2003 |
19,379 |
1994 |
16,799 |
2004 |
20,805 |
1995 |
12,610 |
2005 |
18,095 |
1996 |
15,291 |
2006 |
17,434 |
1997 |
16,704 |
2007 |
15,525 |
1998 |
15,711 |
2008 |
17,875 |
1999 |
14,547 |
The development of a number of new drugs, and medical and veterinary technologies, which help to reduce suffering and prevent large-scale infections among humans and animals continues to depend on use of animals
Mice Used in Toxicology Tests
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) what procedures were carried out on the 753 mice used in 'other toxicology' tests for 'other food stuffs', as shown in the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland 2008; (ii) for what purposes the mice were used; and (iii) the severity level of the tests involved.
(AQW 3432/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of pollutants in 2000. Animals were last used for toxicity testing of agricultural products in 2004. No animals have been used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of industrial chemicals, of cosmetic products or ingredients; of food additives; of household products; and for tobacco and alcohol research since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.Providing all the information requested on the 753 mice would breach statistical confidentiality relating to individual establishments. The procedures were of substantial severity.
Toxicology accounted for 6% of all procedures in 2008. An explanation as to why not all techniques are required is given in the introductory notes of the statistical publication available at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/animal_stats_2008.pdf
Animals Used for Toxicity Testing
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) why the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland 2008 records all procedures conducted on animals as 'other toxicology' procedures; (ii) what these procedures entailed; and (iii) why they were conducted.
(AQW 3433/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of pollutants in 2000. Animals were last used for toxicity testing of agricultural products in 2004. No animals have been used in Northern Ireland for toxicity testing of industrial chemicals, of cosmetic products or ingredients; of food additives; of household products; and for tobacco and alcohol research since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force.Providing all the information requested on the 753 mice would breach statistical confidentiality relating to individual establishments. The procedures were of substantial severity.
Toxicology accounted for 6% of all procedures in 2008. An explanation as to why not all techniques are required is given in the introductory notes of the statistical publication available at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/animal_stats_2008.pdf
Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland 2008
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland 2008 show an 18% increase in the number of animals used compared to 2007.
(AQW 3436/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used for education and training purposes in 2006. There is one inspector of animal research facilities in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland 11 facilities have been in operation since 2005. The Inspector has visited all 11 facilities during this period.
The number of animals used in 2008 was 17,077, an increase of 12.7% from the 15,154 used in 2007. Significant percentage fluctuations in the statistics in Northern Ireland are common, owing to the relatively small numbers of animals used. The numbers of animal procedures carried out in Northern Ireland in each year since 1990 are as follows.
| Year | No. of Procedures | Year | No. of Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
1990 |
14,684 |
2000 |
14,742 |
1991 |
17,160 |
2001 |
15,269 |
1992 |
21,360 |
2002 |
19,566 |
1993 |
15,062 |
2003 |
19,379 |
1994 |
16,799 |
2004 |
20,805 |
1995 |
12,610 |
2005 |
18,095 |
1996 |
15,291 |
2006 |
17,434 |
1997 |
16,704 |
2007 |
15,525 |
1998 |
15,711 |
2008 |
17,875 |
1999 |
14,547 |
The development of a number of new drugs, and medical and veterinary technologies, which help to reduce suffering and prevent large-scale infections among humans and animals continues to depend on use of animals
Animal Experiments
Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many animal experiments have taken place in each year since 1990.
(AQW 3437/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Animals were last used for education and training purposes in 2006. There is one inspector of animal research facilities in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland 11 facilities have been in operation since 2005. The Inspector has visited all 11 facilities during this period.
The number of animals used in 2008 was 17,077, an increase of 12.7% from the 15,154 used in 2007. Significant percentage fluctuations in the statistics in Northern Ireland are common, owing to the relatively small numbers of animals used. The numbers of animal procedures carried out in Northern Ireland in each year since 1990 are as follows.
Year |
No. of Procedures |
Year |
No. of Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
1990 |
14,684 |
2000 |
14,742 |
1991 |
17,160 |
2001 |
15,269 |
1992 |
21,360 |
2002 |
19,566 |
1993 |
15,062 |
2003 |
19,379 |
1994 |
16,799 |
2004 |
20,805 |
1995 |
12,610 |
2005 |
18,095 |
1996 |
15,291 |
2006 |
17,434 |
1997 |
16,704 |
2007 |
15,525 |
1998 |
15,711 |
2008 |
17,875 |
1999 |
14,547 |
The development of a number of new drugs, and medical and veterinary technologies, which help to reduce suffering and prevent large-scale infections among humans and animals continues to depend on use of animals
Hospital Car Parks
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total number of cars that have been clamped in hospital car parks in each of the last 5 years, broken down by hospital.
(AQW 4662/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The car parking policy for the Health & Social Care Sector permits wheel clamping "for persistent or serious unauthorised parking". The numbers of vehicles clamped in hospital car parks by hospital from 2005 – 2010 is as follow:
| Hospital | Total number of vehicles clamped |
|---|---|
| Altnagelvin | 12 |
| Ulster | 3262 |
| Belfast City | 392 |
| Mater | 174 |
| Royal Group | 52 |
No Smoking Campaigns
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the total amount spent on 'no smoking' campaigns in each of the last three years.
(AQW 4999/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:
| 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public and professional information campaigns on dangers of smoking | £743,282 |
£397,221 |
£419,257 |
In 2006/07 the smoking prevalence rate amongst adults was 25% and this reduced further to 24% by 2008/09. Prevalence is significantly down from the 1996/97 figure of 29%.
Obesity Awareness Campaigns
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the amount spent on obesity awareness campaigns in each of the last three years.
(AQW 5000/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My department in partnership with the Public Health Agency, the Food Standards Agency, and Safefood has taken forward a range of actions, at both the local and regional level, to raise awareness and encourage people to address the main lifestyle issues that can cause obesity. A particular focus has been given to encouraging and empowering people to eat a healthy diet and participate in regular physical activity.Significant progress has been made to date to tackle the prevent obesity including:
- clearer food labelling; tougher restrictions on advertising food which is high in fat, salt and sugar; healthier school food for children which will contribute to childhood nutrition and the knowledge to make healthy food choices; Cook It! Programmes which enhance cooking skills and healthier eating on a budget; disseminated a range of nutrition and dental health guidelines for professionals the development of the new Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation; and
- promotion of healthy lifestyles in a range of settings, such as the workplace, schools, and communities.
It is not possible to quantify the amount spent on this specifically.
Domiciliary Care
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the average length of time people are remaining as hospital in-patients due to the lack of domiciliary care, in each Health and Social Care Trust area.
(AQW 5069/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not available.
People Sent to the UK Mainland for Operations
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people were sent to the UK mainland for operations, excluding heart operations, in each of the last three years, broken down by type of operation.
(AQW 5079/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on how many how many people were sent to the UK mainland for operations in each of the last three years, broken down by type of operation, is not available.
Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in relation to the revised 'Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy: The Law and Clinical Practice in Northern Ireland', (i) if legal advice was sought on whether this revised guidance complied with the order of the Court of Appeal in the case of 'Family Planning Association of Northern Ireland v Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety' of 8 October 2004 before it was issued; and whether this legal advice was sought from outside the Department; and (ii) whether the removal of the section on conscientious objection was subject to an equality impact assessment before the revised guidance was issued.
(AQW 5132/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) In line with advice from senior counsel briefed on behalf of the Department, interim Guidance was issued on the Termination of Pregnancy. It is clear when reading the interim Guidance that its effect is temporary and that it is the intention of the Department to publish a further and final version which will contain sections dealing with counselling and conscientious objection in order to fully comply with the Order of the Court of Appeal in the Family Planning Association Case.
However, I can inform you that the Family Planning Association has welcomed the issue of this interim guidance while the Department works towards issuing full guidance as soon as possible. (ii) The law on the termination of pregnancy remains a reserved matter. The Department is producing Guidance on the law and therefore the removal of the section on conscientious objection was not subjected to an equality impact assessment before the interim Guidance was issued. However, in order to be inclusive the two adverse sections will be revised and then subjected to full public consultation. Following consultation they will then submit them to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Nursing and Residential Care
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the 'liable relative rule' in relation to contributions for nursing and residential care has been abolished in Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the United Kingdom.
(AQW 5239/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The ‘liable relative rule’ is contained within Article 100 and 101 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 under which husbands or wives are ‘liable’ to maintain their spouse or civil partner, including maintaining them in residential care, and may be taken to court by the Trust if they fail to do so. This provision has not yet been repealed in Northern Ireland, although my intention is that it should be, as soon as a suitable legislative vehicle can be identified. Until that is possible, HSC Trusts are not applying the rule.
Cuts to Services in the Colin Area of West Belfast
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline any cuts to services in the Colin area of west Belfast as a result of his Department's efficiency savings.
(AQW 5438/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: An assessment is taking place to prioritise services in an attempt to minimise the impact on those who avail of health and social care.
My officials are engaging with organisations to deliver the £113.5m cuts that are being imposed on my Department’s budget that were voted through the Assembly. This is on top of efficiency savings of £700m across a health service that is already underfunded and overstretched. In this context, it is to be expected that commissioners will assess funding proposals on a case by case basis and that some services will be impacted upon.
Children: Teeth Extraction
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many children aged 13 or under had teeth extracted, broken down by age, in each of the last five years; and (ii) how many (a) milk; and (b) permanent teeth were extracted in total.
(AQW 5579/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on Health Service treatment carried out in the Trusts by the Community Dental Service is not held centrally and can only be collected directly from the Trusts at disproportionate effort.
Natural Teeth
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many (i) males; and (ii) females aged (a) 10 or below; (b) 11 to 20; (c) 21 to 30; (d) 31 to 40; (e) 41 to 50; (f) 51 to 60; (g) 61 to 70; (h) 71 to 80; and (i) 81 and over are estimated to have no natural teeth.
(AQW 5580/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on Health Service treatment carried out in the Trusts by the Community Dental Service is not held centrally and can only be collected directly from the Trusts at disproportionate effort.
Wakehurst Building in the City Hospital
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to detail the total cost of the refurbishment of the Wakehurst Building in the City Hospital; (ii) the intended objectives of this refurbishment; (iii) what services and teams operated from the Wakehurst Building in (a) 2006; (b) 2007; (c) 2008; and (d) 2009; and (iv) what services currently operate from this site.
(AQW 5588/10)
(i) Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In 2005, £200,000 was spent on refurbishment of areas within the Wakehurst Building This work was to redecorate and upgrade patient areas in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit.
(ii) Services which moved out of Wakehurst building in 2008
(iii) Services which moved out of Wakehurst building in 2009
| Service / Function | Service Group |
|---|---|
| Social Services | Older People, Medicine and Surgery (OPMS) |
| Medical Secretaries | OPMS |
(iv) Services currently operating from Wakehurst building – March 2010
| Service / Function | Service Group |
|---|---|
| Medical illustration | Clinical Services |
| Physio Back Care Training | Clinical Services |
| X-ray Department | Clinical Services |
| Osteoporosis Clinic | Head & Skeletal |
| Day Hospital | OPMS |
| Resuscitation Training | Clinical Services |
| Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit |
Children with Dentures or False Teeth
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many children aged 13 years or under had dentures or false teeth fitted in each of the last five years.
(AQW 5636/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on Health Service treatment carried out in the Trusts by the Community Dental Service is not held centrally and can only be collected directly from the Trusts at disproportionate effort.
Retailers Prosecuted for Selling Tobacco to Minors
Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many retailers have been prosecuted for selling tobacco to minors in each of the last five years, broken down by council area.
(AQW 5651/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Details of retailer prosecutions for sales of tobacco products to minors* in each year since 2005, broken down by district council, are shown in the following table;
| Council | Prosecutions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | |
| Belfast | 0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
19 |
| Castlereagh | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Ards | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Down | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Lisburn | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| North Down | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Ballymena | 1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Antrim | 0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
| Ballymoney | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Carrickfergus | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Coleraine | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Cookstown | 3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
| Larne | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| Magherafelt | 0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
| Moyle | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Newtownabbey | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Armagh | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Banbridge | 0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
| Craigavon | 2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
| Dungannon & South Tyrone | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Newry & Mourne | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Omagh | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Derry | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Fermanagh | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Limavady | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Strabane | 0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
*From 1 September 2008 the minimum age of sale for purchasing tobacco products was raised from 16 to 18 years of age.
Basic Salary for Doctors
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the current average annual basic salary for a doctor practising as (i) a general practitioner; (ii) a surgeon; (iii) a consultant; and (iv) a registrar.
(AQW 5678/10)
- Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The most recent information held relates to 2007/8 where the average income of a GP contractor in Northern Ireland was £91,056.
There are complex contractual arrangements consultants and registrars and average basic salaries are not held. However, the current basic salary ranges are;
- Surgeons £74,504 - £100,446 Consultants £74, 504 - £100,446
- Registrars £29,411 - £46,246
Ambulance Callout Time
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of recorded incidents where it has taken an ambulance over one hour to reach the scene of an emergency in each of the last five years; and to detail the longest callout time during this period.
(AQW 5983/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The table below sets outs the requested information:
Year |
NIAS response over one hour |
|---|---|
2004/05 |
36 |
2005/06 |
7 |
2006/07 |
13 |
2007/08 |
6 |
2008/09 |
4 |
It is not possible to provide date on the longest callout time during this period.
Physiotherapy for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provision of physiotherapy for patients with Multiple Sclerosis is provided by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
(AQW 6018/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Southern Trust is committed to providing flexible and responsive services to all patients referred for assessment and treatment. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can access Physiotherapy in a range of settings, including:
- As an inpatient within Hospital As an outpatient in community settings and
- Via a domiciliary visit if deemed appropriate.
Staff with specialist neurological skills are employed in specific services, such as the Community Stroke Team or the Acute Inpatient Team.
Vacant Physiotherapy Posts
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of established, budgeted and otherwise agreed, vacant physiotherapy posts in each Health and Social Care Trust and in total on (a) 1 March 2009; and (b) 1 March 2010, broken down by grade.
(AQW 6046/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The requested information is provided in the tables below.Physiotherapist vacancies
Belfast Trust
| Physiotherapist Grade | 1 March 2009 | 1 March 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| WTE | WTE | |
| Band 5 | 33.00 |
11.00 |
| Band 6 | 14.00 |
21.20 |
| Band 7 | 6.00 |
11.9 |
| Band 8A | 0.00 |
1.00 |
| Total | 53.00 |
45.10 |
Northern Trust
| Physiotherapist Grade | 1 March 2009 | 1 March 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| WTE | WTE | |
| Band 5 | 2.00 |
3.00 |
| Band 6 | 0.50 |
3.00 |
| Total | 2.50 |
6.00 |
South Eastern Trust
| Physiotherapist Grade | 1 March 2009 | 1 March 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| WTE | WTE | |
| Band 5 | 2.00 |
1.00 |
| Band 6 | 4.00 |
1.50 |
| Total | 6.00 |
2.50 |
Southern Trust
| Physiotherapist Grade | 1 March 2009 | 1 March 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| WTE | WTE | |
| Band 6 | 3.44 |
NV |
| Band 7 | 4.84 |
NV |
| Band 8A | 1.00 |
NV |
| Total | 9.28 |
NV |
Western Trust
| Physiotherapist Grade | 1 March 2009 | 1 March 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| WTE | WTE | |
| Band 5 | 0.00 |
2.00 |
| Band 6 | 0.00 |
4.50 |
| Total | 0.00 |
6.50 |
Source: Health and Social Care Trusts
Notes:
1 WTE= whole-time equivalent
2 NV = Not available
3 Southern Trust figures are as at 31 March.
Physiotherapists
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many physiotherapists were on (i) maternity leave; (ii) a career break; and (iii) long-term sick leave on (a) 1 March 2009; and (b) 1 March 2010 broken down by grade.
(AQW 6047/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The requested information is provided in the tables below.
Number of Physiotherapists on (i) maternity leave; (ii) career break; and (iii) long-term sick leave as at 1 March 2009 by grade.
| Grade | Maternity Leave | Career Break | Long-term sick |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTE | WTE | WTE | |
| Band 5 | 6.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
| Band 6 | 23.20 |
0.00 |
1.17 |
| Band 7 | 14.27 |
1.50 |
1.43 |
| Band 8A | 2.91 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
| Band 8B | 0.00 |
0.50 |
1.00 |
Total |
46.38 |
4.00 |
4.60 |
Number of Physiotherapists on (i) maternity leave; (ii) career break; and (iii) long-term sick leave as at 1 March 2010 by grade.
| Grade | Maternity Leave | Career Break | Long-term sick |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTE | WTE | WTE | |
| Band 5 | 11.09 |
3.00 |
6.00 |
| Band 6 | 26.32 |
4.99 |
3.58 |
| Band 7 | 13.77 |
1.50 |
4.48 |
| Band 8A | 1.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
| Band 8B | 0.00 |
0.50 |
0.00 |
Total |
52.18 | 9.99 | 17.06 |
Source: Health and Social Care Trusts
Notes:
1 WTE= whole-time equivalent
Patient Mortality Rate
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action his Department takes when a hospital has a higher than expected patient mortality rate.
(AQW 6049/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Meaningful judgements on quality of care cannot rely on any single summary statistic, including patient mortality rates. In the circumstances described, Trusts are expected to draw on their systems that monitor internal safety and quality. These, together with the results of external inspections provide a range of qualitative and quantitative data to inform necessary action. If the analysis of these data raises concerns about safety or quality, the matter will be addressed initially by the relevant Trust and escalated as appropriate. As part of the continuous development of quality indicators, the Health and Social Care Board is examining the benefit of introducing standardised mortality ratios for each trust.
Asbestos
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 5590/10, to detail any findings of asbestos in the Wakehurst Building at Belfast City Hospital.
(AQW 6058/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Asbestos has been identified, labelled and categorised within the Wakehurst Building in the following locations:
Low Risk
- Insulation to pipes
- Floor tiles
- Gaskets on wall-mounted radiator
- Insulating board on radiator
- Gasket on bed pan washer
Medium Risk
- Insulation to an external pipe.
Muscular Dystrophy Care Advisor Posts
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much funding he has ringfenced for Muscular Dystrophy care advisor posts in the 2010/11 financial year; and how much funding will be provided for these posts over the next three years.
(AQW 6069/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Discussions between the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Health and Social Care Board about the recurrent funding of a Neuromuscular Care Advisor post are ongoing. Until these are complete the allocation of funding towards this post cannot be confirmed.
Free Hospital Car Parks
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what discussions he has had with the Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure that free hospital car parks are used only by those with business at the hospital.
(AQW 6070/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My officials meet regularly with representatives from the Health & Social Care Trusts to discuss car parking issues including misuse of free hospital car parks.
Free Hospital Car Parks
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment has been made of the extent of the misuse of free hospital car parks by those who do not have business at the hospital.
(AQW 6071/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A formal assessment of car parking at Lagan Valley Hospital was carried out recently by a car parking expert and significant misuse was highlighted. In all hospital car parking sites where it is free to park, Trusts’ security staff keep misuse under review.
Organs Donated
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number and types of organs which have been donated by deceased donors from Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6072/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The following table shows the number of each type of organ donated by deceased donors in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years:
| Organ | Year of Donation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | |
| Kidneys | 38 |
68 |
42 |
40 |
| Pancreas | 2 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
| Livers | 17 |
32 |
18 |
21 |
| Hearts | 4 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
| Lungs | 7 |
15 |
9 |
13 |
Total |
68 | 129 | 81 | 83 |
* Provisional figures, subject to further validationInformation for 2009/10 is not available
Land at Knock Golf Club
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what correspondence there has been between his Department, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the Planning Service in relation to the development of housing on land leased by the Trust to Knock Golf Club.
(AQW 6075/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There has been no correspondence between the Department and the Planning Service in relation to the development of housing on land leased by the Trust to Knock Golf Club.The Department has not entered into any correspondence with respect to supporting a planning application for housing on land leased by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to Knock Golf Club, nor has it indicated in any way support for such an application.The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has met with Knock Golf Club (KGC) on a number of occasions from July 2003. These meetings were established to discuss the lands leased to the Golf Club from the Trust (100 year period dating from 1956).On 1 February 2008 the Trust wrote to KGC welcoming the prospect of early release of lands which could potentially assist in the Ulster Hospital redevelopment.
The Trust also acknowledged the benefit that could accrue from the inclusion of affordable residential units located in the vicinity of the hospital, as this housing could be suitable for Trust staff.On 6 October 2009 the Trust met with KGC to provide an update on the Hospital redevelopment and to allow KGC to update the Trust on progress with their development. At this meeting, whilst the Trust recognised that there may be some benefit in having access to additional lands, this was not essential to the current redevelopment proposals, and therefore was not being pursued.
Land at Knock Golf Club
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the correspondence sent to the Planning Service from his Department supporting a planning application for housing on land leased by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to Knock Golf Club; and if this correspondence had the approval of the Trust.
(AQW 6079/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There has been no correspondence between the Department and the Planning Service in relation to the development of housing on land leased by the Trust to Knock Golf Club.The Department has not entered into any correspondence with respect to supporting a planning application for housing on land leased by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to Knock Golf Club, nor has it indicated in any way support for such an application.The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has met with Knock Golf Club (KGC) on a number of occasions from July 2003. These meetings were established to discuss the lands leased to the Golf Club from the Trust (100 year period dating from 1956).On 1 February 2008 the Trust wrote to KGC welcoming the prospect of early release of lands which could potentially assist in the Ulster Hospital redevelopment.
The Trust also acknowledged the benefit that could accrue from the inclusion of affordable residential units located in the vicinity of the hospital, as this housing could be suitable for Trust staff.On 6 October 2009 the Trust met with KGC to provide an update on the Hospital redevelopment and to allow KGC to update the Trust on progress with their development. At this meeting, whilst the Trust recognised that there may be some benefit in having access to additional lands, this was not essential to the current redevelopment proposals, and therefore was not being pursued.
Land at Knock Golf Club
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the correspondence sent to the Planning Service by his Department or the South Eastern Health and Social Trust indicating that the Trust has no interest in the planning application for housing on land leased by the Trust to Knock Golf Club.
(AQW 6081/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There has been no correspondence between the Department and the Planning Service in relation to the development of housing on land leased by the Trust to Knock Golf Club.The Department has not entered into any correspondence with respect to supporting a planning application for housing on land leased by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to Knock Golf Club, nor has it indicated in any way support for such an application.The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has met with Knock Golf Club (KGC) on a number of occasions from July 2003. These meetings were established to discuss the lands leased to the Golf Club from the Trust (100 year period dating from 1956).On 1 February 2008 the Trust wrote to KGC welcoming the prospect of early release of lands which could potentially assist in the Ulster Hospital redevelopment.
The Trust also acknowledged the benefit that could accrue from the inclusion of affordable residential units located in the vicinity of the hospital, as this housing could be suitable for Trust staff.On 6 October 2009 the Trust met with KGC to provide an update on the Hospital redevelopment and to allow KGC to update the Trust on progress with their development. At this meeting, whilst the Trust recognised that there may be some benefit in having access to additional lands, this was not essential to the current redevelopment proposals, and therefore was not being pursued.
Minors Charged with Criminal Offences
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what role Social Services have in dealing with minors, charged with criminal offences, who are being processed through youth courts; and if they are involved in decisions relating to specific bail conditions.
(AQW 6088/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Any young person subject to a Care Order who is charged with a criminal offence and appears before the Youth Court will have Social Services involvement. This may involve supporting the young person through the process or providing written or oral input to the proceedings as required. Social Services may also play a part in delivering any community-based disposal handed down by the District Judge. The majority of young people appearing before the Youth Court will not however have had previous Social Services involvement and therefore will be dealt with by the relevant criminal justice agencies.
Social Services may occasionally be invited by the Youth Court, High Court or the police to comment on the suitability of bail conditions for a child who is known to them. Decisions relating to the setting of specific bail conditions are however the responsibility of the PSNI and the Courts.
DEXA Scans on Bone Density
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 4917/10, if he will publish the findings of the review by the Health and Social Care Board of referrals to secondary care for DEXA scans on bone density.
(AQW 6121/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The review of Dexa scans referred to in AQW 4917/10 was an internal exercise undertaken by the Health and Social Care Board (the Board) to establish the level of demand for this service in order to ensure sufficient capacity was in place to achieve the maximum waiting time target of nine weeks for all diagnostic tests, including dexa scans. The Board does not routinely release working documents of this nature into the public domain as they are not written for that purpose.
Desertcreat Police College
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the Desertcreat Police College project for the development of Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services.
(AQW 6122/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This is a joint training project for the police, prison and fire and rescue services.My Department has been working closely with the NIO (now Department of Justice) and the relevant services to develop the business case for the new joint training facility at Desertcreat. The business case is currently being appraised by my officials and we will in due course advise the lead department, now the Department of Justice of our assessment.
Due to current and anticipated funding constraints, it is important that I review current priorities, including the Desertcreat Training College, in order to ensure that the limited resources available to me are targeted to those areas of greatest need. Once there is greater clarity surrounding the availability of capital funding, particularly in the next CSR, I will be in a better position to make a firm commitment to this scheme.
Desertcreat Police College
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he can confirm that his Department will provide £30 million towards the construction of the Desertcreat College in Cookstown for the Police, Prison, and Fire and Rescue services.
(AQW 6126/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This is a joint training project for the police, prison and fire and rescue services.My Department has been working closely with the NIO (now Department of Justice) and the relevant services to develop the business case for the new joint training facility at Desertcreat. The business case is currently being appraised by my officials and we will in due course advise the lead department, now the Department of Justice of our assessment.
Due to current and anticipated funding constraints, it is important that I review current priorities, including the Desertcreat Training College, in order to ensure that the limited resources available to me are targeted to those areas of greatest need. Once there is greater clarity surrounding the availability of capital funding, particularly in the next CSR, I will be in a better position to make a firm commitment to this scheme.
Multiple Sclerosis
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he intends to take to ensure that there is increased information available on (i) instances of multiple sclerosis; and (ii) resources available for people with multiple sclerosis.
(AQW 6134/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are no plans to provide increased information on instances of Multiple Sclerosis. Services for people with a disability, including those with MS, are provided by Health and Social Care Trusts on the basis of individually assessed need and not a specific disability. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of resources available for people with MS beyond that of the relevant Programme of Care.
Regional Health and Social Care Board
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the proposed change to the staffing structure within the western office of the Regional Health and Social Care Board following the Review of Public Administration, which would see thirteen posts reduced to five across all levels.
(AQW 6143/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: No decisions have been taken on a reduction in Health and Social Care posts within the Health and Social Care Board.
Regional Health and Social Care Board
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the impact of the centralisation of Health Service posts on the work-life balance of staff currently based in the western office of the Regional Health and Social Care Board.
(AQW 6145/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: No decisions have been taken on the centralisation of Health and Social Care posts within the Health and Social Care Board.
Multiple Sclerosis
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what additional assistance his Department intends to provide for people with Multiple Sclerosis.
(AQW 6146/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department is currently exploring ways of providing better support, education and training to clinicians, patients and families and carers of people with neurological conditions, including those with MS. In addition, a Disability Strategy, which will include neuro-disability, is currently being developed which will complement existing strategies and partnerships to improve the health and well being of all people with a disability in Northern Ireland.
Multiple Sclerosis
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what physiotherapy outreach facilities are provided for people with Multiple Sclerosis by his Department.
(AQW 6148/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department is committed to providing flexible and responsive services to all patients referred for assessment and treatment. All staff endeavour to see all clients at a venue most suitable to them which meets their treatment needs.
People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) access Physiotherapy Services at various sites across each Trust in Northern Ireland, including hospitals, health centres and other venues in the community, such as the Bayview Resource Centre in Bangor and the Fort Centre, Coleraine. In addition, patients who have impaired mobility and have difficulty travelling to appointments may receive a domiciliary visit by a Physiotherapist were this is considered appropriate in order to meet their clinical needs.
Multiple Sclerosis
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Nuero Physiotherapists are exclusively dedicated to working with people with Multiple Sclerosis.
(AQW 6149/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are no Neuro Physiotherapists exclusively dedicated to working with people with multiple sclerosis.Whilst there are no specialist physiotherapists assigned exclusively to work with Multiple Sclerosis patients, sufferers are assessed and treated by specialist physiotherapists with neuro–disability skills in all of the five Health and Social Care Trusts as part of their caseload
Multiple Sclerosis
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what resources his Department has allocated to physiotherapy treatment for people with Multiple Sclerosis in each of the last three years.
(AQW 6151/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The HSC Board and the Public Health Agency are responsible for the allocation of funding and the commissioning of services from service providers based on local needs and priorities. As such, this information is not held centrally and could only be provided for the last three years at disproportionate cost.
Benefits for People with Parkinson's Disease
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he has had any discussions with the Benefits Office in relation to making people with Parkinson's Disease aware of all the benefits to which they are entitled.
(AQW 6158/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I have had no discussions with the Benefits Office in relation to making people with Parkinson's disease aware of all the benefits to which they are entitled.
Confidential Patient Records
Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether any Health Trusts send confidential patient records to be processed outside Northern Ireland.
(AQW 6187/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health Trusts do not send confidential patient records to be processed outside Northern Ireland.
Parkinson's Disease
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people in each constituency currently have Parkinson's disease.
(AQW 6205/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information is not available on the number of people who currently have Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson's Disease
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much money his Department has set aside in the last three years for people with Parkinson's disease.
(AQW 6208/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The HSC Board and the Public Health Agency are responsible for the allocation of funding and the commissioning of services from service providers based on local needs and priorities. As such, this information is not held centrally and could only be provided for the last three years at disproportionate cost.
Victims of People Trafficking
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if his Department has any plans to establish a dedicated Health and Social Care team to work with the victims of people trafficking.
(AQW 6228/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In Northern Ireland, responsibility for implementing the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings which was ratified by the United Kingdom in December 2008, primarily falls to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
Downe Hospital, Downpatrick
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the recruitment adverts issued in the last year to (i) the print media; (ii) the broadcast media; and (iii) all other forms of media by (a) his Department; and (b) the South Eastern Health Trust to recruit medical staff for the Downe Hospital, Downpatrick.
(AQW 6284/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (a) My Department does not recruit staff for posts within HSC Trusts; the employment of staff is the responsibility of HSC Trusts.
(b) The information below regarding the advertisements for the recruitment of medical staff is not held centrally and has been supplied by SE HSC Trust:
| Post | Specialty | Advertised |
|---|---|---|
| Locum Appointments for Training | General Medicine | Belfast Telegraph, Irish News |
| Consultant Anaesthetist | Anaesthetics | Belfast Telegraph, BMJ |
| Consultant in Geriatric Medicine | General Medicine | Belfast Telegraph, BMJ |
| Locum Appointments for Training CT1 /2 Level | General Medicine | Belfast Telegraph |
| Foundation Year 2 Posts | General Medicine | Belfast Telegraph, Irish News |
Source: SE HSC Trust
Physiotherapy for Curvature of the Spine
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many children currently receive on-going physiotherapy for curvature of the spine; and how many children had this treatment withdrawn last year in the South Eastern Health Trust.
(AQW 6320/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not collected centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Downe Hospital
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to outline the criteria used to recruit doctors for the Accident and Emergency Unit in the Downe Hospital, including the minimum qualifications required; (ii) how many doctors were interviewed; and (ii) of those who were not successful, to outline the reasons given.
(AQW 6327/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Recruitment and selection of staff is a matter for the Trust and my Department does not hold this information centrally.
Downe Hospital, Downpatrick
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the proposed car parking charges being considered for the Downe Hospital, Downpatrick, including the hourly fee for (i) members of the public; and (ii) staff.
(AQW 6377/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am not currently considering any proposals regarding car parking at the Downe Hospital, Downpatrick.
Waterside Hospital in Derry
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 6131/10, to define the term 'interim accommodation', given that Ward 3 in the Waterside Hospital was intended for short term assessment .
(AQW 6400/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Western Health and Social Care Trust advises that the term "interim accommodation" means until a replacement inpatient and assessment centre for older people is provided.
Displaced Staff in the Western Health and Social Care Trust
Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of displaced staff in the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
(AQW 6413/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Western Health and Social Care Trust state that they currently have 24 displaced staff. All of these staff are covering either staff shortages or specific work identified as needed within the Trust.
Car Parking Charges
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of car parking charges in (i) the Ulster Hospital; and (ii) the Lagan Valley Hospital.
(AQW 6414/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The charges for parking at the Ulster Hospital are as follows:
- For the public: Up to 1 hour - £1.20; 1–4 hours - £1.80; 4–6 hours - £2.50; 6–8 hours - £3.50; Over 8 hours - £6.00.
- For staff: £11 per month for full time staff and £8 per month for those staff working less than 30 hours per week.
There are no charges for parking at the Lagan Valley Hospital.
Injections of the Enzyme Collagenase
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why injections of the enzyme collagenase, which may help to treat Dupuytren's Contracture, is not being offered to people with this condition as an alternative to surgery.
(AQW 6431/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This product is not yet licensed for use in the UK. I would not expect new drugs to be generally available on the health service until they have been licensed and their safety and clinical and cost effectiveness assessed.
Domiciliary Care from External Providers
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much has been spent on domiciliary care from external providers in each Health and Social Care Trust area, in the last 12 months; including a breakdown of wage costs.
(AQW 6521/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The spend on domiciliary care from external providers for the period April 2009 to March 2010 is not held centrally and would only be available from HSC Trusts at disproportionate cost.
Women and Children's Hospital
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the Women and Children's Hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
(AQW 6525/10)
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My capital budget has been reduced by £21.5m in 2010/11. This decision was taken following the Assembly’s decision to cut spending in my Department. This will mean that my planned capital programme, including the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, which is designed to address the legacy of under investment in health, is likely to be further delayed.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Police Officers
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice how many serving police officers are currently (i) on restricted duties; or (ii) suspended from duty as a result of a charge being brought against them.
(AQW 6207/10)
Minister of Justice (Mr D Ford): The conduct and discipline of police officers is a matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board, and I have forwarded this Question to the Chief Constable who will respond to you directly.
Electronic Monitoring
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice how many people, currently on remand, are subject to electronic monitoring as part of their bail conditions, in each constituency; and how many are juveniles.
(AQW 6211/10)
Minister of Justice: As at Friday 16 April 2010, there were 168 adults and 19 juveniles (under 18 years old) subject to electronic monitoring in Northern Ireland as one of their bail conditions. The table below details the breakdown of where the individuals were being monitored by constituency.
| Number of individuals subject to electronic monitoring as one of their bail conditions as at Friday 16 April 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|
Constituency |
Adults |
Juveniles |
| Belfast East | 9 |
0 |
| Belfast North | 14 |
7 |
| Belfast South | 15 |
0 |
| Belfast West | 21 |
4 |
| East Antrim | 7 |
0 |
| East Londonderry | 5 |
0 |
| Fermanagh & South Tyrone | 3 |
1 |
| Foyle | 29 |
2 |
| Lagan Valley | 6 |
0 |
| Mid Ulster | 8 |
0 |
| Newry & Armagh | 9 |
0 |
| North Antrim | 10 |
1 |
| North Down | 2 |
1 |
| South Antrim | 10 |
1 |
| South Down | 11 |
1 |
| Strangford | 2 |
0 |
| Upper Bann | 4 |
0 |
| West Tyrone | 3 |
1 |
Total |
168 | 19 |
Electronic Monitoring
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice how many convicted offenders are currently subject to electronic monitoring in each constituency; and how many are juveniles.
(AQW 6230/10)
Minister of Justice: At this stage, the vast majority of those who are subject to electronic monitoring are on bail and therefore have not been convicted of an offence. As at Friday 16 April 2010, there were 3 adults subject to an electronic monitoring requirement as a condition of their community sentence in the Belfast West, East Londonderry and Lagan Valley constituencies respectively. There were no juveniles (under 18 years old) subject to an electronic monitoring requirement as a condition of their community sentence.
Policing of Parades in 2010
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Justice what impact the policing of parades in 2010 will have on his Department's budget and resources.
(AQW 6257/10)
Minister of Justice: The costs associated with policing parades are in the first instance the responsibility of the Chief Constable who is accountable to the Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board, and I have forwarded this Question to the Chief Constable, who will respond directly. I will of course continue to keep parading matters under review over the coming months.
Police Officers
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of police officers who left the PSNI, under a Patten severance package, who were subsequently re-employed as 'civilian experts' or consultants; (ii) how much these individuals have been paid for their services; (iii) the number of such individuals currently employed by the PSNI; and (iv) in what capacity they are employed.
(AQW 6285/10)
Minister of Justice: The operation of the severance scheme and the engagement of consultants are matters for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board, and I have forwarded this question to the Chief Constable, who will respond directly.
Police Officers
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Justice to outline his plans to get more police officers on to the beat.
(AQW 6290/10)
Minister of Justice: The deployment of officers and staff is a matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board, and I have forwarded this question to the Chief Constable, who will respond directly.
I am extremely supportive of the Chief Constable’s commitment to increasing the front line capability of the PSNI and I am sure that this will help to increase public confidence in the police’s ability to tackle crime.
Holywood Police Station
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Justice if he has any plans to re-open Holywood police station on a 24-hour basis.
(AQW 6291/10)
Minister of Justice: The operation of police stations is a matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board, and I have forwarded this Question to the Chief Constable, who will respond directly.
Police Officers
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice how many police officers who left the PSNI or the RUC, under any Patten severance package, subsequently returned to serve as police officers in the PSNI.
(AQW 6345/10)
Minister of Justice: The regulations governing the severance arrangements for the PSNI stipulate that anyone who leaves on severance and rejoins the PSNI as an officer within five years must repay any severance lump-sum payment they received. The application of these regulations is a matter for the Chief Constable.
I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board, and I have forwarded this Question to the Chief Constable who will respond directly.
Sex Offenders
Mr A Ross asked e Minister of Justice what protocols and legislation exist to ensure that sex offenders from outside the UK register with the relevant authorities when entering the UK; and if he has any plans to bring forward further legislation on this issue.
(AQW 6417/10)
Minister of Justice: The Sexual Offences Act 2003 contains a power for the police to apply to the courts for a notification order in respect of an offender who is in the jurisdiction, or who they believe is intending to come to the jurisdiction, and who has been convicted of a sexual offence outside the jurisdiction. This civil order attaches to the offender the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Policy proposals for legislative change have been issued for public consultation which would tighten the law to place the onus on offenders to notify the police on arrival in the jurisdiction without the need for the police to obtain an order. The consultation period is due to finish on 13 May, following which legislative proposals will be drawn up for inclusion in the planned Justice Bill.
Sentencing Guidelines Council
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Justice whether he intends to consider the introduction of a Sentencing Guidelines Council.
(AQO 1109/10)
Minister of Justice: The Hillsborough Agreement proposed the inclusion of the establishment of a Sentencing Guidelines Council in the Department of Justice addendum to the Programme for Government. While sentencing in individual cases is, of course, a matter for the judiciary, I am currently examining all options on how best to promote public confidence in sentencing and will bring forward a consultation paper.
Victims of Crime
Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Justice whether he intends to introduce a Charter of Rights for victims of crime.
(AQO 1113/10)
Minister of Justice: Improving services for victims of crime will be absolutely central to the work of my Department. One of my first acts as Justice Minister was to go and see some of these services at first hand, by visiting Victim Support and the NSPCC at Laganside Court last Wednesday. I also met with my Irish counterpart, Dermot Ahern, at Stormont in my first week, together with PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy. We had a very helpful and constructive discussion, which included victims issues.
I intend to bring forward a package of measures to improve services for victims of crime, which will be included in the addendum to the Programme for Government. This will include a new Code of Practice, which will address the rights and legitimate expectations of victims. In developing the new Code, I will be considering whether to place some or all of it on a statutory footing, as well as looking at what has been done in other jurisdictions. What we want to achieve is a new Code of Practice which best meets the needs of victims of crime in Northern Ireland, and I will be consulting widely to ensure this is what we produce.
Justice Ministers’ Meeting
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Justice to outline the key issues discussed in his first meeting with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D.
(AQO 1115/10)
Minister of Justice: My Speaker, I welcomed the early opportunity of discussing a range of issues on cross border policing and justice cooperation including the success of the personnel exchange programme between PSNI and An Garda Siochana, which has resulted in 86 officers from both services benefitting from the programme. I also welcome the excellent relationship developed between both police services on organised crime.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to receive a briefing on the extent of progress on work streams being taken forward on public protection, management of sex offenders, youth justice and forensic science. In particular, a number of positive initiatives have flowed from close cooperation including the development of an operational agreement between both police services that facilitates the exchange of information on sex offenders and consideration of ways to strengthen the requirements in existing legislation to increase public protection.The meeting also provided an early opportunity to review cross border security cooperation with the Chief Constable and Garda Commissioner.
Permanent Secretary
Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Justice whether and when his Department will advertise publicly for a Permanent Secretary.
(AQO 1116/10)
Minister of Justice: There are no plans to advertise publicly for a Permanent Secretary to the Department. With the written approval of the Civil Service Commissioners and in line with normal practice for machinery of government organisations, Nick Perry became the Permanent Secretary on devolution.
Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy
Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Justice for his assessment of the current draft of the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy.
(AQO 1118/10)
Minister of Justice: I welcome the production of the draft as I believe the Shared Future Strategy is central to the success of the Executive. My Department is making a number of suggestions for the development of the strategy and I look forward to its early finalisation, following a thorough consultation process in which interested parties can contribute.
As Minister of Justice, I have a number of priority areas for a shared future. I want to engage communities and statutory agencies on how to develop greater shared space at interface areas and the options for moving beyond peacewalls while providing a safe environment for the communities affected. I also intend to promote legislation to introduce crime reduction partnerships, to create offences relating to sectarian conduct by spectators at sports events and to enhance work already being done on hate crime.
DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Bypass Road for Dungannon
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the proposal for a bypass road for Dungannon.
(AQW 6112/10)
Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): My Department’s Road Service has advised that it is currently implementing the Investment Delivery Plan for Roads 2018, published in 2008. This plan did not include a bypass road for Dungannon as it was not considered to be a sufficiently high priority, when compared to other competing road improvement proposals.Roads Service is currently preparing a Long Term Forward Planning (LTFP) schedule and a bypass/distributor road for Dungannon has been recommended for inclusion in this schedule. This LTFP schedule will be used in the preparation of future programmes and plans.
The New Dual Carriageway which Bypasses Newry
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans are in place to ensure the installation of effective road designation and numbering on the new dual carriageway which bypasses Newry.
(AQW 6185/10)
Minister for Regional Development: As with all major road improvement schemes, the dualling of the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue must go through a series of Statutory Processes, one of which is the Direction Order. The Direction Order covers changes to the trunk road network, as well as providing for sections of roads that are being stopped-up or abandoned. My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the Direction Order for the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual-carriageway was made on 19 December 2005, and came into operation on 6 February 2006.
Subsequent planning and development of the scheme has included the road signage element.The information on this signage, which is in the process of being erected as part of the ongoing construction process, complies with the Direction Order.
NI Water: Consultancy
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) how much NI Water spent on consultancy between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2010; and (ii) to provide a breakdown of (a) which consultancy companies were used; (b) how much each company was paid; and (c) the service provided.
(AQW 6221/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that in responding to your question it has examined the definitions of external consultancy as laid out by the Department of Finance and Personnel and, in so far as it is able, has applied these accurately. On this basis external consultancy includes expenditure on work that is outside the normal ongoing business of NIW including:
- investigating problems; providing analysis; providing advice and assistance in decision making; assisting with the development of new systems, structures or new capabilities within the organisation; and
- it does not include work on the capital works programme.
External Consultancy spend, excluding VAT, for the three years to 31 March 2010 is as detailed below:
| YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2008 £ |
YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2009 £ |
YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2010 £ |
SERVICE PROVIDED | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACHIEVERS | 0 |
495 |
0 |
Executive Coaching |
| ADJUST PROCUREMENT SOLUTIONS LTD | 10,922 |
0 |
0 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| ALARIS CONSULTING LTD | 0 |
25,850 |
70,293 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| ALEXANDER HR LTD | 8,343 |
38,655 |
0 |
Human Resource Support/Advice |
| ALVAREZ & MARSAL EUROPE LIMITED | 10,934 |
70,642 |
0 |
Preparation, delivery & write up of the NIW Board workshop to develop the new Operating Model |
| AMT-SYBEX | 0 |
0 |
27,232 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| ANNA SHIELS | 0 |
7,058 |
1,418 |
Press/Marketing Support |
| APPLIANCE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED | 0 |
21,178 |
5,600 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| ARIBA INC | 0 |
0 |
6,400 |
Procurement Process Upgrade/Support |
| ASIDUA LIMITED | 0 |
373,432 |
216,928 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| AV BROWNE - ADVERTISING LTD | 0 |
3,780 |
0 |
Public Relations/Media Support |
| BDO STOY HAYWARD | 31,475 |
0 |
0 |
Transformation Toolkit |
| BEING COMMUNICATION LIMITED | 50,000 |
0 |
0 |
IT Development/Support |
| BESPOKE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT LIMITED | 35,574 |
130,198 |
108,594 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| BILL MCCRUM CONSULTING | 0 |
0 |
11,900 |
Benchmarking Analytical Services |
| BLACK & VEATCH LTD | 22,383 |
35,097 |
0 |
Mandatory Regulation Reporter |
| BLUE PRINT APPOINTMENTS | 31,601 |
0 |
0 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| BRAVOSOLUTION UK LIMITED | 0 |
0 |
27,846 |
Procurement Process Upgrade/Support |
| BTW SHIELLS | 8,500 |
15,700 |
11,025 |
Estate Management Advice & Asset Valuations |
| BUSINESS & SCIENTIFIC SERVICES LTD | 0 |
90,483 |
31,864 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| CAPITA BUSINESS SERVICES LTD | 13,195 |
9,847 |
0 |
Specialist Pension Administration |
| CHANGING CHAINS LIMITED | 0 |
62,811 |
0 |
Procurement Process Advice |
| CHUBB FIRE LIMITED | 0 |
18,153 |
0 |
ICT Service Improvement |
| CJJM PARTNERSHIP | 0 |
130,455 |
7,250 |
Interim Management Support |
| CLN SOLUTIONS LTD | 0 |
167,612 |
114,043 |
Data Quality/ Business Operating Model |
| CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANCY SERVICES | 51,190 |
104,288 |
97,604 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| CONSULT NB1 LIMITED | 14,850 |
0 |
0 |
Organisation Rationalisation |
| CONTRACTING OUT LLP | 222,599 |
182,464 |
257,385 |
Support in relation to PFI Projects/ Other contract advice |
| CSSP | 0 |
37,571 |
24,577 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| DELOITTE & TOUCHE | 0 |
0 |
314,676 |
Financial Model Specification/ Board Review/ Data Quality Review for Customer Billing |
| DILIGENCE CONSULTANCY LTD | 0 |
0 |
10,817 |
Specialist Accident Simulation & Response Training |
| DORAN CONSULTANT | 0 |
5,000 |
0 |
Water Industry Advice |
| EIM | 0 |
49,618 |
0 |
Interim Management Support |
| EMPATHY RATING SYNDICATED RESEARCH - UK WATER INDUSTRY | 4,200 |
7,120 |
0 |
Water Syndicate Measurement |
| ENTEC | 0 |
14,670 |
0 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| ERNST & YOUNG LLP | 79,838 |
29,977 |
352,956 |
Subject Matter Expert for Customer Hub/ PC10 Support |
| FRONTIER ECONOMICS LTD | 66,753 |
98,354 |
95,011 |
Financial Model Development/PC10 Support |
| FUJITSU SERVICES LTD | 0 |
50,647 |
330,526 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| GLEN CONTRACTS | 0 |
0 |
288,861 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| GRONTMIJ LTD | 0 |
28,756 |
7,286 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| HALCROW ECONOMICS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS | 0 |
0 |
67,163 |
Mandatory Regulation Reporter |
| HCL COMMUNICATIONS | 1,390 |
0 |
0 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| I B M UNITED KINGDOM LTD | 1,200 |
8,269 |
0 |
ICT Service Improvement |
| IAN M PARKER | 0 |
0 |
9,900 |
Maintenance of IT Systems |
| ICS CONSULTING LTD | 0 |
29,831 |
  |
Design and Implementation of Asset Management Systems & Processes |
| INSIDEDGE | 45,000 |
0 |
0 |
Communications & Brand Support |
| INTAPEOPLE LTD | 5,880 |
0 |
0 |
ICT Service Improvement |
| INTERIM MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENTS (NI) LTD | 166,051 |
25,000 |
0 |
Interim Management Support |
| IT PROJECT RECOVERY LIMITED | 54,322 |
167,015 |
124,359 |
Interim Management Support |
| JOHN W SMITH | 23,759 |
19,531 |
2,875 |
Regulatory Advice |
| KATALIS LIMITED | 0 |
0 |
38,102 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| MACMILLAN MEDIA | 1,300 |
0 |
0 |
Public Relations/Media Support |
| MARTIN COWLEY MEDIA | 0 |
26,320 |
0 |
Interim Management Support |
| MERCER HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING | 88,268 |
35,399 |
26,756 |
Actuarial and Pensions Advice |
| MOTT MACDONALD LTD | 1,183,802 |
1,391,049 |
651,677 |
Support in relation to PFI Projects |
| MWH UK LTD | 1,017,419 |
1,837,632 |
2,778,371 |
Lead partner for One AM consortium providing design and implementation of Asset Management Systems. Support for capital efficiency programmes, development of the Asset Management Plan (Regulatory Requirement), & capital programme for PC10 |
| NEUEDA | 77,573 |
51,399 |
0 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| NORTH TIME & DATA LIMITED | 17,500 |
0 |
0 |
Public Relations/Media Support |
| NORTHERN IRELAND COMPUTING LTD | 0 |
5,514 |
30,265 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| NORTHERN IRELAND STATISTICS & RESEARCH AGENCY | 18,043 |
0 |
0 |
Human Resource Support/Advice |
| NORTHGATE INFO SOLUTIONS | 0 |
0 |
53,400 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| NOVOSCO | 0 |
15,150 |
0 |
ICT Service Improvement |
| NTUITION LTD | 65,656 |
46,800 |
0 |
Interim Management Support |
| OLLAVE LTD | 33,375 |
23,794 |
24,660 |
Procurement Support Services |
| ORACLE CORPORATION UK LTD | 0 |
31,042 |
0 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| ORION ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED | 30,852 |
26,315 |
28,760 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| PATHWAY RESOURCING LTD | 0 |
32,585 |
0 |
Specialist Recruitment Advisors |
| PERCEPTIVE INSIGHT MARKET RESEARCH LTD | 0 |
32,320 |
0 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| PETER J GRAHAM CONSULTANCY LTD | 20,213 |
0 |
0 |
Procurement Support Services |
| PRACTICAL PLANNING LIMITED | 71,240 |
8,320 |
0 |
Management Consultancy |
| PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP | 6,204,949 |
3,350,931 |
2,813,166 |
Programme Management/ Recruitment Support/ Management Consultancy/ Financial & Regulatory Planning Advice |
| PRIME TRANSFORMATION LTD | 0 |
4,500 |
0 |
Executive Team Diagnositc Workshop |
| ROSPA ENTERPRISES LIMITED | 17,025 |
19,580 |
2,231 |
Health & Safety Consultancy |
| SACKER & PARTNERS | 28,919 |
3,412 |
0 |
Specialist Legal Advice for Pensions |
| SERVICE & SYSTEM SOLUTIONS (SX3) LTD | 6,000 |
0 |
0 |
ICT Service Improvement |
| STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS LTD | 690 |
35,785 |
8,925 |
Public Relations/Media Support |
| SURESKILLS | 0 |
7,620 |
0 |
ICT Service Improvement |
| SYMOLOGY LTD | 0 |
0 |
1,060 |
IT Implementation/Support |
| TES (NI) LTD | 0 |
21,939 |
0 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| THE DP GROUP | 0 |
6,750 |
ICT Service Support | |
| THE EVENT-FUL CONSULTANCY LTD | 11,143 |
24,529 |
10,266 |
Public Relations/Media Support |
| THE SANZAR PARTNERSHIP | 0 |
20,000 |
10,277 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
| THIRD LEVEL LTD | 0 |
0 |
86,392 |
Executive Coaching |
| UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER | 0 |
0 |
2,640 |
N I Economic Outlook as pertaining to PC10 |
| VECTOR RESOURCING LTD | 0 |
181,791 |
191,000 |
ICT Service Support |
| WATERPEOPLE LIMITED | 13,575 |
14,400 |
0 |
Specialist Recruitment Advisers |
| WEBER SHANDWICK | 52,770 |
0 |
0 |
Communications & Brand Support |
| WRC PLC | 34,422 |
111,501 |
13,833 |
Technology Upgrade/Support |
TOTAL |
9,954,692 |
9,425,934 |
9,396,168 |
|
NI Water Contracts
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) to list all contracts under investigation by NI Water; and (ii) to detail the reasons for undertaking each investigation.
(AQW 6224/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that an initial review by its internal audit team was commissioned by the Chief Executive in September 2009 to examine the appointment process used for a particular contractor known as ‘Contracting Out LLP’. This review found that the contract had been awarded by means of a single tender action (STA). This contract had originally been approved by the former Chief Executive but the level of expenditure was such that it ought to have been approved by NIW’s Board and by my Department. As a consequence, the current Chief Executive commissioned a wider Contracts Approval review by internal audit to ascertain whether this exception was a one-off or whether further instances of non compliance existed. This further review examined the contract award and approval process for all contracts recorded on NIW’s Contracts Database. To confirm compliance from source transactions it also reviewed all suppliers with expenditure over £100k in the previous 12 months (i.e. from December 2008 to December 2009) and confirmed contract award and approval processes. Any non compliance issues found were reported in the subsequent Contracts Approval report. This report is available on the DRD website.
As there were a number of further significant non compliance issues found in the Contracts Approval review a further ‘deep dive’ review covering, as far as possible, all supplier arrangements not covered within the sample in the Contracts Approval review was commissioned immediately by the Chief Executive and DRD Permanent Secretary. This review examined all supplier arrangements with expenditure over £100k between 1 April 2007 and 22 January 2010 that were not already examined in the Contracts Approval review, to confirm whether contract award and approval processes were in accordance with the financial delegation and procurement requirements. In addition a sample of 10% of supplier arrangements with expenditure between £30 and £100k were selected for review. A number of similar further significant non compliance issues were found in this review and details of exceptions will be made publicly available in due course.
The ‘deep dive’ review also reviewed a sample of capital contracts under £500k from the Capital Works Program system to confirm the method of contract award and approval process. No instances of non-compliance with NIW’s procurement rules were found during this review. Further, following allegations raised internally regarding ‘invoice slicing’ within a Meter Maintenance and Installations contract, an internal audit investigation was recently conducted. This investigation found no evidence of fraud. However, NIW is currently considering what further action may be necessary in light of the findings of the investigation.In addition, as a result of a recent whistle-blowing report, NIW has been carrying out an investigation into the award process for contract C071 – Management of Technicians for Maintenance of Equipment in Fields of Instruments, Radio and Telemetry. There has been no evidence of impropriety found as a result of the investigation.
Also, following concerns expressed to DRD by Cllr Lynch and Conwell Contracts Ltd regarding the re-running of a tendering process in 2008, for the Framework for Small Sewerage Schemes a preliminary investigation into the procurement and tendering process was undertaken by my Department’s Internal Audit Branch. The overall conclusion acknowledges that while the 2008 competition was re-run the reasons for doing so appeared reasonable and that there was no evidence that the competition was re-run to facilitate a competitor of Conwell Contracts.
Road Works
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the location; and (ii) the proposed timescale of any road works due to be carried out by Roads Service or NI Water in the North Down constituency in 2010/11.
(AQW 6226/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I would remind the Member that information on the 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:
http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/publications/publications-searchall.htm
Northern Ireland Water has advised that it does not hold details of capital infrastructure projects broken down by parliamentary constituency. However, in the financial year 2010/11 the following infrastructure projects, which will require road works, are believed to impact on the North Down area:-
LOCATION |
TIMING * |
|---|---|
| Morston Park, Bangor - Flood Alleviation Scheme. | Spring/Summer 2010 |
| Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor - Storm and foul sewer extensions. | Spring/Summer 2010 |
| Gransha Road, Bangor - Trunk sewer replacement. | Spring/Summer 2010 |
| Craigdarragh Road to Seahill Road -Sewer replacement. | Spring/Summer 2010 |
| Bangor Drainage Area Plan Stage 1(Details of roads involved not yet known). | Early 2011 |
| Millisle Drainage Area Plan Stage 2(Details of roads involved not yet known). | Early 2011 |
* The exact timescale for the works will be dependent on the outcome of the detailed scheme design and the contact procurement process.
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 2000; (ii) currently underway; and (iii) at the planning or consultation stage in the North Belfast constituency.
(AQW 6235/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I would advise the Member that my Department’s Roads Service does not hold such data by parliamentary constituency area. However, details of traffic calming schemes completed from 2000 to May 2007 in the immediate constituency area, have been extracted from past Council Reports and are set out in the table below.
With regard to details of traffic calming schemes from May 2007 and the other information requested, I would refer the Member to my response to her recent Question (AQW 5633/10).
| Traffic Calming Schemes implemented since 2000- May 2007 | |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Streets included in scheme |
| Alexandra Park Avenue | Alexandra Park Avenue |
| Donegall Park Avenue | Donegall Park Avenue |
| Tennent Street Area | Tennent Street, Crimea Street, Snugville Street, Berlin Street, Carnan Street, Riga Street, Huss Row, Matchet Street, Upper Charleville Street, Ambleside Street, Sydney Street West, Cambrai Street, Ohio Street, Chief Street, Palmer Street, Rathlin Street, Fingal Street, Enfield Parade, Enfield Drive, Enfield Street, Enfield Gardens, Broom Street, Bray Street, Disraeli Street, Heather Street, Woodvale Street, Glenvale Street, Olive Street |
| Ardoyne Avenue | Ardoyne Avenue, Havana Way |
| Longlands Road | Longlands Road |
| Twaddell Avenue | Twaddell Avenue |
| Joanmount Area | Joanmount Gardens, Joanmount Park, Meyrick park, Prestwick Park, Marmount Gardens, Wallasey Park, Formby Park |
| Ballysillan Park Area | Ballysillan Park, Silverstream Road, Silverstream Crescent, Benview Park |
| Jamaica Street / Road | Jamaica Street, Jamaica Road |
| Atlantic Avenue | Atlantic Avenue, Oceanic Avenue |
| Glenbane Avenue, Rathcoole | Glenbane Avenue, Glenroy Terrace, Iniscairn Drive, Foyle Hill, Old Irish Highway, Kylemore Bend, Doonbeg Drive |
| Ligoniel Road | Ligoneil Road |
| Oldpark Avenue | Oldpark Avenue |
| Alliance, Glenbryn, Wheatfield Area | Alliance Road, Alliance Crescent, Alliance Gardens, Alliance Parade, Berwick Road, Hesketh Park, Hesketh Road, Glenbryn Drive, Glenbryn Gardens, Glenbryn Parade, Glenbryn Park, Wheatfield Drive and Wheatfield Gardens |
| Glandore Avenue | Glandore Avenue, Skegoneill Avenue |
| Lansdowne Road | Lansdowne Road, Lansdowne Park, Lowwood Park |
| Mountainhill Road | Mountainhill Road |
| Deerpark Road | Deerpark Road, Deerpark Drive, Cliftondene Crescent, Cliftondene Park |
| Ainsworth / Woodvale Area | Ainsworth Avenue, Ainsworth Drive, Ainsworth Pass, Ainsworth Street, Woodvale Avenue, Mayo Street, Mayo Link, Workman Avenue |
| Clifton Park Avenue | Clifton Park Avenue |
| Manor Street Area | Manor Street, Clifton Drive, Clifton Crescent, Harcourt Drive, Roseleigh Street |
| Grays Lane | Grays Lane |
| Fortwilliam Park | Fortwilliam Park |
| Serpentine Road | Serpentine Road, Glenhurst Gardens, Glenhurst Drive, Serpentine Gardens, Serpentine Parade, Voltaire Gardens, Vandyck Gardens,Veryan Gardens, Whitewell Crescent, Whitewell Drive, Whitewell Parade |
| Brookvale / Cliftonville Area | Brookvale Street, Brookvale Avenue, Brookvale Drive, Brookhill Avenue, Cliftonville Avenue, Easton Crescent, Linden Gardens, Orient Gardens, Woodland Avenue, Allworthy Avenue |
| Highbury Gardens Area | Highbury Gardens, Holmdene Gardens, Strathroy Park, Northwick Drive, Eskdale Gardens, Stratford Gardens, Duneden Gardens, Ladbrook Drive |
| Henderson Avenue | Henderson Avenue |
| Salisbury Avenue / Hughenden Area | Salisbury Avenue, Old Cavehill Road , Chichester Road, Chichester Avenue, Chichester Park North, Chichester Park South, Chichester Park Central, Palace Gardens, Hughenden Avenue, Evelyn Gardens, Charnwood Avenue, Inver Avenue, Tokio Gardens, Tivoli Gardens, Victoria Gardens. |
| White City Area | Gunnell Hill, Ballyroney Hill, Thorburn Road, Merston Gardens |
| Kansas Avenue | Indiana Avenue, Madison Avenue , Kansas Avenue, Cedar Avenue, Hopefield Avenue, Willowbank Gardens, Rosemount Gardens. |
| Cavehill Road | Cavehill Road |
| Westland Road | Westland Road (from Old Park Road to Cardigan Drive) |
NI Water Call-outs
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) how many requests NI Water received for call-outs to (a) domestic properties; and (b) non-domestic properties in each month since 1 April 2007; and (ii) how many of these call outs were met within the Service Level Agreement time of 24 hours.
(AQW 6252/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it does not hold records of callouts prior to November 2007 or split between domestic and non-domestic properties and is therefore unable to provide the full information requested. NIW received a total of 143,320 callouts between November 2007 and March 2010 and the monthly details are provided below.
MONTH |
07/08 | 08/09 | 09/10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | N/A |
6,109 |
4,890 |
| May | N/A |
6,571 |
4,624 |
| June | N/A |
5,967 |
5,342 |
| July | N/A |
5,096 |
4,768 |
| August | N/A |
6,544 |
4,297 |
| September | N/A |
5,077 |
3,985 |
| October | N/A |
4,915 |
4,246 |
| November | 2,659 |
5,013 |
4,464 |
| December | 6,325 |
5,105 |
2,423 |
| January | 7,303 |
6,109 |
3,217 |
| February | 5,989 |
4,923 |
2,734 |
| March | 5,994 |
5,312 |
3,319 |
N/A – Not availableNIW has given a commitment in its Codes of Practice to clear blockages in public sewers within 24 hours of it becoming aware of the problem. Over the past 6 months it has completed 97% of such blockages within this time.
Non-executive Directors of NI Water
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) if the four non-executive directors of NI Water, who were recently dismissed, completed a Register of Interests form; (ii) whether any conflicts of interest arose during their tenure; and (iii) what action was taken in each case.
(AQW 6254/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that all interests declared by the four former non-executive directors were contained in a Board Register of Other Directorships/Interests. A conflict of interest arose in relation to the Board Chairman who also held a non-executive directorship with a company that NIW appointed to supply services by single tender action. This conflict of interest was managed by ensuring that the Chairman was not included in any decision making during the procurement process and had no influence in the selection of the contractor. The Chairman signed the business case for the single tender action following the appointment of the contractor.
Road Infrastructure in the Beechfield Estate, Donaghadee
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to repair the road infrastructure in the Beechfield Estate, Donaghadee.
(AQW 6267/10)
Minister for Regional Development: The Member will be aware, from my responses to previous Assembly Questions, that my Department’s Roads Service carries out regular inspections of the road infrastructure in the Beechfield Estate, Donaghadee, in accordance with its Road Maintenance Standards. During these inspections actionable defects are noted for repair in accordance with Roads Service’s maintenance guidelines. The last inspection was carried out on 10 March 2010 and no defects were noted for repair.Roads Service has advised that it has no plans to carry out any major works in the Beechfield Estate, at this time. However, Roads Service will continue to inspect the area, and any defects noted will be repaired in accordance with the road maintenance guidelines.
Lampposts and Kerb Stones
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development what instructions his Department issued to Roads Service to ensure that public property, such as lampposts and kerb stones, are not used to convey messages of hate, sectarianism, bigotry and division by use of paint, flags or symbols.
(AQW 6310/10)
Minister for Regional Development: The problem of flag flying and graffiti, including the painting of kerbstones, is widespread across the North. It often leads to complaints from members of the public or elected representatives, particularly when the flag flying or painting is on main routes that are used by all of the community, or in residential areas, where it is claimed that most residents are opposed to the flag flying and/or painting.My Department’s Roads Service has signed up to the current multi-agency protocol with regard to the display of flags in public areas. This protocol aims to provide a pro-active approach, with the support of communities and their representatives, to address the removal of flags from arterial routes and town centres and from particular locations, such as interface areas, or near schools, hospitals and churches.The protocol recognises that an effective resolution to the flags issue is more likely to be achieved through the co-operation of local communities.
Under the protocol, the Agency that is in the most effective position to consult, negotiate or resolve the situation, will take the lead. Roads Service will, when called upon by the lead Agency, provide the access equipment and resources to remove unwanted flags, once agreement has been reached that they should be taken down.As I am sure you are aware, a review of "The Joint Protocol" was initiated by OFMDFM in April 2008 and I should stress that I have made my view clear, that the current procedures are outdated and need to be reviewed by all partner Agencies and Departments, including DSD, DOE, OFMDFM, DRD and the PSNI.
I can further advise that Roads Service would normally take action with situations that are considered to be a road safety issue, for example, painting on the face of road signs, or graffiti containing offensive language or messages. In addition, Roads Service would only be involved in assisting in the removal of graffiti where it is on road or footway surfaces, or on our equipment, such as street lighting cabinets. Roads Service has no powers in relation to graffiti on private property or buildings adjacent to the road, or on utility owned equipment within the road. There are examples where Roads Service has already responded positively to help communities deal with graffiti and flags, where there is (near unanimous) local support for action within a community, and where the police are content that a Public Order issue will not arise.
Mains Water Supply
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development what help and advice is available to ratepayers who are denied a mains water supply because the cost criteria cannot be met.
(AQW 6317/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it is required under Article 76 of the Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006 to provide a requisitioned water main for domestic purposes subject to certain conditions. One of the conditions, set out in Article 77, requires the persons making the requisition to pay the reasonable costs of providing the water main as determined in accordance with NIW’s charges scheme. Under Regulation 7 of the Water and Sewerage Charges Scheme (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007, NIW is empowered to provide an allowance against the cost of complying with a water main requisition and details are set out in its charges scheme.
My Department has provided additional assistance in respect of existing properties constructed before 1 January 2000 to make it more affordable for householders in rural areas to have their properties connected to the mains water supply. The assistance has raised the allowance from £6,500 to £10,000 per property from 1 April 2009. It is currently taking forward a review of ‘financial assistance available for existing domestic properties not served by a watermain’ and will be issuing a report which will be subject to public consultation during the Summer.
Investment in Infrastructure
Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development how much has been invested in (i) water; and (ii) waste water, infrastructure in each of the last five years.
(AQW 6318/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the total investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in each of the last 5 years is as detailed in the table below:
| YEAR | Water | Wastewater |
|---|---|---|
| (£ million) | (£ million) | |
2005/06 |
74 |
158 |
2006/07 |
76 |
123 |
2007/08 |
58 |
156 |
2008/09 |
68 |
164 |
2009/10 |
76 |
136 |
CAF Trains
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development when the new CAF trains will be available for use on passenger services by NI Railways.
(AQW 6330/10)
Minister for Regional Development: Translink have informed me it is currently planned that the first unit will enter passenger service in the latter half of 2011 with all units in passenger service by mid-2012.
Tree Cuttings
Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development why Roads Service did not place the tree cuttings on the landowner's property following the cutting down of trees at Kingarve Road, Dungannon on 19 December 2009, as outlined in current departmental policy.
(AQW 6340/10)
Minister for Regional Development: In my answer to the Member’s recent Question (AQW 4463/10) I advised that when Roads Service personnel were cutting trees on the road verge of Kingarve Road on 19 December 2009, a number of trees in private ownership were inadvertently trimmed because of a misinterpretation of instructions. The Roads Service personnel were not instructed to place any tree cuttings on the landowners’ land, as it was not intended that any trees in private ownership would be trimmed. All tree cuttings were taken to Roads Service’s depot in Moygashel and shredded as advised in my previous reply.
Tree Cuttings
Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 4463/10, to outline the total cost of cutting down the trees, given that the work was carried out on a Saturday and required the use of a privately-owned van and trailer.
(AQW 6341/10)
Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service advise that the cost of wages, staff travelling and plant hire for the tree cutting undertaken at Kingarve Road on 19 December 2009 was £190.50.
Annual Tree and Hedge Cutting Notice
Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development whether Roads Service is exempt from the annual tree and hedge cutting notice which his Department publishes in the media.
(AQW 6342/10)
Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service publish the tree and hedge cutting notice annually to remind landowners of their responsibilities regarding roadside hedges and trees and to advise when hedges and trees should be cut. The notice advises landowners to avoid cutting hedges during the bird nesting season from mid-March until late August and also advises, where possible, that cutting should be undertaken from early February to mid-March. The notice states it is not advisable to cut during Autumn and early Winter, as this removes berries and fruit which are an important source of food for wildlife.
Roads Service complies with the recommendations of the tree and hedge cutting notice, as far as is practical, without compromising road safety. I can advise that the majority of the trees which were cut on the Kingarve Road on 19 December 2009, were sycamore and do not have fruit during the winter period. I understand that the only trees trimmed on that day, which may have had fruit, were in private ownership and were cut as a result of a misunderstanding of the instructions provided.
Privately-owned Vehicles Used for Roads Service Work
Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development whether all privately-owned vehicles used for Roads Service work have the appropriate industrial insurance cover and how this is verified by his Department.
(AQW 6343/10)
Minister for Regional Development: I can advise the Member that all Roads Service staff who use their private vehicles for work, are required to have additional insurance cover, as is standard practice across all Government departments. As a result of the large number of civil servants requiring this type of insurance cover in the North, there are many insurance companies providing the appropriate cover at minimal additional cost and checks are undertaken to ensure that insurance policies meet the necessary requirements.
Free Travel on Public Transport
Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister for Regional Development if he is aware of any steps being taken to integrate free travel on public transport for senior citizens throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
(AQW 6402/10)
Minister for Regional Development: Since April 2007 senior citizens resident in the north aged 65 and over, and those resident in the south aged 66 and over have been eligible for free travel on an all-island basis. There are currently no plans to introduce mutual recognition with concessionary schemes in Britain. However, officials from my Department, under the auspices of the British Irish Council, have held preliminary discussions with counterparts in the other seven administrations on the potential for mutual recognition of concessionary travel by older and disabled people.
Potholes on Abbot Drive, Newtownards
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 5333/10 and AQW 6164/10, to confirm a date when repairs to the potholes on Abbot Drive, in the Bowtown Estate, Newtownards will be completed, particularly as vehicles continue to be damaged and residents injured due to the poor condition of the road.
(AQW 6445/10)
Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that all the potholes on Abbot Drive have now been repaired. This remedial action has been taken, pending the programmed resurfacing scheme, which is now scheduled to commence on 4 May 2010.
DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Social Housing Waiting List in South Belfast
Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 5932/10, to detail the social housing waiting list in South Belfast in terms of household type.
(AQW 6082/10)
Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The table below details the social housing waiting list in South Belfast in terms of household type at 31 December 2009 :-
| Household Composition | Applicants |
|---|---|
| Singles | 1,311 |
| Small Adult Families | 137 |
| Small Families | 396 |
| Large Adults Households | 18 |
| Large Families | 77 |
| Elderly | 300 |
New Build Social Housing Units
Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Social Development how many new build social housing units are planned for 2010/11 financial year in the Fermangh and South Tyrone area.
(AQW 6087/10)
Minister for Social Development: 91 new build social housing units are planned in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone area in 2010/11.
Pension Advisory Offices for Ards and North Down
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development how many inquiries have been received by the Pension Advisory offices for Ards and North Down in the last three years.
(AQW 6155/10)
Minister for Social Development: The information is not available in the format requested. Currently 20 Pension Advisers are geographically dispersed to cover Northern Ireland. While Pension Advisers are located in Jobs & Benefits/Social Security Offices across Northern Ireland they operate as a team and where workloads dictate they are re-directed from one location to another to ensure that all customers, irrespective of where they live receive a fast and efficient service. The total number of enquiries handled by Pension Advisors in each of the last three years is set out in the table below.
| Year | Total Number of Pension Advisor Enquiries |
|---|---|
2009/10 |
7,660 |
2008/09 |
6,692 |
2007/08 |
8,078 |
Pension Advisory Office Staff
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the cost of employing and running Pension Advisory office staff, including back room staff, for the Ards and North Down Areas over the last three years.
(AQW 6157/10)
Minister for Social Development: The information is not available in the format requested. Currently 20 Pension Advisers are geographically dispersed covering Northern Ireland. While Pension Advisers are located in Job & Benefits/Social Security Offices across Northern Ireland they operate as a team and where workloads dictate they are re-directed from one location to another to ensure that all customers, irrespective of where they live receive a fast and efficient service. The total expenditure for the Pension Advisor service in each of the last three years is set in the table below.
| Year | Total Pension Advisor Service Expenditure |
|---|---|
2009/10 |
£708k |
2008/09 |
£695k |
2007/08 |
£781k |
72 Drumard Drive, Coleraine
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development how the Housing Executive recently acquired 72 Drumard Drive, Coleraine; and to detail the cost, if a purchase took place.
(AQW 6160/10)
Minister for Social Development: The house at 72 Drumard Drive, Coleraine was purchased by the Housing Executive in February 2010 under the Special Purchase of Evacuated Dwellings scheme. The purchase price would be deemed commercial in confidence and is a private matter between the owner and the Housing Executive.
72 Drumard Drive, Coleraine
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development why the Housing Executive did not consider 72 Drumard Drive, Coleraine as housing stock.
(AQW 6161/10)
Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive do not place properties bought under the Scheme for the Purchase of Evacuated Dwellings (SPED) directly into its stock. This is because the SPED budget is separate from the Housing budget and funding for SPED cannot be used to supplement the Housing budget by taking properties into stock.
Urban Renewal Area Status
Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development if a decision and an announcement will be made on the Urban Renewal Area Status of the Upper Long Streets in the New Lodge and the Parkside and Glen areas before the 6 May 2010; and where and how such an announcement will be made.
(AQW 6169/10)
Minister for Social Development: Significant progress has been made in respect of planned redevelopment activity for the New Lodge, Parkside and Glen Areas of North Belfast.I plan to make an announcement as soon as practicable although no time or format has yet been decided. I will advise the member accordingly in due course.
Funding for Debt Advice Services
Mr F McCann asked the Minister for Social Development if funding for Debt Advice Services will continue; and when the review into the impact of the current funding will be complete.
(AQW 6231/10)
Minister for Social Development: In May 2009, in the absence of sufficient funding to launch a full mortgage rescue scheme, I provided funding for the Housing Rights Service to launch the pilot Mortgage Debt Advice Service. The initial 12 month pilot evaluation, for the period up to 18 May 2010, is due to be completed during the summer. Indications are that this service has brought significant benefits, as a result, I intend to extend the service until March 2011 at the earliest.
Social Fund Funeral Payment
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development if she will consider extending the 'Just Cause' facility for late claims for Social Fund Funeral Payment.
(AQW 6234/10)
Minister for Social Development: There is no "Just Cause" facility for late claims for Social Fund Funeral Payments because the Funeral Payment rules are already very generous with claims accepted from the date of death up to 3 months following the date of the funeral. This allows for situations when funerals may be delayed. There are no plans to extend the time limit beyond 3 months.
South Belfast Regeneration Area
Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development why the Housing Executive authorised costly renovation work in the South Belfast Regeneration Area despite the fact that this area has long been zoned for redevelopment.
(AQW 6247/10)
Minister for Social Development: No new applications for grant aid to homes in the redevelopment section of the Village have been approved since 30 April 2008, when an Urban Renewal Area was declared. However 26 homes have had grant aided work totalling £95,836.51 completed within the last two years as these approvals pre-dated the declaration of the Urban Renewal Area and as such the Housing Executive was already committed to this work.
Warm Homes Plus
Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development if she would consider amending the eligibility criteria for Warm Homes Plus to include homes with sub-standard or outdated oil or gas central heating systems.
(AQW 6248/10)
Minister for Social Development: The new Warm Homes Scheme commenced on 1 July 2009 and I gave a commitment that a review of the scheme would take place after one year of operation. The review is scheduled to commence in July 2010.
Employment Support Allowance
Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development how the progress of the new Employment Support Allowance system has been monitored; and if any measures have been identified to improve the service.
(AQW 6249/10)
Minister for Social Development: The ESA Centre provides a weekly progress report to the Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency and to the Senior Management Board.
Since the launch of the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), my officials have continued to review and where possible improve the Centre’s operating procedures.In addition, the Centre’s proactive engagement with stakeholder groups representing the most vulnerable customers has helped inform measures for the improvement of procedures.
The changes to date include:
- The introduction of safeguard visits for vulnerable customers,
- The provision of interim payments,
-free telephone calls to the claim line for mobile phone users,
- Revised telephony scripts, - The payment of the contributory element of ESA claims first,
- Revised document handling procedures,- The reduction in the number of customers waiting for their Work Capability Assessments and the time taken to be examined,
- Recent computer upgrades which now enable customers to claim for Housing Benefit as part of the telephone claim process.
These changes have contributed to the delivery of significant improvements to telephony answer rates which are now consistently above 90%, whilst the time taken to complete a claim to ESA by telephone has reduced to around 20-25 minutes.
Homeless People
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how many people are currently deemed to be homeless and sleeping on the street.
(AQW 6292/10)
Minister for Social Development: On average there are fewer than 10 people on any given night in Belfast and Derry who are deemed to be homeless and sleeping on the streets. There are no reports of people being homeless and sleeping on the streets elsewhere.
Right to Buy Scheme
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development if she has any plans to reduce the ceiling limit on the discount under the Right to Buy scheme.
(AQW 6299/10)
Minister for Social Development: My officials are currently examining the operation of the House Sales Scheme. I have no plans, at present, to make any amendments to the Scheme.
Welcome Organisation
Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to increase funding for the Welcome organisation.
(AQW 6325/10)
Minister for Social Development: There are no plans to increase funding to the Welcome Organisation during 2010/11.
Sharing and Integration
Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development to outline her work in promoting sharing and integration.
(AQO 1080/10)
Minister for Social Development: Within my own Department, I have already ensured that much of the work includes measures designed to achieve an inclusive society where people can live and socialise together. In housing, I have introduced the screening of every new build scheme that comes forward on the Social Housing Development Programme to explore its potential for inclusion as a Shared Future Development and established the Shared Neighbourhood Programme. In regeneration, I have ensured that my Department’s masterplans and physical development programmes are developed in ways that ensure all the sections of the community have access to shared spaces for work and leisure. While in community development, I have provided support to those voluntary and community groups that promote the vision of a shared future and are actively working towards ending sectarianism and division.
However, while these examples illustrate the wealth of work that has been undertaken over the past three years, I am aware that my Department alone cannot achieve the level of sharing and integration needed to sustain social and economic prosperity for the people of Northern Ireland. I therefore look forward to working closely with my Executive colleagues in the near future to progress these issues.
Housing Improvement Schemes: Mid Ulster
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Social Development what Housing Executive improvement schemes are planned for the Mid-Ulster constituency in 2010/11.
(AQO 1081/10)
Minister for Social Development: Whilst the Housing Executive are still finalising the allocation of their budget for the year ahead, they have provisionally identified a kitchen replacement scheme in Mid Ulster which they expect to start this year. This scheme would be delivered to 71 homes in the Brown Street and Edmund Street areas of Magherafelt and once details are confirmed, the Housing Executive will write to tenants directly.
Social Housing
Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the impact of resourcing and funding pressures on the targets for new-build social housing.
(AQO 1084/10)
Minister for Social Development: There can be nobody in this Chamber this afternoon who by now is not aware of the shortfall the housing budget suffered as a result of the collapse of the land and property market. With so much of my budget predicated on land and property sales, it was inevitable that the downturn in the market would have a more savage impact on housing than perhaps elsewhere. My budget has already suffered losses of up to £200m in the last few years and this year I have been asked to find further savings of £30m. I would like to see the housing budget placed on a more firm financial footing. I have made that case to my Executive colleagues and will continue to do so.
However despite the well documented budgetary problems, we have still managed to work something of an economic miracle.I am proud that last year we delivered the largest number of new homes for a decade. The 1838 starts was well ahead 0f the 1750 target. Having delivered so much last year, I have set the bar even higher for next year.
Castlecourt Centre, Belfast
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development if she has had any discussions with the owners of CastleCourt regarding the redevelopment of the complex and surrounding area; and the outcome of those discussions.
(AQO 1085/10)
Minister for Social Development: My officials and I have had several meetings with Westfield since 2006, when Royal Exchange was selected as the next major, retail-led, comprehensive development scheme for the city centre. These discussions are ongoing.
US Visit
Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the work carried out during her recent visit to the United States.
(AQO 1086/10)
Minister for Social Development: I visited the United States to take forward my Shared Future Agenda by further developing useful contacts and to identify models of work that might help in the wider work of my department. I also utilised this opportunity to establish and renew a number of important relationships relevant to my portfolio with U S government agencies and Non-Governmental organisations.
I shared key messages about our achievements and our challenges. I explained how we have achieved a political settlement that has replaced conflict and violence with democratic political debate. I also explained that we continue to face huge challenges with particular regard to our divided community and outlined my commitment to achieving a Shared Future.
I was honoured to be asked to speak at the annual Garda McCabe Fellowship Breakfast at the John Jay Criminal Justice College in New York. The programme provides funds for an academic exchange programme that promotes the sharing of practices and technologies in policing and criminal justice between Ireland and the USA. This is a very positive example of collaborative work that has emerged from our violent past that I was delighted to support.
Along with my Executive colleagues I was also honoured to be able to attend and speak at the Northern Ireland Bureau St Patrick’s Day Breakfast that focused this year on a video presentation of our Five Tourism Signature Projects. It will be no surprise to members that I was particularly supportive of our efforts to promote the St Patrick’s Christian Heritage project and the particular attractions of my own South Down constituency.
Dungiven: Regeneration
Mr B Leonard asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the total amount spent by her Department in the last 10 years on all forms of regeneration in Dungiven.
(AQO 1087/10)
Minister for Social Development: As Dungiven is not defined as an urban settlement by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, DSD does not have a role in its regeneration as we focus solely on regeneration of urban areas. Dungiven has a population of approximately 3,000 and is therefore defined as rural. Responsibility for the regeneration of rural areas lies with the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development.
European Investment Bank Funding
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Development how she will use the £30m funding from the European Investment Bank.
(AQO 1088/10)
Minister for Social Development: This record investment from the European Investment Bank will complement the funding already made by my Department to Housing Associations and will support the delivery of 820 new homes in 26 different schemes across Northern Ireland.
Winter Fuel Payment
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development what steps she has taken to lobby the Minister for Work and Pensions to have the Winter Fuel Payment extended to people suffering from chronic illnesses.
(AQO 1089/10)
Minister for Social Development: I recognise that people suffering from chronic illness can face extra costs as a result of their condition and have written to Jim Knight, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare in the Department for Work and Pensions, asking him to consider extending eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment to include those people who are suffering from a serious life-limiting illness or disability.
Community Regeneration: Funding
Mr P Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development what is the potential reduction in funding available for community regeneration following the 2009/10 budgetary cuts.
(AQO 1090/10)
Minister for Social Development: My Department is required to identify an additional £1.6m in efficiency savings for 2010-11 against urban and regeneration activities. My Department intends to protect priority front line delivery programmes.
NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY COMMISSION
NAAFI Tea Products
Mr A Bresland asked the Assembly Commission whether it will consider making the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes brand of tea available in the catering facilities and the shop in Parliament Buildings.
(AQW 6184/10)
The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr S Neeson): Our Catering Facilities and Shop are contracted out to Eurest who selects approved suppliers to source all goods and produces for the purpose of the contract. Eurest regularly reviews its procurement policies and have produced a series of policies addressing Sustainable Procurement. These cover their supply chain partnerships: including supporting local suppliers, free range and organic produce, reducing food miles and environmental aspects.
This, as well as ensuring value for money and adhering to Health & Safety laws, must comply with our contract specifications 2.13 Social Issues:
"The Contractor will be required to develop, in consultation with the Assembly’s representative, a sustainable food procurement policy.The Assembly is committed to the principle of Fairtrade and wishes the Contractor to use his best endeavours to procure supplies carrying the Fairtrade mark for use in the Assembly’s premises.The use of local produce should also be considerable. Where appropriate or possible the Contractor should use products that are environmentally friendly and that have been recycled or organically produced."
The Assembly has contacted Westminster, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh National Assembly who confirmed that they do not have NAAFI break tea available in their premises.Further to the press release of 9th April 2010 the Assembly also contacted NAAFI via their PR office who confirmed that their break tea is neither fair-trade nor available outside the designated 80 Spar stores in the North West of England at present.
Therefore in line with our contract specifications and the unavailability of the products NAAFI break tea can not be considered at this time.The Assembly Commission would be happy to review this in the future, should NAAFI tea products become available and sold under the fair-trade banner.
REVISED WRITTEN ANSWERS
Friday 30 April 2010
(AQW 2993/09)
AMENDED ANSWER
While there is no specific policy for the assessment of planning applications in close proximity to high tension cables, my Department ensures that Northern Ireland Electricity plc (NIE) are consulted on all individual planning applications on land crossed by existing overhead power lines, where it is appropriate to do so. NIE advise Divisional Planning Offices and developers on operational safe clearances for such proposals.The advice given by NIE with regard to the necessary clearance at a specific location is dependent on a number of factors. This includes the location of the line passing over and the lines’ construction, design and operating voltage. Operators of overhead power lines are required to maintain safe conditions in compliance with legislation which are administered by my colleague Arlene Foster’s Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI).
Paragraph 59 of PPS 1: General Principles clearly states that my Department’s guiding principle in determining planning applications is that development should be permitted having regard to the development plan and all other material considerations unless the proposed development would cause demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance. In such cases my Department has the power to refuse planning applications.
(AQW 4385/09)
AMENDED ANSWER
My Department is duly bound to process each planning application on its individual merits. My Department’s guiding principle in determining applications is that ‘development should be permitted, having regard to the development plan and all material considerations, unless the proposed development will cause demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance’ (PPS 1: General Principles, Paragraph 59). The Planning Service has no legal duty to refuse applications for housing development including where it is an extension to a home close to overhead electricity cables.
My Department ensures that Northern Ireland Electricity plc (NIE) is consulted on all individual planning applications on land crossed by existing overhead power lines, where it is appropriate to do so. NIE will provide advice on operational safe clearances for development proposals.