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 22 October 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

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Investment from International or Independent Sources

Mr T Lunn asked e First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail their Department's expenditure in each of the past 5 years, arising out of investment from international or independent sources, on community and good relations work, broken down by (i) programme; and (ii) recipient.

(AQW 70/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): OFMDFM has worked in partnership with a range of independent and international organisations to support good relations projects over the last several years. Regarding the detail requested in this question, we refer only to match funding provided directly by OFMDFM to Community Relations projects. Expenditure by other bodies, particularly the Community Relations Council, may lever in other sources of funding.

Hewlett Packard has supported the Digital Communities Project in Belfast since 2005 through the provision of match funding for the Project Manager’s post and also with the provision of free IT equipment.

Atlantic Philanthropies has supported the Suffolk and Lenadoon Interface Project since 2009 through the provision of match funding for 3 staff posts.

European Peace funding has also been made available for a range of good relations projects. SEUPB is the Managing Authority for Peace funding and holds the details of the individual recipients.

The table below provides details of the sources, recipients and amounts of funding.

OFMDFM Community Relations Programme
Source / Recipient	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11
Hewlett Packard / Digital Communities	£25	£25k	£25k	£25k
Atlantic Philanthropies / Suffolk & Lenadoon Interface Group					£33k	£55k
PEACE II & PEACE III
Source / Recipient	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11
PEACE II Extension FAIR		185k
PEACE II Extension Chinese Welfare Association				250k
PEACE III					7,644k

Community Relations Council

Mr S Anderson asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what mechanisms currently exist to monitor how the Community Relations Council allocates departmental funding to (i) core funding; and (ii) project funding.

(AQW 503/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: OFMDFM monitors the Community Relations Council (CRC) via the corporate plan, the annual report /accounts and the CRC Performance Indicators and via attendance at the CRC Board meetings and various committee meetings – Finance & General Purpose and Community Initiatives Committee meetings. There are also quarterly accountability meetings. These mechanisms exist for both core funding and project funding. Core funding grants are approved on delegated authority against published criteria approved by the Department.

Full compliance and detail are agreed to in the Financial Memorandum document which is amended when either body wishes and the other is in agreement.

As part of the current CSI consultation we are seeking views on the most appropriate structures for the future delivery of good relations funding.

Northern Ireland Memorial Fund

Mr D Kennedy asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the proposal, made in June 2010, that the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund should move to a "needs based approach".

(AQW 872/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Discussions are continuing between the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund and the Department. We are currently giving careful consideration to detailed proposals submitted by the Memorial Fund.

In this financial year the Fund has received £1,137, 500, which continues to support individual victims and survivors.

Northern Ireland Memorial Fund

Mr D Kennedy asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the current funding and spending arrangements for the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund.

(AQW 873/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Northern Ireland Memorial Fund (NIMF) has been grant funded by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minster since September 2006. To date the NIMF has received funding in excess of £7.5m.

For the financial year 2010/11 the Fund received a Letter of Offer for £1,137,500.

Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration

Mr P Weir asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) why separate additional consultation is taking place with certain groups and sectors on the Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration; (ii) what sectors or groups were selected for additional consultation; and (iii) the reasons why each of these groups or sectors were selected.

(AQW 884/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The consultation process has been designed to consist of a combination of public meetings and a series of more focused, sectoral events. It is hoped that these aspects will complement each other to inform the debate around the Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, thus leading to enriched consultation responses.

Throughout the consultation period, we will consult with the District Council Good Relations Officers; Churches; Business Community; Victims & Survivors; Ex-Prisoners; Young People; Minority Ethnic Groups; Statutory Bodies; Funders in the Good Relations Arena; Academics; Education Sector; Voluntary & Community Sector; and LGB&T Sector

The above sectors were chosen for a variety of reasons including their role in delivering and/or promoting the Good Relations Programme; social impact of business organisations; the need to tackle both sectarianism and racism; research interest in Good Relations; and at the specific request of some of the above groups.

We will hold two sectoral events with the voluntary and community sector – one in Belfast and one in the north-west.

Officials will consider separate requests to give presentations on the Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration to groups/areas that are unable to participate in the consultation events, within the constraints of the mainstream process.

Youth Work Projects and Groups in North Belfast

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the funding allocated for this financial year by their Department to youth work projects and groups in north Belfast, including groups based in the city centre; (ii) the groups receiving this funding; and (iii) the amount and duration of the funding.

(AQW 894/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: OFMDFM provides good relations funding for the Belfast area via a range of delivery agents including Belfast City Council; the Community Relations Council; the North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Contract Holders and the Department of Education and the Education and Library Boards. As some of these are third party organisations it is not possible to provide all the details in the format requested.

In the 2010/11 financial year, OFMDFM has provided good relations funding of ₤578,061 to Belfast City Council. This includes a Small Grant Scheme budget of £262,500 and £100,000 for Summer Intervention Programmes administered by community groups across Belfast.

The department has also invested £400,000 in a range of summer interventions programmes administered on behalf of OFMDFM by the Department of Education and the Education and Library boards, of which £160,000 was earmarked for Belfast and £40,000 for North Belfast.

The Community Relations Council provides funding to a range of community groups across the city via its Pathfinder, Core Funding and Community Relations/Community Development programmes. Some of that funding is allocated to youth programmes as detailed below.

Community Relations Funding

April 2010 – March 2011

COMMUNITY RELATIONS/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Name of Group	Short description	Amount Awarded
Newhill FC	Cultural Traditions Training Programme 2010	£3,360
The Bytes Project	Respect Us & Us and Them Again training programmes	£2,275
Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum	Development of Good Relations at Interfaces Programme	£3,200
ArtsEkta	Diwali & Samhain Cultural Festival	£2,250
	CR/CD Total	£11,085
PATHFINDER PROGRAMME
Tar Isteach	Multi-Cultural Family Fun Day	£4,000
Belfast First Church of the Nazarene	Development of shared space facility for young adults.	£1,500
Woodvale & Cambria Youth & Community Association	Bonfire Beacon Festival Event	£9,500
Ligoniel Improvement Association	Summer Diversionary Youth Programme- Common Culture	£3,200
Whitewell Community Association	Summer Youth Diversionary Programme	£5,000
Ardoyne Women's Group	Summer Cultural Diversity Project	£2,474
Public Achievement	Away from Violence Summer Camp	£4,754
Ard Eoin Fleadh Project	Ard Eoin Fleadh - Summer Festival	£10,000
	Pathfinder Total	£40,428
CORE FUNDING
Organisation	Amount	Term of award
174 Trust	£44,000.00	up to 3 years
Intercomm	£24,218.00	up to 2 years
North Belfast Interface Network	£84,915.00	up to 30 months
Core Funding Total	£153,133.00

Although the department does not fund any youth groups directly it does fund a series of contract holder organisations in North Belfast, some of which do fund youth programmes details are as follows.

Youth Programmes managed by Contract Holders for the North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme

April 2010 – March 2011

Contract Holder	Youth Programme	Amount Allocated
Ballysillan Community Forum	Education through Mutual Understanding	£3,384
	Cross Community Youth Forum/Young Peoples Programme	£17,330
	Challenging Diversity	£5,156
	Mutual Understanding	£3,340
	Building Good Relations	£7,632
Ardoyne Youth Providers Forum	Cross Community Youth Forum	£49,386
Ashton Community Trust	Community Pride	£40,000
Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum	Cross Community Youth Forum (Common Purpose)	£28,670
Mount Vernon Community Development Forum and Loughside Credit Union	Schools Respect Programme	£7,700
	Cross community Youth Forum	£23,700
	Schools Environmental Programme	£25,000
	Common Purpose	£7,500
	Cave Hill to Belfast Lough	£12,000
Shankill Women’s Centre	Peer Leadership	£10,000
Rathcoole Churches Community Group	Coole Dimensions	£10,000
	TOTAL	£250,798

Definitions of Cohesion, Sharing, Integration and Good Relations

Dr S Farry asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline their Department's definitions of (i) cohesion; (ii) sharing; (iii) integration; and (iv) good relations.

(AQW 925/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The title of the document is intended to reflect the positive direction in which the Executive would like to see society here develop in a context of fairness, equality, rights, respect and responsibility. An important part of the extensive public consultation on the draft programme is intended to elicit views from the public and civic society its understanding of the concepts of cohesion, sharing and integration.

It is recognised that a cohesive society is one in which everyone can live, work and socialise together free from intimidation and prejudice.

In the context of the CSI programme, sharing implies the promotion of shared and safe spaces for working, shopping, socialising and playing; shared accessible and welcoming facilities which provide high quality public services; safety for individuals and groups who wish to express and celebrate their identity or culture peacefully; sharing in education and sharing in the workplace.

The term integration relates to the longer-term goals of a society which is at one with itself where difference is valued and celebrated and not derided or feared.

Good Relations is generally accepted to mean the promotion of better relations between all sections of the community participating in our society through increased cross-community contact and co-operation and by encouraging mutual respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

The choice of the title cohesion sharing and integration for the new draft policy is also subject to discussion as part of the ongoing public consultation process and may be revised prior to the publication of the final policy.

Craigavon Travellers Support Committee

Mr S Moutray asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 226/11, what mechanisms are in place to ensure value for money in relation to the £45k allocated to the Craigavon Travellers Support Committee.

(AQW 965/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: In common with all other applications for funding under OFMDFM’s Minority Ethnic Development Fund, Craigavon Travellers Support Committee application for funding was considered by a selection committee including individuals independent of the department. The application was assessed against a set of objective and transparent criteria which were carefully aligned to the Executive’s Racial Equality Strategy 2005-2010. In line with best practice in selection procedures, for the purposes of fairness and comparability, organisations are assessed solely on the quality of their applications. The selection committee takes value for money considerations into account as a significant part of their overall assessment.

Craigavon Travellers Support Committee is a well-established organisation, which provides a range of important services to the Irish Traveller community in the Craigavon area. Their work is undertaken in 5 key areas; early years, education, community development, advice and health. OFMDFM funding allows the organisation to contribute to the overall aims of promoting good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds, building community cohesion, and facilitating integration.

Organisations funded under the Minority Ethnic Development Fund are required to submit regular monitoring reports to the department which give an update on the progress of the funded project.

Funded organisations are subject to at least one verification visit per year which focuses on a sample of financial documentation in relation to the project. This visit can also cover any aspect, such as the administrative and financial management of the project or the progress of the project itself.

In the specific case of the public funding allocated to the Craigavon Travellers Support Committee the contractual Letter of Offer, as is normal in such cases, stipulated a wide range of governance requirements on the part of the Committee to ensure that the funding was used only for the purposes formally approved.

Commissioner for Children and Young People

Mr S Moutray asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 551/11, whether the review of the office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People will consider the disbandment of the Commissioner and the absorption of its functions elsewhere in the Executive.

(AQW 1000/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The primary focus of this review is to examine the efficacy of the current arrangements in delivering the necessary services.

Capital Projects in the Mid-Ulster Area

Mr I McCrea asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail their Department's capital projects in the Mid-Ulster area in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1038/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: OFMDFM has not undertaken any capital projects in Mid-Ulster during this period.

Community Groups in South Belfast

Dr A McDonnell asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the community groups in South Belfast which have been in receipt of European Union funding through their Department; (ii) the amounts they have received since 1998; and (iii) the community group posts including the number, job title and remit which have been funded.

(AQW 1040/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The only European Union funding that OFMDFM delivered under Peace II was for 'capital build' projects. The Peace II Extension was administered on behalf of the department by the Community Relations Council for capital build projects; it is also responsible for the administration of the Peace III programme.

It is not possible to provide information on those projects for the South Belfast area since the information held would not specify a geographic area.

The Special European Union Programme Branch (SEUPB) is the Managing Authority for Peace funding and holds the details of the individual recipients of the funding. Therefore, further information on groups in receipt of European Funding in the South Belfast area should be available from SEUPB.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Ms J McCann asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the services currently funded, fully or partly, by their Department under Neighbourhood Renewal in the West Belfast constituency.

(AQW 1063/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Neighbourhood Renewal is a Department for Social Development led initiative. OFMDFM is not funding any services under Neighbourhood Renewal. However, our policy programmes operate in support of that programme and help address issues of equality and poverty in areas of disadvantage.

Funding Schemes

Mr P Weir asked e First Minister and deputy First Minister what grants or funding schemes are available from their Department, or its arms-length bodies, to assist with projects undertaken by (i) groups for people with disabilities; or (ii) residential care facilities which cater for people with disabilities.

(AQW 1081/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: OFMDFM does not currently offer grants or have any funding schemes to assist with projects undertaken by (i) groups for people with disabilities; or (ii) residential care facilities which cater for people with disabilities.

Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration

Mr T Lunn asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the need address educational segregation in order to implement a viable Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration.

(AQW 1096/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: We believe that it is important to address all aspects of segregation within our society and this includes the provision of education. The Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education.

However, promoting good relations is not just the responsibility of the integrated education sector and schools outside this sector have also a key role to play.

Education is one of a range of issues of segregation addressed in the draft programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration and it will be considered as part of the current consultation process. A specific sectoral consultation meeting will be undertaken with educationalists as part of the consultation process.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they have identified any funding from their Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1140/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: We are delighted that Derry/Londonderry has been awarded the title of UK City of Culture 2013. Along with Executive colleagues, we provided letters of support for the bid.

Derry City Council will be taking forward the delivery of the City of Culture 2013 in partnership with the Ilex urban regeneration company. Ilex have identified several projects which actively support the investment in the City of Culture 2013, including an investment of £5,000,000 this year in the development of the parade ground at Ebrington, and over £500,000 on the Regeneration Plan, early scoping work in support of an Ebrington feature within the proposed Maritime Museum and conceptual architectural drawings for an art gallery.

The funding available for future years is dependent on the outcomes of the forthcoming Budget 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms M Ritchie asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what undertakings were given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding special funding arrangements for Northern Ireland as part of the block grant allocation in the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 1148/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: At a meeting held on 28 September 2010, the Chancellor of the Exchequer indicated that he was prepared to consider some flexibility with regard to capital expenditure, to include the possibility of re-profiling, end year flexibility access, and sharing annual management expenditure savings. The Executive was invited to submit proposals on this for him to consider.

The Chancellor also understood the position with regard to the Presbyterian Mutual Society and underscored support that has been provided by the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State and HM Treasury for finding a workable and speedy solution, ideally before the budget announcement on 20 October 2010.

Defending Litigation Cases

Mr P Weir asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what the legal costs were to their Department of defending litigation cases in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1160/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The legal costs incurred by our department defending litigation cases in each of the last three financial years are set out in the table below.

Year	Amount (£)
2007-08	205,764.20
2008-09	182,027.14
2009-10	218,215.24

Washington Investment Conference

Ms S Ramsey asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on plans for the forthcoming economic investment conference in Washington.

(AQO 246/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Economic Investment Conference will take place in Washington DC on 19 October 2010 and will be hosted by US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and the US Special Economic Envoy, Declan Kelly.

The Economic Conference will provide a unique forum to showcase all that we have to offer to a select, highly targeted group of US companies. The US State Department is the lead organising body for the event.

It is aimed at a small number of very senior executives in American companies that have not yet made investments here. They will join an equally small number of Chief Executive Officers and senior representatives from existing US investors. This latter group will talk about the business opportunity here by using examples of their own positive experience of setting up their operations.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Capacity Building Programme

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the progress made in implementing the Capacity Building programme, aimed at Protestant communities in border areas.

(AQW 902/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The funding for this initiative along with that for all other programmes is presently being assessed under ‘Budget 2010’ spending review. Therefore I am unable commit to any spend until I am sure that funding will be available, hence the reason for the delay in launching the programme.

Capacity Building Programme for Rural Protestant Communities in Border Areas

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many applications have been received to date in each of the target areas under the Capacity Building Programme for Rural Protestant Communities in Border areas.

(AQW 904/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The funding for this initiative along with that for all other programmes is presently being assessed under ‘Budget 2010’ spending review. Therefore I am unable commit to any spend until I am sure that funding will be available, and hence no calls for applications have issued.

 

Commercial Shellfishing in Belfast Lough

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the current levels of commercial shellfishing in Belfast Lough; and the impact this is having on shellfish stocks in the lough.

(AQW 953/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I regret that it is not possible to assess the level of commercial sea fishing for shellfish, or its impact on shellfish stocks in Belfast Lough specifically. Data is collected for a wider area (ICES Rectangle 38E4) covering a significant area of the Irish Sea to the 55°N line.

There is a need to improve our knowledge of key inshore sea fish and shellfish species and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute is currently preparing an inshore fisheries research strategy to address this. This will form part of a draft Inshore Fisheries Development Strategy which will be published for public consultation in March 2011.

An experimental wild cockle fishery took place within the Lough in 2008 and 2009. In 2008, two vessels landed a total of 128 tonnes of cockles, while in 2009, 13 vessels landed in total just under 71 tonnes. In both years impact on other fisheries in the Lough was limited by restricting the number of vessels operating at any one time to two vessels. An assessment of the experimental fishery showed that there was no impact on other shellfisheries in Belfast Lough.

Belfast Lough also supports a significant farmed shellfish industry, producing bottom grown mussels. Up to 12 mussel dredgers can be involved in servicing 32 licensed sites, including the relaying of seed and the harvesting of mature mussels. The production of farmed mussels from the Lough from 2004 to 2008 averaged around 3150 tonnes annually.

My Department commissioned the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to develop ecosystem carrying capacity models (the SMILE project) to help underpin the sustainable development of shellfish aquaculture in local sea loughs. Although work on the investigation of the carrying capacity of Belfast Lough is not yet complete, there is no indication that shellfish aquaculture is having an adverse impact.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the services currently funded, fully or partly, by her Department under Neighbourhood Renewal in the West Belfast constituency.

(AQW 1066/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: West Belfast is an urban area and projects based within this area are not eligible for support under the Axis 3 measures of the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP).

Management of Fishing Matters

Mr D Kinahan asked e Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how regulations in other Departments impact on the management of fishing matters by her Department.

(AQW 1082/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Regulations made by other Departments place an obligation on my Department to ensure that the management of fishing and aquaculture activity is compliant with the provisions of those regulations. This would include for example regulations to protect the environment or public health.

My Department’s responsibility for sea fishing also extends beyond our Territorial Sea into part of the Irish Sea offshore area, and therefore some regulations imposed by British Departments, that apply to the offshore Irish Sea, may also impact on my Department’s management of fisheries.

Where regulations transpose European Regulations or Directives, my Department can be named along with other local Departments as a competent authority with obligations to comply with the requirements of the European legislation. An example is the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (NI) 1995 introduced by the Department of the Environment, which transpose the Habitats and Birds Directives. Under this legislation, the Departments must assess the activities that it permits to ensure that those activities do not cause a significant impact on the designated environmental conservation features. Where there is a risk of a significant impact from fishing or aquaculture activity, my Department must act to modify, restrict or prohibit that activity so that the risk is eliminated.

Another example is the future licensing of marine renewable energy sites by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI). My Department and other affected Departments are currently working with DETI to ensure that the impact of any proposals on established activities are reduced as far possible. It is likely that some restrictions will apply to the type and level of fishing that takes place close to marine renewable energy installations.

Where British Departments introduce regulations that affect devolved responsibilities the consent of the Executive will be required. An example is the development by the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs of proposals for marine conservation zones in the offshore Irish Sea. Zones may be proposed in the area for which my Department has fisheries responsibility. A report proposing zones and management measures is expected by June 2011 and a consultation will be held before final decisions are taken. Potential impacts on our fisheries cannot be assessed until detailed management proposals are brought forward. Any proposals for management measures in the area for which we have devolved fishing responsibility will require the Executive’s consent.

In future it is likely that the DOE will also propose such zones for the inshore environment and because of the cross Departmental impacts of such proposals Executive consent again would be required.

The above examples cover the main areas of impact on fisheries management at present.

Ulster Camogie Council

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether any independent scrutiny or investigation has been undertaken at the request or behest of her Department into the financial affairs of the Ulster Camogie Council; and when she expects to be in a position to report on these findings.

(AQW 1154/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The involvement of DARD Central Investigation Service (CIS) in an issue relating to the Ulster Camogie Council has been on the basis of an agreed Service Level Agreement where the services and expertise of CIS are made available to DCAL for issues that may arise requiring investigative advice or action. Any investigation into allegations made about funding to UCC, the outcome of such an investigation, the detail of any report, outcomes, recommendations and lessons learned are a matter for the DCAL Minister.

Loughs Agency

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she intends to initiate an investigation into allegations of fraud in the Loughs Agency.

(AQO 357/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I am aware that a letter was recently circulated to members of the Committee that, amongst various other things, contained an allegation that there is evidence of "fraud in relation to the Loughs Agency and their dealings."

I am also aware that there was no evidence of fraud attached to the letter, and indeed that there was no further detail in the letter about what the alleged fraud relates to.

Both my Department and the Loughs Agency operate a zero-tolerance policy with regard to fraud. All potential frauds are thoroughly investigated with the aim of establishing the facts, and all necessary action will be taken if fraud is found to have occurred. Indeed, following accusations from a former employee, one such investigation is currently being conducted by the Department’s Internal Audit team. However, I must emphasise that no evidence, nor indeed indication of what the alleged fraud relates to, has been received from this recent correspondent.

Forest Parks: Caravans

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps the Forestry Service is taking to improve security for caravan users visiting Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks.

(AQO 362/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The vast majority of visitors to Forest Service caravan and camping sites enjoy a trouble free stay, but I acknowledge that visitors to the Tollymore and Castlewellan sites have experienced some problems caused by anti-social behaviour. In seeking to address this problem, Forest Service is exploring a range of measures to help prevent unauthorised vehicular access to these sites and to provide some form of night time security, during peak periods. No decisions have been taken on these possibilities, but officials are currently examining a number of options and association costs.

You will also be aware that, in July 2009, I launched a Recreation and Social Use strategy for our forests. This document set out five Implementation Areas and associated Targets, including a commitment to develop new operating arrangements for camping and caravanning and forest leisure facilities.

Following publication of the strategy document, Forest Service has been developing a Commercialisation Plan and, through this process, it is intended to secure a suitably qualified operating partner who will deliver improved camping and caravanning facilities at key locations in Forest Service woodlands.

In the meantime, Forest Service will continue to manage its caravan and camping sites, seeking to reduce anti-social behaviour, as far as possible. Forest Service is an active member of the Safer Mournes Partnership and will continue to use this forum to help promote community safety in the Mourne area. 

Tuberculosis: Biosecurity

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the selection process under which farmers in Co.Down can participate in her Department's tuberculosis bio-security study.

(AQO 363/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The key aim of the TB Biosecurity Study (TBS) is to compare farm characteristics in herds that have recently had a TB breakdown with those that have had no recent history of a breakdown in a TB high incidence area, which is why the Study will take place in County Down. As it is not possible to survey and interview all farmers, a representative sample of County Down farmers will be randomly selected and invited to take part in the TBS.

For the purposes of the study, herds with recent TB infection have been defined as those that have either had at least one animal with confirmed TB infection and / or more than one TB skin test reactor since January 2009. Herds with no recent breakdown are those that have had no evidence of TB infection in the period since January 2007.

Herds from these categories have been group matched on the basis of herd size and have been selected at random from the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS), taking into account the herd size and area location of farms.

Invitation letters have already started to issue to those farmers that have been randomly selected, and this will continue to occur over the coming months.

Bovine TB is a complex disease and it continues to be one of the most costly animal health problems we are facing. The cost to government of controlling this disease is currently over £22 million annually and there are additional costs to farmers.

This TB Biosecurity Study is important as it is vital to get a better understanding of the factors that influence the transmission of bovine TB here. Consideration of selected cattle and wildlife factors will be key elements of this research project. The farmers selected to participate in the Study will be asked a series of questions by a researcher about their farm business as well as about evidence of badger presence and activity on their land and around their farm buildings. A survey of on-farm buildings and a farm boundary survey will also be carried out. In addition, there will be some badger sett survey work on and around participating farms. There will be no interference with badgers or their setts during the Study. The Study findings should enable us to provide better advice to farmers and to take actions that may lead to a reduction in the level of TB here.

I would encourage all farmers to take part in this important Study: indeed the TBS can not proceed without their help. I should therefore be grateful for your support in encouraging those farmers randomly selected to participate in the TB Biosecurity Study to commit to do so.

Supermarkets

Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether she has had any discussions with DEFRA regarding the appointment of a supermarket tsar.

(AQO 365/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: In answering this question I am assuming that the term supermarket tsar is a reference to the British Government’s recent announcement to establish a Grocery Code Adjudicator. I have had no discussions with Defra in relation to such an appointment as this is a reserved matter and therefore not within my remit. Also competition matters both in Britain and here are the responsibility of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and the Office of Fair Trading. I do, however, agree with the concept of fair pricing and I welcome the British Government’s decision to proceed to establish a Grocery Code Adjudicator within the Office of Fair Trading. I believe that all links in the food chain are dependent on each other and that it is important for retailers to recognise that in the long run it is in their interests, and their customers’ interests, to have a sustainable local based supply chain

Biofuels

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the potential benefits of growing bio-fuel crops, such as Miscanthus and Paulownia.

(AQO 366/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: DARD funded research carried out by AFBI has demonstrated that Miscanthus is a biomass crop which can grow well locally, particularly, in the drier more arable parts of the country. Annual yields are likely to be similar to, or even greater than from other biomass crops such as SRC willow. Miscanthus does not require the use of fertilizer and estimates by the EU indicate potential greenhouse gas savings of up to 80% when miscanthus is used to generate heat or electricity as opposed to fossil fuel generated heat and electricity. In England the market for miscanthus is mainly co-firing in large power stations. However, there is limited opportunity here. The potential for the growing of miscanthus locally may therefore depend on the development of a market through the installation of medium scale (100 kW to 1000kW) boilers capable of utilizing miscanthus for heat generation.

Paulownia is a fast growing tree species originating in China and has been identified by AFBI as having potential as a biomass crop. Preliminary trials at 4 local sites involving both AFBI and CAFRE are at a very early stage. The trials hope to establish if Paulownia could be an alternative to SRC as a coppiced crop. The performance of Paulownia is also being compared with other short rotation forestry species, Eucalyptus and Poplar. Paulownia is being grown as a biomass crop in Spain and Eastern Europe, however, it is too early in the trials to form a view of its potential locally.

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Irish Football Association

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for an update on the progress made in relation to the management and governance issues associated with the Irish Football Association.

(AQW 932/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr N McCausland): I have made clear the importance I attach to the Irish Football Association regaining the confidence of government, those engaged in local football and the wider community.

The IFA have had discussions with senior officials within my department and with representatives from Sport Northern Ireland about the fundamental review of the Association. The IFA are taking actions to ensure that the structures and governance of the organisation are fit-for-purpose. This will involve a radical, independent review of its structures and governance arrangements.

The IFA are currently drafting the Terms of Reference for the review and are establishing a panel to take the review forward. While I do not have a date for completion of the review, I have impressed upon the IFA the need to take this forward as a matter of urgency.

Elite Facilities Programme

Mr P Givan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is the current position on the Elite Facilities Programme in relation to making decisions on proposed projects, particularly projects in the Lagan Valley constituency.

(AQW 983/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Major Sports Infrastructure Programme (formerly the Elite Facilities Programme) is at the final stage of the competition process, which requires the production of an outline business case and procurement strategy. The cases are currently being assessed by my Department to ensure that they meet the required value for money considerations and have achieved the standards required by the HMT Green Book for Economic Appraisals. When the approval process has been completed the Department will have to give careful consideration to the affordability of these projects within the current financial environment and competing demands.

The projects being assessed at stage 3, which include two projects from the Lagan Valley constituency, are as follows:

Facility	Location	Applicant
Sailing	Ballyholme	Ballyholme Yacht Club
Velodrome	Newcastle	Down District Council
Basketball/Volleyball	Lisburn	Lisburn City Council
Tennis	Hillsborough	Wilmar Leisure Ltd
Indoor Athletics	Antrim	Antrim Borough Council

It is important that Northern Ireland has first class sporting facilities which everyone can enjoy and benefit from. Progression to stage 3 of the competition process is evidence that we are moving in the right direction to achieve our aim.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the services currently funded, fully or partly, by his Department under Neighbourhood Renewal in the West Belfast constituency.

(AQW 1065/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: While my Department does not fund any services under Neighbourhood Renewal it contributes, through its associated arms length bodies, to community development and improvement in areas designated as Neighbourhood Renewal Areas (NRAs) including those within the West Belfast constituency. For example:

• the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has provided funding through the Re-Imaging Communities Programme to 11 projects in West Belfast; and
• Sport NI’s Active Communities (2010-2014) is an investment programme that seeks to increase participation in sport and physical recreation through the creation, employment and deployment of a network of coaches and leaders throughout Northern Ireland. In particular, Active Communities will target under represented groups including women and girls, people with a disability and older people. Sport NI has invested £2.67m to develop Active Communities in Belfast.

Special Olympics Ulster

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in light of his initial rejection of Special Olympics Ulster's business case on the grounds of affordability, what discussions he has had with his Executive colleagues in relation to the provision of cross-departmental funding for Special Olympics Ulster.

(AQW 1084/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: I have not rejected the business case for core funding of Special Olympics Ulster. It has been assessed by my Department’s economists as meeting the technical requirements of appraisal. However, consideration of approval of the business case requires the question of affordability to be dealt with.

To that end, I wrote to Ministerial colleagues in OFMDFM, DE, DHSSPS and DSD on 31 August asking that, together with DCAL, their departments make equal contribution towards the cost of funding Special Olympics Ulster over 4 years.

The question of affordability of the business case can only be fully assessed once I have received responses from all relevant Ministerial colleagues, at which time I will consider holding a meeting with them.

Translation of Departmental Papers

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much his Department spent on the translation of departmental papers into (i) Irish; and (ii) Ulster-Scots in (a) 2007/08; (b) 2008/09; and (c) 2009/10.

(AQW 1087/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The table below shows the amount spent by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure on departmental papers translated into Irish and Ulster-Scots for the 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years.

Language	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
Irish	£1039.93	£665.47	£2232.82
Ulster-Scots	£0.00	£0.00	£364.35

Fisheries Protection Officers

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how he plans to increase the number of fisheries protection officers who are trained to carry out inspections.

(AQW 1100/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: 9 Fisheries Protection Officer's transferred from the Fisheries Conservancy Board to DCAL in June 2009. 2 additional Fisheries Officers were recruited by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) for loan to DCAL at that time. These 11 staff work in 4 teams across the DCAL area. Each team reports directly to a Senior Fisheries Officer (SFO). These SFO's are supported by the Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer and Chief Fisheries Officer, also on loan from DARD. Fisheries Protection Officers have been undertaking a programme of training since transfer which is and will remain ongoing. Part of the role of an administrative team of 5 in Portadown, supported by management in Belfast, is to process detections for prosecution.

DCAL support the appointment of angling club members as Private Water Bailiffs. This gives them powers akin to Fisheries Protection Officers on their own waters. Enforcement managers have sought to build relationships with Private Water Bailiffs, through the Ulster Angling Federation, and indeed with the PSNI, to maximise and coordinate the enforcement effort. This has included the delivery of regional seminars to angling clubs when a guidance leaflet on the tools available to Private Water Bailiffs and their role and responsibilities was issued. This guidance has recently been issued to the PSNI Wildlife Liaison Officer for distribution to her colleagues. In this way all the interested parties are fully aware of the roles played by DCAL and the PSNI. It also ensures that there is an integrated co-ordinated approach to tackling poaching problems.

The need for additional Fisheries Protection Officer staff will remain under review as the above arrangements bed in. This will have to be assessed in the context of the budget 2010 settlement.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1108/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My department does not provide direct funding for childcare provision so there is no requirement for departmental funding criteria.

Defending Litigation Cases

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what the legal costs were to his Department of defending litigation cases in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1159/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: In each of the last three financial years, the Department incurred the following legal costs in defending litigation cases:

2007-08 - £14,205

2008-09 - £3,742

2009-10 - £156,248

The reported costs take account of all legal costs incurred by the Department in defending litigation cases from the issue of proceedings through to outlay paid to other parties to the litigation either as a result of the terms of settlement agreements or Orders of the Court.

Schedule to the Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2009

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the official capacity of each of the sports grounds identified in the Schedule to the Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2009; and to outline any reduction in (i) terraced; and (ii) seated capacity from previous figures stated.

(AQW 1178/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The table below details the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s (DCAL) official estimated capacity (ie number of spectators for which a sports ground has accommodation) of each of the sports grounds identified in the Schedule to the Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2009. This official estimated capacity has not been changed or reduced since inspections were carried out in 2009 by Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) on DCAL’s behalf and in accordance with Article 4(4) of The Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

I am aware, however, that as a result of the introduction of the Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2009, 17 of the grounds listed in its Schedule have, to date, been issued with safety certificates by their District Council under Article 4 (5) and Article 5 of the Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. These certificates specify, subject to certain conditions being satisfied, the number of spectators that the owners of the venues in question may safely admit into the grounds including into terraced and seated accommodation. Information on the numbers of spectators that Councils have determined may be safely admitted at present into these areas is also set out in the table below.

Club	Estimated official capacity	Estimated safe capacity as determined by district council	Estimated safe capacity: terraced accommodation	Estimated safe capacity: seated accommodation
Association Football
Ballyclare Comrades	5,333	1,800	1,262	538
Ballymena United FC	8,426	1,418	-	1,418
Cliftonville FC	6,224	2,180	302	1,878
Coleraine FC	13,132	2,496	1,390	1,106
Crusaders FC	5,473	1,977	1,314	663
Donegall Celtic	8,283	2,254	1,479	988
Glentoran FC	26,556	5,056	1,065	3,991
Linfield FC	24,734	12,342 ( for domestic games); 15,602 (with temporary seating for internationals)	-	12,342 ( for domestic games); 15,602 (with temporary seating for internationals)
Newry City FC	7,949	2,275	1478	797
Portadown FC	5,804	2,227	-	2,227
Gaelic Games – County Grounds
Co Antrim GAA	32,282	31,661	24,699	6,962
Co Fermanagh GAA	17,202	14,602	8,470	6,132
Secondary Grounds
Dungannon GAC	12,969	3,945	3,945	-
Irvinestown GAC	27,084	1,880	1,880	-
Owenbeg Complex	5,046	300	300	-
St John’s GAC	8,508	865	502	363
Rugby
Ulster Rugby, Ravenhill	10,541	11,951	7,934	4,017

It should be noted that SNI, which is responsible for discharging overseeing functions under paragraph 5 of the Explanatory Memorandum to The Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, is carrying out assessments of all safety certificates issued by District Councils. Part of the purpose of these assessments is to enable SNI to evaluate the remedial actions, in terms of physical safety and safety management, ground owners may need to take to increase the number of spectators that they may safely admit into their grounds in line with their actual attendance demands.

Overpayment to Contractors

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) whether his Department has made any overpayments to contractors in each of the last five years; and if so to detail (ii) the goods or services which were overpaid; (iii) the projects to which the overpayments related; (iv) the value of the overpayments; and (v) whether the overpayments were successfully reclaimed from the companies or individuals overpaid.

(AQW 1276/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Information relating to overpayments to contractors in the financial years 2005-06 to 2009-10 inclusive is not readily available from the Department’s financial systems. The extraction of this information would require extensive manual analysis of financial records from this period and would result in disproportionate costs.

Odyssey Arena's Operator

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the role of the Odyssey Arena's Operator from December 2010, including the name of the person who will be in this post; and to outline any concerns he has about the future of the arena.

(AQW 1279/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Odyssey Trust Company Ltd is run as a Charitable Trust, established to build and then operate the various elements of the Odyssey. The appointment of an operator for the Arena is a matter for the Odyssey Trust Company Ltd.

My Department is however kept fully appraised of developments concerning the Odyssey Trust Company Ltd’s plans for the future management of the Arena.

Capital Build Strategy

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (i) what organisations and individuals were on the circulation list when the capital build/spend strategy was distributed; (ii) who received a copy; and (iii) when they received their copy.

(AQW 1304/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: ISNI 3, which will be the Department’s capital build/spend strategy, has yet to be agreed as the budget process for 2011/12 to 2014/2015 is still at a relatively early stage.

Treasury will announce on 20^th October the budget allocation for Northern Ireland.

Following this the Executive will have to decide the budget allocation for each Department.

It will not be until the Departmental capital budget is known that the capital build/spend strategy will be agreed and therefore available for distribution.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Private Transport of Statemented Children

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education to outline the tendering process for the private transport of statemented children by the Southern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 476/11)

Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Dúirt Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Deiscirt liom go lorgaítear tairiscintí de réir Buanorduithe Boird, de réir Threoracha Soláthair an AE, agus de réir Rialúcháin Rialtais eile. Dúirt siad go gcuirtear fógraí i dTuairisc Oifigiúil na gComhphobal Eorpach (i gcásanna ina dtéann luach na tairisceana thar teorainn de £156k atá cinntithe ag an CE), sa Belfast Telegraph agus ar shuíomh gréasáin an Bhoird.

The Southern Education and Library Board tell me that tenders are sought in accordance with Board Standing Orders, EU Procurement Directives and other Government Regulations. They say advertisements are placed in the Official Journal of the European Communities (where the value of the tender exceeds the EC-determined limit of £156k), in the Belfast Telegraph and on the Board website.

They say upon receipt, tenders are evaluated in accordance with criteria based on capability and value contained in the tender documentation. Tenderers’ documentation such as vehicle licencing, insurance and driver licencing are fully checked and verified. They say a list of fully compliant taxi operators is produced with a sufficient number of operators being accepted in each geographical area of the Board to meet expected requirements.

I previously wrote to the Chair of the North-Eastern Education and Library Board on 11 April 2008 copied to the Chairs of the other Boards, expressing my concerns at the Boards’ practice of advertising, mainly in the Belfast Telegraph.

I drew attention to a survey conducted in 2007 which suggested that the Belfast Telegraph is read by only 12% of the Catholic population. I also drew attention to the views of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (in giving evidence to the OFMDFM Scrutiny Committee) that she did not think it sufficient for jobs to be advertised only in the Belfast Telegraph. Therefore, in using the Belfast Telegraph only, I reiterated my concerns that Boards may not be meeting their statutory duties in relation to providing equality to all.

In my letter I asked the Boards to review their existing procedures and to consider addressing the imbalance through the use of the Irish News in addition to the Belfast Telegraph.

I have again written to the Boards asking them to provide me with details of the outcome of their Board’s consideration of advertising practice

Transport to Special Schools

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the criteria used to determine whether a child is transported to a special school by taxi; and the costs incurred by each Education and Library Board for this service, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 510/11)

Minister of Education: I have been advised by the Education and Library Boards that pupils are only transported by taxi where;

• the child has specific needs (behavioural or medical) which deem bus transport unsuitable usually within a statement for special education needs;
• specialist pupil conditions apply, for example sensory sensitivity or autism, which may require individual or small group transport;
• when all space has been utilised on Board buses;
• where no Board or private vehicles operate to certain special schools; and
• where times allocated by the schools are outside of normal school times and there are no Board buses available.

Tá na costais a thabhaigh gach Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann i leith daltaí a iompar i dtacsaithe ar scoileanna speisialta, i ngach bliain de na trí bliana deireanacha dona bhfuil figiúirí ar fáil, mar atá soláthraithe sa tábla thíos. Níl na figiúirí don bhliain 2009-10 ar fáil go fóill;

The costs incurred by each Education and Library Board to transport pupils to special schools by taxi, in each of the last three years for which figures are available is as provided in the table below. The figures for 2009-10 are not yet available;

Financial Year	Belfast k	North Eastern k	South Eastern k	Southern k	Western k
2006-07	447	1,129	1,546	1,511	121
2007-08	531	978	542	249	110
2008-09	623	458	464	306	153

Figures in £000s

The Education and Library’s policy states that "escorts are provided, where required, to ensure the safety of children on the recommendation of the Designated Special Education Officer".

As a contractual requirement, all private hire contractors must only supply personnel who have been Access NI checked.

All escorts when present and drivers are also subject to an enhanced Access NI criminal record check.

Physical Education

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education (i) if her Department has issued guidance to primary schools indicating the preferred amount of time to be set aside for physical education; and (ii) whether her Department has sought information from primary schools, either directly or indirectly, in relation to the amount of time currently set aside for physical education at Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.

(AQW 952/11)

Minister of Education: (i) Eisíodh an Roinn Oideachais treoir sa bhliain 2003 inar mhol sí do scoileanna ar a laghad dhá uair de chorpoideachas in aghaidh na seachtaine a thairiscint. Tá an treoir sin, atá i bhfeidhm go fóill, ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne.

(i) Yes. The Department of Education issued guidance in 2003 encouraging schools to offer at least two hours of physical education per week. That guidance, which remains current, is available on the Department’s website.

(ii) The Department receives reports from the Education and Training Inspectorate about the delivery of all aspects of the revised curriculum including PE. Additionally, the Department has recently had sight of Sport NI’s report into timetabled PE in primary schools which was responded to by 48% of primary schools here. I am aware that the findings of this survey indicate that the overall average time allocated to curricular PE in primary schools in the north of Ireland during the 2008-09 academic year was 89 minutes.

In 2007/08, I introduced my curriculum sports programme which aims to develop the physical literacy skills of our youngest pupils and enhance school provision of the recommended 2 hours of physical activity within the curriculum. In the current school year there are 59 coaches delivering this programme in over 520 schools.

I have considered very carefully the arguments made in favour of setting aside a minimum amount of time for PE within the curriculum. Leaving aside the fact that legislation currently precludes this, I believe that it is much more effective to focus on the quality of PE and not on the quantity. I am of the firm belief that it is the quality of PE provision – and the level of engagement and enjoyment that pupils experience during PE classes – that will encourage young people to remain physically active throughout their lives, not the precise number of hours or minutes devoted to it as a subject.

Hydrotherapy Pool at Roddensvale Special School in Larne

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education for an update on the provision of a hydrotherapy pool at Roddensvale Special School in Larne.

(AQW 1022/11)

Minister of Education: Chuir Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirthuaiscirt (BOLOT) in iúl don Roinn nach bhfuil sé in ann an tionscadal seo a mhaoiniú mar gheall ar bhrúnna ar a bhuiséad caipitil don bhliain 2010/11.

The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) has informed the Department that due to pressures on the capital budget in 2010/11 it is not in a position to fund this project.

I will continue to lobby for more capital funding to bring the schools estate up to an acceptable level and make provision for special projects such as this.

Funding Schemes

Mr P Weir asked e Minister of Education what grants or funding schemes are available from her Department, or its arms-length bodies, to assist with projects undertaken by (i) groups for people with disabilities; or (ii) residential care facilities which cater for people with disabilities.

(AQW 1077/11)

Minister of Education: Ní sholáthraíonn mo Roinn deontais ná scéimeanna cistithe díreach do ghrúpaí chun cabhrú le tionscadail do pháistí a bhfuil míchumas acu. Soláthraítear cistí sainithe agus an leithdháileadh bliantúil blocdheontais do na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlann agus soláthraítear cistiú díreach do scoileanna chun a chinntiú go mbíonn rochtain chothrom ag gach páiste a bhfuil míchumas acu agus ag gach páiste nach bhfuil míchumas acu ar gach gné de shaol na scoile agus go nglacann siad páirt iomlán iontu.

My department does not provide grants or funding schemes directly to groups to assist with projects for children with a disability. It does, however, provide ear-marked funds and the annual block grant allocation to the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and funding directly to schools to enable every pupil with or without a disability to participate fully and have equal access to all aspects of school life.

The ELBs also provide support to groups of people with disabilities through:

• The Extended Schools Programme
• Youth Service Schemes of assistance

As Minister for Education, I and my Department have set out the vision for education, which has at its core, a commitment to equality and fairness and a determination to make sure that all of our young people have the same opportunity to succeed and to reach their potential.

Integrated School Places

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education whether her Department will continue to meet its commitment to ensure that places will be available in integrated schools for all parents who request them for their children.

(AQW 1094/11)

Minister of Education: Fanaim tiomanta, agus leanfaidh mé de bheith tiomanta, don dualgas reachtúil a cuireadh orm agus ar mo Roinn chun forbairt an oideachais imeasctha a éascú agus a spreagadh.

I remain, and will continue to be committed to the statutory duty placed upon me and my Department to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education.

Where pressure on places exists at a school, the Department will consider any request from a school for a temporary increase in intake figures. All cases are considered on their merits.

Integrated School Places

Mr T Lunn asked e Minister of Education how many pupils whose parents applied for a place in an integrated school for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 academic years were (i) denied a place; or (ii) denied a place in their school of choice but were offered a place in another school.

(AQW 1095/11)

Minister of Education: (i) Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil ach i dtaca le hiarratais phríomhrogha. Chuir na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlann in iúl gur:

(i) The information requested is only available in relation to first preference applications. The Education and Library Boards have advised that:

• in the 2009/10 school year 3166 children made 1^st preference applications to Integrated Schools, 496 were not accepted into their first preference choice; and
• in the 2010/11 school year 3347 children made 1^st preference applications to Integrated Schools, 499 were not accepted into their first preference choice.

(ii) All children unsuccessful in obtaining a place at their 1^st preference choice will subsequently have been offered and accepted a school place in line with their preferences. Some of these preferences may have resulted in admission to an integrated school.

Draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Education how she intends to consult children and young people on the Draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy.

(AQW 1097/11)

Minister of Education: Tá mo Roinn ag cíoradh a pleananna faoi láthair ar dhul go díreach i gcomhairle le páistí agus le daoine óga ar dhóigh iomchuí maidir le dréachtStraitéis na Luathbhlianta (0-6).

My Department is currently considering its plans in relation to consulting directly with children and young people in an appropriate manner in respect of the draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy.

The public consultation was launched on 25 June 2010 and ends on 30 November 2010. Responses can be made in writing or on line and appropriate documents for this purpose are available on the Department of Education’s website and in hard copy from the Department’s Early Years Team.

In addition, Department officials have undertaken a series of public events to gather views and comments on the draft Strategy. Nine events were organised as follows:

Date	Venue
Tuesday 21 September	Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen.
Thursday 23 September	Malone House, Harberton Room, Belfast.
Tuesday 28 September	Belmont Hotel, Banbridge.
Thursday 30 September	City of Derry Hotel, Derry.
Tuesday 5 October	Market Place Theatre, Armagh.
Thursday 7 October	Greenmount Campus, Boyd Hall Conference Hall, Antrim.
Tuesday 12 October	Grosvenor Hall, Belfast.
Thursday 14 October	The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine.
Wednesday 20 October	Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Education whether she has identified any funding from her Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1176/11)

Minister of Education: Féadaim a dhearbhú nár sainaithníodh, go dtí seo, aon chistiú ó bhuiséad mo Roinne atá le leithdháileadh ar Chathair an Chultúir 2012 i nDoire. Faoi láthair, níl buiséad ag aon Roinn ar bith a théann thar an bhliain airgeadais seo agus spíonfar aon iarratais ar chistiú don tionscadal seo i gcomhthéacs an Bhuiséid le haghaidh seirbhísí oideachais a chuir an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin ar fáil dom mar chuid den Bhuiséad 2010.

I can confirm that to date no funding has been identified from my Department’s budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry. At present, no Department has a budget beyond this financial year and any requests for funding for this project in future years will be considered in light of the budget made available to me for education services by the Executive as part of Budget 2010.

Irish-medium Schools

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Education how many pupils are currently enrolled in Irish-medium schools and how this compares with the last two academic years.

(AQW 1212/11)

Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos. Tá figiúirí d’aonaid lánGhaeilge folaithe fosta.

The information requested is contained in the table below. Figures for Irish medium units have also been included.

Enrolments in Irish medium schools and units 2007/08 – 2009/10

School type	2007/08		2008/09		2009/10
	Schools	Units	Schools	Units	Schools	Units
Voluntary and Private Pre-School Centres	466	-	436	-	435	-
Primary	2,132	614	2,217	634	2,253	681
Post primary	506	126	513	132	561	145
Total	3,104	740	3,166	766	3,249	826

Source: School census

Note:

1. Primary school enrolment figures include nursery, and Year 1 – 7 classes.

Classroom Assistants

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to detail the various grades of Classroom Assistant within the Southern Education and Library Board and the number currently employed at each grade.

(AQW 1213/11)

Minister of Education: Chuir Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Deiscirt in iúl dom go raibh 1,894 Cúntóir Ranga a bhí fostaithe in 2,175 post, mar a bhí ar 19 Meán Fómhair 2010.

I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Southern Education and Library Board that as at 19 September 2010 there were 1,894 Classroom Assistants employed in 2,175 posts. 

The reason that the number of jobs exceeds the number of Classroom Assistants employed is that there are some Classroom Assistants who are employed in more than one post, generally referred to as multi-jobbers.

A breakdown of the Classroom Assistants by grade which reflects the outcome of the job evaluation exercise is as follows:-

Number of Classroom Assistant (General - J1) posts	335
Number of Classroom Assistant (Special Needs - J2) posts	436
Number of Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Needs - J3) posts	168

In addition a number of staff at the grades in operation prior to the job evaluation process had their grading protected and the breakdown is as follows:

Number of Classroom Assistant posts (Unqualified)	132
Number of Classroom Assistant posts (Recognised)	71
Number of Classroom Assistant posts (Qualified)	1033

Funded Pre-school Places

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail, for the 2010/11 academic year, the number of children, in their immediate pre-school year, who (i) received a funded pre-school place; (ii) did not receive a funded pre-school place initially, but received an offer of a place after the additional £1.3 million was provided; and (iii) have not yet received a pre-school place, broken down by District Council area.

(AQW 1221/11)

Minister of Education: Mionsonraítear sa tábla thíos líon na bpáistí ina mblianta deireanacha réamhscoile a raibh áit acu agus nach raibh áit acu ag deireadh an phróisis um iontrálacha réamhscoile ar 30 Aibreán i ngach ceann de na limistéir Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann (BOL). Níl eolas atá miondealaithe de réir limistéar comhairle ceantair ar fáil go héasca.

The table below details the number of children in their final pre-school year who were placed and those who were unplaced at the end of the pre-school admissions process on 30 April 2010 in each of the Education and Library Board (ELB) areas. This information is not readily available broken down by District Council area.

Board	No. of children placed	No. of children unplaced
BELB	3082	246
WELB	3586	165
NEELB	4269	184
SEELB	4261	308
SELB	4625	299
Total	19823	1202

On 20 May I announced additional funding of up to £1.3 million, to provide up to 1,200 more pre-school places in the voluntary/private sector, in order to ensure that, where possible, every child would be offered a funded pre-school place. The Pre-School Education Advisory Groups in each of the Education and Library Board areas allocated additional places to those settings in their area which had spare capacity and unplaced children seeking a funded pre-school place. However as places are claimed monthly in arrears the actual uptake of these places will not be available until the September claims are received, collated and verified by each ELB.

I will write to the member with the information he has requested as soon as it becomes available.

Parkhall Integrated School, Antrim

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education for an update on the provision of a new build for Parkhall Integrated School, Antrim.

(AQW 1234/11)

Minister of Education: Folaíodh an scéim mholta le haghaidh Parkhall Integrated School san athbhreithniú le gairid ar thionscadail chaipitil agus measadh go raibh sí "go hiomlán comhlíontach’. Tá an scéim fós folaithe sa Phlean Soláthair Infheistíochta (PSI) na Roinne agus spíonfar í le haghaidh dul chun cinn, i dteannta le scéimeanna eile atá folaithe sa PSI, nuair a chuirfear cistiú ar fáil.

The proposed scheme for Parkhall Integrated School was included in the recent review of capital projects and assessed as ‘fully compliant’. The scheme remains on the Department’s Investment Delivery Plan (IPD) and will be considered for progression, together with the other schemes on the IDP, as funding becomes available.

New Builds for Ballymoney High School and Castletower Special School, Ballymoney

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education for an update on the provision of new builds for (i) Ballymoney High School; and (ii) Castletower Special School, Ballymoney.

(AQW 1235/11)

Minister of Education: (i) Measadh go bhfuil Ballymoney High School ‘go hiomlán comhlíontach’ san athbhreithniú caipitil agus tá sí fós ar Phlean Soláthair Infheistíochta an RO. Tá sí le forbairt faoi réir sócmhainní atá ar fáil agus faoi réir na bpleananna riachtanacha agus na gceaduithe riachtanacha ar fad a bheith i bhfeidhm.

(i) Ballymoney High School has been deemed ‘fully compliant’ in the capital review and remains on the DE’s Investment Delivery Plan to be progressed subject to available resources and all necessary plans and approvals being in place.

(ii) The proposed major capital works scheme for Castle Tower Special School is at Economic Appraisal (EA) stage.

Definition of "Social Bigotry"

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to outline her Department's definition of "social bigotry" in the context of her answer to a supplementary question to AQO 197/11 on 4 October 2010; and how this definition applies to non-denominational grammar schools and maintained grammar schools.

(AQW 1238/11)

Minister of Education: Cuidíonn úsáid na scrúduithe éalaithe i scoileanna gramadaí, cibé acu is scoil shainchreidmheach nó scoil neamh-shainchreidmheach í, leis na míchothromaíochtaí a bhí soiléir nuair a bhí an scrúdú aistrithe státurraithe in úsáid a chaomhnú.

The use of breakaway tests by grammar schools, whether denominational or non-denominational, serves to perpetuate the inequalities evident when a state sponsored transfer test was in use.

Only 6% of pupils in grammar schools are FSME (free school meal entitled) compared to 26% in non-selective schools. This illustrates that academic selection does not offer equality of access to a grammar school education.

Furthermore, in 2009/10 38% of children transferred from a primary school to a grammar school. However, only 20% of children located within a Neighbourhood Renewal Area (NRA), an area identified as having high levels of disadvantage and deprivation, transferred to a grammar school compared to 41% of children who were not located within a NRA. It is clear that if your child is resident in a NRA it is significantly less likely that he/she will be able to avail of a grammar school education.

I have no doubt that this pattern of inequality will be repeated once data from the next school census is available to describe the equivalent position for Transfer 2010 involving the use of breakaway tests. That is why I continue to urge all schools to adhere to my Department’s post-primary transfer policy which has equality at its core.

Funding the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what qualitative assessment has been made of the value for money of funding the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education.

(AQW 1259/11)

Minister of Education: Chuir an Coimisiún d’Oideachas Caitliceach cás gnó le haghaidh cistithe faoi bhráid mo Roinne. Léiríonn sé seo cuspóir an Athbhreithniúcháin ar Riarachán Poiblí chun a chinntiú go bhfuil guth éifeachtach ag gach earnáil oideachais. Fuarthas cásanna gnó ó chomhlachtaí atá ag déanamh ionadaíochta d’earnálacha eile fosta, agus cuireadh grúpa oibre ar bun chun cás gnó a fhorbairt do bhunú an chomhlachta a dhéanfaidh ionadaíocht do scoileanna rialaithe.

The Commission for Catholic Education has submitted a business case for funding to my Department. This reflects the objective of the Review of Public Administration of ensuring that each education sector has an effective voice. Business cases have also been received from organisations representing other sectors and a working group has been established to develop a business case for the establishment of a body to represent controlled schools.

Consideration of the business cases is on hold in light of the delay in implementing the Review of Public Administration.

Funding

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education how much funding has been allocated to (i) the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education; and (ii) the Catholic Council for Maintained Schools in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1261/11)

Minister of Education: Go dtí seo, níor sholáthair mo Roinn aon chistiú don Choimisiún d’Oideachas Caitliceach. Tá sonraí ar an chistiú a soláthraíodh do Chomhairle na Scoileanna Caitliceacha faoi Chothabháil tugtha thíos.

To date, my Department has not provided any funding to the Commission for Catholic Education. Details of the funding provided to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools are given below.

Allocations to CCMS in each of the last five years are as follows:

Financial Year	2006/07 £’000	2007/08 £’000	2008/09 £’000	2009/10 £’000	2010/11 £’000
Recurrent funding (excluding Earmarked)	4,110	2,696	2,787	3,049	2,905
Earmarked funding	986	1,233	898	2,723	1,230
Capital funding*	98	98	35	30	4
TOTAL	5,194	4,027	3,720	5,802	4,139

* Change in capitalisation policy in line with convergence for ESA has changed the amount of capital funding required in 2010-11.

Pupils Leaving Year 12 without Five GCSEs

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister of Education how many pupils left Year 12 without five GCSEs in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1283/11)

Minister of Education: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos:

The information requested is in the table below:

Academic year	Number of Year 12 pupils not achieving 5 or more GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades A*-G	Number of pupils in Year 12
2008/09	1,794	23,183
2007/08	1,671	24,345
2006/07	2,107	24,703

Data excludes special and independent schools, and pupils with a statement of special educational needs.

Source: Summary of Annual Examination Results.

Overpayments to Contractors

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education (i) whether her Department has made any overpayments to contractors in each of the last five years; and if so to detail (ii) the goods or services which were overpaid; (iii) the projects to which the overpayments related; (iv) the value of the overpayments; and (v) whether the overpayments were successfully reclaimed from the companies or individuals overpaid.

(AQW 1284/11)

Minister of Education: Chun an t-eolas seo a bhailiú, bheadh sé de cheangal ar gach ionad gnó laistigh den Roinn a gcuid taifead a athbhreithniú, agus bheadh costas díréireach ag baint leis seo a dhéanamh.

To extract this information would require individual business areas within the Department to review their records and to do so would result in disproportionate costs.

Transfer 2010

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 204/11, what power she has to compel schools to follow her advice in relation to Transfer 2010 not to use academic selection.

(AQW 1292/11)

Minister of Education: Tá sé mínithe i dTreoir mo Roinne um Aistriú 2010 gur chóir go mbeadh "aird chuí" ag scoileanna ar na moltaí atá cuimsithe laistigh den Treoir.

My Department’s Transfer 2010 Guidance explained that schools must "have regard" to the recommendations contained within the guidance.

The duty to "have regard" is a legal one which requires schools to give active and receptive consideration to the recommended admissions criteria and record this consideration.

Adherence to the guidance is the best way for schools to ensure that they are offering equality of access to their provision.

Maintenance of Schools in Upper Bann

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education how much has been spent on the maintenance of schools in Upper Bann in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1294/11)

Minister of Education: Tá an caiteachas ar chothabháil ar an Bhann Uachtair mionsonraithe sna táblaí thíos:

The spend on maintenance in Upper Bann is detailed in the tables below:

2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
£2,067,060.14	£1,292,667.59	£1,025,950.56

Figures for voluntary grammar and grant maintained integrated schools are not readily available.

School Reserves

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education to outline her Department's policy on the holding of school reserves and what is the current total value of all school reserves.

(AQW 1307/11)

Minister of Education: Maítear i bpolasaí mo Roinne um barrachais scoile go bhféadfar scoileanna coigiltí a thiomsú thar thréimhse roinnt blianta agus nach rachaidh an ábaltacht chun a leithéid de choigiltí a dhéanamh i bhfeidhm ar a bhfoirmle mhaoinithe i mblianta iardain. Ní mór cur i bhfeidhm coigiltí a theorannú, áfach, go míreanna caiteachais a bheadh ceadaithe faoin Scéim Choitinn Mhaoinithe.

My Department’s policy on school surpluses states that schools may accumulate savings over a period of several years and the ability to make such savings will in no way affect their formula funding in subsequent years. However, the application of savings must be limited to items of expenditure that would otherwise be permitted under the Common Funding Scheme.

My Department does not wish to see excessive surpluses of public funds being accumulated by schools without good reason and schools should therefore not build up significant levels of savings unless there is a specific purpose in mind. The reasons for any build-up of surpluses and the purposes for which these funds will be used must be clearly communicated to the appropriate Funding Authority. The expectation is that any significant savings would be utilised within the timeframe of the 3-year school financial plan. In general, schools should not have accumulated surpluses in excess of 5% or £75,000, whichever is the lesser, of their delegated budget unless they are being accumulated for specific purposes and these are detailed in their plans.

The latest financial year for which the information on school surpluses is currently available is 2008/09. In the 2008/09 financial year, the total amount of Aggregated Schools Budget which was delegated to 1,191 grant-aided schools, under the Common Funding Formula, was £1,050 million and, at the end of March 2009, the total amount of cumulative surpluses held by schools was £67 million.

Equality and All Ireland Directorate

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 572/11, how the functions of the Equality and All Ireland Directorate were carried out prior to its establishment in May 2009.

(AQW 1333/11)

Minister of Education: Roimh mhí na Bealtaine 2009, leithdháileadh feidhmeanna na Stiúrthóireachta um Chomhionannas agus na Stiúrthóireachta Uile-Éireann trasna roinnt réimsí gnó laistigh de mo Roinn. Mar chuid d’atheagrú Roinne, tugadh na feidhmeanna le chéile in aon Stiúrthóireacht amháin chun fócas níos géire a thabhairt ar phríomhthosaíochtaí.

Prior to May 2009, the functions of the Equality and All Ireland Directorate were distributed a cross a number of business areas within my Department. As part of a Departmental reorganisation, the functions were brought together in a single Directorate to provide a sharper focus on key priorities.

Statemented Needs

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education how many primary school children in the Upper Bann constituency (i) are currently statemented; (ii) have had their statemented needs met; (iii) have statemented needs that have not been met, including how long they have been awaiting a solution and the reasons for the delay.

(AQW 1336/11)

Minister of Education: Chuir Príomhfheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Deiscirt an méid seo a leanas in iúl dom:-

I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Southern Education and Library Board as follows:-

(i) There are currently 401 pupils, who have a statement of special educational needs, in primary schools in the Upper Bann constituency;

(ii) All pupils who have a statement of special educational needs have their needs met through appropriate educational placement, expertise of teachers and support from Board services;

(iii) The Board is not aware of any child with a statement of special educational needs whose needs have not been met.

DEPARTMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1101/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): My Department places a high priority on providing assistance to removing barriers to employment, training and education. Childcare is considered by many to be one of those barriers and for this reason the Department provides financial assistance towards the cost of childcare incurred by certain eligible participants (for example, lone parents and partners/spouses of those on health-related benefits) while on its programmes. The Department does not provide funding to Sure Start programmes but provides funding in childcare provision in other programmes.

Further Education

Funding for childcare for Further Education (FE) students is available through Care to Learn, FE Awards and Support Funds (Discretionary). Figures below are totals for each of the years:

	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	TOTAL
CARE TO LEARN	£149,669	£325,821	£350,751	£826,241
FE AWARDS	£98,543	£212,649	£379,346	£690,538
SUPPORT FUNDS	£110,743	£136,735	£177,866	£425,344
TOTAL	£358,955	£675,205	£907,963	£1,942,123

Care to Learn is open to full-time and part-time FE and HE students aged 16 - 19 who are enrolled in FE provision. Assistance is provided on the basis of actual costs of childcare up to a maximum cost of £165 per week for each child.

FE Awards are provided to full time and part time students aged 19 and over with dependent children in prescribed childcare. FE Awards pay up to 85% of actual costs up to £148.75 per week for 1 child and up to £255 per week for 2 or more children. From 2010/11, apart from Care to Learn, all FE childcare provision is provided through the FE Awards. FE Awards now pay up to 100% of the actual childcare costs up to £150 per week for 1 child and up to £255 per week for 2 or more children.

In relation to Support Funds Discretionary, the amount a student could receive for childcare is assessed on an individual basis up to a limit of £55 per week for 1st child, £30 per week for 2nd child and £25 per week for 3rd child, with a total maximum of £110 per week. In all cases students must have met the criteria as detailed in the relevant circular.

Steps to Work

At the end of September 2008, Steps to Work (StW) replaced New Deal as the Department for Employment and Learning ’s main adult return to work programme. Departmental spend in relation to assistance with childcare costs for those participating on New Deal/Steps to Work in each of the last three years was as follows:

	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
STEPS TO WORK	£586,684	£584,530	£633,053

In some circumstances participants may be eligible for assistance towards the cost of childcare incurred while attending StW provision, with the exception of participants on Step Ahead. An application for assistance towards these costs can be made by a participant who is:

• A lone parent in receipt of Income Support (IS), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); or
• A StW participant whose partner is also on StW provision or any other DEL programme where both are receiving either Benefit-Based Training Allowance (BBTA) or Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA); or
• A StW participant (excluding the Employer Subsidy/Step Ahead) who is the partner of someone who is in receipt of one or more of the following qualifying benefits:

• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support (IS)
• Incapacity Benefit(IB)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Attendance Allowance (AA)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA)
• Disability or Higher Premium Pension.

The maximum daily amount of childcare assistance payable is subject to a maximum limit of £240 per week (£48 x 5 = £240) per family where the childcare is provided by a registered childminder/ nursery/crèche or subject to a maximum limit of £100 per week (£20 x 5 = £100) per family where care is provided by a relative. The maximum amount of childcare assistance payable per family is subject to an overall limit up to £240 per week where care is provided by a mixture of registered and non-registered childcare.

Higher Education

Childcare Grant is one of three Dependants Grants Entitlements awarded by DEL. The others are Adult Dependants Grants and Parental Learners Allowance. The figures below incorporate all the Dependants Grants Entitlements - the vast majority being Childcare Grant.

	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
HIGHER EDUCATION	£2,176,101	£2,594,654	£2,890,326

The Childcare Grant is available for full-time higher education students who have dependent children and a low household income. This includes students who are lone parents, students with partners, and students married to other students. If a student has children under 15 (or 17 if the child is registered as having special educational needs), the grant pays a set rate of 85% of actual childcare costs throughout the whole year. For one child (academic year 2009/2010): up to £148.75 a week (85% of the actual costs of up to £175 a week) throughout the year. For two or more children: up to £255 a week (85% of the actual costs of up to £300 a week) throughout the year. The scheme is paid in three instalments, from the Student Loans Company.

European Social Fund (ESF) Projects

Funding is paid to support individuals with the costs of childcare for registered childminders, relatives or crèches while participating on the programme. Funding allocated (offered but not necessarily drawn down as yet) to ESF Projects for childcare provision under the current NI ESF Programme 2007-2013 for three years is as follows:

	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
ESF	£229,809	£393,169	£383,305

These figures are 100% of costs - the breakdown of this broadly would be:

• 25% DEL core
• 40% ESF
• 35% other public – a small proportion of which may be non-Executive funding.

In addition, DEL funds participation on childcare courses leading to qualifications through a number of its programmes. For example, DEL funds Further Education Colleges to deliver childcare qualifications and within the Steps to Work initiative, participants may undertake, where appropriate, an NVQ level 2 in Childcare Learning and Development.

University Courses

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the current cost to a university to provide (i) a three year humanities undergraduate course; and (ii) a five year medicine course.

(AQW 1123/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: As my Department does not hold this type of information, the details below have been supplied by the universities. A three year humanities undergraduate course costs £21,000 at Queen’s University and either £20,151 or £24, 414 at the University of Ulster depending on the area of study. A five year medical course at Queen’s University costs £83,000. The University of Ulster does not offer a five year medical course.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether he has identified any funding from his Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1175/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The Department for Employment and Learning has not earmarked any specific funding from its budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Londonderry. However the Department’s mainstream provision for training and upskilling (e.g. in the hospitality sector) and for supporting Further and Higher Education makes a significant contribution to the cultural, social and economic life of the City.

Overpayments to Contractors

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) whether his Department has made any overpayments to contractors in each of the last five years; and if so to detail (ii) the goods or services which were overpaid; (iii) the projects to which the overpayments related; (iv) the value of the overpayments; and (v) whether the overpayments were successfully reclaimed from the companies or individuals overpaid.

(AQW 1285/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The Department has not recorded any losses relating to overpayments to contractors in its Resource Accounts for any of the last five years. Information relating to overpayments that may have taken place but were successfully reclaimed is not readily available. To extract this information would require individual business areas within the Department to review their records and to do so would result in disproportionate costs.

DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Discover Ireland Website

Mr D McKay asked e Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has contacted the Gaelic Athletic Association in relation to putting GAA related events on the Discover Ireland website.

(AQW 851/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster): Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for the Discover Ireland website.

Broadband Speed in Rural Areas

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the average speed of broadband in rural areas of North Antrim compared to urban areas of Belfast; and what measures are planned to improve the broadband speed in rural areas.

(AQW 934/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Broadband speeds depend on a wide range of factors, but speeds comparable to those available in Belfast are widely available across rural areas of North Antrim. DETI has provided funding for projects bringing direct international connectivity to the area, as well as next generation broadband services, wireless broadband services and remote broadband services.

Under the Next Generation Broadband Project, broadband upgrades are planned for 39 designated areas in the North Antrim constituency. By the end of August 2010, 12 areas had been upgraded and by May 2011 all designated areas are expected to be upgraded. Whilst this project is primarily directed at businesses, there will be spill-over benefits for other consumers.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the services currently funded, fully or partly, by her Department under Neighbourhood Renewal in the West Belfast constituency.

(AQW 998/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: DETI does not currently fund services under Neighbourhood Renewal in the West Belfast constituency.

However, Invest Northern Ireland’s Go For It programme is targeted at early stage entrepreneurs and start up businesses. It offers individuals a bespoke package of training and support to improve business capability.

Within the Go for It programme, there is a strong commitment to deliver on the Neighbourhood Renewal agenda. The programme offers opportunities for individuals living in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas to explore the concept of starting a business. The objectives of this component are to:

• Create belief in enterprise as a feasible option
• Create positive role models and improve the image of entrepreneurship
• Raise awareness of what is involved in starting a business
• Get community buy in for enterprise development in disadvantaged areas

Neighbourhood Renewal event budget allocation in 2010/11 for the West Belfast constituency is £4,200 and to date 73 individuals have attended pre start events with 52 from Neighbourhood Renewal areas. 152 individuals have participated on the start up element of the programme, 118 from Neighbourhood Renewal areas.

Translation of Departmental Papers

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much her Department spent on the translation of departmental papers into (i) Irish; and (ii) Ulster-Scots in (a) 2007/08; (b) 2008/09; and (c) 2009/10.

(AQW 1088/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: DETI has not spent any money on the translation of papers into Irish or Ulster Scots during 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) her Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much her Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1102/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: DETI has no responsibility for investing funds in outward facing childcare provision and as such does not have any criteria for that purpose.

At the request of the NI Executive Junior Ministers (OFMDFM) DETI made contributions of £60,000 in 2009/10 and 2010/11 towards the funding of Playboard School Age Childcare Projects.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether she has identified any funding from her Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1143/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: As part of the Budget 2010 exercise I have lodged bids for funding for the UK City of Culture 2013. Exact details of the allocation available for funding will only be decided once the outcome of the current budget exercise is known later in the autumn.

Broadband Service Provided by Avanti

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on (i) the survey on the coverage of the rural broadband service provided by Avanti; and (ii) the independent consultants report, commissioned by her Department, on the quality of this survey.

(AQW 1157/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: In July 2009 my Department commissioned Analysys Mason to monitor the performance of Avanti Communications in delivering satellite broadband services across Northern Ireland. As part of its monitoring process, Analysys Mason is conducting telephone surveys with Avanti customers on an ongoing basis, as well as undertaking a number of site visits. To end June 2010 Analysys Mason has conducted 315 surveys and 48 site visits. In reporting to the Department on the outcomes of this work to date, Analysys Mason has concluded that Avanti is delivering services in accordance with the specifications of its contract.

Defending Litigation Cases

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what the legal costs were to her Department of defending litigation cases in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1164/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment has spent the following defending litigation costs (figures exclusive of VAT) in the last three financial years -

07/08 £31,817

08/09 £75,459

09/10 £48,442

Working for Health Strategy

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment why the Working for Health Strategy has ceased and what progress has been made by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland in taking forward the recommendations proposed in Dame Carol Black's Review of the Health of Britain’s Working-age Population.

(AQW 1200/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Whilst the Working for Health strategy has ceased, its broad aims and objectives have been subsumed by a number of other initiatives, notably the Inter-Departmental Group on Welfare Reform led by DSD, which is considering how the wide-reaching recommendations of the Dame Carol Black Review can best be implemented in Northern Ireland. Also the emerging Health and Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland which will see much closer co-operation and joint working between the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and its co-regulators the District Councils. For its part HSENI continues to promote good practice in regard to workplace health issues and has delivered programmes on mental well being, workplace stress, musculoskeletal disorders, asbestos related diseases, occupational carcinogens and asthmagens.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Northern Ireland Local Government Association

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment whether he has any plans to reduce funding from his Department to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.

(AQW 1039/11)

Minister of the Environment (Mr E Poots): My Department’s support funding for NILGA is provided to facilitate delivery of the local government reform programme and the commitment to funding the Association ceases on 31 March 2011.

Town Centre Management and Regeneration Projects

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the expenditure on town centre management and regeneration projects from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 through (i) direct funding from councils; and (ii) indirect funding from council supported town centre management partnerships, including grant aid and public sector leverage.

(AQW 1042/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information is not held centrally by my Department but should be available from any individual council in which you have an interest.

Town Centre Management and Regeneration Projects

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the annual expenditure on town centre management and regeneration projects and initiatives through (i) direct funding from councils; and (ii) indirect funding from council supported town centre management partnerships, including grant aid and public sector leverage, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1043/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information is not held centrally by my Department but should be available from any individual council in which you have an interest.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1103/11)

Minister of the Environment: I can confirm that my Department does not fund childcare provision.

Rose Energy's Incinerator Plant at Glenavy

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment what action he is taking to resolve the technical concerns expressed by Randox over Rose Energy's incinerator plant at Glenavy.

(AQW 1124/11)

Minister of the Environment: The two Rose Energy planning applications for a Biomass Fuelled Power Plant and a Water Abstraction Facility have been fully assessed having regard to the Development Plan for the area and all other material considerations including the views of third parties and the expert advice provided by consultees.

There have been 6782 letters of objection and 6348 letters of support received in respect of the Power Plant application and 49 letters of objection received in respect of the Water Abstraction Facility.

Randox Laboratories Ltd. has submitted a number of detailed objections in respect of the proposal and the potential technological difficulties posed including emissions and the impact on all aspects of the Randox business. Expert advice has been sought from consultees on the content of the objections, including advice from NIEA Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate (IPRI), DARD and the Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI).

The expert advice provided by AFBI is that there is no scientific evidence to support the concerns raised by Randox Laboratories Ltd. In addition, the expert advice provided by NIEA IPRI is that the Industrial Pollution Prevention Control permitting process will take into consideration emission limit values and air quality/environmental standards to ensure no significant environmental impact arises from the operation.

Following advice from my planning officials, I am satisfied that the objection issues raised by third parties, including Randox Laboratories Ltd., have either been satisfactorily addressed by the applicant or can be controlled either under the IPPC permitting regime or by the imposition of planning conditions.

Advertising Vehicles

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment what action his Department is planning to prevent advertising vehicles being parked at roundabouts, motorway bridges and on roads near junctions.

(AQW 1125/11)

Minister of the Environment: Stationary vehicles which are adapted solely for the purposes of displaying an advert and parked on or close to the public road network require consent from my Department to display the advert under the Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 1992.

However, such mobile advertising normally fails the requirements of current policy on the display of outdoor advertisements set out in Planning Policy Statement 17 which aims to protect the amenity and character of the surrounding area in question and prevent unsafe conditions for road users.

Where mobile adverts are placed in contravention of the Advertising Regulations this represents a direct offence and if not removed within a specified time my Department can immediately proceed to summons action. In recent months a large number of unauthorised mobile adverts have been removed from sites along main roads through enforcement action taken by Planning Service. My Department will continue to investigate any breaches of advertising control and take the appropriate action.

My colleague Conor Murphy MP, MLA, Minister for Regional Development has advised that, where any type of advertising hoarding is erected illegally on Roads Service property, or adjacent to special roads, action is taken by Roads Service to try and remove any such hoarding under Articles 87 and 21, respectively, of the Roads (NI) Order 1993.

Developments Built Close to Rivers

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment what action he is taking to ensure that all new developments being built close to rivers are monitored to ensure that the river is not polluted and that other environmental concerns are given due consideration.

(AQW 1127/11)

Minister of the Environment: The protection of Northern Ireland’s rivers and other waterbodies is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

NIEA protects the water environment in a number of ways, such as through its role as a consultee to Planning Service and Roads Service, the administration and monitoring of discharge consents, in accordance with the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, the provision of pollution prevention advice and in the investigation of, and the taking of enforcement action as a result of, pollution incidents.

New developments have the potential to impact upon rivers through the uncontrolled discharge of site runoff during construction, river diversions, culverting or construction related pollution incidents. During the operation of new developments the discharge of sewage and/or trade effluent is the main concern.

At the planning stage NIEA will highlight any statutory requirements to the developer, in relation to the protection of the environment, and recommend best practice guidance for the construction and operation of the development, such as the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems. In addition to these measures NIEA routinely recommends that the provision of a 10m buffer zone for rivers as a planning condition and where necessary the preparation and implementation of a River Corridor Management Plan may also be conditioned.

During construction and operation of new developments NIEA will carry out on site pollution prevention inspections to enable assessment of any risks to waterways to be made and to recommend effective mitigation measures.

NIEA controls discharge of sewage and trade effluent that cannot be connected to a public sewer, from existing and new developments to rivers and other waterways through the administration of a system of discharge consents. Discharge consents lay down conditions relating to the quality and quantity of effluent that may be discharged, in order to protect the receiving waterway. Once a discharge consent has been issued, compliance assessment monitoring is normally carried out on a risk assessed basis. Failure to comply with the conditions of a discharge consent is an offence under the Water Order and, if a discharge is non-compliant, appropriate action is taken by NIEA.

Sale of Alcohol and Illegal Substances from Private and Public Hire Taxis

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment (i) to outline his Department's responsibilities in relation to managing the sale of alcohol and illegal substances from private and public hire taxis and taxi ranks; (ii) to detail the number of recorded incidents of such sales in each of the last three years; and (iii) what discussions he has had with the Minister of Justice on this issue.

(AQW 1132/11)

Minister of the Environment: My Department has no legislative authority or responsibility in relation to the sale of alcohol or illegal substances from private and public hire taxis and taxi ranks. The Department for Social Development (DSD) is responsible for the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 which regulates the sale of alcohol by retail to the public. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deals with issues around the illegal sale of alcohol and illegal substances and they will hold any records relating to such incidents in the last three years.

I would recommend that you address your questions to the DSD Minister in relation to his Department’s responsibilities for the licensing of retailers to sell alcohol and to the Chief Constable to obtain information on the incidents of such sales as this is a PSNI operational matter.

Application for a Farm Based Wind Turbine

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of whether an application for a farm based wind turbine should be ruled out if it is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

(AQW 1163/11)

Minister of the Environment: Current planning policy ensures that my Department will support renewable energy proposals unless they would have an unacceptable adverse impact on:

• public safety, human health and residential amenity;
• visual amenity and landscape character;
• biodiversity, nature conservation or built heritage interests;
• local natural resources; and
• public access to the countryside

which are not outweighed by the local and wider environmental, economic and social benefits of the development.

An application for a farm based wind turbine cannot be refused planning permission simply because it is located in an AONB. It must be assessed against the criteria listed in policy RE1 of Planning Policy Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’.

Defending Litigation Cases

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment what the legal costs were to his Department of defending litigation cases in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1166/11)

Minister of the Environment: The legal costs incurred by my Department in defending litigation cases are tabled below.

	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
DOE	£368,348	£544,703	£274,070

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of the Environment whether he has identified any funding from his Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1174/11)

Minister of the Environment: Until the outcome of the Executive’s budget considerations is known, I am not in a position to confirm details of funding decisions for the forthcoming budget period 2011 – 2015. However, I can confirm my Department provided input to the Derry City bid to become the UK City of Culture 2013 and resources permitting will continue to provide support to this designation mainly through the action of the Planning Service in dealing promptly with any planning implications relating to the City of Culture 2013 event and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) by supporting the efforts of the City Council, Ilex, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and others as they seek to realise the full potential of the city’s built heritage.

Planning Applications on Hold

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment to list all planning applications currently on hold at his request; and to outline the reasons for holding each planning application.

(AQW 1219/11)

Minister of the Environment: My Department is required by statute to determine all planning applications it receives. I will consider specific applications referred to me by my Department or following enquiries made by elected representatives. My Department seeks to deal with planning applications as quickly as possible.

General Grant to District Councils

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of the Environment, following his meeting with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association on 16 August 2010, what further action he intends to take to alleviate the impact on local communities of the reduction in the resource element of the General Grant to District Councils; and to make a statement on this matter.

(AQW 1225/11)

Minister of the Environment: In making the decision to reduce the resources element of the General Grant I recognised that there would be an impact on council services and that it would be difficult for councils to apply the reduction in-year. Nonetheless, against the Department’s budgetary position, reductions of this magnitude and type were unavoidable and I only reluctantly decided to make the reduction after thoroughly considering all other possibilities. It is inevitable that the broader financial difficulties currently being experienced will have impacts across all of the public sector, including local government.

Since the decision to reduce the grant element was made against the background of departmental financial difficulties, it is not practicable for me to alleviate the impact of the reductions, and it will therefore be for each affected council to manage any change to the council services for their district.

General Grant to District Councils

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of the Environment what representations he has received regarding the reduction in the resource element of the General Grant to District Councils and from whom the representations were received; and if he will make a statement on this matter.

(AQW 1226/11)

Minister of the Environment: I received five letters about the reduction in the resources element of the General Grant. They were from The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), Down District Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, Strabane District Council and Craigavon Borough Council. I met with NILGA on Monday 16 August 2010.

In summary I was asked to rescind the cuts and, failing that, to give a guarantee that there would not be further in-year cuts which imposed budget difficulties on the affected councils. The resources element of the General Grant is only paid to those councils whose needs exceed their wealth.

I was also asked to undertake an Equality Impact Assessment on the level of funding. I explained that while the broad policy on the resources element of the General Grant has been Equality screened, it would not be relevant to undertake further screening for the level of the grant. An Equality Impact Assessment is a tool used to assist policy based decision making and not to determine levels of funding.

In making the decision to reduce the resources element of the General Grant I recognised that there could be an impact on council services. Nonetheless, against the Department’s exceptionally difficult budgetary position in 2010/11, reductions of this magnitude and type became unavoidable. It is unfortunate that this step had to be taken, but it became inevitable that the broader financial difficulties currently being experienced would have an impact on the organisations in receipt of departmental funding, including local government.

Legal Action Against another Local Council

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment (i) how many times each local council has taken legal action against another local council; (ii) the reasons for legal action being taken; (iii) the outcome of each case; and (iv) the total cost incurred by all parties, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1227/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information is not held centrally by my Department but should be available from any individual council in which you have an interest.

Legal Action Against an Executive Department

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment (i) how many times each local council has taken legal action against an Executive Department; (ii) the reasons for legal action being taken; (iii) the outcome of each case; and (iv) the total cost incurred by the local council, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1228/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information is not held centrally by my Department but should be available from any individual council in which you have an interest.

Legal Action Against a Westminster Government Department

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment (i) how many times each local council has taken legal action against a Westminster Government Department; (ii) the reasons for legal action being taken; (iii) the outcome of each case; and (iv) the total cost incurred by the local council, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1229/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information is not held centrally by my Department but should be available from any individual council in which you have an interest.

Legal Action Against an Irish Government Department

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment (i) how many times each local council has taken legal action against an Irish Government Department; (ii) the reasons for legal action being taken; (iii) the outcome of each case; and (iv) the total cost incurred by the local council, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1230/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information is not held centrally by my Department but should be available from any individual council in which you have an interest.

Environmental Disasters

Dr K Deeny asked the Minister of the Environment, following the recent environmental disaster at the Ajka Aluminium Plant in Hungary and the similarities between this situation and the recent leak from a dam containing toxic waste at the Cavancaw Goldmine, outside Omagh, whether he can offer an assurance that a similar environmental disaster will not occur.

(AQW 1342/11)

Minister of the Environment: The Gold Mining operation at Cavanacaw outside Omagh is owned by Omagh Minerals Ltd. The site is regulated by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) under two separate pieces of legislation:

• The Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999; and
• The Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.

A discharge consent, under the terms of the Water Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, was issued on 8 July 2008 in relation to site drainage only, the consent does not permit any discharge from the process area. In order to check compliance with the conditions of the consent, the site has been placed on the NIEA compliance assessment and monitoring programme, and samples of the discharge effluent are collected 12 times per year. To date, all the samples that have been lifted have been compliant and have met with the consent conditions for all parameters.

NIEA also regulate the site under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 as a Section 3.5 Part B (a) process - grading, screening or heating of any designated mineral or mineral product. Operators of prescribed Part B processes under the above legislation are required to use the Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent / minimise releases to air.

Since 2006 to date there have been 12 reports of pollution investigated in relation to Omagh Minerals Ltd. These incidents have all involved pollution by suspended solids (tiny particles of solid material suspended in water). No pollution investigation has been undertaken by NIEA in relation to any toxic waste being released from the site at Cavancaw.

The only pollution investigation undertaken involving a dam involved the collapse of a noise berm which had been constructed to stop noise from machinery impacting on neighbouring properties. The pollution was in the form of soil and was not of a toxic nature.

Planning Service: Breach of Condition Notice

Mr P Frew asked the Minister of the Environment (i) whether there is a time limit in which the Planning Service must act after it has issued a Breach of Condition Notice; and (ii) if the Planning Service has specified a time limit within which the breach must be rectified, but the applicant has not complied and the Department has not acted, whether the previous service of Notice can still be relied on or if it is barred by the passage of time.

(AQW 1345/11)

Minister of the Environment: There is no time limit within which my Department must act in cases whereby a Breach of Condition Notice has not been complied with.

If an offender fails to rectify the breach within the time limit specified in the Breach of Condition Notice, my Department is not barred by the passage of time from taking further action.

John Lewis Planning Application at Sprucefield

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to explain the criteria used and the reasons for granting a public inquiry into the John Lewis planning application at Sprucefield.

(AQW 1361/11)

Minister of the Environment: The planning application by Sprucefield Centre Ltd. for retail, restaurant and associated infrastructural development at Sprucefield, Lisburn was designated a major application under Article 31 of the 1991 Planning Order.

The application has generated considerable controversy and objections and has attracted widespread media interest.

Article 31 (2) empowers the Department to request that the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) holds a public inquiry for the purposes of considering representations on an application. The alternative is to serve a Notice of Opinion on the applicant indicating the decision which the Department proposes to make on the application.

The key test in deciding the process route is whether a public local inquiry is necessary to provide a forum for the presentation and consideration of issues arising from representations received and which need to be assessed to allow me to determine the application.

There were clearly matters arising from the representations received and the assessment of the Sprucefield Centre Ltd. application that indicated that there are material planning considerations that are the subject of dispute among the interested parties. The matters involve the nature and scale of a range of complex impacts arising from the proposal. Given the scale of the proposal and these complex impacts I decided that the planning decision should be informed by discussion and clarification of the varying viewpoints through a public inquiry arranged by the PAC.

Accidents Involving Road Deaths

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment the percentage of accidents involving road deaths in each of the last five years that occurred between 10pm and 6am.

(AQW 1380/11)

Minister of the Environment: The Police Service of Northern Ireland collates statistics on road traffic collisions on public roads where persons are injured. My Department has no role in this matter and therefore does not hold the information requested.

I would recommend that you address your question to the Chief Constable as this is a PSNI operational matter.

Planning Decisions

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of the Environment whether Planning Service can enable (i) the name of a planning applicant to be included on streamlined application lists; and (ii) the compilation of a monthly schedule of planning decisions issued in each District for use by local Councillors.

(AQW 1500/11)

Minister of the Environment: (i) My Department has updated the streamlined applications schedule to include the name of the applicant if there are no agent details provided.

(ii) My Department is committed to the electronic delivery of planning information to Councillors, customers, consultees etc. and is in the process of rolling out the Electronic Planning Information for Citizens (ePIC) system which will be completed by December 2010. New facilities will be provided on the Planning Service website www.planningni.gov.uk by 1 November 2010 which will allow Councillors to search for lists of new applications and gain access to the plans, maps and drawings which accompany the application. Similar facilities will be provided for recent planning decisions.

At present, my Department does not provide a monthly schedule of streamline planning decisions issued in each District for use by Local Councillors. However, if considered necessary, a local District Council may request this information via their local Divisional Planning Office.

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Civil Service Vacancies in the Derry City Council Area

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many vacancies there are in the Civil Service in the Derry City Council area, broken down by (i) grade; and (ii) Government Department.

(AQW 656/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr S Wilson): The number of vacancies in permanent Northern Ireland Civil Service posts, located in the Derry City Council area, in each of the Northern Ireland Departments including their Agencies, is set out in the attached table.

NICS Vacancies (Full Time Equivalent (FTE) basis) in the Derry City Council area, Broken down by Grade and Government Department at 24 September 2010

	AA	AO	EO2	EO1	SO	DP	G7	Other		TOTAL
								No.	Grade
DARD	-	-	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	1
DE	-	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	2
DEL	2	-	-	0.5	-	-	-	-	-	2.5
DOE	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1
DSD	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4	Support Grade Band 2	4
DOJ	-	-	*2	*	-	-	-	-	-	*2
PPS	-	-	*1	*	-	-	-	-	-	*1
TOTALS	2	3	3	0.5	1	0	0	4		13.5

Departments not shown in the table had no vacancies.

*DOJ/PPS Grade C spans both EO1 and EO2. There is an ongoing review of all Grade C posts to establish if they are equivalent to Executive Officer II or Executive Officer I.

Translation of Departmental Papers

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how much his Department spent on the translation of departmental papers into (i) Irish; and (ii) Ulster-Scots in (a) 2007/08; (b) 2008/09; and (c) 2009/10.

(AQW 1086/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The amount spent on the translation of departmental papers into Irish and Ulster-Scots in each of the last three years is provided in the table below:

	Irish	Ulster-Scots
2009/10	£1,383.27	£743.39
2008/09	£810.58	£231.00
2007/08	Nil	Nil

The information is provided on the basis of financial years representing the basis of preparation of the Department’s accounts.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1109/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: As the central finance department, the Department of Finance and Personnel does not have responsibility for funding childcare provision. DFP has not provided funding for childcare provision in the last three years.

Central Procurement Directorate

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for a breakdown of income to the Central Procurement Directorate in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1115/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: A breakdown of Central Procurement Directorate’s (CPD) income in each of the last 5 years is set out below:

	2005/06 £000	2006/07 £000	2007/08 £000	2008/09 £000	2009/10 £000
DARD	2,213	1,089	1,064	988	672
DCAL	612	389	702	867	1,041
DE	1,107	1,378	1,644	1,666	1,665
DEL	392	296	346	391	402
DETI	1,142	1,131	1,307	1,513	1,489
DHSSPS	171	103	110	146	200
DOE	1,753	643	802	970	898
DRD	1,014	803	738	655	822
DSD	1,737	1,670	2,013	1,909	1,673
NIO	2,354	1,235	962	1,885	1,964
OFMDFM	700	282	591	913	1,471
OTHERS	547	448	301	281	131
TOTAL	13,742	9,467	10,580	12,184	12,428

CPD income is derived from provision of procurement services to government departments. Charges for these services are calculated on a full cost recovery basis.

Departmental Expenditure

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what percentage of the entire departmental expenditure for the 2010-11 financial year is attributable to the (i) Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety; and (ii) the Department of Education.

(AQW 1191/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Based on the outcome of the 2010-11 September Monitoring round the Departmental of Health, Social Services and Public Safety represents 47.5% of the current expenditure departmental DEL, 14.7% of the capital investment departmental DEL and 43.2% of total departmental DEL.

On a similar basis the Department of Education represents 21.2% of the current expenditure departmental DEL, 13.2% of the capital investment departmental DEL and 20.2% of total departmental DEL.

These figures are based on the departmental DEL budget excluding the Department of Justice and the Public Prosecution Service as the budgets of these departments are treated as ring-fenced for 2010-11.

Table may not add up due to roundings

Table 2: Including DOJ and PPS

September 2010 Monitoring

£million	Current		Capital		Total
AOCC	2.0	0.0%	0.0	0.0%	2.0	0.0%
DARD	220.0	2.1%	28.2	1.9%	248.1	2.1%
DCAL	112.4	1.1%	49.2	3.4%	161.6	1.4%
DE	1,924.1	18.6%	181.7	12.5%	2,105.8	17.8%
DEL	807.5	7.8%	40.4	2.8%	847.9	7.2%
DETI	200.8	1.9%	98.3	6.8%	299.1	2.5%
DFP	191.3	1.8%	17.3	1.2%	208.7	1.8%
DHSSPS	4,307.9	41.6%	201.7	13.9%	4,509.6	38.2%
DOE	130.9	1.3%	13.0	0.9%	143.8	1.2%
DOJ	1,255.3	12.1%	72.5	5.0%	1,327.9	11.2%
DRD	513.6	5.0%	557.6	38.5%	1,071.2	9.1%
DSD	506.5	4.9%	171.8	11.9%	678.2	5.7%
FSA	9.3	0.1%	0.1	0.0%	9.3	0.1%
NIA	46.7	0.5%	2.8	0.2%	49.5	0.4%
NIAO	8.9	0.1%	0.2	0.0%	9.2	0.1%
NIAUR	0.5	0.0%	0.0	0.0%	0.5	0.0%
OFMDFM	81.4	0.8%	12.9	0.9%	94.2	0.8%
PPS	36.2	0.3%	0.8	0.1%	37.0	0.3%
TOTAL	10,355.1	100.0%	1,448.6	100.0%	11,803.7	100.0%

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Acute Neurology Service Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether (i) hospitals outside the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; (ii) service users; and (iii) service users' advocates were consulted regarding the decision to reduce the number of beds available within the Acute Neurology Service unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

(AQW 886/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is responsible for the delivery of services at the Royal Victoria Hospital, including specialised neurological services. The Trust will therefore consider the need for any changes to the provision of these services to meet the needs of the population including the requirement for consultation and data analysis.

I am however aware that the Trust plans to reduce the number of available neurology beds from 23 to 15 in October 2010 and bring the neurology service in line with comparable peers in other parts of the UK. The reduction in beds is being planned in parallel with an ongoing modernisation programme within the neurology service.

This programme includes a number of workstreams to review current neurology services and patient pathway models and includes a review of bed utilisation. The aim of the modernisation programme is to develop a more efficient and responsive service with reduced length of inpatient stays that will enable the same level of inpatient activity to be provided with a reduced number of beds.

Acute Neurology Service Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what data was used to inform the decision to reduce the number of beds available within the Acute Neurology Service unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

(AQW 887/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is responsible for the delivery of services at the Royal Victoria Hospital, including specialised neurological services. The Trust will therefore consider the need for any changes to the provision of these services to meet the needs of the population including the requirement for consultation and data analysis.

I am however aware that the Trust plans to reduce the number of available neurology beds from 23 to 15 in October 2010 and bring the neurology service in line with comparable peers in other parts of the UK. The reduction in beds is being planned in parallel with an ongoing modernisation programme within the neurology service.

This programme includes a number of workstreams to review current neurology services and patient pathway models and includes a review of bed utilisation. The aim of the modernisation programme is to develop a more efficient and responsive service with reduced length of inpatient stays that will enable the same level of inpatient activity to be provided with a reduced number of beds.

Procedures for GP's Electronic and Manual Communications

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to introduce procedures for all electronic and manual communications to enable GPs to indicate a patient's communication and mobility needs when referred for treatment.

(AQW 899/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Most GP practices use a standard referral template when referring a patient to secondary care. This template includes provision for the referrer to indicate any special needs including communication or mobility needs.

The NI Clinical Communications Gateway project has been initiated to facilitate the electronic transmission of GP referrals to secondary care using this template.

Written Correspondence to Patients

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when all written correspondence will be made available to patients in their preferred format.

(AQW 900/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and Social Care Trusts employ the most accessible and suitable means of communication to meet the individual needs and preferences of patients who are known to have a sensory impairment. This can include the use of large print, Braille or Moon; the transcription of appointments, letters, and other documents onto audio CD or cassette; and the use of email. Furthermore, my Department will soon publish for consultation a draft Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy, which will provide regional strategic direction on this issue.

Action Cancer Campaign to Ban Smoking in Vehicles with Children as Passengers

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the Action Cancer campaign to ban smoking in vehicles which have children as passengers.

(AQW 901/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I refer the member to the answer I gave to Assembly Question AQW392/11.

Mental Health Beds at the Downe Hospital

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many mental health beds are currently provided on the Downe Hospital site.

(AQW 915/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Downe Hospital currently has 25 Acute Inpatient Mental Health beds. Of these 5 beds are contracted by the Southern Trust which has indicated its intention to develop alternative arrangements for these beds in line with its Reform and Modernisation of mental health services.

Specialist Youth Mental Health Provision in North Down and Bangor

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what specialist youth mental health provision is currently available in (i) North Down; and (ii) Bangor.

(AQW 916/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) which serves the South-Eastern Trust locality is managed directly by Belfast Health & Social Care Trust. The Tier 3 Specialist CAMH Service which covers the North Down & Ards sector is based at the Family Resource Centre in James Street, Newtownards, and offers a service to children and young people aged 0 - 18 years of age who experience significant mental health issues and require specialist intervention.

Other specialist CAMHS services which local children and young people can access are:

The Family Trauma Centre (Based at Wellington Park, Belfast);

The Child Psychotherapy Service (based at Wellington Park);

Drug and Alcohol Misuse Mental Health Service; and

The Eating Disorder Youth Service (EDYS, based at 10 College Gardens).

Those children and young people who require specialist inpatient care (Tier 4) may be referred to Beechcroft, the Regional Inpatient Mental Health unit for Children and Young people.

The statutory services in the Trust also work alongside other community and voluntary agencies in the locality of which there are many. The Public Health Agency in conjunction with SEHSCT has produced a directory of these services to inform the public of what is available to them.

Mental Health Services on the Knockbracken Site

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has for the provision of mental health services on the Knockbracken site.

(AQW 917/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Following a public consultation exercise Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has developed a business case for the reprovision of acute in-patient psychiatric services on a single site.

However, there are no firm plans in place as yet regarding the future provision of mental health services on the Knockbracken site.

Mental Health Services

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much of the total Health budget is currently allocated to mental health services.

(AQW 918/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Planned expenditure on mental health services in 2010/11 is expected to amount to £234m. This represents 8% of the total Health and Social Care budget.

It should be noted that this figure only includes funds allocated to the Mental Health Programme of Care and does not include any other funds which may also be used to deliver Mental Health services – e.g. by GPs in Primary Care.

Suicide Prevention Services

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much of the total Health budget is currently allocated to suicide prevention services.

(AQW 919/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The total health and social care budget for 2010/11 is £4.303 billion, of which £6.7 million has been allocated for the provision of suicide prevention services and initiatives. Funding for the provision of mental health services during the current financial year is £241 million.

McDermott Brothers Case

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety under what statutory authority the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority has the power to carry out the investigation into the McDermott brothers, Donagh case.

(AQW 921/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This Review has been commissioned under Article 35(1)(b) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

Contraceptive Pill

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many children under 13 years of age have been prescribed the contraceptive pill in each of the last three years.

(AQW 923/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information is not available to provide a detailed answer to the question in the format requested. However, the most recent data available for GP prescribing indicates that from August 2009 to July 2010, there were 38 distinct patients who were under 13 years of age at the time when a prescription for the contraceptive pill was written by a GP and dispensed by a community pharmacist.

It should be noted that the contraceptive pill can be prescribed for reasons other than contraception, eg for the treatment of menorrhagia.

Specialised Neurology Beds at the Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consultation was held with stakeholders prior to the decision being taken to reduce the number of specialised neurology beds at the Royal Victoria Hospital from 1 October 2010.

(AQW 927/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The delivery of services at the Royal Victoria Hospital is a matter for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust as the service provider. The Trust is currently engaged in a programme of modernisation within the neurology service. This programme comprises a review of current neurology services and patient pathway models and also includes a review of bed utilisation.

The aim of the modernisation programme is to develop a more efficient and responsive service and the Trust have provided me with an assurance that the changes being implemented will not result in any deterioration in the delivery of neurology services. I am advised that there is ongoing liaison with clinicians throughout the Trust to ensure a more co-ordinated approach to the provision of effective, high quality care for patients with neurological conditions.

Review of Epilepsy Services

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the commitment given at a meeting with the Foyle branch of Epilepsy Action, to outline the results of the review of epilepsy services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area.

(AQW 929/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Following the meeting on Tuesday 15 September 2009 I advised you that a number of the issues raised would be taken forward with the relevant Health and Social Care bodies.

The Health and Social Care Board, as regional commissioner of services in NI, is currently taking forward a full and comprehensive evaluation and report on the effectiveness of the implementation of the 30 recommendations from the Adult Neurology Review of November 2000, which will inform the Department about the need for the further development of neurology services in Northern Ireland including the delivery of epilepsy services.

In addition my Department is developing a Physical & Sensory Disability Strategy which is expected to be launched for consultation by the end of this year. The strategy has been developed to help achieve improved outcomes, services and support for people in Northern Ireland who have a physical, communication or sensory disability or impairment.

Specialist Inpatient Neurology Services

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how specialist inpatient neurology services will be provided following the 35% reduction in dedicated beds.

(AQW 930/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The delivery of services at the Royal Victoria Hospital is a matter for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust as the service provider. The Trust is currently engaged in a programme of modernisation within the neurology service. This programme comprises a review of current neurology services and patient pathway models and also includes a review of bed utilisation.

The aim of the modernisation programme is to develop a more efficient and responsive service and the Trust have provided me with an assurance that the changes being implemented will not result in any deterioration in the delivery of neurology services. I am advised that there is ongoing liaison with clinicians throughout the Trust to ensure a more co-ordinated approach to the provision of effective, high quality care for patients with neurological conditions.

Specialist Neurology Clinics

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of specialist neurology clinics in each Health and Social Care Trust area; (ii) the frequency of these clinics; (iii) the number of patients, on average, who avail of each clinic; and (iv) whether patients see the same consultant at each visit to ensure continuity of care.

(AQW 931/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of specialist neurology clinics in each HSC Trust for the year 2009/10, and the average number of patients who attend each clinic, is shown in the table below.

HSC Trust	No. of clinics¹	Average attendances at each Clinic
Belfast	950	19.7
Northern	264	12.4
South Eastern	123	7.4
Southern	168	29.2
Western	436	9.0

Source: HSC Trusts

¹ Number of clinics held in the year 2009/10, with the exception of the Southern HSC Trust who provided the number of outpatient neurology clinics they have agreed to hold. The actual number performed per annum may be slightly more as extra clinics may be arranged in response to periods of high demand.

All HSC Trusts hold multiple clinics each week at their various hospital sites.

In four of the five HSC Trusts, the exception being the Western HSC Trust, patients will remain under the care of the same consultant who treated them at their original appointment, or a member of that consultant’s firm. On occasion a patient may be referred to another consultant neurologist with a sub-specialist interest where this is warranted. In the Western HSC Trust the patient may see a different consultant from their original appointment.

Epilepsy Specialist Neurologists

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients currently receiving treatment for epilepsy; and how many epilepsy specialist neurologists are currently availble to treat these patients.

(AQW 933/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Under the Quality & Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the General Medical Services contract, the total number of GP-registered patients aged 18 and over receiving drug treatment for epilepsy at 31^st March 2010 is 14,194.

There are 3 (3.0 WTE) Consultant Neurologists with a special interest in adult Epilepsy in Northern Ireland who run dedicated Epilepsy clinics. In addition to these specialists, all Consultant Neurologists would see patients with Epilepsy. Source: HSC Trusts.

Passive Smoking Related Conditions

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many children have received treatment for passive smoking related conditions in each of the last three years.

(AQW 936/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information is not available on the number of children who have received treatment for passive smoking related conditions in each of the last three years.

Passive Smoking

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for the estimated annual cost to the Health Service of passive smoking.

(AQW 937/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the annual cost to the Health Service of passive smoking is not available.

Combating Bowel Cancer

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what additional resources are being allocated towards combating bowel cancer.

(AQW 940/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In 2010-11 £2million has been allocated to the Public Health Agency to roll out the bowel cancer screening programme in Northern Ireland to include all eligible men and women aged 60-69. They will be invited to complete a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit which will be sent to their home every two years.

During the period 2008-09 to 2010-11 an additional £3m was allocated to cancer services and a further £3m for cancer drugs it is not possible to identify separately what proportion of this was used to treat people with bowel cancer.

In addition bowel cancer patients also benefit from a wide range of investment in other HSC patient care services right across the range of activity from secondary, community and primary care.

Early Prevention and Detection of Cancer

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what resources are currently allocated to the early prevention and detection of cancer.

(AQW 941/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Establishing a robust figure for the total spent on cancer prevention and early detection over a given period would incur disproportionate costs.

Waiting Times for Patients with Suspected Cancer

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the target waiting times for patients with suspected cancer to (i) have their first appointment with a consultant; (ii) receive a diagnosis; and (iii) commence treatment.

(AQW 948/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department’s cancer waiting time performance targets, which are broadly in line with cancer targets in the rest of the UK, stipulate that 98% of patients diagnosed with cancer should begin their treatment within a maximum of 31 days, and 95% of patients urgently referred with a suspected cancer should begin their first definitive treatment within a maximum of 62 days.

In addition, women requiring an urgent assessment for suspected breast cancer are to be seen at a specialist breast clinic within 14 days of referral.

Though not a Ministerial target, it is agreed that the most appropriate management is for cancer patients to be seen for a diagnostic test as soon as possible, many within two weeks. This provides a more effective and streamlined pathway for suspected cancer patients than them being seen by a specialist at an earlier stage without access to test results.

Waiting Times for Cancer Patients

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the target waiting times for a cancer patient to receive a review appointment following treatment.

(AQW 949/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There is no specific target waiting times for a cancer patient to receive a review appointment following treatment. The decision on when a cancer patient is reviewed is a matter for clinical judgement, however Trusts should ensure that all review appointments are seen in a more timely fashion and from March 2012, all reviews should be completed within the clinically indicated time.

Causeway Hospital

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what reviews have been carried out at the Causeway Hospital in the past 12 months; and to detail their outcomes.

(AQW 957/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Northern Trust has advised that no reviews specific to the Causeway Hospital have been carried out in the past 12 months.

Maternity Ward in the Causeway Hospital

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans have been made for the future of the Maternity Ward in the Causeway Hospital.

(AQW 958/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are no plans to change the current level of maternity provision at Causeway Hospital.

Complaints Against Hospitals

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many complaints were lodged against each hospital in each of the last five years; and how many of these were upheld.

(AQW 962/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the number of complaints lodged and upheld in each Hospital is not available.

Staff Bonuses

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much has been set aside for staff bonuses in (i) his Department; and (ii) the Health Service in (a) the current financial year; and (b) the next financial year.

(AQW 963/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: No funding has been specifically set aside for staff bonuses in my Department or for Senior Executive staff in the Health and Social Care in the current or the next financial year.

The NICS Special Bonus Scheme which applies to all staff in grades below Senior Civil Service (SCS) level allows Departments to reward exceptional performance in particularly demanding tasks or situations at any time of the year. The costs must be accommodated within the Department’s existing running cost provisions and must not exceed 0.2% of the Departmental pay bill.

The 2009 SCS Pay Award did not include a bonus element. Final decisions have not yet been made regarding future SCS Pay Awards.

The 2009 HSC Senior Executive pay award did not include a bonus element.

Involvement of a Child in Criminal or Anti-social Behaviour

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether a record is kept of the reasons why Social Services contact familes in a situation where there are child welfare concerns following the involvement of a child in criminal or anti-social behaviour.

(AQW 964/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A child who has been involved in criminal activity or anti-social behaviour may be referred to Social Services from a variety of sources, however this is seldom the sole reason for the referral. Children commonly present to Social Services with a range of issues and needs. Where concerns are raised about a child’s welfare, for whatever reasons, Social Services will conduct a full assessment of the child and family circumstances with a view to responding to any identified needs.

The PSNI, Public Prosecution Service, Youth Justice Agency and the Courts are the agencies with primary responsibility for dealing directly with young people who offend or are engaged in anti-social behaviour.

Paediatric Cases of Epilepsy

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of paediatric cases of epilepsy currently being treated; and (ii) the number of full-time paediatric epilepsy specialist neurologists currently in post.

(AQW 1003/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the number of Paediatric cases of Epilepsy currently being treated is not available centrally.

There are 3 full-time Paediatric Consultant Neurologists with a special interest in Epilepsy in Northern Ireland who run dedicated Epilepsy clinics. Source: HSC Trusts.

Epilepsy

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much it has cost to send epilepsy patients for surgery (i) to Great Britain; and (ii) elsewhere in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1004/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The cost of sending epilepsy patients for surgery to Great Britain in each of the last three years is shown in the table below.

Year	Cost (£)
2009/10	210,974
2008/09	139,134
2007/08	31,601

Source: Health and Social Care Board

The cost of sending epilepsy patients for surgery elsewhere in each of the last three years is shown in the table below.

Year	Cost (£)
2009/10	694
2008/09	0
2007/08	0

Source: Health and Social Care Board

Epilepsy

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people diagnosed with epilepsy have been admitted to hospital as a result of problems caused by generic prescribing in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1006/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on the number of people diagnosed with epilepsy which have been admitted to hospital as a result of problems caused by generic prescribing in each of the last three years is not available.

Epilepsy

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what strategies he intends to deploy to ensure equality of treatment for people with epilepsy.

(AQW 1007/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: People suffering from this very debilitating condition, regardless of where they reside, have access for assessment and treatment to a variety of specialists depending on their individual clinical needs. Care is provided in secondary, primary and community care settings, including specialist regional neurology services.

In January 2008, my Department endorsed the NICE clinical guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment and management of epilepsy in children, young people and adults. However, I am aware that this guideline is currently under review and NICE expect to publish an updated guideline in March 2011.

Epilepsy

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, given that there are currently 13,000 people diagnosed with epilepsy, why he has reduced the number of specialist beds to treat epilepsy patients and has not increased the number of specialist neurologists available to meet appointment requirements.

(AQW 1009/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Specialist neurology services are provided at the Royal Victoria Hospital and it is a matter for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to profile and deliver these services to meet the needs of the local population. The Trust is currently engaged in a programme of modernisation within the neurology service, the aim of which is to develop a more efficient and responsive service.

The Trust has provided me with an assurance that the changes being implemented, including the reduction in available beds, will not result in any deterioration in the delivery of neurology services. They will continue to provide effective, high quality care to patients with neurological conditions, including epilepsy, in a more cost-effective and efficient manner.

Stabbing in Holywell Hospital

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the recent stabbing of a nurse in Holywell Hospital, what additional measures will be put in place to protect staff.

(AQW 1020/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This serious incident against a member of HSC staff will be subject to a full multidisciplinary review. This will include an immediate review of the effectiveness of relevant policies and procedures.

I want to assure you that my Department will scrutinise the outcome of this review carefully, as I am committed to Zero Tolerance policies and the protection of all healthcare workers.

Attack at Holywell Hospital

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what procedures are currently in place to protect staff from violent attack at Holywell Hospital and other health institutions which treat mental health patients.

(AQW 1021/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Northern HSC Trust, along with all other Trusts, has robust Zero Tolerance policies in place, with responsibility placed at senior executive level. My Department takes the issue of violence against staff and patients very seriously.

Across the HSC, there are a range of measures in place within mental health to protect staff and ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment and care. These include:

• Holywell Hospital and other health facilities that treat mental health patients have targeted training programmes in place for their staff on the management of aggression or potential aggression of patients [MAPA] and this is regularly updated.
• Comprehensive risk assessments and a management plans are identified in accordance with the Regional Risk Assessment Guidance [Guidance on Risk Assessment and Management in Mental Health and Learning Disability Services. 2009].
• All patients are subject to a Direct Observation Policy. The level of direct observation of a patient is determined by the risk assessment which is regularly reviewed.
• Patients who have been assessed as high risk to themselves or others may be transferred to a more appropriate facility such as the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit [PICU] or to the Regional Secure Unit in Belfast. Policies and procedures are in place to support this process.
• There is also a policy in place for searching patient’s belongings. If body searches are considered necessary, this will be requested from the PSNI.
• Staff working alone are offered personal alarms and this is backed up by a telephone call system linked to all the wards. The combination of both systems guarantees an immediate response to alerts from staff.

Missed Hospital Appointments

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many missed hospital appointments there have been in each of the last six months; and what is the estimated cost of these missed appointments.

(AQW 1023/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on missed hospital appointments is collected by my Department on a quarterly basis. The number of missed hospital appointments during the Quarters Ending March 2010 and June 2010, the most recent quarters for which official information is available, is outlined in the table below.

Quarter Ending	Number of missed hospital appointments
31/03/10	43,956
30/06/10P	41,024

Source: Quarterly Outpatient Activity Return

^P Data are currently provisional

The estimated cost of the above missed appointments is not available.

North-South Health Budget

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to reduce the North-South Health budget.

(AQW 1024/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: No decision can be taken on future budget outcomes for the North-South Health budget until I have a final notification of allocations from Department of Finance and Personnel in late December 10.

Funding for Adults with Physical Disabilities

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding is available from his Department for adults with physical disabilities in the South Down constituency; and how this funding is spent.

(AQW 1025/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This information is not collated in the format requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Downe Hospital, Downpatrick

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the consultation process between the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and General Practitioners affected by the Trust's 'Safety, Quality and Sustainability - Modernising Health and Social Care Services in the South Eastern Trust' consultation document in relation to the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.

(AQW 1026/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This is a matter for the South Eastern Health and Social Services Trust. The Trust has advised that its proposals for modernising services in its area have been circulated widely so that as many people as possible had the opportunity to consider and respond to the proposals, including General Practitioners. At the start of the consultation the Trust circulated approximately 900 letters to a wide range of stakeholders including 380 GPs in the South Eastern Trust area, highlighting the Trust's consultation document and how it could be accessed.

With regard to the proposals in respect of urgent care services in the Down area, the Trust has had two formal meetings with Down area GPs during the consultation process. It has also discussed the proposals at Trust meetings involving GPs and engaged in informal meetings with local GPs, and there was GP involvement during the development of the proposals.

Funding for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding is available from his Department for adults with learning disabilities in the South Down constituency; and how this funding is spent.

(AQW 1027/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This Information is not collated in the format requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Physiotherapists

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many physiotherapists are currently employed by his Department in each parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 1028/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: This Information is not collated in the format requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Newly Trained Speech and Language Therapists

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assurances he can give that (i) unemployed locally trained; and (ii) unemployed newly trained speech and language therapists have equality of opportunity in gaining access to advertised posts as people currently employed within the Health and Social Care Trusts.

(AQW 1045/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Recruitment is a matter for Health and Social Care Trusts based on service needs and available resources. Individual HSC employers each have recruitment policies in place that have been agreed locally in partnership with the Trade Unions. My Department carries out regional workforce planning to help ensure that suitable qualified staff are available to meet the needs of the Health Service. Workforce forecasts are regularly reviewed and corrective action is taken where necessary.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) when the revised Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy will be ready for consultation; (ii) whether the strategy will include an emphasis on building emotional resilience as well as mental health and wellbeing across all sectors; and (iii) what mechanisms his Department is proposing in the strategy to ensure appropriate implementation by all Government Departments.

(AQW 1054/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) A draft version of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion Strategy will be available for consultation before the end of this calendar year.

(ii) The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion Strategy will aim to build emotional resilience as part of a population-based approach to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. The strategy will have a particular focus on improving emotional resilience in the early years and among young people.

(iii) The Public Health Agency will develop a detailed action plan for implementation of the new strategy, which will include co-ordination of relevant actions by other Government Departments. Implementation will be monitored under arrangements for delivering the Bamford Action Plan.

Promoting Mental Health - Strategy and Action plan 2003-2008

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what lessons have been learned from his Department’s 'Promoting Mental Health - Strategy and Action plan 2003-2008' and applied to the revised strategy on mental health and wellbeing.

(AQW 1055/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A review of the implementation of the 2003/08 Promoting Mental Health Strategy was carried out in 2009. This exercise was led by the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health. The findings from this review, and the associated report on mental health promotion in Northern Ireland, are helping to inform the development of a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion Strategy. These findings include:

• The need for a robust strategy implementation framework.
• The importance of cross-sectoral collaboration.
• The need for further data collection, through research and surveys, to assist in evaluating the impact of mental health promotion activity.
• The importance of school-based mental health promotion, and the development of early years and parenting programmes.
• The workplace as a setting for mental wellbeing promotion.
• The need to engage with voluntary and community sector organisations on improving social inclusion of vulnerable people.

Occupational Therapists

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Occupational Therapists are currently employed by the Health Service in each parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 1072/11)

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

Funding Schemes for People with Disabilities

Mr P Weir asked e Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what grants or funding schemes are available from his Department, or its arms-length bodies, to assist with projects undertaken by (i) groups for people with disabilities; or (ii) residential care facilities which cater for people with disabilities.

(AQW 1078/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In 2009/10 funding totalling £2.4m was provided to assist with projects undertaken by groups for people with disabilities.

In that same year £47.9m was spent on provision of residential care for clients with learning, physical or sensory disabilities.

Replacing Nursing Uniforms

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much has been spent by each Health and Social Care Trust on replacing of nursing uniforms in (i) 2007/08; (ii) 2008/09; and (iii) 2009/10; and how much each Trust plans to spend in 2010/11.

(AQW 1085/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The table below provides the information requested on nursing uniforms where available.

HSC Trust	2007/08 £k	2008/09 £k	2009/10 £k	2010/11 £k
Belfast	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Northern	207	275	250	110
Southern	114	88	55	90
South Eastern	154	147	191	179
Western	195	199	215	83

Belfast HSC Trust are unable to split out the specific cost of nurses uniforms from overall uniform costs. Information provided by South Eastern HSC Trust includes the cost of scrub uniforms worn by doctors.

The drop in budgeted cost in 2010/11 is a result of the new regional contract that has been put in place to standardise uniforms across the HSC.

Draft Childcare Strategy

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the Draft Childcare Strategy.

(AQW 1099/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department is not responsible for the development of a draft childcare strategy. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy first Minister (OFMDFM) has commissioned FGS McClure Watters to complete a policy and economic appraisal of the main policy options that could potentially underpin a new Childcare Strategy.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1107/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department does not directly fund childcare provision. This falls to the Health and Social Care Board and Health and Social Care Trusts and is directed to assist children deemed to be in need.

That said, in the absence of funding from other Departments, my Department did contributed some £664,000 to sustain after school provision from 1 April 2008 to 31 December 2008, following the cessation of the Children and Young People’s central funding package in March 2008. In addition, and following a request from OFMDFM, I agreed to contribute a further £80,000 for the 2009/2010 financial year, to help maintain afterschool capacity pending decisions regarding future policy and funding responsibilities.

With regard to the SureStart programme, the responsibility for this sits with the Department of Education.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether he has identified any funding from his Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1139/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Until I receive confirmation on the level of funding that my Department will receive as part of Budget 2010, no budget outcomes can be finalised.

However, funding for the City of Culture scheme would appear to be outside the role of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has developed a business plan with a view to amalgamating with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

(AQW 1144/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service works very closely with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service on day to day operations and under the Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Framework. However, I have no plans at present to amalgamate the two services.

Limavady Emergency Ambulance

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total number of call-outs answered by the Limavady emergency ambulance in the last twelve months; and how many of these call-outs were outside the Limavady Borough Council area.

(AQW 1145/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: NIAS deploys its emergency response resources using a tactical deployment plan to ensure that the nearest appropriate response is sent to an incident. This means that the response to an emergency call in the Limavady area may be provided by an A&E ambulance or rapid response vehicle which is not based at Limavady equally ambulance resource based in Limavady may answer calls outside the area.

In the last twelve months the A&E ambulance based at Limavady responded to 1,665 calls of which 399 were outside the local area. However, in the same period, 968 incidents in Limavady were responded to by emergency response resources based elsewhere.

999 Calls

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether a 999 call is still shown as a 'red' call if a rapid response vehicle is in attendance but an ambulance is still required to attend the incident; and what is the target response time for the ambulance in these circumstances.

(AQW 1146/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The status of an emergency call is not affected when it is attended by a rapid response vehicle (RRV) and an A&E ambulance. However, the purpose of rapid responders is to get potentially life-saving care to patients within a target eight minutes so that an A&E ambulance can then transport them to hospital where appropriate. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) would expect that, in these circumstances, the A&E ambulance should normally arrive at the scene within 21 minutes from the time the request for transport was made in 95% of cases.

Rapid Response Vehicles and Ambulances

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if rapid response vehicles and ambulances have seperate control centres.

(AQW 1147/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: No, rapid response vehicles and ambulances do not have separate control centres.

Rapid response vehicles and A&E ambulances are dispatched from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (REMDC) at Ambulance Headquarters at Knockbracken.

Male Victims of Domestic Violence

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what services are currently available within Health and Social Care Services for male victims of domestic violence.

(AQW 1149/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Domestic violence is a cross-departmental issue which DHSSPS and DOJ jointly lead on. Male victims of domestic violence can access services including counselling within Health and Social Care through a range of mechanisms including:

Accident and Emergency Services;

Hospital and Community Mental Health Teams;

Child and Family Services;

General Practitioners and other primary care professionals;

Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS);

Therapeutic work with fathers of children experiencing domestic violence; and

Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC) safety planning for high risk victims of domestic violence.

Surgical Unit in the Daisy Hill Hospital

Mr M Brady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his long-term plans for the surgical unit in the Daisy Hill Hospital.

(AQW 1197/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The surgical unit in Daisy Hill Hospital is an integral and essential component of the acute care service provided both within the Hospital and within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s acute care network.

The Southern HSC Trust has assured me that this will continue to be the case.

Paediatrician in Downe Hospital

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the paediatrician will begin work in the new Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.

(AQW 1249/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The recruitment and employment of appropriate staff to deliver services is the responsibility of Health and Social Care Trusts. The South Eastern HSC Trust has advised that a job plan for a joint community acute paediatric post is currently being developed. In the interim a consultant locum is providing the service in within the Downe Hospital.

Home Start Schemes

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he is aware of the plight of the Home Start schemes in Ards, Comber and the Strangford Peninsula area caused by funding problems; and whether he will give Home Start schemes a priority rating next year to secure their future.

(AQW 1260/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am well aware of the concerns being felt across the voluntary and community sector about funding in the current climate of increasing financial constraints on public spending.

As you know, work is well under way on the current Spending Review. However, you will understand, that until the outcome of this work is known, I am not in a position to give any commitments to any group about future funding arrangements.

Speech and Language Therapy

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the current whole time equivalent service provision in speech and language therapy for people aged 19 and over with a learning disability for (i) dysphagia; and (ii) communication support, in each Health and Social Care Trust area.

(AQW 1275/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information is not available in the format requested as staff employed in speech and language therapy in HSC Trusts in many cases cover both dysphagia and communication support. However, the table below shows the Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) number of staff employed in speech and language therapy in each HSC Trust in the area of adult learning disability.

Staff employed in speech and language therapy for adults with learning disability in each HSC Trust

Trust	Belfast HSCT	Northern HSCT	Southern HSCT	South Eastern HSCT	Western HSCT
WTE	7.4	7.22	4.6	3.4	2

New GP Surgery in Meigh, County Armagh

Mr M Brady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the progress of the new GP Surgery in Meigh, County Armagh.

(AQW 1289/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I refer the member to my previous response (AWQ7372/10) in which I advised that, subject to credit approvals, the Practice intended to commence work in August 2010. I am now advised that it is unlikely the project will commence before 2011.

Business Services Organisation

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when he will make a decision on the location of the regional Business Services Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(AQW 1308/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I can advise that priority is currently being given by the Business Services Organisation to work on determining the location of Shared Service Centre with a consultation exercise expected to commence in late Autumn. In view of this, I do not expect further progress to be made on determining the location of a permanent headquarters for the Business Services Organisation until 2011.

Speech and Language Therapists

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of whole time equivalent vacancies for Speech and Language Therapists within each Health and Social Care Trust, broken down by the user age groups (i) 18 years old and under; (ii) 19-30 years old; (iii) 31-40 years old; (iv) 41-50 years old; (v) 51-60 years old; and (vi) over 60 years old.

(AQW 1309/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on vacancies for Speech and Language Therapists broken down by user age groups is not available. The total number of Speech and Language Therapist vacancies can be found in the latest Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Workforce Vacancies Report at 31^st March 2010, which is on the DHSSPS website at:

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/vacancy_survey_march_2010_web_report-2.pdf

New Enhanced Local Hospital in Omagh

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the business case for the new enhanced local hospital in Omagh, including when a final decision will be made and when construction is expected to begin.

(AQW 1310/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: An updated business case will be submitted to my Department within the next few weeks. However, a final decision on this project can only be made once I have clarity on affordability. This is true of all capital infrastructure projects. My Department is facing huge financial pressures. Only when the outcome of Budget 2010 is known, will it be possible to make a decision on the timing of this project.

Attacks on Health Service Staff

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of attacks on Health Service staff by patients in psychiatric units in each Health and Social Care Trust area in each of the last four years.

(AQW 1311/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of attacks on Health Service staff by patients in psychiatric units in each Health and Social Care Trust area in each of the last four years is provided in the table below.

HSC Trust	2006 - 07	2007 -08	2008 - 09	2009 - 10
Belfast HSC Trust	383	447	804	654
Northern HSC Trust	254	284	281	322
Southern HSC Trust	*7	37	53	82
South Eastern HSC Trust	134	242	62	131
Western HSC Trust	168	301	**375	314

*Note1: Date for SHSCT for 06/07 is only available for Craigavon Area Hospital. Sperrin Lakeland Hospital did not use DATIX prior to April 2007.

**Note2: Figures for Western HSC trust for 2008/2009 are taken from legacy trust DATIX system and a new database introduced 1/1/09.

Regional Disablement Service at Musgrave Park Hospital

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people were employed (i) in office or administrative roles; (ii) as engineers; (iii) as Medical Technical Officers; (iv) in the Wheelchair Resource team; and (v) as store staff, in the Regional Disablement Service at Musgrave Park Hospital in (a) 2006/07; (b) 2007/08; (c) 2008/09; and (d) 2009/10.

(AQW 1366/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is given in the table below.

Staff employed within the Regional Disablement Service at Musgrave Park Hospital as at 31^st March

Work Area	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
	WTE	WTE	WTE
Administration	9.7	10.3	10.3
Medical Technical Officers / Engineers	4.0	4.0	4.0

Source: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Notes:

1. Information is not available for 2006/2007.

The Wheelchair Resource Team and Stores staff are not based within the Regional Disablement Service.

Children and Young People with Mental Health Conditions

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, for each of the last three years, how much his Department spent on sending children and young people with mental health conditions to other parts of the UK, for treatment which is not available in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1369/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is set out in the table below.

07/08	£1,320,400
08/09	£2,123,972
09/10	£2,116,895

Suicide and Drug Awareness Services in Colin Area, West Belfast

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) suicide prevention and awareness services; and (ii) drug and alcohol mis-use services available in the Colin area of West Belfast, including their locations.

(AQW 1417/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The following services, some of which are provided by outreach, are available in the Colin area:

(i) suicide prevention and awareness services
Service	Location
Suicide prevention co-ordinator covering the Down/ Lisburn area, including Colin.	Lisburn Health Centre
Colin Suicide Prevention Task Group	Dairy Farm Centre
Colin Counselling	Family Centre, Poleglass
New Life Counselling	25, Ardoyne Road
Mulholland Aftercare	Dairy Farm Centre
Suicide Awareness & Support Group	209, Falls Road
(ii) drug and alcohol misuse services
Service	Location
SEHSCT adult substance misuse treatment one day a week.	Stewartstown Road Health Centre
Drug and alcohol worker intervention and support for young people (DAISY) post one day a week.	Dairy Farm Centre
Dunlewey Substance Advice Centre	Stewartstown Road
Falls Community Council’s Community Drug Project (by outreach). Worker in Colin area one day a week from November.	Sally Gardens Community Centre

Lifeline/Contact Youth has also been active in the area helping the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership and the Suicide Task Group to meet the needs of community youth workers in relation to suicide prevention.

Video Telemetry Machines

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many video telemetry machines are currently available in the Royal Victoria Hospital; and how many operators there are for these machines.

(AQW 1425/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are 3 video telemetry machines currently available in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

One member of the clinical physiology team is available for this service on a full-time basis.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Prisoners' Earnings

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 7908/10, to detail (i) how much prisoners have been paid in prisoners' earnings in each of the last five years; (ii) the jobs or tasks undertaken by the prisoners to acquire these earnings; and (iii) the rate of pay for each job or task, broken down by prison.

(AQW 880/11)

Minister of Justice (Mr D Ford): (i) The average annual remuneration paid to all prisoners is tabled below.

Financial Year	Maghaberry	Magilligan	Hydebank Wood	Total
05/06	£303,244.24	£310,755.64	£126,130.16	£740,130.04
06/07	£320,083.92	£315,610.88	£151,388.64	£787,083.44
07/08	£358,164.56	£310,755.64	£182,196.56	£851,116.76
08/09	£385,678.28	£327,918.24	£181,554.88	£895,151.40
09/10	£417,750.84	£319,349.68	£167,477.44	£904,577.96

(ii) The jobs or tasks undertaken by prisoners to acquire these earnings aim to encourage prisoners to address their offending behaviour, and work towards a full and productive re-integration into the community. Activities include education, training, work placements and other developmental activities, as well as participation in offending behaviour programmes. Further details in respect of each prison establishment are set out below.

MAGHABERRY

Education:
Essential skills (literacy and numeracy) Open University CLAIT IT	GCSE Maths & English Art CLAIT plus
Vocational Training:
Painting and decorating Furniture making Bricklaying Laundering Re-cycling Wheelchair repair / refurbishment	Joinery Tiling & plastering Industrial cleaning Gardening Braille workshop
Orderly work:
Cleaning Bins Kitchen orderlies Stores orderlies Library orderlies	Hygiene Servicing the prison grounds Tuckshop orderlies Education orderlies

MAGILLIGAN

Education:
Essential Skills (literacy and numeracy) Open University CLAIT NVQ IT	GCSE Maths & English Art CLAIT plus Microsoft Technician Course
Vocational Training:
Painting and Decorating Plastering Metal workshop Tiling Re-cycling workshop Print workshop Embroidery workshop	Joinery Furniture Making Industrial cleaning Gardening Picture framing Gardening
Voluntary employment:
Work in the community Orderly work	Furniture making for the community Benburb Priory
Orderly work:
Cleaning Re-cycling	Hygiene Servicing the prison grounds

HYDEBANK WOOD YOUNG OFFENDERS CENTRE AND PRISON

Education:
Essential skills (literacy and numeracy) Open University Ceramics Leather craft Cookery	GCSE Maths & English Art & Pottery Hairdressing Aromatherapy training Music English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Vocational Training
Painting and Decorating Joinery Plumbing Industrial cleaning Re-cycling workshop Cottage industries	Laundering Catering Bricklaying Grounds maintenance Gardening Railway carriage restoration Sewing
Orderly Work:
Cleaning Re-cycling	Hygiene Servicing the prison grounds

(iii) Rates of Pay and Incentive payments

All prisoners receive payment based on the NIPS Progressive Regime and Earned Privileges Scheme (PREPS) which was published on 15 June 2009. There are three levels - Enhanced, Standard and Basic.

The maximum weekly financial award at Enhanced level is £20; it is £11 at Standard, and £4 at Basic. The amounts detailed for both Enhanced and Standard include an ‘incentive payment’ of £6 which is paid when a prisoner is fully engaging in the regime and his/her Sentence Plan.

Sexual Offences Prevention Orders

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of breaches of Sexual Offences Prevention Orders in each of the last three years, and of these, how many were classed as serious; and (ii) whether he intends to review the circumstances of these breaches, particularly in relation to how individuals were monitored.

(AQW 928/11)

Minister of Justice:

Number of convictions for breaches of sexual offences prevention orders (SOPOs) and number of related defendants 2007-09

	Number of convictions for breaches of SOPO	Number of defendants	Number of defendants dealt with in magistrates’ courts	Number of defendants dealt with in Crown Court
2007	10	9	8	1
2008	20	17	16	1
2009	36	25	24	1

Data include the offences of ‘breach of sexual offences prevention orders and ‘breach of interim sexual offences prevention orders’.

Sexual offences prevention orders are civil orders which place prohibitions on a person where the court considers it necessary for the purpose of protecting the public from serious sexual harm. If the person breaches the terms of the order it is an arrestable criminal offence. The duty of the police is to arrest any person found to be in breach of the conditions of the SOPO, the prosecution service to decide on the seriousness of the breach and the court to make the appropriate disposal.

The policy and practice in relation to the assessment and management of risk posed by sex offenders, including reviews of individual cases, are contained in the statutory public protection guidance to agencies and the manual of practice. Both of these documents are available on the public protection website.

Failings in the Maze Prison

Mr S Anderson asked the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 497/11, whether any general guidelines were set for the project team on how long it should deliberate; and if its findings and recommendations will be published.

(AQW 968/11)

Minister of Justice: Recommendation 2 of the Billy Wright Inquiry Report stated: "We recommend that the SOSNI and those with recently devolved authority should satisfy themselves that any relevant lessons from HMP Maze have been learned for HMP Maghaberry".

The guidelines require the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s project team to focus on whether the expectations, derived explicitly from standards and policies deployed within England and Wales, as set out in the Billy Wright Inquiry Report, are currently being met. These expectations were turned into a set of baselines and an audit undertaken across the entire Prison Service estate.

The project team presented its initial internal assessment to the Director General on 8 October, in line with the original schedule. The final report is scheduled to be presented to myself and the Secretary of State by the Director General by the end of this month. It will include an action plan, with associated resource implications and indicative timescales for delivery,

Ministers will look to the Northern Ireland Prison Service for advice, in view of the need to avoid any potential compromise to security, on the material that may be placed in the public domain.

Civil Disturbances

Mr S Anderson asked the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 499/11, whether in the series of meetings listed he discussed (i) illegal dissident republican parades and protests and the failure to prosecute those responsible; and (ii) the level of arrests following repeated dissident republican rioting in Craigavon.

(AQW 969/11)

Minister of Justice: I have not had any specific meetings to discuss these matters. I have, however, received regular updates from the police in respect of those contentious parades and protests which had the potential to lead to public disorder, and the number of arrests following such incidents. The investigation of those responsible for any breach of the law is a matter for the Chief Constable and responsibility for prosecution rests with the Public Prosecution Service.

Convictions for Burglary or Similar Offences

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of people convicted of burglary or similar offences in each of the last five years; (ii) the maximum sentence for each offence; and (iii) how many people received the maximum sentence, broken down by type of offence.

(AQW 974/11)

Minister of Justice: Tables 1 to 5 below document the number convicted for burglary offences, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number of offenders who were given the maximum sentence by offence. For those offences which may be tried either on indictment at the Crown Court or summarily at a magistrates’ court, the maxima for both are documented.

Data cover the calendar years 2002 to 2006 (the latest year for which figures are currently available) and are collated on the principal offence rule; only the most serious offence for which an offender is convicted is included.

Table 1: Number convicted for burglary offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number receiving the maximum sentence by offence 2002

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	2	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to do unlawful damage	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and stealing	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to steal	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to rape	1	Life	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to steal (dwelling)	56	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary with intent to steal (non-dwelling)	83	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	1	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage	12	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and theft (dwelling)	160	14 years	0	12 months	3
Burglary and theft (non-dwelling)	203	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary inflicting grievous bodily harm	3	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary and attempted theft (dwelling)	5	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and attempted theft (non- dwelling)	9	14 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for burglary	13	3 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for theft	42	3 years	0	12 months	0
Total	595

Table 2: Number convicted for burglary offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number receiving the maximum sentence by offence 2003

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Aggravated burglary with intent to steal	2	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	3	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to steal	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and stealing	3	Life	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to steal (dwelling)	57	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary with intent to steal (non-dwelling)	74	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	1	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage	20	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and theft (dwelling)	172	14 years	0	12 months	2
Burglary and theft (non-dwelling)	206	14 years	0	12 months	2
Burglary inflicting grievous bodily harm	1	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary – attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm	1	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary and attempted theft (non-dwelling)	10	14 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for burglary	7	3 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for theft	42	3 years	0	12 months	0
Total	602

Table 3: Number convicted for burglary offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number receiving the maximum sentence by offence 2004

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Aggravated burglary with intent to steal	7	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and stealing	3	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to steal	2	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm	3	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and stealing	2	Life	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to steal (dwelling)	54	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary with intent to steal (non-dwelling)	81	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	4	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage	13	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and theft (dwelling)	196	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary and theft (non-dwelling)	199	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary inflicting grievous bodily harm	1	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary and attempted theft (non-dwelling)	5	14 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for burglary	15	3 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for theft	35	3 years	0	12 months	1
Total	620

Table 4: Number convicted for burglary offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number receiving the maximum sentence by offence 2005

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Aggravated burglary with intent to steal	3	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	6	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and stealing	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to steal	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to steal	2	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to steal (dwelling)	53	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary with intent to steal (non-dwelling)	61	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage	24	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and theft (dwelling)	190	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary and theft (non-dwelling)	155	14 years	0	12 months	1
Burglary inflicting grievous bodily harm	6	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary and attempted theft (dwelling)	1	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and attempted theft (non-dwelling)	1	14 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for burglary	11	3 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for theft	38	3 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped to cheat	1	3 years	0	12 months	0
Total	557

Table 5: Number convicted for burglary offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number receiving the maximum sentence by offence 2006

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Aggravated burglary with intent to steal	3	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and stealing	2	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm	5	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Aggravated burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm	1	Life	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to steal (dwelling)	47	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary with intent to steal (non-dwelling)	60	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm	2	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to commit rape	1	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage	17	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and theft (dwelling)	193	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and theft (non-dwelling)	158	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary inflicting grievous bodily harm	3	14 years	0	-	-
Burglary and attempted theft (dwelling)	2	14 years	0	12 months	0
Burglary and attempted theft (non-dwelling)	7	14 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for burglary	8	3 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped for theft	20	3 years	0	12 months	0
Going equipped to cheat	1	3 years	0	12 months	0
Total	532

Note:

1. For some of these offences the maximum penalty may be a term of imprisonment and/or a fine; the imprisonment element has been considered for the tables. It is not possible to determine from the court dataset if an offender received both disposals.

People Convicted of Sexual Offences

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of people convicted of sexual offences in each of the last five years; (ii) the maximum sentence for each offence; and (iii) how many people received the maximum sentence, broken down by type of offence.

(AQW 975/11)

Minister of Justice: Tables 1 to 5 below document the number convicted for sexual offences, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number of offenders who were given the maximum sentence by offence. For those offences which may be tried on indictment at the Crown Court or summarily at a magistrates’ court, the maxima for both are documented.

Data cover the calendar years 2002 to 2006 (the latest year for which figures are currently available) and are collated on the principal offence rule; only the most serious offence for which an offender is convicted is included.

You will be aware that I have recently published a consultation paper which considers the role of a sentencing guidelines mechanism in Northern Ireland and explores how this might further support consistency, transparency and public confidence in sentencing. I look forward to hearing the views of everyone interested in this important aspect of the administration of justice.

Table 1: Number convicted for sexual offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number who received the maximum sentence by offence 2002

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Rape	10	Life	0	-	-
Assault with intent to commit buggery	1	10 years	0	-	-
Gross indecency with child	4	10 years	0	6 months	1
Buggery with boy under 16 years	1	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years	1	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 17 years	1	2 years	0	12 months	0
Manager inducing defective to use premises for intercourse	1	2 years	0	-	-
Incest by man on female	1	7 years	0	-	-
Indecent assault on female	43	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on male	10	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on female child	2	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent exposure3	3	Unlimited imprisonment	-	-	-
Distributing indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	2	10 years	0	6 months	0
Taking indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	4	10 years	0	6 months	0
Total	84

Table 2: Number convicted for sexual offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number who received the maximum sentence by offence 2003

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Rape	10	Life	0	-	-
Buggery2	1	Life	0	-	-
Gross indecency with child	6	10 years	0	6 months	0
Buggery with boy under 16 years	1	Life	0	-	-
Gross indecency with a male under 18 years	1	5 years	0	12 months	0
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years	1	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 17 years	5	2 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on female	57	10 years	0	12 months	2
Indecent assault on male	6	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on female child	3	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent exposure3	2	Unlimited imprisonment	-	-	-
Bigamy	2	7 years	0	12 months	0
Possessing indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of a child	2	5 years	0	6 months	0
Taking indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	10	10 years	0	6 months	0
Copying indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	1	10 years	0	6 months	0
Total	108

Table 3: Number convicted for sexual offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number who received the maximum sentence by offence 2004

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Rape	18	Life	1	-	-
Gross indecency with child	3	10 years	0	6 months	0
Buggery with boy under 16 years	6	Life	0	-	-
Buggery with a woman	1	Life	0	-	-
Buggery with a girl	1	Life	0		-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years	4	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 17 years	2	2 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a female	57	10 years	0	12 months	1
Indecent assault on a male	17	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a female child	3	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a male child	4	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent exposure3	2	2 years	0	6 months	0
Distributing indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	1	10 years	0	6 months	0
Possession of indecent/pseudo photograph(s) with a view to distribution	1	10 years	0	6 months	0
Taking indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	8	10 years	0	6 months	0
Copying indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	2	10 years	0	6 months	0
Making indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	7	10 years	0	6 months	0
Total	137

Table 4: Number convicted for sexual offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number who received the maximum sentence by offence 2005

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Rape	8	Life	0	-	-
Gross indecency with child	6	10 years	0	6 months	1
Buggery with boy under 16 years	1	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years	3	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 17 years	4	2 years	0	12 months	0
Permitting girl under 17 years to use premises for intercourse	1	2 years	0	12 months	0
Incest by man on female	1	7 years	0	-	-
Indecent assault on a female	51	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a male	11	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a female child	18	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a male child	5	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent exposure3	2	2 years	0	6 months	0
Exposure	3	2 years	0	6 months	0
Voyeurism	2	2 years	0	6 months	0
Sex offender failing to notify police of change of address	6	5 years	0	6 months	0
Breach of interim Sex Offenders Prevention Order	1	5 years	0	6 months	0
Bigamy	1	7 years	0	12 months	0
Distributing indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	1	10 years	0	6 months	0
Taking indecent photographs or pseudo photographs of children	1	10 years	0	6 months	0
Making indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	10	10 years	0	6 months	0
Total	136

Table 5: Number convicted for sexual offences¹, the maximum sentence which can be given and the number who received the maximum sentence by offence 2006

Offence	Total number convicted	On indictment		Summarily
		Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence	Maximum custodial sentence which can be given	Number given maximum custodial sentence
Rape	11	Life	0	-	-
Gross indecency with child	5	10 years	0	6 months	0
Buggery with boy under 16 years	3	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years	3	Life	0	-	-
Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 17 years	5	2 years	1	12 months	0
Incest by man on female	1	7 years	0	-	-
Indecent assault on a female	73	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a male	8	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent assault on a female child	2	10 years	0	12 months	0
Indecent exposure3	6	2 years	0	6 months	0
Exposure	12	2 years	0	6 months	0
Meeting a child following sexual grooming	2	10 years	0	6 months	0
Sex offender failing to notify police of change of address	13	5 years	0	6 months	0
Breach of interim Sex Offenders Prevention Order	1	5 years	0	6 months	0
Distributing indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	1	10 years	0	6 months	0
Making indecent photograph or pseudo photographs of children	15	10 years	0	6 months	0
Total	161

Notes:

1. For some of these offences the maximum penalty may be a term of imprisonment and/or a fine; the imprisonment element has been considered for the tables. It is not possible to determine from the court dataset if an offender received both disposals.

2. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment if with a person under 16; five years if other person was over 18 and the defendant was over 21, otherwise the maximum is 2 years. Court conviction data do not contain victim information in relation to offences committed and it is therefore not possible to determine what the maximum penalty for the offence committed should be; life imprisonment has therefore been documented.

3. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (which came into effect in May 2004) the maximum penalty for indecent exposure was set in statute to two years on indictment and six months summarily. The maximum penalty under common law (unlimited imprisonment) is given for the years prior to this.

Sectarian Attacks in the Fountain Estate in Londonderry

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of reported sectarian attacks in the vicinity of the Fountain Estate in Londonderry in each of the last three years; (ii) whether a pattern or purpose has been detected in relation to these attacks; and (iii) what consideration has been given to enhancing security in the area.

(AQW 985/11)

Minister of Justice: The PSNI do not hold records of the number of sectarian attacks for the Fountain Estate in the format requested. Police have confirmed that sectarian incidents in the vicinity of the Fountain Estate are initiated by people both within and outside the estate. Over the last few years PSNI has installed 6 CCTV cameras around the Fountain Estate and has worked with various statutory and non statutory bodies to improve gates /fencing and lighting. The police have assured me that security of the area will continue to be kept under review.

Republican Dissident Activity

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 495/11, whether he has raised the issue of police numbers during his regular discussions with the Chief Constable and his senior officials regarding the current security situation.

(AQW 1008/11)

Minister of Justice: The issue of police numbers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. However I have discussed the matter with the Chief Constable on a number of occasions, including within the context of discussions on the current security situation, resourcing and the potential implications of the Comprehensive Spending Review. I have been advised there will be a further intake of new recruits to the Training College on 31 October 2010.

Hate Crime

Mr S Anderson asked the Minister of Justice for his Department's definition of a hate crime.

(AQW 1012/11)

Minister of Justice: The definition of a hate crime, as adopted by the Criminal Justice Agencies in Northern Ireland is any incident which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate towards a person’s actual or perceived race; faith or religion; sexual orientation; disability; political opinion or gender identity.

Prison Parties

Mr T Burns asked e Minister of Justice to detail the number of parties arranged for special occasions or for prisoners entertainment in each prison, in each of the last five years; and the cost of arranging these parties.

(AQW 1048/11)

Minister of Justice: There have been no parties held for prisoners’ entertainment during the last five years. The Northern Ireland Prison Service, through its Family Strategy, recognises the key role that the maintenance of strong family ties can play in the effective rehabilitation of prisoners and in reducing re-offending. One of the ways the Service seeks to promote this through Family Days which are arranged by prison visits staff.

Each establishment holds Family Days several times a year, usually during school holidays. Each event can accommodate up to 50 children. In the last five years NIPS have hosted 41 such functions at a total cost over the five years of approximately £23,000.

All of these functions were paid for out of each prison’s Governor’s Fund. The purpose of the Funds is to provide prisoners with things that would not normally be paid for out of public funds, related to the welfare of all categories of prisoner. The Fund derives from a percentage of profits from prison tuck shops, the sale of goods produced in prisons and from the money prisoners pay for renting televisions; they are not funded from the public purse.

Two other events were held in Maghaberry in 2009. A barbeque was held for a small group of life sentence prisoners and their families to encourage them to utilise skills they have learnt while in custody. A therapeutic social event was also held later that year for vulnerable prisoners. The total cost of both events was £190 which was paid for out of the education budget and the Governor’s fund. .

Complaints Against Prison Officers

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice how many individual prison officers have had multiple complaints made against them by prisoners within the last five years, broken down by number of complaints.

(AQW 1049/11)

Minister of Justice: The information requested is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

Data Relating to Criminal Convictions

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 701/11 and AQW 616/11, why data relating to criminal convictions, in relation to breaches of Non-Molestation Orders and driving whilst disqualified, are not available for the years following 2006.

(AQW 1061/11)

Minister of Justice: I understand that under the Northern Ireland Office, resource priorities were focused on the development of an integrated information strategy and certain statistical work was paused so that full attention could be given to that. Steps are now being taken as a matter of urgency to derive and validate the databases for prosecutions and convictions subsequent to 2006.

Domestic Violence

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Justice whether there are any differences in approach under his Department's strategy between domestic violence perpetrated by men and domestic violence perpetrated by women.

(AQW 1113/11)

Minister of Justice: The ‘Tackling Violence at Home’ strategy for addressing domestic violence and abuse in Northern Ireland was launched in October 2005 by the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.   The strategy is gender neutral and recognises that domestic violence occurs right across our society.

In setting out the Government’s vision for tackling domestic violence and abuse the strategy aims to hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour. Domestic violence can be perpetrated by both males and females but it is worth noting that the gender breakdown of domestic violence offenders under PBNI supervision is 91% male and 9% female.  PBNI deliver groupwork programmes for male perpetrators of domestic violence and is currently rolling out a new groupwork programme, the Integrated Domestic Violence Programme (IDAP), throughout Northern Ireland, in partnership with NI Women’s Aid. This is an accredited offending behaviour programme consisting of 27 groupwork sessions and additional individual sessions.

In the UK and Ireland there is no accredited programme for female perpetrators of domestic violence.  PBNI carry out individual assessment and tailor one-to-one interventions to address the particular needs of female offenders to prevent further offending.

Search Facility for Separated Prisoners at Maghaberry Prison

Lord Morrow asked e Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 91/11, what equipment will be installed in the new search facility for separated prisoners at Maghaberry Prison; and when the facility will be operational.

(AQW 1118/11)

Minister of Justice: The equipment being installed in the new search facility for separated prisoners at Maghaberry Prison includes:

• a Rapiscan scanner for the detection of illicit articles contained within outer clothing and foot wear. This is a scanning device, similar to those used in airports throughout the world;
• a Body Orifice Security Scanner (BOSS) chair. This is a chair which will detect any hidden metal contraband contained within the body orifices;
• Prison staff will also use the latest hand held metal detector on all separated prisoners on entering the facility.

The new facility is now in place and is expected to be fully operational by mid November 2010.

Protest in Roe House

Lord Morrow asked Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 45/11, how many prisoners have been charged under prison rules following the protest and resultant damage in Roe House, Maghaberry Prison; and with what each prisoner has been charged.

(AQW 1119/11)

Minister of Justice: Charges were laid against 35 prisoners during the protest.  The charges were in relation to a number of offences set out in Prison Rule 38 including:

• disobeys any lawful order;
• damages any part of a prison or property not being his own;
• mutinies or commits any act of collective indiscipline;
• commits any other assault;
• assaults an officer or other member of staff ;
• uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour;
• disobeys or fails to comply with any rules or regulation applying to him;
• attempts to commit any of the foregoing charges
• assault causing injury against any other person including another prisoner; and
• in any other way offends against Good order and Discipline.

In line with recommendation 14 of the Prisoner Ombudsman’s report of 11 June, the Governor set aside any outstanding charges incurred by separated prisoners in Roe House in connection with the period from 4 April to 11 June 2010. This amounted to over 600 charges out of the total of 1531

Following the agreement reached on 12 August, the Governor took the decision to set aside most of the remaining charges which had been incurred in relation to the protest, on the grounds that any punishments that may have been awarded, such for example as cellular confinement, could be understood to have been effectively served during the course of the protest.

There are seven remaining charges currently adjourned. Six of these involve one prisoner and felt by the Governor to be of a very serious nature. Due to this they are not being withdrawn and will be processed as per adjudication procedures.

One charge (relating to a matter which was referred to the Police independently) is currently adjourned by NIPS whilst being assessed by the Police to ascertain if a criminal investigation is warranted. In line with procedures, the prison authorities cannot process the adjudication for this charge until the Police inform NIPS of their decision.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Justice to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1121/11)

Minister of Justice: The Department of Justice was established on 12 April 2010. All staff within the DOJ and its Agencies are eligible to join the NICS Salary Sacrifice Scheme (or similar). Details of the relevant scheme are available to all staff. The eligibility to join the scheme is based on personal circumstances of staff. It is, however, estimated that there are approximately 111 staff within the DOJ and its Agencies who are currently participating in the schemes.

The associated costs of the schemes from April to September were approximately £11,300.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Justice whether he has identified any funding from his Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1177/11)

Minister of Justice: There are currently no plans to allocate any of the Department of Justice budget towards funding of projects or programmes for the City of Culture 2013 in Derry.

Compensation Paid to Prison Staff

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice how much compensation has been paid to prison staff as a result of assaults and injuries caused by prisoners in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1187/11)

Minister of Justice: Table A below sets out the amount of compensation paid to prison staff as a result of primary assaults i.e., assaults made directly on prison staff by prisoners in each of the last three financial years and the current financial year (2010/11) to 30 September:

TABLE A – Primary assaults

Year	No of Claims	Total Amount Paid (Direct assault)
07/08	6	£48,189.46
08/09	2	£9,250
09/10	7	£28,289.30
10/11 (April – Sept)	2	£15,750
Total	17	£101,478.76

In addition, payments have also been made for secondary assault i.e. as a result of either the deployment of control and restraint techniques (when an incident of violence by a prisoner requires Control and Restraint techniques to be deployed resulting in injury to prison staff ) or smoke inhalation (injuries to prison staff caused by fires). These figures are set out at Tables B and C below respectively.

TABLE B - Control and Restraint

Year	No of Claims	Total Amount Paid
07/08	3	£16,500
08/09	0	0
09/10	8	£28,862.50
10/11 (April – Sept)	3	£20,339.20
Totals	14	£65,701.70

TABLE C - Smoke Inhalation

Year	No of Claims	Total Amount Paid
07/08	10	£101,500
08/09	7	£29,318
09/10	0	0
10/11 (April – Sept)	1	£2,255.00
Totals	18	£133,073

It should be noted that the compensation paid in any year may relate to incidents that occurred in previous years.

Inquiry on the Committal of Devidas Paliutis

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 993/11, why the preliminary inquiry on the committal of Devidas Paliutis was held by video-link.

(AQW 1190/11)

Minister of Justice: I understand that the Preliminary Inquiry in this case was held by live video link at the direction of the District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts).

Hate Crime

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Justice to outline his plans for a review of the law in relation to hate crime and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 1240/11)

Minister of Justice: The legislative provisions underpinning hate crime offences and penalties in Northern Ireland are set out in the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 and the Criminal Justice (No2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. Whilst I have no plans for a review of these provisions I intend to use the forthcoming consultation on a future Northern Ireland Community Safety Strategy to consider our approach to and outline proposals for addressing hate crime in the future.

There is no place for Hate Crime in our society. My Department works closely with partners such as the PSNI to increase public awareness of all types of hate crime and the harm it causes through initiatives such as the Unite Against Hate campaign. In addition support is provided to victims through practical initiatives such as the Hate Incidents Practical Actions Scheme (HIPA) where in partnership with the PSNI and the NIHE support is provided to victims of hate incidents in their homes, or where an individual’s home has been damaged as a result of a hate incident.

Vexatious Litigants

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Justice for his assessment of whether person's legal proceedings in another jurisdiction should be considered when deciding whether that individual should be declared a vexatious litigant in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1271/11)

Minister of Justice: Under section 32 of the Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978, the High Court is only to consider proceedings taken by a person in the courts or tribunals in Northern Ireland when determining if a person may be regarded as a vexatious litigant. I have no current plans to amend the legislation.

Review of the Rules on Security

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Justice whether he will be conducting a review of the rules on security for costs in relation to litigation.

(AQW 1272/11)

Minister of Justice: The position on security for costs is governed by statute and court rules. These set out the circumstances in which orders for security for costs can be made and generally provide that the decision on whether or not to make such an order is subject to the court’s discretion.

The current system aims to gives the courts the flexibility they need to balance rights of access to justice with rights to recover costs. I do not, therefore, have any plans to review the position.

Vexatious Litigants

Mr P Weir asked e Minister of Justice if he intends to consult with the appropriate legal authorities and to review whether the current arrangements in place to deal with vexatious litigants are fit for purpose.

(AQW 1273/11)

Minister of Justice: I have no current plans to review the law relating to vexatious litigants.

Vexatious Litigants in England and Wales

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Justice to detail the number of legal proceedings commenced in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years, by persons who have been declared vexatious litigants in England and Wales

(AQW 1274/11)

Minister of Justice: Two people declared vexatious litigants in England and Wales are known to have commenced nine legal proceedings in Northern Ireland in the last five years.

In 2008 one person commenced seven applications and in 2010 one person commenced two proceedings.

Statutory Minimum Sentence

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Justice if he will consider introducing a statutory minimum sentence for certain types of serious sexual assault.

(AQW 1296/11)

Minister of Justice: The sentencing framework was radically reshaped in 2008 with the introduction of new indeterminate and extended public protection sentences for serious sexual and violent offences. I keep the sentencing framework under regular review but have no plans at this time to introduce minimum sentences.

Victims of Sectarian Attacks in Rasharkin

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Justice what meetings he has had, or intends to have, with victims of sectarian attacks in Rasharkin.

(AQW 1337/11)

Minister of Justice: Attacks of this nature have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. While I have not had any meetings to date with the victims of sectarian attacks in Rasharkin, I would be happy to meet with those affected to listen to their concerns.

Sectarian Incidents in Rasharkin

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Justice whether he has met, or intends to meet, senior PSNI representatives regarding prosecutions for sectarian incidents in Rasharkin.

(AQW 1339/11)

Minister of Justice: Whilst I have regular meetings with the Chief Constable and other senior officers I have not met with them specifically to discuss sectarian attacks in Rasharkin. Prosecutions are a matter for the Public Prosecution Service; the PPS has operational independence and all decisions are based on the available evidence.

The Compensation Agency

Ms D Purvis asked e Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 996/11, why the Compensation Agency does not hold compensation details for injuries relating to the conflict in Northern Ireland separate from other criminal injury claims.

(AQW 1390/11)

Minister of Justice: I am unable to provide the information requested as the Compensation Agency’s data base does not identify those claims made in respect of the conflict separately to other general criminal injury or damage claims. The design of the Agency’s database dates back to the mid 1980’s when the emphasis was on recording the nature of injuries/damage and the amount of compensation paid but not the background to or source of the claims.

Displaced Police Officers Who are in Negative Equity

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Justice for an update on the proposals to address the problem of displaced police officers who are in negative equity; and when he expects a final decision to be made.

(AQW 1397/11)

Minister of Justice: In addition to the publicly-funded SPED scheme available through the Department for Social Development, additional arrangements are in place to allow the PSNI and Policing Board to provide public funding to assist police officers who are placed in this position.

Approval has already been given to allow the Policing Board and PSNI to adapt existing arrangements to help police officers who are facing negative equity in these circumstances.

Officials from my Department met on 22 September with representatives from the Policing Board and PSNI to give urgent attention to further concerns which were brought to my attention and I hope to receive a detailed, costed proposal from the Policing Board soon to allow me urgently to consider the matter in more detail.

Anti-Social Behaviour Order

Mr B Wilson asked e Minister of Justice how many councils have issued Anti-Social Behaviour Orders since their introduction, and how many Orders were issued in total in the last year.

(AQO 320/11)

Minister of Justice: The Department of Justice has been notified by the relevant authorities, that is Northern Ireland Housing Executive, District Councils and PSNI of the following;

There have been 122 ASBOs issued in Northern Ireland since their introduction in 2005, of which 5 Councils issued a total of 9 ASBOs.

In 2009 25 ASBOs were issued by the relevant authorities, that is NIHE, Councils and PSNI.

Prisoner Ombudsman

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Justice to outline any plans he has for changing the office of the Prisoner Ombudsman to a statutory body.

(AQO 321/11)

Minister of Justice: I am considering the options for placing the Office of the Prisoner Ombudsman on a statutory footing, in line with the reference in the Hillsborough Castle Agreement on 5 February 2010 to reviewing the powers of the office. I believe that with the devolution of policing and justice we have the opportunity to develop local solutions which better suit the needs of Northern Ireland, taking appropriate account of the need to make the most efficient use of resources.

I have therefore written to the First and Deputy First Ministers seeking their views on how any wider review of Ombudsmen’s services, including those of the Assembly Ombudsman, might influence decisions on the future of the Prisoner Ombudsman’s office. Once I receive their comments I will be in a better position to make an informed decision on the way forward.

Prisons: Mental Health Services

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Justice whether he has raised the issue of mental health provision in prisons with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(AQO 322/11)

Minister of Justice: I am aware of the high level of prisoners presenting with mental health problems and personality disorders and, in partnership with the Minister of Health, I am committed to providing appropriate mental health services to offenders in custody.

I met the Minister of Health on 7 September. We had a wide-ranging discussion which included delivery of healthcare services, and the needs of those suffering from mental illness. We agreed that both our Departments would work closely together to improve service delivery.

The Prison Service has a strong working partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust for delivery of healthcare services.

Healthcare provision is also discussed regularly at meetings of the Joint Prison Partnership Board. This is a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary Board and meets bi-monthly to agree strategic and operational priorities and review primary and secondary healthcare services to prisoners across the prison estate.

The issue of mental health provision in prisons is under active consideration by the appropriate professionals and range of strategies and action plans are in place to bring about improvements in the delivery of, for example, psychiatric services and addiction support.

There has been recent additional investment in Mental Health services. Discharge liaison Nurses have been appointed to ensure that those with severe and enduring mental illness are linked back into mainstream mental health services upon leaving prison.

Specialist Addictions Nurses have been appointed to provide substitute prescribing services, drug withdrawal services and to integrate with the ADEPT programme run by Opportunity Youth.

Plans are at an advanced stage to develop a day centre service for our most Vulnerable prisoners and an additional £100,000 has been invested to support this development.

A wide range of training has been made available to both discipline and healthcare staff through the joint appointment of a training specialist in Mental Health.

However I acknowledge that there is more to be done and I am clear that tackling the range of specific needs and problems encountered by prisoners – including providing support and services to those prisoners with mental health problems - is vital if we are to succeed in reducing re-offending rates.

The current review of the Prison Service, which includes all aspects of the management of prisons including healthcare, will also help us ensure that mental health services are targeted to best effect in our prisons.

Prisoner Releases

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Justice who is leading the inquiry into the recent erroneous release of two prisoners.

(AQO 323/11)

Minister of Justice: This is a serious matter and it is vital that lessons are learned to identify procedural weaknesses and to remove the margin for human error. The inquiry is being led by the Prison Service’s Deputy Director of Operations. The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland has also agreed to review the Inquiry findings.

Prisoner Releases

Ms M Ritchie asked the Minister of Justice what measures he is introducing to safeguard against the erroneous release of remand prisoners from custody by Prison Service staff.

(AQO 324/11)

Minister of Justice: I have commissioned an inquiry into the two erroneous releases. A number of immediate safeguards have already been introduced across the Service including:

• documentation between videolink facilities and the General Offices within the Northern Ireland Prison Service has been improved;
• a strengthening of staff capability in this area;
• videolink forms are now retained on custody files for subsequent checking;
• The "expected warrants list" is checked against the videolink forms received to ensure that none are missing;
• processes are now in place for a second and third level check for all discharges;
• all checks are now done using live screens containing the most up to date information; and
• Prisoner Escort and Court Custody Service (PECCS) staff have been instructed that prisoners are not to be released from the dock but taken to the custody suite for a final check.

DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NI Water Staff

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to list all current and previous employment agencies that have supplied staff to NI Water since April 2007; and to outline the contract details and value of these contracts.

(AQW 650/11)

Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that temporary staff have been supplied under the following tender references:

• C179 Provision of Temporary workers for Water Service - May 2005 to July 2009 (Kennedy Recruitment);
• C212 Provision of Temporary Engineering Technicians - September 2003 to July 2009 (Grafton / Blueprint);
• 3. C100 Supply of Technicians for Engineering Support in the Fields of Telecommunications and Telemetry – June 2001 to June 2009 (Orion Engineering Services Limited);
• Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) Contract Reference S/13124/03 – March 2005 to March 2008 (Diamond Recruitment, Sellick Partnership, Grafton Recruitment);
• CPD Contract Reference F/15175/06 – March 2008 to date (Diamond Recruitment, Sellick Partnership, Grafton Recruitment, Kennedy Recruitment, Premier People); and
• C348 Temporary Workers and Temporary Engineering Technicians – July 2009 to date (Premiere People).

NIW also had agency staff engaged through Inta People, MPA, Office Angels, Reed, Spengler Fox, Brightwater, Alexander HR, Vector Resourcing, and DP Contracting. These suppliers were used in the instance that the requirement could not be filled through the contractual arrangements listed above. A number of the supply agreements were operational prior to go live in April 2007. These legacy agreements were subsequently managed by NIW.

During November 2008, NIW began work on a new tender to cover temporary labour requirements. The tender was launched in March 2009 and the tender award was made with a start date of July 2009. The resulting contract award (C348 – Premiere People) transferred temporary staff from Inta People, MPA, Office Angels, Reed, Kennedy Recruitment, Grafton Recruitment and Blueprint in to one contractual agreement.

Spend detail with agencies is listed in the table below:

	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11 to date	Total
	£	£	£	£	£
Premiere People	83,774.97	40,960.87	664,004.47	308,344.47	1,097,084.78
Kennedy Recruitment	782,793.76	699,877.10	297,871.01	0	1,780,541.87
Grafton	320,111.35	369,991.87	364,709.98	10,123.69	1,064,936.89
Blueprint	330,954.92	185,072.44	18,304.37	0	534,331.73
Diamond	1,225.74	17,686.95	5,296.91	0	24,209.60
Sellick Partnership	287,472.71	170,906.69	47,580.29	0	505,959.69
Spengler Fox	34,564.13	0	0	0	34,564.13
Orion Engineering Services	615,216.70	537,934.79	177,057.45	38,535.73	1,368,744.67
Inta People	233,910.00	125,775.00	12,150.00	0	371,835.00
MPA	101,596.05	304,573.86	125,262.13	0	531,432.04
Office Angels	0	34,528.51	9,308.27	0	43,836.78
Reed	6,330.72	44,743.97	10,402.21	0	61,476.90
Alexander HR Ltd	116,091.23	103,012.70	0	0	219,103.93
Vector Resourcing Ltd	52,700.00	311,916.23	275,915.00	36,500.00	677,031.23
DP Contracting Ltd	120,642.90	47,793.75	3,150.00	0	171,586.65
Brightwater Recruitment Ltd	18,622.05	18,596.90	48,579.46	(i)16,791.00	102,589.41
Total	3,106,007.23	3,013,371.63	2,059,591.55	410,294.89	8,589,265.30

(i) The spend in 2010-11 relates to one individual. A fee of £4,500 would have been payable if the individual had been transferred to the new contract C348. The position was only required short term. The assignment remained with Brightwater to completion to avoid the fee applicable upon transfer. The temporary assignment was terminated in July 2010.

Roads Service's Limavady Section Office

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the annual cost of (i) rent; and (ii) utility bills for the Roads Service's Limavady Section Office in each of the last three years.

(AQW 841/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I can advise that my Department’s Roads Service is not charged for rent in respect of Limavady Section Office, as the building is owned by the Department of Finance and Personnel. With regard to utility bills, these are listed in the table below.

Year	Rates	Electricity	Telephone	Heating	Water	Cleaning	Waste disposal
2007/2008	£6,290	£1,694	£5,264	£2,200*	£122	£2,127	£120
2008/2009	£6,445	£1,694	£3,157	£2,200*	£102	£1,981	£120
2009/2010	£6,763	£1,906	£3,834	£2,200*	£280	£1,952	£120

*the figure quoted is based on average fuel usage and price over the period

Bus Shelters

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) what measures and resources Translink currently has in place to maintain existing bus shelters and install new bus shelters when required; and (ii) if there are any plans to reduce these measure or resources.

(AQW 890/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service entered into a contract with Adshel, the bus shelter provider, for the provision of bus shelters throughout the various council areas across the North. During the last 10 years, this contract has provided over 1300 bus shelters across the North.

The provision and the maintenance of bus shelters are funded by Adshel through advertising revenue, at no cost to the Department, and this will continue until the contract terminates in 2015.

While the current contract does not allow for the provision of new shelters after 2010, Roads Service can provide additional shelters when they are considered necessary. However, any such project would be required to be prioritised against other competing schemes for the limited funding available.

I can further advise that local councils can also provide bus shelters when they wish to do so.

Parking Meters

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development why his Department withdrew parking meters that accepted credit and debit cards.

(AQW 906/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that a number of credit card enabled pay and display machines, which had reached the end of their economic lifespan, were replaced over the last year with machines that accept payment by coin only.

I should explain that the customer experience with the credit card facility was that it was relatively slow and less than ideal in the outdoor environment. When chip and pin technology was introduced, it was considered that this process would have been further slowed, as any new installations would require customers to input their PIN numbers.

Given the previous experience of customers and the very low usage of the credit card facility, approximately 3% of all transactions, my Department could not justify the significant additional expenditure required to include the credit card facility on the replacement machines. In addition to the capital outlay for the equipment, my Department was also required to pay all associated costs for each credit/debit card transaction.

However, I can advise that officials in my Department are currently investigating alternative cashless parking payment options.

Parking Meters

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development the cost to his Department of installing new parking meters in each of the last three years.

(AQW 907/11)

Minister for Regional Development: Over the past three years, my Department’s Roads Service has installed and replaced a considerable number of pay and display machines throughout the North. Details of the costs incurred for this process are shown in the table below:

FINANCIAL YEAR	TOTAL COST
2007/08	£407,553.85
2008/09	£535,062.36
2009/10	£1,033,185.75

Extended Contracts

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 417/11, for how long the Roads Service and Translink contracts were extended and the cost of each extended contract.

(AQW 910/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The position in respect of Roads Service is as follows:

The Roads Service contract extension in 2007/2008 was for legal advice on adjudication of contractual disputes. In dealing with dispute resolution, the length of time taken and the cost of the associated fees are dependent on the nature of the specific dispute. It is not possible to estimate this accurately. The contract extension operated over the period June 2007 to February 2010 and the associated costs were £547,245. Work under the initial instruction for the legal advice commenced in January 2006 and was completed in April 2007, at a cost of £388,000.

The two Roads Service contracts in 2009/10 were extended due to legal contractual issues which were preventing the award of new contracts. The first was a two year Term Contract for Maintenance and Improvement of Street Lighting, which was extended for a further 10 months. The value of the works undertaken over the extended period was £11.5 million. The original estimated annual value at the pre-award stage was £8.6 million. The second was a five year Term Contract for Maintenance and Improvement of Structures, which was extended for a further 11 months. The value of the works undertaken over the extended period was £2.6 million. The original estimated annual value at the pre-award stage was £1.8 million.

The volume of work carried out from year to year, and indeed quarters, on term contracts is dictated by operational demands and can vary considerably.

The position in relation to Translink is as follows:

Pension advisers: Translink have informed me that there has been a longstanding arrangement with pension advisers but have been unable to establish when this arrangement formally commenced. The amount of spend has varied from year to year, dependent on the services required. The average annual spend over the last three years was £96,000. A procurement process for pensions advisers commenced in early July 2010 with anticipated completion by mid 2011.

Legal services: The delay in renewing contracts for legal services relates to Translink’s Claims & Liability Legal Services. This was competitively tendered and was due for renewal in 2007. Average annual expenditure over the last three years was approximately £130,000.

Translink have also operated a number of ad-hoc arrangements with firms of solicitors for which records of a tender process cannot be located. The amount of spending on these arrangements is estimated at approximately £160,000 per annum over the last three years. All of these arrangements will be discontinued and proposals for procurement will be brought to the October NITHC Board meeting, after which formal procurement is expected to commence.

Contract Extensions

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 417/11, to detail the cost of the Translink and Roads Service single tender actions and whether these were approved by his Department.

(AQW 911/11)

Minister for Regional Development: (i) The cost of Roads Service single tender actions are set out in the table below and were approved.

External Consultant Commissions let through Single Tender Action
Project	Financial Year	Start Date	Value
NISTRM Growth Factors	2007/08	May-07	£2,025
Advice to RS Board on RPA	2005/06	Jan-06	£10,000
Development of Business Case and Economic Appraisal for Moving Traffic Offences	2005/06	Feb-06	£20,000
Sustrans Research	2005/06	2005/06	£26,555

(ii) In relation to cost of single tender actions entered into by the NI Transport Holding Company (NITHC) I would refer you to AQW 416/11. The contracts referred to in AQW 416/11 dated after September 2007, were formally approved by the Department after considering the justification put forward by NITHC. NITHC received Centre of Procurement Expertise status during 2007.

Review into Procurement Practice at Translink

Mr P McGlone asked e Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 416/11, whether the review into procurement practice at Translink is being carried out independently or by the Department; and who is leading the review.

(AQW 913/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The review of procurement practice was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) Group Chief Executive/Accounting Officer to ensure that procedures are in line with best practice and comply with procurement policy. The review is being led by the NITHC Procurement Manager. It is being monitored by the NITHC Audit Committee and Board.

Translink Single Tender Action and Contract Extension

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development whether the Translink single tender action and contract extension was taken into consideration when awarding Translink the Centre of Procurement Expertise status.

(AQW 914/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC), which includes subsidiary companies trading jointly as Translink, was awarded Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) status in 2007. This process is overseen by the Central Procurement Directorate within the Department of Finance and Personnel and by a Procurement Board involving departments. I am aware that CoPE status is reviewed every three years and that an independent review, which involved NITHC, was carried out in 2009. This review involved assessment against a range of criteria and NITHC retains its status as a CoPE.

Illegal Sectarian Signage

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to remove the illegal sectarian signage from his Department's property in the South Tyrone area, including at the Ballygawley roundabout and Eglish.

(AQW 922/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the removal of politically motivated advertising signs in the North is a matter that needs to be treated with sensitivity, and with due regard to the safety of those who may be asked to undertake the removal. The risk of escalating the problem also needs to be taken into consideration.

Roads Service has, however, indicated that it will remove some of the signs referred to, where it is considered safe to do so, and where an adverse reaction is not anticipated.

Stockpile Grit

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what action he is taking to stockpile grit for use this winter.

(AQW 935/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that as part of the preparations for the winter period, salt barns which are strategically placed in depots throughout the North are being filled to capacity. This will result in Roads Service stockpiling some 65,000 tonnes of salt that will be available for use this winter period.

40mph Speed Limit

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the criteria used to introduce a 40mph speed limit.

(AQW 945/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that in April of this year, it introduced a new policy on the setting of local speed limits. This policy is based on the Department for Transport’s guidelines.

With regard to the 40mph speed limits, the policy states that: "Roads suitable for 40 mph are generally higher quality suburban roads or those on the outskirts of urban areas where there is little development. They are roads which generally provide a through traffic or strategic function and should have good width and layout, parking and waiting restrictions in operation, and buildings set back from the road. These roads should, wherever possible, cater for the needs of non-motorised road users through segregation of road space. Alternatively, traffic managers should consider whether there are convenient alternative routes available and ensure that any roads with a 40 mph limit have adequate footways and crossing places as necessary for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians".

Historically, Roads Service has provided 40mph speed limits when frontage development reached 50%, measured along either one or both sides of the road, within a 600 metre length of carriageway. Existing vehicle speeds within the area are also considered and, when the average speed recorded was at or below 40mph, this would be assessed as a supporting factor for a reduced limit.

Traffic Lights in the Mallusk Road and Mayfield Link

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any recent changes made to the traffic lights in the Mallusk Road and Mayfield Link area; and whether any changes made were as a result of the ongoing work on Scullions Road on the approach to the Sandyknowes roundabout.

(AQW 972/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I am advised that as a result of the Scullions Road resurfacing work, Roads Service's Traffic Information and Control Centre (TICC) investigated the impact of the work on the signalised junctions at Mallusk Road / Scullions Road and Scullions Road / Sandyknowes Roundabout.

The operation of these lights is governed by the operation of vehicle detector loops located in the carriageway. To facilitate resurfacing work, it is normal practice to temporarily deactivate the traffic detection in the carriageway until the work is completed.

To ensure the signal timings at these junctions remained responsive to prevailing traffic conditions during the works, an alternative method of traffic detection was installed at both locations. This was a temporary solution to enable the junctions to operate as efficiently as possible.

The junctions have now returned to normal operation following completion of the works.

I can also advise that recently, TICC, in response to feedback from road users and having observed the operation of the junction of the Mallusk Rd / Scullions Rd / Mayfield Link, increased the green time on the Mayfield Link to allow for a higher throughput of traffic.

Traffic Flow Survey at Mayfield Link

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the date and the results of the most recent traffic flow survey at Mayfield Link on the approach to the Sandyknowes roundabout.

(AQW 973/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has not carried out any detailed traffic flow surveys for the Mayfield Link therefore it cannot provide the information requested.

Contracts Between NI Water and Enterprise PLC

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the contracts between NI Water and Enterprise PLC in (i) 2006/07; (ii) 2007/08; (iii) 2008/09; and (iv) 2009/10, including expenditure and whether the contracts were by single tender action or extended contract.

(AQW 981/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that its predecessor Water Service awarded a contract to Enterprise Managed Services Ltd in January 2007. This award followed a competitive market tender exercise.

In line with the original contract award terms, the contract option to extend was exercised by NIW for the year 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009. A further extension was granted from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. The contract with Enterprise ceased following a further market tendered competition for the services provided.

A breakdown of expenditure for each year is provided in the table below.

Enterprise Managed Services Ltd. – Expenditure on Contract
2006/07	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
£77,009	£608, 208	£2, 505, 455	£827, 905

Single Tender Actions and Contract Extensions

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 417/11 and AQW 416/11, when work commenced on the single tender actions and the contract extensions at Translink; and when authorisation was granted by his Department.

(AQW 984/11)

Minister for Regional Development: In respect of the Single Tender Actions reported in AQW 416/11, the dates when work commenced and authorisation was granted are contained in the table below:

Financial Year	Date of internal Translink approval	Date of authorisation by the Department	Date work commenced	Project	Amount
2006/07	May 2006	No record of Departmental approval	June 2006	Carrying out TPWS risk assessment	£4,025
2007/08	Sep. 2007	No record of Departmental approval	October 2007	Specialist design contractor for earthworks examination programme	£20,000
2007/08	Feb. 2008	Approved March 2008	March 2008	Bangor TEML15 TDM system replacement project	£120,311
2007/08	Feb. 2008	Approved March 2008	March 2008	Safe and secure storage of master records	£15,500
2008/09	May 2008	Approved June 2008	Project did not proceed	Provision of miniature warning lights (MSL) at UWC XD263 (Robinson’s)	£85,050
2008/09	Jun. 2008	Approved December 2008	December 2008	Dualling of train describer system	£169,241
2008/09	Jul. 2008	Approved August 2008	September 2008	Antrim Station signalling improvements	£14,782

In respect of the Contract Extensions reported in AQW 417/11, Translink have informed me that (i) there has been a longstanding arrangement with pension advisers but have been unable to establish when this arrangement formally commenced, and (ii) the Claims & Liability Legal Services were competitively tendered and were due for renewal in 2007.

In line with the Management Statement and Financial Memorandum such contract extensions do not require departmental approval.

Roads Resurfaced in the Lisburn City Council Area

Mr P Givan asked the Minister for Regional Development how many miles of road were resurfaced in the Lisburn City council area, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 986/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the total road lane length resurfaced in kilometres, for the Lisburn City Council area, for the last five financial years is set out in the table below:-

Financial Year	Road Lane Length (kilometres)
2005/06	63.4
2006/07	27.6
2007/08	42.0
2008/09	30.8
2009/10	37.6

Public Transport

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to encourage car users to use public transport in the North Down area.

(AQW 990/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s plans for North Down are included in the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan. The Plan provides for, and encourages, greater use of public transport and includes proposals for improved bus and rail services, Park and Ride and Rapid Transit.

Recent investment in the purchase of new modern buses which will be used across the region will also bring benefits to the North Down area. Additionally my Department is providing the funding to allow Translink to purchase 20 new trains, the first of which should be in service by 2012. Some of these trains will be deployed on the Belfast to Bangor line in order to increase the frequency and capacity of services on the line. The new trains and buses provide a real and attractive alternative to the private car and will help to encourage car users to use public transport.

My Department is also currently developing a new pilot Rapid Transit system in Belfast. It is proposed that this will include the provision of Park and Ride facilities at key locations. One of the proposed Rapid Transit routes will link East Belfast to the city centre and will include a Park and Ride facility in the Dundonald area. It is anticipated that some car users from North Down will use this facility.

The Travelwise initiative run by my Department continues to promote sustainable modes of transport in all sectors across the North including more use of public transport, car sharing, walking and cycling.

Information about the range of Travelwise initiatives can be found at www.travelwiseni.com.

Road Calming Measures for the Ballymaconnell Road in Bangor

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the proposed road calming measures for the Ballymaconnell Road in Bangor.

(AQW 991/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has confirmed with the Member’s constituency office that this question relates to Ballymaconnell Road South in Bangor.

Roads Service has completed the required legislative and consultative processes for providing traffic calming measures on this road. However, a number of objections to the proposals have been received, which Roads Service has been unable to resolve to date. It is now considering how best to proceed and I have asked Mr Ken Hutton, acting Divisional Roads Manager for Eastern Division, to write to you with an update, when a decision on the way forward has been taken.

Road Markings

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of renewing road markings in each of the last three financial years.

(AQW 992/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service does not monitor expenditure specifically in relation to renewal of road markings, however, the following table provides details of the total expenditure for each of the last three years for renewal of road markings and reflective road studs (cat’s eyes).

	Northern Division	Southern Division	Eastern Division	Western Division	Roads Service Total
2007/08	£592,000	£620,000	£507,000	£391,000	£2,110,000
2008/09	£503,000	£585,000	£543,000	£380,000	£2,011,000
2009/10	£566,000	£592,000	£485,000	£459,000	£2,102,000

Neighbourhood Renewal

Ms J McCann asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the services currently funded, fully or partly, by his Department under Neighbourhood Renewal in the West Belfast constituency.

(AQW 1002/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it has not funded, either fully or in part, any services under the Neighbourhood Renewal within West Belfast.

Contracts Awarded by NI Water and the Water Service

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail all contracts awarded by NI Water and the Water Service in each of the last six years, including to whom the contract was awarded and cost.

(AQW 1056/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the contracts set out in the tables below have been awarded by it or its predecessor Water Service to the suppliers detailed. Contract details are split between Operational covering the past six years (table 1) and Capital covering the period from April 2007 (table 2). Capital contract details prior to April 2007 and the costs associated with all of the operational contracts are not held by NIW in a format that is readily accessible and could only be extracted following a major manual exercise. This information could therefore only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Table 1 Operational Goods and Services Contracts awarded from 1 April 2004

Tender No	Tender Title	Successful Suppliers	Date of Award
C004	Plastic Pipes & Fittings	Glynwed Pipe Systems Ltd	01/04/2004
		WE Bullick
		Hepworth
		Associated Pipeline Products
		Wavin
		Fusion Provida
		Tyco (Atlantic Plastics Ltd)
		Uponor
		Plasson
		Total Pipeline
C004-08	Pipes & Fittings	ASSOCIATED PIPELINE PRODUCTS LIMITED	11/03/2008
		Burdens
		Glynwed Pipe Systems
		WAVIN (NI) LIMITED
C006	Surface Boxes and Manhole Cover (Castings)	Associated Pipeline Products Ltd	01/04/2004
		Cavanagh Foundry Ltd
		JP Corry (NI) Ltd
C006-07	Surface Boxes and Manhole Cover (Castings)	ASSOCIATED PIPELINE PRODUCTS LIMITED	20/08/2007
C007-05	Cold water meters	ELSTER METERING LIMITED
C007-08	Cold Water Meters and AMR	Sensus Metering Systems	18/06/2009
C009	Mechanical Joints & Fittings	Atlantic Plastics Ltd.,	01/09/2005
		Viking Johnston,
C010-05	Supply & Dly of Underground Stopcocks,Stopcock/MeterChamber Systems & Plumbing Materials	Atlantic Plastics Ltd	01/04/2005
C011	Under Pressure Water Fittings	TYCO VALVES LTD	01/09/2005
C012	Hydraulic control valves and fittings	Associated Pipelines Products Ltd	01/04/2004
		Atlantic Plastics Ltd
		IPL Group
		Saint Gobain Pipelines Plc
C012-08	Hydraulic control valves and fittings	ASSOCIATED PIPELINE PRODUCTS LIMITED	22/07/2008
		GA Valves Sales Ltd
		IPL GROUP
C014-04	Herbicides	N2N Enviro Ltd	01/04/2004
C013-05	Chemicals	CCP GRANSDEN (BI-CHEM) LTD	01/07/2005
		CHEMIFLOC (UK) LTD
		Chem-vite Ltd
		ISYS ENVIRONMENTAL
		KILWAUGHTER CHEMICAL CO LTD
		PREMIER SCIENTIFIC LTD
		Tennant Midgley Group Ltd
		Albion Chemical
		Walker Eurosalt
		BOC Gases
		Ineos Chlor Ltd
		Bio Industries Ltd
		Central Chemical Supplies Ltd
		Norit UK Ltd
		Anachem Ireland Ltd
C013-08	Supply and Delivery of Chemicals	CCP GRANSDEN (BI-CHEM) LTD	01/01/2009
		CHEMIFLOC (UK) LTD
		Chem-vite Ltd
		ISYS ENVIRONMENTAL
		KILWAUGHTER CHEMICAL CO LTD
		PREMIER SCIENTIFIC LTD
		TENNANT METALLURGICAL GROUP LTD
C018-08	Collection and Disposal of Waste by Skip	BRICKKILN WASTE LIMITED	01/11/2008
C019-07	Hire of Vehicles and Plant	D&J FEE (CONTRACTS)	03/09/2007
		GERALD G MCMAHON
		IRISH WASTE SERVICES LTD
		JOHN ANDERSON
		KPL CONTRACTS LTD
		LESLIE MCGUCKIN
		LOWRY BROS LTD
		MONAGHAN CONTRACTS LTD
		MORROW CONTRACTS LTD
		NOEL R REID
		O'NEILL CONTRACTS
		RS Greer
		WG KILLOUGH
C020-04	Sludge Tankering	Irish Waste Services	01/04/2004
		Curran Waste
		Road Safety Contracts
		William Thompson & Son
C020	Sludge Tankering	Road Safety Contracts	18/05/2007
		Irish waste
		W Thompson & Sons
		Precision Industrial services
C022-04	Concrete Products	Tullyleek Precast Concrete Ltd	01/04/2004
C022-07	Concrete Products	Tullyleek Precast Concrete Ltd
C036	Laboratory Consumables	Davidson & Hardy Ltd	01/04/2005
		Laboratory Supplies & Instruments Ltd.
		AGB Scientific Apparatus Ltd
		ISYS Environmental
		Premier Scientific Ltd
		CCP Gransden Ltd
		Technopath (Distribution) Ltd
C037-04	Chlorination Equipment and Spare Parts	Williams Industrial Services Ltd	01/04/2004
		Chemfeed Ltd (Wallace & Tiernan)
		Severn Trent Water Purification Ltd
		Alpha Technologies NI Ltd
C037-07	Chlorination Equipment and Spare Parts	CCP GRANSDEN (BI-CHEM) LTD	27/11/2007
		Davidson & Hardy
		ISYS ENVIRONMENTAL
		LABORATORY SUPP & INSTS LTD
		PREMIER SCIENTIFIC LTD
		TECHNO-PATH (DISTRIBUTION) LTD
		Siemens (Chemfeed) Ltdd
		WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD
C041-05	Reinstatement of road openings	O'Neill Contracts	01/04/2004
		Maurice Flynn & Sons Ltd
		Noel Monaghan Contracts
		Whitemountain Surfacing Ltd
		Morrow Contracts Ltd
		Gibson Quarries (Banbridge) Ltd
		RP Tarmac Services
		William Curry
C044-04	Miscellaneous Mechanical Sundries	Rotary Bearing & Transmission	01/04/2004
		Associated Pipeline Products
		Super Spares Ltd
C044-07	Miscellaneous Mechanical Sundries	Anchor Engineering	01/08/2007
		ASSOCIATED PIPELINE PRODUCTS LIMITED
		MARTIN ENGINEERING SUPPLIES LTD
C045-04	Micellaneous Electrical Sundries	Gordons Electrical Supplies	01/04/2004
C045-07	Miscellaneous Electrical Sundries	Gordons Electrical Supplies	01/06/2007
C046-04	Hosepipes	WJ Nelson	01/04/2004
		Arco Ltd
C051	Repair of Sewers using Trenchless Techniques	Environmental Techniques Ltd	01/11/2006
C054-04	Repair & Servicing of Generator Sets	Edina Manufacturing Ltd	01/04/2004
C054-07	Servicing, Repairs and Modifications to Generator Sets	AC Automation	16/10/2007
C055	Supply, Maintenance, Testing and Certification of Lifting Equipment	Yale Industrial Products Limited	01/07/2005
		W H SCOTT & SONS (ENGRS) LTD
C055-08	Supply, Maintenance, Testing and Certification of Lifting Equipment	YALE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS	01/02/2009
C056-04	Heavy Mechanical Maintenance	Allgo Engineerings Ltd	01/04/2004
		Robert Craig & Sons (Engineering) Ltd
		Weir Engineering Services
		SSP Pumps Ltd
C056-07	Heavy Mechanical Maintenance	FIN ENGINEERING GROUP	09/07/2007
		MALLUSK ENGINEERING LTD
		RJ SMYTH ENGINEERING LTD
C057	Light Mechanical Maintenance	LOWRY BROS	01/09/2005
		SHAW AUTOMATION
		TOT TECHNICAL
		SPRATT & CO
		FM ENVIRONMENTAL
		RJ SMYTH
		ST JOHN’S FOUNDRY
		M&M STEEL FABRICATIONS
C058-04	Electrical Installation & Repair Work	Thrige Scott Ltd	01/04/2004
		Williams Industrial Services Ltd
		J Irwin Electrical Services Ltd
		AJ Clarke Electrical
		Grants Electrical Services (NI) Ltd
		Little Electrical Engineering
C058-07	Electrical Installation and Repair Work	AJ Clarke	13/12/2007
		GRANTS ELECTRICAL SERVICES (NI) LTD
		IRWIN ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD
		LITTLE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS
		SCOTTS ELECTRICAL SERVICES LIMITED
		SHAW AUTOMATION COMPANY
		TES (NI) LTD
		WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD
C059-04	Repairing and Rewinding of Electric Motors	GRANTS ELECTRICAL SERVICES (NI) LTD	01/04/2004
		Little Electrical Engineers Ltd
		JJ Loughran
		Thrige - Scott Ltd
C059-08	Repairing and Rewinding of Electric Motors	GRANTS ELECTRICAL SERVICES (NI) LTD	24/11/2008
C060-04	Process Instruments and Automatic Control Equipment	ASHDALE ENGINEERING LTD	01/04/2004
		ISYS ENVIRONMENTAL
		JDB Instrumentation
		PARK ELECTRICAL SERVICES
		PARTECH (ELECTRONICS) LTD
		PROCESS MEASUREMENT & ANALYSIS LTD
		SHAW AUTOMATION COMPANY
		WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD
		Burdens
		Little Electrical Engineering Ltd
		Pollution & Process Monitoring Ltd
		ABB Ltd
		AJ Hurst
		DD Butler
C060-07	Process Instruments and Automatic Control Equipment	ASHDALE ENGINEERING LTD	03/12/2007
		ISYS ENVIRONMENTAL
		JDB ENVIRONMENTAL LTD
		PARK ELECTRICAL SERVICES
		PARTECH (ELECTRONICS) LTD
		PROCESS MEASUREMENT & ANALYSIS LTD
		SHAW AUTOMATION COMPANY
		WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD
C061-04	Manufacture of and Modification to Instrument and Switch Panels	EPS ENVIRONMENTAL LTD	01/04/2004
		EURO CONTROL PANEL SPECIALISTS (ECPS)
		SHAW AUTOMATION COMPANY
		TES (NI) LTD
		WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD
		LMP Controls Ltd
		R & R Engineering Ltd
C061-07	Manufacture of and Modification to Instrument and Switch Panels	EPS ENVIRONMENTAL LTD	27/11/2007
		EURO CONTROL PANEL SPECIALISTS (ECPS)
		SHAW AUTOMATION COMPANY
		TES (NI) LTD
		WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD
C062-04	Maintenance of Chlorination Equipment	Williams Industrial Services Ltd	01/04/2004
C062-07	Maintenance of Chlorine Equipment	SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES	01/10/2007
C070-04	Execution of Painting & Decoration Work	Eden Decorators	01/04/2004
C071-04	Supply of Techs for Maintenance of Equipt.in the field of Telemetry	Williams Industrial Services	01/04/2004
		Irwin Group
C071-07	Supply of Techs for Maintenance of Equipt.in the fields of Instrumentation/Radio/Telemetry	WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD	01/10/2007
C072-05	Waste Water Quality Analysis	Analytical & Environmental Services	01/04/2005
C075	Provision of Security Guarding Services	Security Service Ni Ltd	01/11/2005
C077	Water Quality Analysis	AES Ltd	01/01/2006
C079-04	Supply & Delivery of Digital Microwave Radio Equipment	TS Communication Service	01/04/2004
		TTI Services Ltd
		Westica Ltd
C081	De-Sludging of Septic Tanks	Road Safety Contracts	01/04/2004
C081-07	De-Sludging of Septic Tanks	PRECISION INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LIMITED	01/04/2007
		Road Safety Contracts
C087	Provision of Work Study Practitioners	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP	01/07/2007
C103	Accounting & Financial Systems Support	PWC	01/02/2006
		Deloitte & Touche
		Helm Corporation
C107	Water Quality Samples	SERCO SERVICES	01/04/2006
C110-05	Supply, delivery and Commissioning of Low Capacity Telemetry Outstations	Churchill Controls	01/04/2005
C111-05	Supply & Delivery of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus	Draeger Safety UK Ltd	01/04/2005
C115	Supply of Electricity to Water Service Sites	ESB Independent Energy	01/04/2005
C115	Supply of Electricity to Water Service Sites	ESB Independent Energy	01/04/2007
C122-05	Supply and Delivery of Cryptosporidia Sampling Equipment (Filter Modules and Membranes)	Technopath Distribution Ltd	01/04/2004
C124-04	Collection, Transportation and Disposal of De-Watered Sludge from Water Treatment Works	Irish Waste Services Ltd	22/10/2007
C131	Laying of Watermains in Housing Developments	Frank Owens	22/05/2006
C133-07	Supply and Delivery of Bottled Water	ROCWELL NATURAL MINERAL WATER	01/04/2007
C136-05	Reservoir Cleaning	Epsco	01/04/2004
C138-04	Maintenance & Development of NIW Telephone Network	British Telecommunications	01/04/2004
C138-07	Maintenance & Development of NIW Telephone Network	Damovo Ireland	29/10/2007
C139-08	Supply, Delivery of Leakage Control Panels, Kiosks and Associated Equipment	EPS ENVIRONMENTAL LTD	01/01/2009
C140-05	Leakage management services	Halcrow Water Services Ltd	01/04/2005
C140	Leakage Management Services	Crowder & Co	01/06/2008
C142-05	Inspection of Lifting equipment and Pressure Systems	BUREAU VERITAS	01/04/2004
C142-07	Inspection of Lifting equipment and Pressure Systems	BUREAU VERITAS	01/10/2007
C150-06	Leakage Repairs	Meridian Utilities LTD (Morrow, O’Connell, Mills JV)	03/12/2006
C155-05	Supply & Delivery of intrinsically safe personal gas monitoring equipment	Williams Industrial Services Ltd	01/04/2005
C160-04	Street Furniture Repairs	Morrow Group	01/04/2004
C160-07	Street Furniture Repairs	Morrow Contracts Ltd	17/09/2007
C166-05	Supply and Delivery of Spill Response Kits and Associated Spill Protection Equipment	Fentex Ltd	01/04/2004
C171-05	Sewer Maintenance - Clearing Blockages	Precision Industrial Services Ltd	01/07/2005
		McAllister Bros
		Spectrum Premier Services
		Paul Quigley & Son
C179-05	Recruitment of Temporary staff	Select Recruitment NI Ltd	01/05/2005
		Kennedy Recruitment
C182	Maintenance & Callibration of flow & pressure monitoring systems	Z TECH CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD	01/09/2005
C184-06	Collection, Transportation & Disposal of Special Waste	Irish Waste	01/04/2005
		Atlas Environmental
		Wilson Waste Management
C186-04	Supply of Renewable Energy to Northern Ireland Water	ESB Independent Energy (NI) Ltd	01/04/2004
C186-07	Supply of Renewable Energy to Northern Ireland Water	ESB Independent Energy NI Ltd	01/04/2006
C189	Coring of Road Reinstatements	AG Wilson	01/07/2006
		Morrows
C191-06	Provision of Pest Control & Sewer Baiting	Belfast City Council	01/09/2006
		Ballymena Borough Council
		Pestikill
		Cannon Hygeine Ltd
C201-05	Leakage detection equipment	Primayer Ltd	01/04/2005
		Palmer Environmental Ltd
C202	Supply of Green Electricity to Water Service	Airtricity Energy Supply Ltd	01/04/2005
C203-07	Supply and Delivery of Leakage Data Logging Equipment	PRIMAYER LTD	12/11/2007
C216-06	Provision of Maintenance Support Services for Transmission/Mobile Radio Systems & Upgrade	Magdalene Ltd	01/04/2006
C222	Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Sewage Sludge Cake	Brookhall Estates	01/04/2004
		R Heatrick & Co
		SMD Contracts
C222-07	Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Sewage Sludge Cake	R Heatrick Ltd	08/05/2007
		Rural Generation Ltd
C288	Development of Internet & Intranet Websites for NIWL	Being Communications Limited
C234-04	Supply, delivery, installation & commissioning of access swipe card systems	Chubb (NI) Ltd	01/04/2004
C235-04	Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of Water Quality Monitoring Instruments	JDB Instrumentation	01/04/2004
		Isys Environmental
		Park Electrical Services
C240	Collection & Disposal of de watered sludge	IRISH WASTE SERVICES LTD	01/09/2005
		MC QUILLAN ENVIRO-CARE LTD
C240-07	Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Water Treatment Works Sludge and Sludge Cake	Irish Waste Services	01/07/2005
		McQuillan Envirocare Ltd
C241-05	Supply,Delivery,Installation and Repair of Submersible Pumps	FM Environmental	01/04/2005
		ITT Flygt Ltd
		Robert Craig & Sons
		Drilling & Pumping Supplies
C241-08	Supply,Delivery,Installation and Repair of Submersible Pumps	BPF Distributors & Pumps Ltd	01/06/2009
		DRILLING & PUMPING SUPPLIES
		Etec Services (UK) Ltd
		FM ENVIRONMENTAL LTD
		ITT FLYGT
		Mono Pumps Ltd
		RJ Smyth Engineering
C269	Develop of a Corporate Logo for NIW	Weber Shandwick	01/09/2006
C250	Half hour Electricity Equipment	NIE Powerteam	01/08/2005
C251-05	Meter survey/installation	KPL Group	08/07/2005
C254-05	Provision of a Financial Systems & Implementation Support Service	PriceWaterhouse Coopers LLP	03/06/2005
C255	High Voltage (HV) Equipment Maintenance	Eaton Electric Ltd	01/12/2005
C255-09	High Voltage (HV) Equipment Maintenance	Scotts Electrical Services	01/03/2010
C256	MV 90 Software	ITRON EMEA	19/12/2005
C258	Wastewater Sampling Equipment	ISYS	01/01/2006
C259-06	Collection & Desposal of Incinerator Ash	TRT Moore Sludge Clearance	12/04/2006
C259-07	Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Incinerator Ash	R HEATRICK LTD	04/12/2007
C262	Transformation training & development Strategy	BDO Stoy Hayward	01/04/2006
C264	Development of a Strategic development plan & Outline Business Case for Water Service Acc	Deloitte
C265	Data Gap Analysis infrastructure assessment	Halcrow Management Sciences Ltd	01/02/2006
C267	Consultancy for Financial Advisers	PricewaterhouseCoopers	01/04/2006
C269	Development of a Corporate Identity for NI Water Ltd	Weber Shandwick Ltd	01/09/2006
C270-06	Supply, Delivery and Installation of a Sludge Logging System	JR PRIDHAM SERVICES LTD	01/01/2007
C272	SCADA Software Systems	WIZCON SYSTEMS	01/03/2006
C274	Consultancy for Shared Services & SSPU	Helm Corporation	10/04/2006
C276	Supply of Electricity to Water Service	Energia	27/10/2006
C277-07	Occupational Health Services	INDEPENDENT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH LIMITED	01/04/2007
C279	Appointment of Consultant to Audit and Report on UBS Integrated Financial Model	Ernest & Young	08/09/2006
C280	Consultancy for Economic Regulation & Economic Regulatory Policy for NI Water	John W Smith	01/11/2006
C281-07	Meter Survey and Installation	ENTERPRISE MANAGED SERVICES LIMITED	06/02/2007
C282-06	Consultancy for Transformation Partnering	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
C285-07	Internal Audit Services	Ernst & Young LLP	01/04/2007
C286-07	External Audit Services	KPMG CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS	01/04/2007
C287	Provision of NI Water Reporter	Black & Veatch	03/10/2007
C287-09	Provision of NI Water Reporter	Halcrow Group Limited	08/10/2009
C289-06	Supply of online pH measurement systems at WTW's	PARK ELECTRICAL SERVICES	05/12/2008
C290	Provision of Advise & Guidance for the Procurement of ARMS	Peter J Graham Consultancy Ltd
C293	Professional Resourcing Partner	PWC	01/02/2006
C293-08	Professional Resourcing Partner	GRAFTON RECRUITMENT	10/06/2008
C294-07	PEIT	SCOTTS ELECTRICAL SERVICES LIMITED	18/07/2007
C295	Rebranding & Refurbishment of Silent Valley	Parker Butler
C296	Northern Ireland Water Vehicle Livery Rebrand	Resolutions Limited t/a Positive Solutions
C297-07	WAMITAB Appointment of Assessors	PRACTICAL WASTE SOLUTIONS	01/05/2007
C298-07	Provision of a Central Claims Service & System	AON Risk Services
C298-09	External Claims Handling	AON RISK SERVICES	01/07/2009
C300	Workwear for NIW	Haxton Safety Limited	24/09/2007
C300-07	Workware for NIW	Haxton Safety Limited
C301	Appointment of consultancy advice on Health and Safety Policies, Procedures and Practices	Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents
C302-07	ICT Service Delivery Partnership	NORTHGATE INFO SOLUTIONS	06/01/2009
C303-07	Provision of Insurance for NIW	AIG Europe (UK) Ltd
C304-08	Disposal of NIW Surplus Vehicles Plant & Equipment	Wilsons Auctions Ltd	01/10/2008
C305-05	Provision of Company Pensions Actuarial Advice to Support a New Pension Scheme for WS	Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd	01/07/2005
C309-08	Service Repairs & Maintenance Project	MERIDIAN UTILITIES LTD	01/08/2008
C310	Provision of Econometric Analysis Training & Modelling Capability	Frontier Economics Ltd
C312-08	Tax advisers	KPMG CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS	01/02/2008
C313-08	Insurance Brokerage for NIW	AON RISK SERVICES	01/01/2008
C323-08	Supply of Consultative Support to Renewable Energy Project	Ove Arup & Partners
C316-08	The provision & maintenance of Multifunctional products	NRG GROUP LTD	01/04/2008
C317-08	Provision of Autocad Licences	PENTAGON SOLUTIONS LTD	04/07/2008
C318	Mechanical Installation & repair	TES NI Ltd	01/11/2010
		FIN Engineering
C319-08	Telemetry System Upgrade Project	SERCK CONTROLS LTD	14/10/2009
C321-08	Delivery for Unit Cost Database for NIW	CSSP	27/10/2008
C322-08	Real Time Enterprise System Project	MWH UK Ltd	02/11/2009
C324-08	Buoy Maintenance	Strangford Moorings	01/06/2009
C325-08	Supply,Delivery, Installation & Maintenance of Bufferless Chlorine Residual Monitors	Process Instruments Ltd	18/11/2008
C327-08	Automated Chemical analyser - Altnagelvin Wastewater	Labmedics Ltd
C328-08	Framework for the Provision of Professional Consultancy Services	ALVAREZ & MARSAL EUROPE LIMITED	08/12/2008
		Anaeko Ltd
		ASIDUA LIMITED
		ASM HORWATH
		BDO Stoy Hayward
		BT PLC
		Chegan Ltd
		Cognizant Technology Solutions
		DELOITTE MCS LIMITED
		Ernst & Young LLP
		Europe Economics
		FPM Accountants LLP
		Frontier Economics Ltd
		FUJITSU SERVICES LTD
		Grant Thornton UK LLP
		GRONTMIJ LTD
		HALCROW ECONOMICS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
		Kainos Software Ltd
		KPMG CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
		London Economics Ltd
		MOTT MACDONALD LTD
		MWH UK Ltd
		NEUEDA
		OLLAVE LTD
		OXERA CONSULTING LTD
		PA Consulting Group
		PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP
		Satyam Computer Services
		TRIBALHELM CORPORATION LIMITED
		TRINITY HORNE LIMITED
		Whitewater Consulting Ltd
C330-09	Diamond Design Project	Asidua Limited
C331-08	Vulnerability Management	Steria Ltd
C332-08	Supply of Electricity to NI Water	AIRTRICITY ENERGY SUPPLY LTD	01/10/2008
		ESB Independent Energy
C333-08	Provision of Estates Professional Services	BTW SHIELLS	13/10/2008
C334-08	Trial for Auto-Coagulation at Water Treatment Works	Achromatic	30/11/2008
C335-08	Maintenance of Telecoms Network	MAGDALENE LTD	01/03/2009
C336-09	Fuel Card Services (OGC)	Arval UK Ltd	23/08/2009
C337-08	S&D of PPE, Work-wear, Janitorial Supplies and Tools	Arco Ltd	01/01/2010
C338-09	Mechanical Joints and Fittings, Plumbing Materials, Under Pressure Fittings	Associated Pipeline Products Limited	11/11/2009
C339-08	Concrete & Road Surfacing Supplies (Minor Works)	MP Coleman	11/11/2009
C340-08	Sludge Management Services Contract	T M Waste Ltd	17/08/2009
C341-09	Full Service Marketing Agency	AV Browne	01/07/2009
C343-08	Water Resource Management Plan 2010	ATKINS LIMITED	23/03/2009
C347-08	Provision of Web Services	Being Communications Limited	21/05/2009
C348-08	Provision of Temporary Workers & Temporary Engineering Technicians	PREMIERE PEOPLE	01/07/2009
C351	Analytical Services: Lot 3 Supply & Delivery of Laboratory Consumables	Analab ALS Limited	18/02/2010
		Davidson & Hardy
		ISYS Environmental Ltd
		Laboratory Supplies and Instruments
		Premier Scientific Ltd
C351-09	Analytical Services: Lot 1 - Water, Waste Water and Trade Effluent Quality Analysis	Northumbrian Water	01/07/2009
C351-09	Analytical Services: Lot 2 - Collection and Transportation Of Water Quality Samples	Serco Integrated Services	01/07/2009
C352-09	Supply & Installation of Combined Storm Overflow Remote Monitoring Equipment	Williams Industrial Services Ltd	20/04/2009
C353-09	Rationalisation of NIW Office Accommodation	Gardiner & Theobald	01/03/2009
C354-09	Corporate Management System	CLN Solutions Ltd
C355-09	Leakage Management Software	Crowder Consulting	18/09/2009
C358-09	Viewing tool for GIS database	Innogistic	24/02/2010
C361-09	Lifting Chains and Davit Sockets Installation Programme	Heyn Engineering	01/09/2009
C363-09	Wizcon annual maintenance	Elutions Ltd	01/07/2009
C364-09	Scada Services Provision (Capital Works Programme)	NI Computing Ltd	23/03/2010
C365-09	CMS Phase 2(a) Corporate Design	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP	21/09/2009
C366-09	Preparation of IPPC applications for NIW Wastewater Sludge Thickening Centres (Phase 2)	ENTEC UK LTD	21/09/2009
C367-09	MWM Operating Platform.	AMT-SYBEX Limited	03/07/2009
C368-09	Service & maintenance of UPS backup.	Ashdale Engineeringeee	03/07/2009
C369-09	Mobile simms for MVM tough books.	BT Telecommunications Plc (mobile)	03/07/2009
C370-09	Offsite co-location of servers.	BT Telecommunications Plc (NI)	03/07/2009
C371-09	Line rental into Customer Contact Centre 0845++ numbers.	Cable + Wireless	03/07/2009
C372-09	Service and maintenance of hardware.	Dell Computers	03/07/2009
C373-09	Customer Billing & Contacts.	Echo Managed Services	03/07/2009
C374-09	Software provider.	Egain Communications Limited	03/07/2009
C375-09	Software provider.	Envox Inlernational Ltd/Fluency	03/07/2009
C376-09	Service and maintenance of hardware.	HP Dublin	03/07/2009
C377-09	Service and maintenance of hardware.	IBM (UK) Ltd	03/07/2009
C378-09	Kodak i620 scanner & maintenance.	ISC Networks	03/07/2009
C379-09	Escrow account for MWM Operating Platform.	NCC Escrow International Limited	03/07/2009
C380-09	Franker/Letter Opener/Bomb Scanner.	Neopost/Scanna	03/07/2009
C381-09	Mobile simms for MWM tough books.	Orange Personal Communications Services Limited	03/07/2009
C382-09	Toughbooks - Procurement & Warranty.	Panasonic	03/07/2009
C383-09	Telephone hardware & service/maintenance	Redstone	03/07/2009
C384-09	Supply & Delivery of Cryptosporidium sampling equipment	Techno-path Distribution Ltd	06/11/2009
C385-09	Executive Recruitment	Forde May Consulting	08/10/2009
C388-09	Provision of sewer baiting	BELFAST CITY COUNCIL	01/12/2009
C389-09	Security Guarding & Associated Services	Property Support Services Ltd	13/04/2010
C390-09	Financial Risk Assessment	Dun and Bradstreet	28/09/2009
C391	Supply of Natural Gas within NI Water Sites	Firmus Energy	01/04/2010
C393-09	Cost Reduction Plan for the NI Water Fleet	Motor Vehicle Consultants Ltd	04/11/2009
C396-09	PC10 Project Manager	Greenlight Consulting	01/11/2009
C397-09	Printing & Addressing of Interruption of Supply Cards - Quotation	Pierce Communications	15/12/2009
C400	Supply & Delivery of Twin Steer Tractor Unit	NI Trucks	22/12/2009
C401	Supply & Delivery of 30000 litre semi trailer Vacuum Tank	Crossland Tankers	22/12/2009
C403	Provision of External Audit	KPMG	01/04/2010
C405	Mobile Phones - OGC Framework	Vodafone	09/04/2010
C406	Procurement of FITA-MAX Express Elution System	Technopath Distribution	18/12/2009
C407	Supply of electricity at sites with unmetered supply points at sites within NI Water	NIE Energy Ltd	01/02/2010
C411	Apponitment of Energy Consultant	Dennis Brereton	16/09/2009
C416	Provision of Occupational Health	Independent Occupational Health Ltd	01/04/2010
C417	Provision of Confidential Counselling and Employee Welfare Services	Carecall	14/04/2010
C423	Desludging of Septic Tanks	Road Safety Contracts	05/07/2010
C424	Operation and Maintenance Support for Telemetry Scanning Radios	Magdelene Ltd	24/05/2010
C425	Business Improvement	Symology Ltd	23/02/2010
C428	Meter Installation & Associated Activities	Meridian Utilities	01/10/2010
C430	Removal of Scrap from NI Water Locations	Fleming Metal Recycling	13/05/2010
C442	Ellipse Enterprise Web Services	AMT Sybex Ltd	04/06/2010
C443	Catering at Antrim Training Centre	Fountain Bakery	01/09/2010
C445	LIMS - Software Licence and Hardware Support	Thermofisher Scientific	01/04/2010
C446	Huber Proprietry Screens	Huber Technology	06/08/2010
C447	Supply of Electricity to NI Water	ESB	01/01/2010
C449	Maintenance of Water Turbines	NHT Engineering	01/09/2010
C450	Provision of Audio Briefing service	InTouch MCS Ltd	11/08/2010
T001	Supply & Delivery of Vans & Derivatives - NICS Wide	DONNELLY BROS GARAGES (DUNGANNON) LTD	01/01/2004
		LINDSAY CARS LTD
		NI TRUCKS LTD
		TBF Thompson
T001-07	Supply & Delivery of Vans & Dual Purpose Vehicles	Charles Hurst	27/12/2007
		DONNELLY BROS GARAGES LTD
		LINDSAY CARS LTD
		NI TRUCKS LTD
		TBF THOMPSON (GARVAGH) LTD
T004	Repair & Maintenance Of Vehicles & Mobile Plant	NI Trucks Ltd	01/11/2004
T004-09	Repair & Maintenance Of Vehicles & Mobile Plant	TBF Thompson (Garvagh) Ltd	01/06/2009
T005-04	Bodywork for vehicles and mobile plant	NI Trucks Ltd	01/11/2004
		Irish Road Motors
T005	Bodywork for vehicles and mobile plant	NI Trucks Ltd	01/11/2004
		Irish Road Motors
T005-09	Bodywork for vehicles and mobile plant	Cahill Motor Engineering (NI) Ltd	01/06/2009
		TBF Thompson (Garvagh) Ltd
T017-09	Spare Parts for Vans and Derivatives (Service Wide)	DONNELLY & TAGGART LTD	08/06/2009
		Fyfes Vehicle & Engineering Supplies
		NI TRUCKS LTD
		TBF THOMPSON (GARVAGH) LTD
T020	Engineering Works and Vacuum Pressure Testing	CROSSLAND TANKERS LIMITED	03/06/2010

Table 2 Capital Contracts awarded since 1 April 2007

2007

project_no	project_name	Contractor	A3_Total £k	Approved_date
JS179	Ballykine Gravity Distribution	Lagan Construction Ltd	934	23/03/2010
KG086	Moyallen SPS Upgrade	Conwell Contracts Ltd	70	23/03/2010
JR407	Security improvements at Keypoint Installations	OConnell - Mills JV	164	23/03/2010
KS847	Comber Road WWPS Conversion	WIS/Gillen JV	183	23/03/2010
KL455	Londonderry DAP: Sewers Rehab Phase1	Purac Brand	2549	12/03/2010
KL428	Londonderry Sewer Imps Stage 2 - Duke St PS Group Schemes	Purac Brand	782	12/03/2010
KS342	Ballyloughlin Rd, Maghera SPS Rationalisation	Euro Services (NI)	105	12/03/2010
KR310	Newtownbreda WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	4878	12/03/2010
KT102	Dunmurry WwTW Modifications	Biwater Graham JV	4993	12/03/2010
KB269	Toome (Creagh) Sewerage Scheme	Shearwater Consortium	1690	01/03/2010
KA164	Parkgate WwTW Rationalization	Dawson WAM Ltd	707	01/03/2010
JL750	Ballinrees to Limavady/Londonderry Supply Augmentation	OConnell - Mills JV	679	23/02/2010
KL445	Londonderry DAP: Victoria road Work Package	Purac Brand	507	23/02/2010
JR416	CTM Extension - Barnetts Park to Purdysburn	Lagan Construction Ltd	2693	23/02/2010
JB657	Garstings Hill SR, Ballymena, Water Pumping station.	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	425	23/02/2010
KR440	Ballywalter DAP Stage 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	325	22/02/2010
JR407	Security improvements at Keypoint Installations	VIS Security	486	18/02/2010
JC314	Fairview Lane, Articlave - Watermain Ext	OConnell - Mills JV	31	16/02/2010
JF583	Carland Service Reservoir	BWW Water NI Ltd	1935	15/02/2010
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	15	15/02/2010
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	106	15/02/2010
KS836	Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor Storm and Foul sewer Extensions	Farrans Construction Ltd	72	15/02/2010
JG035	Ballydougan to Newry Main Link Reinforcement	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	838	11/02/2010
KN533	Rousky Sewerage Scheme	Quinns Automation Ltd	235	09/02/2010
KG145	Derrytrasna WwTW Upgrade	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	478	09/02/2010
JR375	A55 Knock Road Belfast Widening	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	13	09/02/2010
JL753	A2 (Maydown) Dualling - Watermain and Sewer Alterations	Lagan Construction Ltd	72	09/02/2010
KA220	Mill Brae, Larne , Storm Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	16	29/01/2010
KS372	Market Street SPS Upgrade, Downpatrick	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	920	29/01/2010
KB436	Whitehead, Ballystruder & Ballycarry Rationalisation	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	2928	27/01/2010
KN616	Derry Road, Strabane Storm Sewer	McCrossan Contracts LTD	170	21/01/2010
JV836	Moneydarragh Road, Annalong, Replacement Watermain	Farrans Construction Ltd	49	21/01/2010
KI462	PLC Robustness Project	Williams Industrial Services	400	21/01/2010
KP597	Enniskillen New Acute Hospital Foul PM Extension	Mills Contracts	205	21/01/2010
KL438	Greenhaw Rd Storm Sewer Extension, Londonderry	Conwell Contracts Ltd	212	21/01/2010
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	146	12/01/2010
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	21	12/01/2010
KV073	Windmill Road SPS Replacement Sewer	Euro Services (NI)	44	12/01/2010
JR151	West Belfast/ North Lisburn	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	826	21/12/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	0	21/12/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	126	21/12/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	0	21/12/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Graham Structural Repairs	628	21/12/2009
KS832	Gransha Road, Bangor WWPS Refurbishment	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	492	21/12/2009
KL456	Londonderry DAP: Sewers Rehab Phase2	Purac Brand	1096.48	17/12/2009
KL448	Londonderry DAP: Victoria road Work Package:CSO Rationalisation	Purac Brand	1061.5	17/12/2009
KR453	Ellis Street, Carrickfergus, Sewer replacement/rehabilitation	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	218	17/12/2009
KL443	Londonderry DAP: Duke Street Work package	Purac Brand	4065	10/12/2009
KL450	Londonderry DAP: Strathfoyle & Drumahoe Work package: Caw PS	Purac Brand	1097	09/12/2009
KC411	Quay Road, Ballycastle, Storm Sewer Extension	T. G. Eakin	11	09/12/2009
KC417	Mill Street , Ballycastle, Storm Sewer Outfall	Bradley and Co.	10	09/12/2009
KD102	Hospital Road Magherafelt	Bradley and Co.	46	09/12/2009
KT125	Hook's Corner WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	1380	04/12/2009
KT377	New Holland WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	1840	04/12/2009
KP351	Derrylin WwTW	Lowry Bros Ltd	8	03/12/2009
KS216	Dunmore Sewerage - EC Compliance	McNicholas Construction	202	03/12/2009
KV094	Whyte Acres, Banbridge SPS Upgrade	Quinns Automation Ltd	47	03/12/2009
KG104	Halls Mill, Laurencetown SPS Upgrade	Quinns Automation Ltd	70	03/12/2009
KV157	Rathfriland WWTW Inlet Screens and CSOs	Eimco Water Technologies (Ireland) Ltd	180	03/12/2009
JV831	Watermain Extension at Ballymageough Rd, Kilkeel	Farrans Construction Ltd	110.25	01/12/2009
KG179	Meadowbrook, Craigavon Foul and Storm Sewer Extension	Euro Services (NI)	24	01/12/2009
KC398	Hezlett Primary SPS Overflow, Castlerock	Bradley and Co.	57	01/12/2009
KV064	Lurganare WwTW	Quinns Automation Ltd	475	26/11/2009
KR391	Portavogie WwTW Interim Solution	Biwater Graham JV	1060	23/11/2009
KS843	Stella Maris, Strangford. Sewer Extension	Euro Services (NI)	15	23/11/2009
KB434	Portglenone DAP Phase 1	Dawson WAM Ltd	567	16/11/2009
JG036	Castor Bay to Dungannon Strategic Trunk Mains	BWW Water NI Ltd	15177	16/11/2009
KP351	Derrylin WwTW	Copa Ltd	13	16/11/2009
KA217	Ballylagan Road Straid, Storm and Foul Sewers	Bradley and Co.	57	11/11/2009
KG172	Wastewater treatment-Provision of maintenance related work at various locations	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	105	03/11/2009
KG172	Wastewater treatment-Provision of maintenance related work at various locations	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	395	29/10/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	83	29/10/2009
KB282	Magherafelt WwTW	WIS/Gillen JV	7250	29/10/2009
KF320	Bush WwTWs	Deane Public Works	438	29/10/2009
JP654	Erneside Roundabout Road Improvements	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	14	29/10/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Graham Structural Repairs	182	23/10/2009
KR425	Dunmisk Park Belfast Storm Sewer	ONeill Contracts	72	23/10/2009
KG170	Derrymore Road Aghagallon Storm Sewer Extension	Glen Contracts	31	23/10/2009
KT113	Ravarnet WwTW	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	597	21/10/2009
KN574	Ballybrack Road Foul Sewer Extension	W. J. McLaughlin	91	21/10/2009
JV835	O'Callaghan Road, Silverbridge, Replacement Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	65	20/10/2009
KL449	Londonderry DAP: Strathfoyle & Drumahoe Work package: Drumahoe Old PS	Purac Brand	1239	19/10/2009
KR310	Newtownbreda WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	352	19/10/2009
KR255	Belfast Sewers Project	NIE Connect	1376	19/10/2009
KO173	Ballynakilly Sewage Pumping Station	W. J. McLaughlin	98	14/10/2009
KG051	Sewage PS Upgrades networks Area A	Conwell Contracts Ltd	309	14/10/2009
JB547	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	EPSCO LTD	4	14/10/2009
JP651	Killyhevlin WTW replacement acid spillage tank	AECOM DB/Farrans JV	182	14/10/2009
KG168	Lyndale Manor Portadown Foul Sewer Extension	Quinns Automation Ltd	133	14/10/2009
KF325	Annaghugh Hill Loughgall, Storm Sewer Extension	Glen Contracts	55	14/10/2009
KV150	Forthill Road Newry Foul Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	28	14/10/2009
JA269	Castle Road/Whitehill Road Randalstown WM Replacement	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	442	14/10/2009
JB667	Woodtown Road, Ballymena, Watermain Replacement	OConnell - Mills JV	63	13/10/2009
KG176	Crowhill Road, Bleary, Craigavon. Foul Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	38	13/10/2009
JB652	Frys Road, Ballymena New Watermain	Shaw Automation Company	69	13/10/2009
JL707	Watermain Replacement Western Area B	W. J. McLaughlin	7.7	13/10/2009
KR389	Ballyhalbert WwTW Interim Solution	Biwater Graham JV	3665	09/10/2009
KO093	Ballylough Road Castlewellan	Sean Murray	64	05/10/2009
KG068	Kiln Road SPS Upgrade [Lurgan]	Conwell Contracts Ltd	48	25/09/2009
KG103	Tullylish SPS Upgrade	Quinns Automation Ltd	14.8	25/09/2009
KB269	Toome (Creagh) Sewerage Scheme	Geda & Eimco Water Technologies Ltd	3705	25/09/2009
KA195	Mullaghboy WWTW	Biwater Graham JV	1087	25/09/2009
KF319	Annaghmore WwTWs	Purac Brand	1712	25/09/2009
KS347	Crossgar Road, Ballynahinch Storm Sewer	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	165	25/09/2009
KC406	Ballycregagh Road, Cloughmills Foul Sewer Extension	T. G. Eakin	14	25/09/2009
KD988	Foul Sewer Maghermenagh Gardens Portrush	J Kennedy & Co	122	25/09/2009
KC413	Glebe Road, Rasharkin - Sewage Scheme	T. G. Eakin	32.9	25/09/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	72	25/09/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	83	10/09/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	66	10/09/2009
KC284	Cloughmills WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	810	10/09/2009
KB322	Martinstown WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	481	10/09/2009
KB333	Cargan WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	516	10/09/2009
KV091	Kiln Lane, Banbridge SPS Upgrade	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	33	10/09/2009
KL393	Ballymonie WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	598	10/09/2009
KS348	Shimna Rd, Newcastle, Sewer Replacement	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	125	07/09/2009
KG175	Cornmarket Street, Tandragee Storm Sewer Extension	James Oliver Hearty & Son	36	03/09/2009
JL723	Carmoney Water Treatment Works Upgrade	AECOM DB/Farrans JV	3465	02/09/2009
JN390	Lough Bradan WTWs Upgrade	AECOM DB/Farrans JV	4218	02/09/2009
KC232	North Coast WwTW EC Compliance	Boyd Landscapes Ltd	20	26/08/2009
JT128	Lisburn Town Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1558	26/08/2009
KB428	Draperstown DAP	Dawson WAM Ltd	859	26/08/2009
KB445	Pomeroy Main Street Sewer Repl	Quinns Automation Ltd	73	26/08/2009
KA211	Old Glenarm Road, Larne, Foul Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	9	25/08/2009
KB442	Tobermore SPS Replacement	Dawson WAM Ltd	190	25/08/2009
KR452	Baroda Street / Ormeau Park, Belfast CSO	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	671	25/08/2009
JS284	Portaferry, Ballyquinton area mains replacment.	McNicholas Construction	479	25/08/2009
KR401	East Belfast Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	427	25/08/2009
KG150	Moygannon Rd Donaghcloney Civil Contract	Glen Contracts	17	17/08/2009
JA238	Antrim Ring Main Relocation	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	267	12/08/2009
JV067	Jerrettspass Chlorination	Siemens Water Technologies	15	12/08/2009
JA210	Tardree Zone WM Imps	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	3311	12/08/2009
JG022	Castor Bay/ Shanmoy Zone	Enterprise/Farrans	546	12/08/2009
JB669	Tullycall Road, Cookstown, Watermain Replacement.	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	83	12/08/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	105	12/08/2009
JA270	Bellahill, Ballycarry, Co Antrim, WM Replacement.	Farrans Construction Ltd	79	12/08/2009
KS831	Dermott Park, Comber Storm Sewer Upgrading	McNicholas Construction	59	12/08/2009
JB653	Loan Command SR, Inlet Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	182	12/08/2009
JN495	Creggan Road Carrickmore Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	35	31/07/2009
KS820	Upper North St/Mark St, Newtownards Storm Sewer	ONeill Contracts	33	31/07/2009
KA210	Moyra Road, Brookfield, Doagh, Foul Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	25	31/07/2009
JR428	Belfast City Centre Zone WM Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	3713	31/07/2009
KV151	Carrickdesland, Burren Foul Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	126	31/07/2009
JR432	Whiteabbey Lower, Mains Replacement. Newtownabbey	McNicholas Construction	381	31/07/2009
JC384	Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	18	31/07/2009
KA219	Belfast Road, Antrim , Storm Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	20	31/07/2009
JC293	Ballinrees Central Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	1767	31/07/2009
KC231	Ballycastle Sewerage Scheme	Dawson WAM Ltd	389	31/07/2009
KD021	Knocktarna Manor, Coleraine Repl SPS	T. G. Eakin	41	31/07/2009
KS381	North Road, Newtownards Storm	ONeill Contracts	266	28/07/2009
KS371	Killinchy Street Comber Storm Sewer	ONeill Contracts	71	28/07/2009
JB653	Loan Command SR, Inlet Watermain	Shaw Automation Company	64	28/07/2009
KR421	Hillview Road Belfast Storm Sewer Extension	Farrans Construction Ltd	77	27/07/2009
JB665	Tullaghans SR, Dunloy, New Reservoir	Farrans Construction Ltd	739.5	23/07/2009
JC378	Glenlough SR, Ballymoney, New SR	Farrans Construction Ltd	1096.6	23/07/2009
JB648	Dungonnell Command Service Reservoir	Farrans Construction Ltd	1026.5	23/07/2009
KD141	Headland Avenue Storm relief sewer	T. G. Eakin	16	23/07/2009
KV092	Bannview Heights, Banbridge SPS Upgrade	Quinns Automation Ltd	19.3	21/07/2009
KL431	Limavady DAP stage 1	Dawson WAM Ltd	829	21/07/2009
KP590	Loaneden, Kesh SPS Upgrade and PN Extension	P. Clarke & Sons Ltd	95	21/07/2009
KT386	Lisburn Road, Culavey Road Hillsborough Storm Sewer	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	105	21/07/2009
KS827	Hamilton Road, Bangor Storm Sewer	McNicholas Construction	151	21/07/2009
JC381	Altnahinch WTP, Ballymoney, New CWB.	Farrans Construction Ltd	738.9	10/07/2009
KG167	Ripley Meadows Portadown Storm Sewer Upgrade	Quinns Automation Ltd	66	10/07/2009
KV158	Manse Road Banbridge Foul & Storm Sewer Extensions	Campbell Contracts Ltd	47	10/07/2009
JR432	Whiteabbey Lower, Mains Replacement. Newtownabbey	McNicholas Construction	460	10/07/2009
JR432	Whiteabbey Lower, Mains Replacement. Newtownabbey	Farrans Construction Ltd	408	10/07/2009
JS284	Portaferry, Ballyquinton area mains replacment.	McNicholas Construction	499	10/07/2009
JS284	Portaferry, Ballyquinton area mains replacment.	McNicholas Construction	158	10/07/2009
KN610	Drumlegagh Storm Sewer Extension	McFadden Ltd	129	10/07/2009
JB623	Northern Key Transport Corridor, Ballymena Watermain Scheme	IPL Group	6	10/07/2009
KR400	Lukes Point (Bangor) DAP Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	1538	03/07/2009
KR309	Belvoir Park Trunk Sewer	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	1291	03/07/2009
KL459	Limavady DAP: Stage 2, Roe Mill Road Sewer Upgrades	Dawson WAM Ltd	483	26/06/2009
KB284	Coagh WwTW Improvements	Purac Brand	823	24/06/2009
KB278	Moneymore STW Imps	Purac Brand	1049	24/06/2009
KV157	Rathfriland WWTW Inlet Screens and CSOS	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	218	23/06/2009
JS284	Portaferry, Ballyquinton area mains replacment.	Graham Structural Repairs	130	23/06/2009
JB656	Magherafelt Road, Tobermore, Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	24	19/06/2009
JR423	Thornberry Hill, Wolfhill Mains Extension, Ligoneil, Belfast	Farrans Construction Ltd	25	19/06/2009
JG073	Lurgan & Portadown Public Realm Associated Infrastructure Improvements	Farrans Construction Ltd	479	19/06/2009
JG073	Lurgan & Portadown Public Realm Associated Infrastructure Improvements	Farrans Construction Ltd	286	19/06/2009
KB429	Tamneylennan - Stewartstown SPS Upgrade	T. O Connell & Sons	93	19/06/2009
KG157	Maghaberry Flood Alleviation Projects	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	724	19/06/2009
KC397	Castlerock Road Coleraine - Storm Sewer	Campbell Contracts Ltd	874	19/06/2009
KS377	Downs Road/Castle Park Sewer Upgrade/ Attenuation	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	37	17/06/2009
KS326	Commons Road, Ballykinlar Storm Sewer	McNicholas Construction	155	15/06/2009
KX220	Small WWTWs Priority Upgrades	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	4830	15/06/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	55	15/06/2009
KS828	Glen Road, Comber Flood Alleviation	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	100	09/06/2009
KR402	Joymount Carrick DAP Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	1095	09/06/2009
JB623	Northern Key Transport Corridor, Ballymena Watermain Scheme	Shaw Automation Company	71	03/06/2009
KS366	Upper Greenwall Street Storm Sewer Ext.	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	21	03/06/2009
KG084	Regency Manor Sewage Pumping Station	Conwell Contracts Ltd	173	03/06/2009
JT149	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	Lagan Construction Ltd Ferrovial AG	456	03/06/2009
KS344	Oaklands, Darragh Cross SPS Upgrade	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	30	03/06/2009
JR427	Mains replacement ,Belfast Public Realm Phase 1 Area 2	Farrans Construction Ltd	94.5	03/06/2009
KR411	Antrim Road, Mallusk Foul and Storm Sewer Extension	McNicholas Construction	48	03/06/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	38	03/06/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Graham Structural Repairs	82	03/06/2009
KL300	Dungiven WwTW	Eimco Water Technologies (Ireland) Ltd	132	27/05/2009
JL697	Waterside Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	1228	18/05/2009
JL698	Carmoney East Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2120	18/05/2009
JS223	Ballygowan Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	4130	18/05/2009
JS225	Mid Down Zone WM Imps	Enterprise/Farrans	4113	18/05/2009
KT374	Scroggy Road Glenavy	Quinns Automation Ltd	104	18/05/2009
JV820	Carron Hill Supply Zone Management Plan	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	25	18/05/2009
KV152	Abbey Grammar School Storm Sewer Extension	Quinns Automation Ltd	154	18/05/2009
JR429	First Time Services Visteon Site.Finaghy Road North,Belfast	Farrans Construction Ltd	43	14/05/2009
KR450	Fountainville Ave, Belfast, Swer Collapsed.	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	37	14/05/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	74	14/05/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Graham Structural Repairs	215	14/05/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Graham Structural Repairs	93	14/05/2009
KG156	Crumlin Road Lower Ballinderry Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	Quinns Automation Ltd	162	14/05/2009
KB430	Derrynoyd Road Draperstown Foul & Storm Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	23	14/05/2009
JR400	A2 Shore Road Re-alignment – Greenisland	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	96	14/05/2009
JC350	Ballycastle Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	3035	14/05/2009
KB279	Stewartstown WwTW Improvements	Biwater Graham JV	661	13/05/2009
KB281	Maghera WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1219	13/05/2009
KL363	Feeny WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	425	13/05/2009
KL300	Dungiven WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	2175	13/05/2009
KB425	Caherty Road, Broughshane	T. O Connell & Sons	186	11/05/2009
KS328	Delinvilla Lane Dundrum Storm Sewer	P. F. Murphy	178	08/05/2009
KR402	Joymount Carrick DAP Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	982	22/04/2009
JN488	Aghyaran Road Booster Station	OConnell - Mills JV	33	22/04/2009
JF569	Ballygawley/CabraghSR Link Main	Not Allocated	8	22/04/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	100	22/04/2009
KT385	Dundrod Drive Lisburn Storm Sewer Upgrade	ONeill Contracts	39	22/04/2009
KA207	Exchange Avenue, Doagh, Storm Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	40	22/04/2009
JB659	Old Portglenone Road, Portglenone, Watermain Trunk	OConnell - Mills JV	288	03/04/2009
KR361	Carrowreagh Road Dundonald Storm Sewer	Farrans Construction Ltd	424	03/04/2009
JT149	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	Lagan Construction Ltd Ferrovial AG	402.15	30/03/2009
JT149	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	Lagan Construction Ltd Ferrovial AG	475.28	30/03/2009
KL345	Donnybrewer WwTW	Purac Brand	1390	30/03/2009
KL345	Donnybrewer WwTW	Dawson WAM Ltd	1390	30/03/2009
KF012	Moygashel WwTW	Dawson WAM Ltd	3400	30/03/2009
KL457	Londonderry DAP: Storm Screening	Purac Brand	422	30/03/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Maker Freyssinet	493	30/03/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Graham Structural Repairs	75	27/03/2009
KT387	Trinity Terrace Lisburn Foul & Stom Sewer Extensions	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	21	27/03/2009
JA265	Enkalon Industrial Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	34	27/03/2009
KR424	Green Walk Newtownabbey Storm Sewer Extnesion	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	14	27/03/2009
KR420	Inglewood Park, Bangor Storm Sewer	Farrans Construction Ltd	28	27/03/2009
KR410	629 Upper Newtownards Road, Befast Storm Sewer Extension		22	27/03/2009
KR323	Ligoniel Sewerage Scheme	Lagan Homes	61	27/03/2009
JT149	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	Lagan Construction Ltd Ferrovial AG	483.6	27/03/2009
JT149	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	Lagan Construction Ltd Ferrovial AG	479.44	27/03/2009
JT149	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	Lagan Construction Ltd Ferrovial AG	429.45	27/03/2009
KA196	Glenarm Sewage Pumping Station	Bradley and Co.	283	27/03/2009
KT123	Edenderry WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	280	25/03/2009
KD041	Moyle Rd Ballycastle	T. G. Eakin	66	11/03/2009
JN482	Killymore Road, Gortin Pumping Station	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	84	11/03/2009
KR413	Grahamsbridge Road, Dundonald, Belfast Storm Sewer Extension.	ONeill Contracts	48	11/03/2009
JL754	Derry City Centre Public Realm Replacement Watermains	McNicholas Construction	457	11/03/2009
JL758	Reservoir Rehabilitation Programme Phase 3	Graham Structural Repairs	105	10/03/2009
JC383	Drumcroon Road, Coleraine, Replacement Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	57	10/03/2009
JB638	Kildowney Hill, Glarryford, Replacement Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	65.1	10/03/2009
KC389	Mountsandel Road, Coleraine - Sewer Upgrade	T. G. Eakin	27	10/03/2009
KS817	Saintfield Waste Water Pumping Station, Pumping Main Replacement.	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	128	09/03/2009
KC409	Drumavoley Park, Ballycastle Foul Sewer.	Bradley and Co.	21	06/03/2009
KB409	Lissan Road Cookstown Replacement Storm Sewer	T. G. Eakin	296	06/03/2009
KF087	Laurelvale Main Street Sewage Replacements	Quinns Automation Ltd	10	06/03/2009
KV116	Abbey Park Kilkeel Sewer Replacement	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	30	06/03/2009
KC337	Moneygran Road Kilrea Foul and Storm Sewers	Bradley and Co.	128	06/03/2009
KA151	Roughfort WwTW	Dawson WAM Ltd	204	02/03/2009
KR203	Kensington Gardens Flood Relief	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	618	02/03/2009
KG121	Upper Edward Street Newry	Euro Services (NI)	104	02/03/2009
KC349	Church Road Rasharkin Storm Sewer Extension	Dawson WAM Ltd	210	02/03/2009
JG062	Lisnisky Lane/Portadown Road, Portadown	Lilburn Contracts	22	02/03/2009
JR424	Betterment and Deferment of Renewal for Mains Diversion at QUB Playing Fields	Queens University of Belfast	49.35	02/03/2009
KV155	Rostrevor Sewers Upgrading - Horners Lane Improvements	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	37	02/03/2009
JB664	Munie Road/Straidkilly Road, Glenarm, Watermain Replacement	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	131	17/02/2009
KB437	Whitewater Bridge Straw Foul Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	34	17/02/2009
JB652	Frys Road, Ballymena New Watermain	OConnell - Mills JV	336	17/02/2009
JB653	Loan Command SR, Inlet Watermain	OConnell - Mills JV	420	17/02/2009
KC288	Ballybogey WWTW	WIS/Gillen JV	621	17/02/2009
KN157	Cranagh WwTW	McFadden Ltd	331	17/02/2009
KC299	Bushmills + Portballintrae WwTW	GEDA Construction Co LTD	7005	17/02/2009
KG082	Foxgrove/Roughal Lane SPS Upgrade	W. J. McLaughlin	79	17/02/2009
KG083	Churchill Park SPS upgrade	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	196	11/02/2009
KB387	Church Street, Cookstown	T. O Connell & Sons	60	11/02/2009
JC336	Altnahinch and Seagahan WTW's Residual Sludge Disposal	AECOM DB/Farrans JV	4054	11/02/2009
KB425	Caherty Road, Broughshane	T. O Connell & Sons	63	11/02/2009
KC405	McClelland Park Dunloy Flood Alleviation DG5	Bradley and Co.	54	11/02/2009
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	35	10/02/2009
JC370	Windyhill Road/ Ballystrone Road, Coleraine,Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	36	10/02/2009
KC351	Station Road Dervock Foul Sewer	Bradley and Co.	52	03/02/2009
KR403	Whitehouse DAP Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	756	02/02/2009
JV828	Shot Lane / Fedney Hill Road Banbridge Watermains Upgrade	Farrans Construction Ltd	24	26/01/2009
KB444	Burn Road Cookstown Storm Sewer Extension	T. O Connell & Sons	129	26/01/2009
JG036	Castor Bay to Dungannon Strategic Trunk Mains	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	410	26/01/2009
KV074	Cambrook SPS to Green Road	Euro Services (NI)	278	26/01/2009
KF005	Coalisland WwTW	WIS/Gillen JV	7730.9	26/01/2009
KD039	Victoria Rd, Ballyclare	Bradley and Co.	30.45	26/01/2009
KL439	Cregg SPS, Claudy Emergency Overflow	Quinns Automation Ltd	27	16/01/2009
JC382	Ballynarry Road, Derrykeighan, Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	21	13/01/2009
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	44	08/01/2009
KB321	Knockloughrim WwTW Outfall	T. O Connell & Sons	112	08/01/2009
JL699	Limavady Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	1576	08/01/2009
JC349	Portballintrae Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2243	08/01/2009
JB645	Tullygarley Road, Ballymena, Watermain Scheme	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	30	02/01/2009
JC374	Gortahar Road, Rasharkin Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	23	02/01/2009
JC373	Lisboy Road Dunloy Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	13	02/01/2009
JB654	Aughnahoy Road, Portglenone Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	9.9	02/01/2009
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	137	23/12/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	35	23/12/2008
JB655	Mullaghboy Road, Bellaghy, Watermain Replacement	OConnell - Mills JV	103	23/12/2008
JB636	Old Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, Replacement Watermain	OConnell - Mills JV	24	23/12/2008
KL423	Crevagh Park SPS Abandonment	Conwell Contracts Ltd	65	23/12/2008
JG022	Castor Bay/ Shanmoy Zone	Enterprise/Farrans	1596	23/12/2008
JL693	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	McNicholas Construction	310	23/12/2008
KV146	Dunaval SPS Storm Tanks	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	77	17/12/2008
JS279	Ballygowan Road, Ballygowan, Watermain Replacement	Farrans Construction Ltd	210	17/12/2008
KL452	Campsie SPS Emergency O/F Redirection.	McFadden Ltd	15	17/12/2008
KC315	Ballymoney/Coleraine Sewers	Bradley and Co.	29	01/12/2008
KC327	Bridge Road, Dunloy	T. O Connell & Sons	57	01/12/2008
KC231	Ballycastle Sewerage Scheme	Dawson WAM Ltd	273.92	27/11/2008
KC393	Mounthamilton Road, Cloughmills - Foul Sewer Extension	T. G. Eakin	6	27/11/2008
KB422	Killyfaddy Road Magherafelt Sewerage Scheme	Bradley and Co.	130	27/11/2008
KB440	Broughshane Road, Ballymena, Foul Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	16	27/11/2008
KB439	Kilmascally Road, Ardboe, Storm Sewer	Bradley and Co.	37	27/11/2008
KP591	New foul sewer for H/D at Caledon Rd, Aughnacloy	Euro Services (NI)	50	26/11/2008
JL747	Repair of GAC Filters at Carmoney WTW	AECOM DB/Farrans JV	530	26/11/2008
KS273	Comber Rd/Portaferry Rd Newtownards SPS	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	2093	26/11/2008
KS206	Seahill WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	277	26/11/2008
KS206	Seahill WwTW	Fostech Ltd	17	26/11/2008
KN556	Mountfield WwTW	McFadden Ltd	371	26/11/2008
KV070	Springfield Road Warrenpoint SPS Replacement	Euro Services (NI)	90	26/11/2008
KV067	Harmony Heights, Newry Foul Sewer Extension	Euro Services (NI)	136	21/11/2008
JB623	Northern Key Transport Corridor, Ballymena Watermain Scheme	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	1234	21/11/2008
KN612	Strathroy, Omagh Storm Sewer	W. J. McLaughlin	145	21/11/2008
KL421	Gortinure Road, Gortinwood, Storm and Foul Sewer Extension	McCrossan Contracts LTD	188	21/11/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	278	20/11/2008
KR385	Ormeau Road Storm Separation	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	1116	12/11/2008
KV145	Charlotte Street/Newry Road Warrenpoint Proposed Sewer Improvements	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	749	06/11/2008
KG112	Dunkirk Road to Main Street Waringstown SS	Quinns Automation Ltd	197	06/11/2008
KD705	Main Street Storm Sewer, Coagh	Bradley and Co.	13	03/11/2008
KA143	Aldergrove Sewerage Scheme	Dawson WAM Ltd	2091	03/11/2008
KC394	Mounthamilton S.P.S., Cloughmills Replacement	T. G. Eakin	68	03/11/2008
JA254	Birchill Road Antrim Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	284	30/10/2008
KF315	Bracken Court Coalisland Storm Sewer Extension	Glen Contracts	61	30/10/2008
KS310	Clough WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	3175	30/10/2008
KG118	Crumlin Road Storm Sewer Extension	Quinns Automation Ltd	89	22/10/2008
KB400	Mullanahoe Road Ardboe Foul Sewer	T. G. Eakin	69	20/10/2008
KC353	Knock Road Ballymoney Foul & Storm Sewer Extension	T. G. Eakin	22	20/10/2008
JB624	Ballymacombs Road	Not Allocated	28	20/10/2008
KA161	Creevery Sewerage Scheme Phase II	Dawson WAM Ltd	935	20/10/2008
KC328	Castlecatt Road, Dervock	Bradley and Co.	60	20/10/2008
KG078	Dromore Rd, Lurgan, Sewer Extension	Glen Contracts	21	20/10/2008
KD090	Killygonlan/Mullanahoe Foul Sewer Replacement	GF Loughran	121	17/10/2008
KR375	216-228 Belmont Road, Belfast Sewer Rehabilitation	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	26.4	17/10/2008
JA263	Aghnadarragh Road, Glenavy Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	17	17/10/2008
JB660	Lough Fea Road, Cookstown, Watermain Replacement.	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	65	17/10/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	202	17/10/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	153	17/10/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	155	17/10/2008
KR404	Dunmurray DAP Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	651	14/10/2008
KR399	Ballyholme (Bangor) DAP Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	2696	14/10/2008
KV063	Newry Sewerage Networks Improvements	Euro Services (NI)	424	14/10/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	397	07/10/2008
JN489	Camowen River/Killyclogher Road Watermain Replacement	Farrans Construction Ltd	211	24/09/2008
KS369	Ballylough Road/Aghlisnafin Road Castlewellan	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	85	22/09/2008
KG153	Gilford Road Portadown Sewerage Upgrades	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	2403	18/09/2008
KS378	Burren River SPS Upgrades & Networks Improvements	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	790	17/09/2008
JR401	Lower Chichester Street, Belfast Watermains Replacement, Belfast Public Realm		110	15/09/2008
JA260	Clonkeen, Randalstown, Replacement Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	300	15/09/2008
KG069	Stranmore Road Gilford Sewerage Scheme	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	285.69	15/09/2008
KV149	Newry WWTW Aeration upgrade	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	423.2	15/09/2008
JP656	Croaghrim Rd, Enniskillen Rep Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	137	10/09/2008
KG063	Heron Wood and & Jubilee Heights, Dromore SPSs	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	206	10/09/2008
KR418	Castle Place / High Street Sewer and Water main Upgrade	Dawson WAM Ltd	1169	05/09/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	294	05/09/2008
KC407	Middlepark Road, Cushendall, Relief Sewer	T. G. Eakin	73	04/09/2008
JC375	Carnamoney Lane, Draperstown, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	16	04/09/2008
JS278	Saintfield Road, Ballygowan, Replacement Watermain	Farrans Construction Ltd	108	04/09/2008
KB397	Old Portglenone Road Ahoghill, Foul Sewer Extension	T. G. Eakin	12	04/09/2008
KT134	Lower Ballinderry WWTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1568	03/09/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	430	27/08/2008
KD972	The Aird Bushmills	Bradley and Co.	4	27/08/2008
KG101	Martins Yard and Gilford Mill SPS Rationalisation	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	493.27	22/08/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	173	19/08/2008
JS280	Ballycreelly Road, Ballygowan, Wmain Rep	Farrans Construction Ltd	133.35	18/08/2008
JS281	Fields at Ballycreelly Road, Ballygowan, Wmain Rep	Farrans Construction Ltd	61.95	18/08/2008
KV122	High Street, Gilford Sewer Replacement	Conwell Contracts Ltd	118	18/08/2008
JC376	Tullysaran Road Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	29	18/08/2008
KS386	Longisland Drive SPS Rising Main (Kircubbin)	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	25	18/08/2008
KL435	Killary Road Drainage Improvements	Campbell Contracts Ltd	33	18/08/2008
JS268	Newtownards Southern Relief Road	McNicholas Construction	39.9	18/08/2008
JT149	Lisburn to R.O.I. Border Trunk Road Improvements	McNicholas Construction	79	18/08/2008
KA191	Black Cave & Upper Roddens Sewage Imps, Larne	Bradley and Co.	41	18/08/2008
JS222	Newtownards Town Zone Watermain Improvements	McNicholas Construction	2019.15	18/08/2008
JN355	North Tyrone Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2857	18/08/2008
KD041	Moyle Rd Ballycastle	Bradley and Co.	123	15/08/2008
KA168	Milltown Road Antrim	T. G. Eakin	41.73	15/08/2008
KR396	Kylemore Park, Belfast Flood Alleviation	ONeill Contracts	109.14	15/08/2008
KL437	Queens Quay combined sewer diversion Londonderry	Campbell Contracts Ltd	14	15/08/2008
KF033	Castlecaulfield WwTW	Purac Brand	3282	04/08/2008
KV093	Millstone Close, Moneyslane SPS Upgrade	Quinns Automation Ltd	163	01/08/2008
KS816	Magheraknock Road, Ballynahinch Sewer Replacement	Farrans Construction Ltd	27	01/08/2008
KG163	Obins Street Portadown Storm Sewer Extension	Glen Contracts	85	22/07/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	192	22/07/2008
KV012	Crossmaglen WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1845	09/07/2008
KC396	Mussenden Road, Articlave, Storm Sewer Extension	Campbell Contracts Ltd	28	07/07/2008
KP588	ST Patricks Terrace, Lisnaskea Flood Alleviation Scheme	P. Clarke & Sons Ltd	75	07/07/2008
KV113	Skerriff Road Cullyhanna Foul Sewer Extension	Euro Services (NI)	18	07/07/2008
KF313	Lisanally Special School, Armagh Foul Sewer Replacement	Euro Services (NI)	130	07/07/2008
KG146	Cloncarrish Road Birches Storm Sewer Extension	Glen Contracts	80	07/07/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	158	07/07/2008
KT384	Mandeville Avenue, Lisburn Foul Sewer Extension	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	11	07/07/2008
JB651	Carnlough Road, Broughshane, Watermain Replacement	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	231	07/07/2008
JB650	Drummuck Road Maghera Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	13	07/07/2008
KA206	Small WwTWs Priority Upgrades	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	5217	01/07/2008
KL429	Assessment of Flow Monitoring in WWTWs (UWWTD)	WIS/Gillen JV	215.05	01/07/2008
KR377	Glendarragh SPS - Replacement pumping main	McNicholas Construction	38	01/07/2008
KF312	Ashley Gardens Armagh foul sewer replacement	Conwell Contracts Ltd	123	24/06/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	35	24/06/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	336	24/06/2008
JN484	Glenhordial WTW replacement of Camowen pumping main	OConnell - Mills JV	359	24/06/2008
JR414	Reservoir Rehabilitation South East Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	205	24/06/2008
KB411	Milburn Storm Sewer	T. G. Eakin	14	23/06/2008
KC308	Mussenden Rd Articlave	Bradley and Co.	81	23/06/2008
JA261	Old Ballybracken Road Barnish Road Kells Replacement Watermain	OConnell - Mills JV	259	16/06/2008
KL427	Ballykelly Main St, Replacement Sewer	Mills Contracts	435	16/06/2008
JN480	Dunnamona Road,Omagh.Replacement Watermain.	OConnell - Mills JV	202	16/06/2008
JN481	Cornavarrow,Omagh.Replacement Watermain	OConnell - Mills JV	159	16/06/2008
KG134	Carrick Drive, Banbridge Road Lurgan Storm Sewer Ext	Quinns Automation Ltd	27	16/06/2008
KS811	Portaferry DAP Phase 1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	649	12/06/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	50	11/06/2008
KO170	Lough Road, Lurgan	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	253	09/06/2008
KB362	Chapel Street, Cookstown	T. O Connell & Sons	370	06/06/2008
KC324	Anticur Rd/Carrowadoon Road, Dunloy Sewerage Scheme	Bradley and Co.	91	05/06/2008
KB431	The Brambles, Magherafelt - SPS Replacement	T. G. Eakin	152	05/06/2008
KS804	Millisle DAP - Phase 1	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	178.2	05/06/2008
KS224	Downpatrick WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	9330	30/05/2008
KS354	Bangor Academy Sewers, Castle Street	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	97	28/05/2008
JB583	Oak Park, Draperstown Repl. Wm.	OConnell - Mills JV	38.5	28/05/2008
KG057	Kiln Road, Lurgan Foul Sewer Extension	Conwell Contracts Ltd	77	28/05/2008
JF563	Seagahan WTW	AECOM DB/Farrans JV	7215	28/05/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	133	28/05/2008
JN493	Georgian Villas, Omagh Repl Watermain	Farrans Construction Ltd	441	28/05/2008
JN494	Rodgers Road, Tattykeel Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	30	28/05/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	137	28/05/2008
JC372	Newbridge Road, Ballymoney, Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	51	15/05/2008
KB412	Cookstown Road Moneymore Foul Sewer Extension	T. G. Eakin	26	15/05/2008
KR386	St Meryl Park / Kennedy Way Sewer Upgrade	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	276	15/05/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	61	15/05/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	93	15/05/2008
JF579	Dungannon to Ballygawley (A4) Dualling Watermain Diversions	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	183	15/05/2008
KL430	Gortnahey Road, Gortnahey, Dungiven Foul Sewer Ext	W. J. McLaughlin	13	15/05/2008
JL747	Repair of GAC Filters at Carmoney WTW	AECOM DB/Farrans JV	498	01/05/2008
KL419	Londonderry Sewer Imps Stage 1 - Strathfoyle Siphon Storage Tank L’Derry Sewer Imps Stage 1 - Strathfoyle Siphon Storage Tank	Shearwater Consortium (Do Not Use)	102	01/05/2008
KC315	Ballymoney/Coleraine Sewers	Bradley and Co.	24	01/05/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	142	29/04/2008
JR406	Knockagh Road, Woodburn, Carrickfergus Replacement Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	31	28/04/2008
KT375	Prince William Road, Lisburn Foul Sewer Extension	Farrans Construction Ltd	107	24/04/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	44	21/04/2008
JR408	Belfast City Centre public Realm Phase 1, Area 3	Farrans Construction Ltd	480	21/04/2008
JT126	Lisburn North Rural Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	564	21/04/2008
JB501	Casheltown Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	1956	21/04/2008
JF006	Altmore/Gortlenaghan Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1446	21/04/2008
KC294	Ballymoney Sewerage Improvements	T. O Connell & Sons	1727	04/04/2008
JS219	North Down,Bangor Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1296	03/04/2008
JR304	Castlereagh Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	998	03/04/2008
JF007	Seagahan Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1590	03/04/2008
JG018	Castor Bay/Banbridge Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1640	03/04/2008
JG019	Castor Bay/Craigavon North Watermain Rehabilitation	Enterprise/Farrans	3023	03/04/2008
JG021	Castor Bay/Craigavon South Zone Watermain Rehabilitation	Enterprise/Farrans	1409	03/04/2008
JR367	Service Reservoir Enhanced Security	Time and Data Systems International Ltd	1411	03/04/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	106	03/04/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	121	03/04/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	99	03/04/2008
KS815	Waste Water Pumping Stations Screens Removal and Pumps Replacement, Ards/Down.	WIS/Gillen JV	455	02/04/2008
KL410	Ballycoleman, Strabane Flood Alleviation Scheme	Purac Brand	1244	28/03/2008
JN428	Derg West Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	3550	27/03/2008
KR406	Carrowdore WwTW I	Morrow Group	13	27/03/2008
KR406	Carrowdore WwTW I	WPL Limited	19	27/03/2008
KC313	Rasharkin Flood Alleviation and Sewer Extension	Dawson WAM Ltd	756	27/03/2008
KB374	Tullywiggan WwTW Improvements	Bradley and Co.	59	26/03/2008
KT140	Hugenot drive Lisburn SPS Upgrade	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	2303	21/03/2008
KR389	Ballyhalbert WwTW Interim Solution	Biwater Graham JV	337	21/03/2008
KR387	Ballywhiskin WwTW Interim Solution	Biwater Graham JV	32	21/03/2008
JP653	Enniskillen New Hospital Watermain Ext	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	90	18/03/2008
KS224	Downpatrick WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	598	13/03/2008
JS112	North Down Strategic Trunk Watermains	Scotts Electrical Services	100	13/03/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	42	13/03/2008
JC351	Ballynahone Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2297	13/03/2008
KB353	Maghera Area Sewers	Bradley and Co.	185	12/03/2008
KB353	Maghera Area Sewers	Dawson WAM Ltd	306	12/03/2008
KG003	Magheralin Sewerage Scheme	Farrans Construction Ltd	150	10/03/2008
KS384	Darragh Cross WwTw	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	903	10/03/2008
JB647	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area - Phase 2	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	240	10/03/2008
KB376	Straw Village Sewer Upgrades	T. O Connell & Sons	52	07/03/2008
KC231	Ballycastle Sewerage Scheme	Dawson WAM Ltd	620	07/03/2008
KC218	Portrush Sewer Improvements Stage 4	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	1335	05/03/2008
KR313	Lisbarnet WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	3917	05/03/2008
KT373	Hulls Lane, Lisburn Foul Sewer Extension	W. J. McLaughlin	92	05/03/2008
KF069	Coash Road, Dungannon Storm Sewer Extension	Glen Contracts	15	03/03/2008
KR333	Newtownbreda, Dunmurry, New Holland WWTWs - Nutrient Removal	Biwater Graham JV	223	29/02/2008
KR333	Newtownbreda, Dunmurry, New Holland WWTWs - Nutrient Removal	Biwater Graham JV	197	29/02/2008
KR333	Newtownbreda, Dunmurry, New Holland WWTWs - Nutrient Removal	Biwater Graham JV	197	29/02/2008
KT124	Dromara WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	2967	29/02/2008
KR388	Ballywalter WwTW Interim Solution	Biwater Graham JV	2120	29/02/2008
KR390	Cloughy WwTW Interim Solution	Biwater Graham JV	1649	29/02/2008
KT143	Poundburn WWTW	Biwater Graham JV	749.28	28/02/2008
KC354	Priestland Rd, Bushmills St Sew Ext	Bradley and Co.	123	28/02/2008
KT098	Annahilt WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	4398	28/02/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Maker Freyssinet	133	28/02/2008
KS206	Seahill WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	4797	27/02/2008
JS224	Lough Cowey Zone Watermain Improvements	McNicholas Construction	620	27/02/2008
KG160	Meadow Lane Portadown Sewer Realignment	Southern Health & Social Care Trust	149	27/02/2008
KF026	Hamiltonsbawn WwTW	Purac Brand	3976	26/02/2008
KX126	Glencam Road, Omagh Storm Sewer	Mills Contracts	157	21/02/2008
KS263	Saintfield WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	4945	21/02/2008
KX089	Strabane Road, Castlederg Storm Sewer	W. J. McLaughlin	48	21/02/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	275	21/02/2008
JL752	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase 2	Graham Structural Repairs	392	21/02/2008
JL751	Brishey Springs Decommissioning, Dungiven	OConnell - Mills JV	381	21/02/2008
JV820	Carron Hill Supply Zone Management Plan	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	176	21/02/2008
KL422	Airfield Road, Foul Sewer Extension	McCrossan Contracts LTD	7	21/02/2008
KF076	Gorestown Road Sewerage Scheme	Quinns Automation Ltd	262	21/02/2008
KP373	Galliagh Park Enniskillen Replacement Sewers	Deane Public Works	410	21/02/2008
KG153	Gilford Road Portadown Sewerage Upgrades	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	354	15/02/2008
KS806	Movilla Road, Newtownards Foul Sewer Extension	ONeill Contracts	134.82	14/02/2008
JA252	Castle Road, Antrim, Watermain	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1410	13/02/2008
JV067	Jerrettspass Chlorination	Euro Control Panel Specialists Ltd	17	13/02/2008
JV067	Jerrettspass Chlorination	Sean Murphy Contracts	18	13/02/2008
KV079	McShanes Road, Bessbrook Foul Sewer Extension	Euro Services (NI)	286	13/02/2008
JV023	Fofanny/Banbridge Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1479	08/02/2008
KN592	Crevanagh Road, Omagh, Foul Sewer Pumping Main Extension	Conwell Contracts Ltd	25	08/02/2008
KL423	Crevagh Park SPS Abandonment	W. J. McLaughlin	51	07/02/2008
KL418	Londonderry Sewer Imps Stage 1 - Gransha Pumping Station	Purac Brand	1304	07/02/2008
JC369	Newbridge Road, Ballymoney, Replacement Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	43	07/02/2008
KG108	Lough Road, Lurgan Storm Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	116	07/02/2008
JN368	Derg - Omagh Area Transfer Pumps	Farrans Construction Ltd	497	01/02/2008
KF030	Killyman WwTW	Deane Public Works	392	01/02/2008
JR367	Service Reservoir Enhanced Security	OConnell - Mills JV	155	29/01/2008
KB280	Draperstown WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	3056	28/01/2008
KL416	Park WWTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	2196	28/01/2008
JP610	Meenacloyabane Service Reservoir	Farrans Construction Ltd	406	23/01/2008
KF027	Benburb/Milltown - RBC Installations West & South	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	3368	23/01/2008
KT098	Annahilt WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	661	16/01/2008
JC294	Ballinrees West Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	3200	16/01/2008
JS220	Bangor Outer Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	2022	16/01/2008
JB517	Cookstown Zone WM Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2113	16/01/2008
JC349	Portballintrae Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2109	16/01/2008
JC352	Loughguile Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2817	16/01/2008
JC353	Rasharkin Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2291	16/01/2008
JC351	Ballynahone Zone Wm Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	2167	16/01/2008
KG137	Main Street Glenavy Storm Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	51	14/01/2008
JF007	Seagahan Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1947	14/01/2008
KS809	Carrowdore Sewer Replacement	ONeill Contracts	281	10/01/2008
KA200	Ballycorr Road, Ballyclare, Storm Outfall	T. O Connell & Sons	43	10/01/2008
JP652	Drumharvey & Drumduff Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	7	08/01/2008
JB644	Bank Square, Maghera	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	18	08/01/2008
KR393	Re-direction of Effluents from Belfast Sludge Incinerator within Belfast WWTW	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	336	08/01/2008
JA255	Glenavy Road, Crumlin, Replacement Watermain	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	72	08/01/2008
JB637	Dunmore Lane, Cookstown, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	30	08/01/2008
JC365	Bushtown Road, Coleraine, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	16	08/01/2008
JL693	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	309.75	08/01/2008
KP351	Derrylin WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	3360	03/01/2008
KS213	Greyabbey/Kircubbin	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	7	03/01/2008
KS362	Station Road, Crossgar Replacement Sewer	Glen Contracts	54	20/12/2007
KT144	The Square, Hillsborough Storm Sewer Ext.	ONeill Contracts	20	20/12/2007
KA203	Huntingdale Way Ballyclare - SPS Rationalisation	T. O Connell & Sons	10	18/12/2007
KG159	Waringstown WWTW Storm Tanks	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	497	18/12/2007
KG059	Old Lurgan Road Sewer Extensions	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	239	18/12/2007
KV009	Gilford WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1661	18/12/2007
KF029	Bush WwTW	Deane Public Works	241	18/12/2007
KB354	Orritor Road, Cookstown - Sewer Rep.Phase 2	T. O Connell & Sons	36	18/12/2007
KA184	Ballyeaston Road Ballyclare Storm Sewer	Bradley and Co.	67	13/12/2007
JB643	Creagh Hill, Castledawson, Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	14	13/12/2007
KV117	Spring Meadows/Riverfields Warrenpoint Foul Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	27	13/12/2007
JC368	Lisheegan Road, Rasharkin	OConnell - Mills JV	19	06/12/2007
JL749	Letterlougher Road Claudy First Time Services Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	14	06/12/2007
KR395	Cloghan Park, Belfast Flood Alleviation	ONeill Contracts	182	06/12/2007
KF031	Cabragh WwTW	McFadden Ltd	177	06/12/2007
KG148	Mark Street Lurgan Storm Sewer Extension	McFadden Ltd	73	29/11/2007
KC352	Castleroe Road Coleraine Foul Sewer Extension	Bradley and Co.	19	27/11/2007
KA188	Steeple Road Antrim - Replacement Sewer	T. O Connell & Sons	39	27/11/2007
JL693	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	OConnell - Mills JV	483	21/11/2007
JL693	Cityside Zone Watermain Improvements	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	445	21/11/2007
KS212	Portaferry WwTW	WIS/Gillen JV	5940	19/11/2007
KN571	Derry Road Storm Sewer	McFadden Ltd	87	19/11/2007
KR343	O Neill Road, Glengormley Storm Sewer Extension	ONeill Contracts	44	19/11/2007
KA199	Antrim Rd, Aldergrove - Trunk Sewer Replacement	T. G. Eakin	273	13/11/2007
KS377	Downs Road/Castle Park Sewer Upgrade/ Attenuation	Lagan Construction Ltd	168	13/11/2007
KL414	Drumahoe Sewerage Scheme SPS	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1581	13/11/2007
KG134	Carrick Drive, Banbridge Road Lurgan Storm Sewer Ext	Quinns Automation Ltd	11	08/11/2007
KS376	Newcastle Sewer Networks Improvements	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	268	08/11/2007
KS381	North Road, Newtownards Storm	P. F. Murphy	297	08/11/2007
JG071	Dublinhill Road Dromore Watermain Extension	McNicholas Construction	0	08/11/2007
KR346	Ivanhoe Avenue Belfast Storm & Foul Sewer Replacement	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	139	05/11/2007
KV108	School Road, Newtownhamilton Storm Sewer Wxtension	Glen Contracts	34	05/11/2007
KF048	Moor Gardens Sewer Upgrades	Conwell Contracts Ltd	529	31/10/2007
JN482	Killymore Road, Gortin Pumping Station	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	266	31/10/2007
KA202	The Woods, Old Glenarm Road, Larne, Storm Sewer Outfall	Bradley and Co.	45	30/10/2007
KR382	Salinity Removal from Sewerage System discharging to new North Down WwTW	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	39	30/10/2007
KC355	Bravallan Road Ballymoney Storm Sewer	T. O Connell & Sons	51	30/10/2007
KC323	Finvoy Road Ballymoney Sewerage Scheme	T. O Connell & Sons	198	30/10/2007
KP366	Kinoughtra, Teemore Storm Sewer Extension	Campbell Contracts Ltd	32	30/10/2007
KR357	Loughview Terrace Greenisland Storm Sewer	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	33	30/10/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	Graham Structural Repairs	491	30/10/2007
KR323	Ligoniel Sewerage Scheme	Cityside Development Ltd.	191	30/10/2007
KS215	Annalong WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	328	29/10/2007
JB547	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	Maker Freyssinet	497	24/10/2007
JB547	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	181	24/10/2007
JB547	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	Maker Freyssinet	148	24/10/2007
JP649	Deerpark Lane watermain extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	22	24/10/2007
KR392	Burren Way, Cregagh	ONeill Contracts	128	24/10/2007
KG149	Dunkirk Road Waringstown Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	Glen Contracts	64	22/10/2007
KV116	Abbey Park Kilkeel Sewer Replacement	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	499	19/10/2007
KG127	Madden Road Tandragee Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	Campbell Contracts Ltd	199	19/10/2007
KV033	Warrenpoint WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	2846	19/10/2007
JS220	Bangor Outer Zone Watermain Improvements	McNicholas Construction	100	18/10/2007
JR302	Purdysburn East Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1511	16/10/2007
JR304	Castlereagh Zone Watermain Improvements	Enterprise/Farrans	1705	16/10/2007
KF062	Cavanacaw Road, Storm Sewer	Glen Contracts	464	16/10/2007
JB518	Stewartstown Zone WM Improvements	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	10	16/10/2007
KF078	Dungormley	Glen Contracts	34	16/10/2007
KV144	Dromore Street Rathfriland Storm Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	11	16/10/2007
KV042	Cullaville WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	986	08/10/2007
JF574	Carland Bridge (Cookstown Rd) Road Realignment	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	22	05/10/2007
KV141	Limekiln Road Newry Foul Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	12	05/10/2007
KN607	Creagmore Road, Drumquin Foul Sewer Ext	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	40	05/10/2007
KP587	Lisnagole Road Lisnaskea Foul Sewer Ext	Glen Contracts	37	03/10/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	Graham Structural Repairs	497	03/10/2007
KV058	Castlewellan Forest Park SPS	Campbell Contracts Ltd	179	03/10/2007
KL314	Limavady WwTW	WIS/Gillen JV	5970	01/10/2007
KV097	Belleeks WwTW	Quinns Automation Ltd	541	28/09/2007
KG147	Carbet Road Portadown Storm Sewer	Glen Contracts	43	26/09/2007
KP299	Enniskillen WwTW	Purac Brand	12650	26/09/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	98	26/09/2007
KA170	Coastguard Road Larne	Bradley and Co.	235	25/09/2007
KF066	Rear of 25 Main Street, Storm Sewer Extension	Euro Services (NI)	19	25/09/2007
JL746	Balteagh Watermain Extension, Limavady	OConnell - Mills JV	7	25/09/2007
KN605	Loughmacrory Storm Sewer Extension.	McCrossan Contracts LTD	29	25/09/2007
KN584	Gortin Road Omagh Storm Sewer	Campbell Contracts Ltd	129	25/09/2007
KF077	Poyntzpass WwTW Inlet Sewer Replacement	Glen Contracts	35	14/09/2007
KV069	Carrickmacstay SPS Upgrade/Replacement	Deane Public Works	119	14/09/2007
KR341	Demesne Road Holywood Foul & Storm Sewer	Farrans Construction Ltd	44	11/09/2007
KR338	360-368 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey Sewer Extension	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	39	11/09/2007
KC330	Ballylagan Road, Islandmore	Bradley and Co.	13	11/09/2007
KR365	Springbank Industrial Estate Foul Sewer Ext	P. F. Murphy	0	11/09/2007
JR377	Hightown Road, Newtownabbey Watermain.	Farrans Construction Ltd	127	11/09/2007
JA251	Crosshill Service Reservoir Water Booster Station, Larne	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	89	11/09/2007
KR313	Lisbarnet WwTW	Biwater Graham JV	350	07/09/2007
KL419	Londonderry Sewer Imps Stage 1 - Strathfoyle Siphon Storage Tank L’Derry Sewer Imps Stage 1 - Strathfoyle Siphon Storage Tank	Purac Brand	890	06/09/2007
KN586	Killen WWTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1296	06/09/2007
JV818	CARRICK RD WARRENPOINT WATERMAIN EXTENSION	Farrans Construction Ltd	25	04/09/2007
JG069	Limekiln Lane, Aghalee WM Ext	Farrans Construction Ltd	28	04/09/2007
JV123	Ashtree Hill Drumbanagher WM Ext	Farrans Construction Ltd	26	04/09/2007
JS276	Kilmegan Road, Dundrum, Watermain	Farrans Construction Ltd	72	04/09/2007
KG131	Lurgan Road, Aghalee Storm Sewer Ext	McFadden Ltd	24	04/09/2007
KS309	Raholp WwTW	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	926	04/09/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	Maker Freyssinet	112	31/08/2007
JA238	Antrim Ring Main Relocation	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	415	31/08/2007
JB635	Pound Road, Magherafelt	OConnell - Mills JV	9	31/08/2007
KL417	Londonderry Sewer Imps Stage 1 - Victoria Market Pumping Station and Fahan Street Relief Sewer	Purac Brand	4069	24/08/2007
JF577	Ballyloughan Road, Hamiltonsbawn, Armagh Wm Ext	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	18	24/08/2007
JF576	Lisbeg Rd Watermain Ext (2007)	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	23	24/08/2007
KS357	Sketrick Island, Whiterock Sewerage Facilities	Rodgers Contracts Ltd	62	24/08/2007
KG085	Clonmakate SPS Replacement	Conwell Contracts Ltd	100	24/08/2007
KT128	Thornleigh Park, Lisburn Foul & Storm Sewer Upgrade	P. F. Murphy	90	24/08/2007
KV072	Rooneys Meadow Foul Sewer to Replace SPS	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	55	24/08/2007
KR323	Ligoniel Sewerage Scheme	John Graham (Dromore) Ltd	823	17/08/2007
KV063	Newry Sewerage Networks Improvements	Euro Services (NI)	484	17/08/2007
JN389	Rezoning of Lenamore Springs Supply Area	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	261	14/08/2007
KV128	Sheetrim Road Cullyhanna Foul Sewer Extension	Quinns Automation Ltd	70	08/08/2007
KT130	Mill Turn Dromore SPS Upgrade	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	22	08/08/2007
JL744	Old Eglish Road, Dungannon, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	23	01/08/2007
JN479	Tirwinney.Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	16	30/07/2007
JG066	Manse Road, Ballyward Watermain Extension	Farrans Construction Ltd	23	24/07/2007
JB634	Battery	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	51	24/07/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	54	24/07/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	331	24/07/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	Graham Structural Repairs	33	24/07/2007
JS253	Shore Road, Millisle Sewer & Watermain Replacement	Farrans Construction Ltd	207	24/07/2007
JS254	Moss Road, Millisle Sewer & Watermain Replacement	Farrans Construction Ltd	200	24/07/2007
KV031	Hilltown WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1411	19/07/2007
KA158	Milltown, Antrim WwTW	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	20254	19/07/2007
JF569	Ballygawley/CabraghSR Link Main	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	131	19/07/2007
JF578	College Hall Lane, Tynan, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	7	19/07/2007
JA250	Kilbride Road/Bryantang Road, Doagh, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	33	06/07/2007
JB547	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	289	06/07/2007
KB388	Gortgole Road Portglenone Storm Sewer Outfall	Bradley and Co.	107	22/06/2007
JC319	Beechfield Drive, Coleraine Water Pumping Station	T. O Connell & Sons	34	22/06/2007
KF014	Clare Village Sewerage Scheme	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	1286	22/06/2007
JC364	Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Replacement Watermain	OConnell - Mills JV	150	22/06/2007
JC363	Barnside Road, Garvagh, Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	40	22/06/2007
JR404	Belfast City Centre Public Realm Phase 1, Area 1	Farrans Construction Ltd	349	22/06/2007
KN583	Beragh Foul & Storm Sewer	Campbell Contracts Ltd	50	22/06/2007
JG062	Lisnisky Lane/Portadown Road, Portadown	Farrans Construction Ltd	347	19/06/2007
KG132	Bleary Road, Bleary Storm and Foul Sewer Ext	Campbell Contracts Ltd	39	19/06/2007
KG143	Silverwood Golf Course Replacement Sewer	Quinns Automation Ltd	47	19/06/2007
KG126	Gobrana Road Glenavy Storm Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	57	08/06/2007
JL743	Removal of Stradreagh Spring Source	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	85	08/06/2007
KV115	The Meadows Newry Trunk Relief Sewer	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	148	08/06/2007
KV095	Upper Dromore Rd, Warrenpoint, Storm Sewer Extension	McFadden Ltd	107	08/06/2007
JB547	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	79	31/05/2007
JB547	Reservoir Rehabilitation Northern Area Phase 1	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	123	31/05/2007
JN476	INISCLAN PUMPING MAIN EXTENSION	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	38	31/05/2007
JN472	Backglen Road, Omagh Booster Station	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	20	31/05/2007
JP648	Derryclawan,Lisbellaw.Watermain Extension.	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	12	31/05/2007
JN478	Meenacloy Road.Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	11	31/05/2007
KF081	Killyman Foul Sewer Extension	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	11	23/05/2007
JV115	Lurgan Road / Ballygowan Road Alignment	Farrans Construction Ltd	63	22/05/2007
KV106	Ballymoyer Road Whitecross Storm Sewer Extension and Foul Sewer Upgrade	Engineering Services (Terence McGeary)	48	21/05/2007
JR402	Hydepark Service Reservoir Integrity	Graham Structural Repairs	155	21/05/2007
KF068	Drummanmore Road, Armagh Storm Sewer	Glen Contracts	66	21/05/2007
KV013	Rostrevor Sewerage Scheme	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	615	21/05/2007
JB629	Bancran Road, Draperstown, Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	24	03/05/2007
JN477	Culvacullion Road, Watermain Extension	OConnell - Mills JV	56	03/05/2007
KG124	Old Newry Road, Banbridge Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	Campbell Contracts Ltd	57	03/05/2007
JB633	Knockanully Road, Martinstown, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	7	23/04/2007
JA249	Craigstown Road, Randalstown, Watermain Extension	Campbell Quinn JV Ltd	14	23/04/2007
KG115	Rose gardens Laurelvale Proposed Foul Sewer	Glen Contracts	35	20/04/2007
KF065	Trotters Walk to Madden Road, Tandragee Sewer Upgrade	Conwell Contracts Ltd	253	20/04/2007
JL736	Reservoir Rehabilitation Western Area Phase1	Graham Structural Repairs	492	20/04/2007
KN568	Donagheday Rd, Strabane	McCrossan Contracts LTD	63	16/04/2007
JC295	Altnahinch Zone Watermain Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	3627	16/04/2007
KV119	Quarter Road Camlough Storm and Foul Sewer Extensions	Euro Services (NI)	30	16/04/2007
KG116	Aghalee/Aghagllon Screens	BSG Civil Engineering Ltd	473	04/04/2007
KP374	Teemore SPS pumps and pumping main replacement	P. Clarke & Sons Ltd	62	04/04/2007
JB461	Lough Fea Zone WM Improvements	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	3045	02/04/2007
JB508	Cargan Zone Watermain Improvementss	Charles Brand - Holleran JV	3064	02/04/2007

Note: Key Abbreviations used in Tables

WWTW Wastewater Treatment Works

WWPS Wastewater Pumping Station

WTW Water Treatment Works

PS Pumping Station

SPS Sewage Pumping Station

SR Service Reservoir

WM Watermain

DAP Drainage Area Plan

CSO Combined Sewer Overflow

O/F Outfall

Contract for Street Lighting Maintenance

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 776/11, in relation to the previous contract for street lighting maintenance, what was the total value of the contract at end date 25 July 2010.

(AQW 1060/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the total value of the contract, during both the original contract, which was let on a one plus one year basis, and the extended contract period, up to the end date of 25 July 2010, was £33.4 million.

The original estimated annual value at the pre-award stage was £8.6million however, the volume of work carried out from year to year, and indeed quarters, on term contracts is dictated by operational demands and can vary considerably.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1104/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The Department for Regional Development does not fund any external childcare provision.

Staff in DRD, as with those in other Departments, may apply for reimbursement of any reasonable additional childcare costs which they incur if required to attend work outside their normal working pattern. Staff may also avail of the NICS Salary Sacrifice Childcare Voucher Scheme, which enables participants to reduce the cost of registered childcare through Income Tax and National Insurance contribution relief.

Consultants

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 626/11, which firm completed the contract following the termination of arrangements with Contracting Out.

(AQW 1117/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that, as detailed in AQW 626/11, a firm was appointed to act on its behalf as both expert witness and forensic accountant. The firm involved was Deloitte.

Cost of Defending Litigation

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what the legal costs were to his Department of defending litigation cases in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1135/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The Department’s legal costs of defending litigation cases for the last three financial years is set out as follows:

2007/08	£792,481
2008/09	£1,455,332
2009/10	£1,204,890

A further £978,778 has been spent on ongoing commercial litigation matters since 1 April 2007.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he has identified any funding from his Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1141/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department has a number of projects in progress or under development which would significantly improve the transport infrastructure serving the city of Derry and so contribute to the City of Culture 2013.

The following table lists those projects and provides details of the latest budgets for 2010-11, together with bids submitted for the first three years of the Budget 2010 process up to 2013-14.

Funding beyond 2010-11 will be subject to the outcome of the current Spending Review exercise.

Programme/Project	2010-11 (£m)	Budget Bids submitted 2011-12 (£m)	Budget Bids submitted 2012-13 (£m)	Budget Bids submitted 2013-14 (£m)
Derry to Coleraine Track Relay	2.0	11.9	66.8	7.2
New Trains – these will increase capacity and frequency and improve services on the network including the Derry line.	28.6	70.7	8.4	72.0
New Buses - these will be used across the region, including Derry.	6.4	13.5	13.2	13.0
Dual Carriageway from Maydown to the City of Derry Airport	5.9	-	-	-
Programme/Project	2010-11 (£m)	Budget Bids submitted 2011-12 (£m)	Budget Bids submitted 2012-13 (£m)	Budget Bids submitted 2013-14 (£m)
A6 Derry to Dungiven	-	1.5	3.2	62.5
A5 Derry to Aughnacloy	-	15.0	165.0	285.0

Omagh Access Forum

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 90/11, (i) if his Department sought guidance from the Omagh Access Forum in relation to the placement of disabled parking bays in the car park in Perry Street, Dungannon; and (ii) whether the Omagh Access Forum (a) declined to provide such guidance; or (b) advised that disabled parking bays were not required in the free section.

(AQW 1186/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department's Roads Service has advised that it did not seek guidance from Omagh Access Forum in relation to the placement of disabled parking bays in Dungannon. However, Omagh Access Forum did provide general guidance to Roads Service in relation to the positioning of disabled parking bays within car parks.

Footpaths

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to improve the footpaths in the Ashfield Estate, Donaghdee.

(AQW 1202/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I understand that the Member met officials from my Department’s Roads Service recently at the Ashfield Estate in Donaghadee.

I can confirm that, as agreed at the meeting, Roads Service has proposed to carry out improvements to some sections of the worst areas of footway within the estate. However, the timing and scale of the works will depend upon other competing demands and availability of funding.

Northern Ireland Water

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he intends to take to address the low level of staff morale within Northern Ireland Water, as highlighted in the recent survey carried out to assess the level of confidence staff have in the management at Northern Ireland Water.

(AQW 1241/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it has had a challenging year and this is reflected in the results of the recent staff survey. NIW’s Executive Committee considered the findings of the survey in August and an action plan to address the issues raised has been agreed. The action plan will be implemented over the coming months and will involve both staff and management.

Regional Development Strategy

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of the extent to which the drafting of the revised Regional Development Strategy is hindered by his Department's limited role in the operation of the airports.

(AQO 331/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The drafting of the revised Regional Development Strategy is at an advanced stage and it is my intention to seek Executive approval early in November to go to public consultation.

The RDS is material to decisions on development proposals for local airports and their associated transport infrastructure and the draft recognises the significant role that our airports have in accessing markets, encouraging inward investment and boosting tourism.

Airports are however privately owned and the operators of the airports are responsible for decisions on commercial matters.

Roads: Gritting

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Regional Development how much extra salt and grit Roads Service will have available for the coming winter compared to last year.

(AQO 332/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that as part of the pre-season preparations, salt barns which are strategically placed in depots throughout the North are being filled to capacity.

It is estimated that around 65,000 tonnes of salt will be available for the coming winter period. This is more than enough to treat scheduled roads during a typical winter.

Roads Service also has arrangements in place to supplement stocks during the winter period, if necessary.

Cycling

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the reasons for the decrease in the cycling budget, given his commitment to the promotion of sustainable transport.

(AQO 333/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service aims to provide safer roads for vulnerable road users, including cyclists, utilising a range of measures that include road safety engineering, traffic calming and enhancement of the pedestrian and cycling network. All of which are funded from the Local Transport and Safety Measure allocation.

As you are aware, there has been a reduction in the funding available for cycling measures due to uncertainties relating to this year’s funding position.

However, I feel it is important to stress that, although there is reduced funding provision for cycle lanes and footways this year, the published Roads Service Targets do not reflect the same level of reduction. For example, in 2009/10, Roads Service’s budget was £981,000 with an associated target to provide 20 km of cycle lanes. This year with a £108,000 allocation, which is an 89% reduction, the target is to provide 12km of cycle lane, which equates to a 40% reduction.

Roads Service’s Traffic Engineers are conscious of the financial limitations and are implementing relatively inexpensive cycle lanes on road with 'signs and lines', as opposed to the construction of more expensive segregated cycle lanes.

Also most Strategic Road Improvement (SRI) schemes implemented by Roads Service provide Active Travel facilities as part of the finished scheme. For example, on the newly constructed Newry By-Pass, an additional 7.6km of footway and 2.3km of combined Cycle lane/footway have been provided, whilst the new Southern Distributor road in Newtownards, provided an additional 6km of footway and 2.5km of cycle lanes. 

In addition, my Department’s Travelwise team targets schools, businesses and commuters to promote and facilitate walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing as healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives to the private car.

Regional Development Strategy

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development what progress has been made on the review of the Regional Development Strategy.

(AQO 334/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The review of the Regional Development Strategy is now very well advanced.

As the new RDS will be the cross cutting spatial strategy of the Executive we have been actively involved with a number of key groups to assist in the Review. These include an External Working Group; the Regional Development Committee; officials from the Strategic Investment Board and an Inter-Departmental Steering Group. The Ministerial Sub-Group overseeing the review met most recently on 23 September 2010.

I intend to seek Executive agreement in early November for full public consultation to commence as soon as possible.

Flooding: East Belfast

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme.

(AQO 335/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that, following the completion of a Drainage Area Study in East Belfast, it is currently considering several options for remedial work to improve the performance of the sewerage network in the area.

Some elements of the work, relating to flood alleviation, have been advanced for early implementation. This includes a £2 million scheme to address a longstanding flooding problem at Montgomery Road and a £250,000 scheme at Hamel Drive. Both schemes, which are scheduled to commence in early 2011, should substantially reduce the risk of flooding in these areas.

Road Maintenance

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of the Department's road maintenance budget.

(AQO 336/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it has been independently established, that some £112 million per annum (2010 prices) is required to maintain the structural integrity of the road network in the North. However, the structural maintenance budget for 2010/11 is currently estimated at £70m, leaving a shortfall of £42 million.

I should explain that ‘Structural Maintenance’ is the collective term for activities that maintain the integrity of the road and footway structure. The main activities include carriageway resurfacing and reconstruction, surface dressing, patching and structural drainage. The structural maintenance undertaken by Roads Service comprises of more cost effective planned maintenance activities, such as resurfacing and surface dressing, as well as the less efficient action of reactive patching.

The current level of funding is no longer sustainable, as the cost of reactive patching, is increasing year on year. The underinvestments of previous spending periods has created a downward spiral, and now, as pavements deteriorate through a lack of planned maintenance, they are having to be repaired by the relatively expensive process of patching to minimise the risk of public liability claims and maintain road safety. This process, in turn, draws further funds away from better value maintenance activities, such as resurfacing and surface dressing.

Of course, it is always the case that if more funding was available, more maintenance work would be carried out, and I can assure you that Roads Service will continue to make strong bids for additional structural maintenance funds. In the meantime, Roads Service will continue to make the best use of resources available to it to develop and maintain the road network.

Comber Greenway

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to upgrade the Comber Greenway in East Belfast.

(AQO 337/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it is responsible for maintaining the Comber Greenway, and that it has no plans to upgrade it at this time.

The Member will be aware that the Strategic Outline Case for Rapid Transit identified the Comber Greenway as the preferred route in East Belfast. However, in order to ensure that Rapid Transit provides the best level of service for passengers, and represents best value for money, my Department is undertaking preliminary designs for a number of route alignment options for the pilot network. Between Dundonald and Holywood Arches, the route alignment options being considered are the Comber Greenway and the Upper Newtownards Road.

DRD: Signage

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development what responsibility his Department has for the removal of unauthorised signage from departmental property and whether he has had any discussions with the PSNI or other agencies regarding this issue.

(AQO 338/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that Commercial Advertising Hoardings are normally the subject of a planning application and any infringements of planning laws would normally be pursued by DOE Planning Service under the relevant planning legislation.

Where advertising hoardings are erected illegally on Roads Service property, action is taken by Roads Service to try and remove these under Article 87 of the Roads (NI) Order 1993. This Article deals with advertisements, pictures, signs, etc. unlawfully affixed to the surface of a road, or any tree, structure or other works in or on a road, i.e. on Roads Service property.

Article 21(1) of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 states that, "any person who erects or exhibits, or causes or permits to be erected or exhibited, any advertisement or notice which is sited or designed wholly or mainly for the purpose of being visible to persons using a special road or which is likely to prejudice the safety of traffic using a special road, shall be guilty of an offence and liable under summary conviction to a fine".

I can confirm that where an advertising hoarding is erected illegally on Roads Service property, or adjacent to special roads, action is taken by Roads Service to try and remove these under Articles 87 & 21 respectively of the Roads (NI) Order 1993. The motorway and part of the Westlink are examples of Special Roads.

I can also confirm that no discussions have taken place with the PSNI or other agencies regarding the removal of commercial advertising signs.

DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Small Pockets of Deprivation Funding

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the continuation of the Small Pockets of Deprivation funding for community workers in the Rathgill estate Bangor.

(AQW 8/11)

Minister for Social Development (Mr A Attwood): Funding for the community workers in the Rathgill estate in Bangor has been approved to cover the period up to 31 March 2011. As you are no doubt aware, my Department’s budget for 2011/12 and subsequent years will be set as part of the Budget 2010 process which is currently underway. I am unable to enter into any funding commitments beyond 31 March 2011 until that process is completed at the end of the year.

Parents Living in Poverty

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development what steps he is taking to ensure that parents living in poverty receive adequate support.

(AQW 672/11)

Minister for Social Development: My Department actively supports parents living in poverty. The extent of work is broad, so this answer is illustrative of DSD commitments on the issue. This support includes the payment of a wide range of social security benefits which directly assist them in their daily lives and provides practical support in addressing poverty. These benefits include Income Support for those on a low income, Jobseeker’s Allowance for those looking for work and Employment and Support Allowance to help those with an illness or disability move into work. In addition Disability Living Allowance may be payable to parents if they or their children need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they have a physical or mental disability. Additional financial support for families is provided by HM Revenue and Customs through the Child Benefit and Tax Credits schemes.

My Department is committed to ensuring that parents living in poverty access benefits to which they are entitled and the Social Security Agency is committed to promoting benefit entitlement. It has an extensive benefit uptake programme which includes outreach services for example staff from across the Agency provided information and advice to those attending the recent Disability Exhibition event in Lisburn. The Agency also participates in local promotional activity, produces specific publications (including minority language versions) and provides general assistance with information and advice through the network of benefit offices. This is supplemented by the NI Direct website which displays information on all benefits and includes an online Benefit Adviser Service.

In addition to these general measures, the Agency introduced a specific benefit uptake programme in 2005 targeting those with potential benefit entitlement. Some of these exercises specifically targeted adults with children. To date over 15,000 parents have been contacted and encouraged to find out about benefit entitlement. These exercises have generated nearly £5 million in additional benefit and arrears for nearly 500 people.

The 2010/11 benefit uptake programme will provide 19,000 people with the opportunity of a benefit assessment in conjunction with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

My Department also supports a wide range of schemes through the Executive’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes which seeks to address the underlying causes of poverty in our most deprived areas and provides impartial information and advice on a range of issues. Over 110,000 households in 36 areas benefit from the activities, brought forward in Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans. These plans have been drawn up in partnership with communities and have been supported by £60 million from my Department in the last 3 years. This investment enables a range of services to be provided which counter the social, economic and physical determinants of poverty. Over 53,000 of the households in these neighbourhoods are composed of parents with children.

Through the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Division we provide information and support around the different child maintenance options available to separated parents. The Division also provides an effective maintenance collection and enforcement service.

My Department, through the Women’s Centre Childcare Fund (WCCF), currently provides funding of £900,000 per annum to 13 Women’s Centres to support childcare services for women living in disadvantaged areas. This pays for almost 2500 2-hour weekly places for children and is geared to support the work with women in areas of highest deprivation. This enables services to be provided to significant numbers of single, unemployed and/or stay at home women and mothers to make a positive contribution to the lives of their children, extended family and development initiatives within their local community. This work has empowered individual mothers to make a much greater contribution to the education and development of their children and has raised educational aspiration within whole families. My Department also provides funds in partnership with local councils through the Community Support Programme which addresses the needs of our most deprived and disadvantaged communities and offers help and support to parents, families and children in greatest need.

Social Secutiry Agency

Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Social Development how many people have been interviewed under caution as a result of pro-active fraud investigation initiatives undertaken by the Social Secutiry Agency in the last two years.

(AQW 712/11)

Minister for Social Development: The Social Security Agency has been pro-active over the last number of years in developing initiatives to maximise its counter fraud efforts. For example, steps taken recently have broadened the Agency’s scope for data matching while the use of risk scoring to target cases more likely to involve criminality is now well established and refined. This pro-active approach has been successful with the number of sanctions from fraud investigations in 2009/10 reaching it highest level yet of 982. In addition, there have been specific pro-active exercises are undertaken by the benefit fraud team in response to emerging risks. There have been 17 such exercises undertaken by the Agency’s Benefit Investigation Service in the last 2 financial years. Of these, 5 involved interviews under caution, comprising a total of 13 people.

Funding for Age Sector Community and Voluntary Groups

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development whether he intends to continue the current level of funding for age sector community and voluntary groups.

(AQW 718/11)

Minister for Social Development: Whilst my Department does not have specific policy responsibility for the age sector, we do provide funding to a number of voluntary and community groups that provide services to many elderly citizens.

As the Budget 20011-15 outcomes are not yet known, it is not possible to give commitments about the future. I did write on 21 September 2010 to my Ministerial colleagues emphasising:

1. the important role of the Voluntary and Community Sector in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our society;
2. the need for a partnership approach in helping to develop and strengthen services to the most disadvantaged; and,
3. encouraging Executive and Ministerial colleagues to give due regard to the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

Public Realm Works

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Social Development what his Department is doing to ensure that materials used for public realm works are sourced in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 754/11)

Minister for Social Development: There are a number of factors that are to be taken into account when planning for my Departments public realm schemes.

DSD delivers Public Realm (PR) schemes in urban areas across NI often in conjunction with the relevant council. In many circumstances schemes are tendered by the Department for Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate or the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service, who act as our Centre of Procurement Excellence ensuring value for money. The tendering process for public realm schemes requires potential contractors to demonstrate their environmental, economic and social sustainability credentials. This involves not only the employment of local companies for labour but also the sourcing and use of local materials where feasible.

Whilst it is desirable to utilise locally sourced materials for a number of factors, imported materials may offer better overall value even after transport costs are factored in. Much of the street furniture used in PR has long been manufactured in other countries but is sourced to best match the local vernacular. It is possible that economies of scale make it prohibitive for local firms to fabricate the various styles and in the different materials used for street furniture in different locations.

In Conservation Areas, the planners can be prescriptive around what materials they want to see used and detailed consideration had to be given on the use of materials. Sometimes the choice of materials is driven by these conservation/planning considerations. In Newcastle for example, Mourne granite was considered at the design stage. However, quarrying restrictions in that area would have meant the scheme would have taken up more than a year’s supply of Mourne granite. However, I have asked that these matters be further considered, in the context of recession, local employment and relevant issues.

Surplus Land

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any (i) land; and (ii) property owned by his Department which is currently deemed surplus to requirements, including the location of the land or property and any plans for its disposal.

(AQW 779/11)

Minister for Social Development: Details of the (i) land and (ii) property owned by the Department for Social Development which is deemed surplus to requirements is provided below together with details of the current plans for its disposal:-

(i) Land: The table below identifies land that was vested under the New Towns Act (1965) for the development of the new towns of Antrim, Ballymena and Craigavon which are deemed surplus. These sites are included within a disposal Programme to ensure their disposal without undue delay and at the best achievable price.

Antrim Sites	Ballymena Sites	Craigavon Sites
Location	Location	Location
Niblock Road	Ballykeel House	M1, M12 Motorway, Portadown
Stiles Way, St Malachy`s	Ballee Road West	22 Carbet Road, Portadown
Birch Hill Road	Ballee Road West	Carbet Road, Portadown
Birch Hill Road	Toome Road	Kilvergan Road, Lurgan
Birch Hill Road	Graveyard at Toome Road	Drumnagoon Road, Portadown
Stiles Way	Grange Road, Dans Road	Drumnagoon Road, Portadown
58 New Lodge Road, Caulside	Tullygarley Road	Charlestown Road, Portadown
4 Ballycraigy Road	Ballee Road East	Lisniskey, Portadown
Muckamore	Wyncroft, 18 Antrim Road	Kernan, Portadown
Riverside Walkway	Larne Link Road	Kernan, Portadown
Belfast Road, Oldstone Road		Knockmenagh, Portadown
Nursery Park, Belfast Road		Westacres, Craigavon
Belmont Road		Moyraverty, Craigavon
Dublin Road		Moyraverty, Craigavon
Springfarm Road		Ardowen, Craigavon
Moylena Road		Tannaghmore North Road, Lurgan
Central Antrim		Ballynamony Lane, Lurgan
Rathenraw Estate		Carbet Road, Portadown
Cunningham Way		Drumgor Park
Cunningham Way, Belmont Road		Knockramer Park, Lurgan
		Rushmere
		Tarsan Lane, Portadown
		Kernan, Portadown
		Franklyn Park, Lurgan
		Derryvore Lane, Portadown
		Seagoe Road, Portadown
		10 Ballynamony Lane, Lurgan
		34 Ballynamoney Lane, Lurgan
		57 Carbet Road, Portadown
		Carbet Road, Portadown
		Seagoe Industrial Estate, Portadown
		Avondale, Craigavon
		Silverwood Business Park, Lurgan
		Peacefield, Ballinacor, Portadown
		55 Carbet Road, Portadown
		Tannaghmore West Road Lurgan
		Roundabout At Parkmore,
		Rathmore Craigavon
		Brownlow Craigavon
		Carbet Road Portadown
		M1, M12 Motorway, Portadown
		Carbet Road, Portadown
		Oakfields
		Drumellan Craigavon
		Charlestown Road Portadown
		Rathmore Craigavon

(ii) Property: Richmond Chambers, The Diamond, Derry BT48 6HN.

Land and Property Services within the Department of Finance and Personnel have been asked to advise on the disposal of this property.

Funding Allocated to Youth Work and Community Safety Work

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the funding allocated for this financial year by his Department to youth work and community safety work projects and groups in north Belfast, including groups based in the city centre; (ii) the groups receiving this funding; and (iii) the amount and duration of the funding.

(AQW 893/11)

Minister for Social Development: The table below contains all relevant information requested from DSD:

Organisation Name	Start Date	End Date	Total funding (£)	2010/2011 (£)	Area
Ardoyne Youth Providers Forum	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	123,482	49,538	Youth
Benview Community Centre	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	31,635	9,500	Youth
Carrick Hill Residents Assoc.	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	13,120	6,245	Youth
Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	11,692	4,177	Youth
Ligoniel Improve Association	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	25,282	10,068	Youth
Manor St/Cliftonville Comm Centre	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	46,484	18,408	Youth
Mount Vernon Community Development Forum	01/04/2009	31/03/2011	12,269	6,211	Youth
Star Neighbourhood Centre	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	21,319	8,512	Youth
Northern Ireland Alternatives (BRO)	01/07/2008	31/03/2011	188,782	70,377	Youth
			474,065	183,037
Organisation Name	Start Date	End Date	Total funding (£)	2010/2011 (£)	Area
Ardoyne Association	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	3,356	1,327	Community Safety
Benview Community Centre	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	10,545	3,167	Community Safety
Ligoniel Improve Association	01/0/9/2008	31/03/2011	25,282	10,068	Community Safety
Marrowbone Community Association	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	8,038	3,179	Community Safety
North Belfast Senior Citizen Forum	01/04/2009	31/03/2011	23,070	11,678	Community Safety
Westland Community Group	01/09/2008	31/03/2011	7,383	2,916	Community Safety
Community Restorative Justice Ireland	01/11/2009	31/03/2011	95,871	67,424	Community Safety
Wheatfield Action Project	01/11/2009	31/03/2011	976	487	Community Safety
			174,521	100,247

The Housing Executive provides £37,750 in 2010/11 to Northern Ireland Alternatives. This funding includes provision of mediation and community support in North Belfast, North Down and the Greater Shankill. It is not possible to disaggregate the proportion of funding solely for North Belfast.

Mortgage Rescue Scheme

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development whether he will seek further bids to implement the Mortgage Rescue Scheme in light of the potential increase in repossessions due to the payment rate reduction under the Support for Mortgage Interest Scheme.

(AQW 971/11)

Minister for Social Development: I do not have the funding to allow me to launch the financial-rescue element of the scheme despite repeated bids for resources to launch a full blooded Scheme. I will, however, continue to argue for the Mortgage Rescue Scheme in subsequent monitoring rounds and am attempting to identify if there other ways to move forward.

In the interim, I have provided funding for Housing Rights Service to operate a pilot Mortgage Debt Advice Service to increase the level of advice for people experiencing difficulty making mortgage payments. This specialised service is preventing where possible, people here from becoming homeless as a consequence of housing related debt.

Alcohol Pricing

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development if he has any plans to introduce minimum alcohol pricing or a ban on below-cost alcohol sales in line with proposals from the Scottish Parliament.

(AQW 977/11)

Minister for Social Development: I am keen to ensure that licensing legislation makes a positive contribution to tackling alcohol misuse. I am currently consulting on introducing a power in licensing legislation to ban irresponsible promotions in pubs, supermarkets and other outlets.

I also wish to introduce further measures to target those retailers who sell alcohol cheaply in order to encourage higher footfall and therefore generate sales. My officials are scoping out proposals for minimum alcohol pricing and monitoring the Coalition Government’s proposal to introduce legislation to ban below cost sales in England and Wales.

My predecessor, Margaret Ritchie, had been exploring with Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the scope for harmonization in pricing interventions. I will meet shortly with Mr. Ahern to consider how this can be progressed.

Development Site at Foyle Street in Derry

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 8526/08, since work did not commence as planned by early 2009 on the development site at Foyle Street in Derry, for an update on his Department's plans for the future of this site; and to detail the reasons for the delay.

(AQW 1030/11)

Minister for Social Development: The selected developer for the Foyle Street site, Big Picture Developments Ltd, withdrew from the project in December 2009 stating that the challenges faced in relation to financing the scheme, the state of the apartment market in Derry and the speculative nature of the office space were insurmountable. Big Picture also advised the Department that Whitbread, the hotel operator secured for the scheme, no longer wished to be involved.

The site, which has been used by FP McCann Ltd as a site compound for the City Centre Public Realm scheme, is currently in the process of being vacated. It will now be landscaped to provide a shared space consisting of a small urban park together with 50 car parking spaces to address some of the demand for additional spaces in the city centre. The car parking spaces are expected to be in place by the end of October with the landscaping elements completed by 31 March 2011.

I am confident the member will acknowledge the major contribution of DSD to the development of the City centre; £8m on public realm schemes in Guildhall Square/Waterloo Place and Newmarket Street and Urban Development Grant assistance of some £850k for the Northern Counties building and Artillery Chambers. In addition to this, the Peace Bridge, at a cost of over £13m, is currently being constructed across the River Foyle with match funding being provided from DSD.

My Department alone put forward bids for further monies for Derry development in the 2011-2015 budget period. In total my Department has made bids of £68m capital from 2011/12 to 2014/15 for the North West area to cover Neighbourhood Renewal (£8m), Urban Development Grant and Public Realm schemes (£20m), the City of Culture (£8m) and implementation of the Regeneration Plan (£32m) which includes the regeneration of Fort George.

Internal Investigations

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development the number of investigations within his Department in which the PSNI are currently involved.

(AQW 1031/11)

Minister for Social Development: There are currently 4 internal investigations within the Department in which the Police Service of Northern Ireland is involved. The cases relate to investigations involving staff within the Social Security Agency and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Disciplinary Investigations in the Housing Executive

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development how many internal disciplinary investigations are currently underway in the Housing Executive.

(AQW 1032/11)

Minister for Social Development: There are currently five internal disciplinary investigations underway within the Housing Executive.

Grant Application System

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development (i) when the new grant application system will be operational; (ii) how far it is behind schedule; and (iii) what impact the delay is having on the allocation of grants.

(AQW 1036/11)

Minister for Social Development: The new grants management system was piloted and then implemented at the Housing Executive’s Ballyclare office during 2009. The system was subsequently rolled out to the other grants outlets, commencing with the Belfast office which went live on 25 January 2010. All Housing Executive Grants offices are currently processing grants applications via the new system. In relation to (ii) the implementation culminated at the Derry office where the system went live on schedule on 26 July 2010.

In relation to (iii) the implementation of the new grants management system required extensive preparation. This had an unavoidable impact on the delivery of the Housing Executive’s business programme as it caused about a month’s downtime for each office for the migration of cases, training and implementation of the new system. However, the Housing Executive remains confident that the grant approval target will still be met.

European Union Funding

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the community groups in South Belfast which have been in receipt of European Union funding through his Department; (ii) the amounts they have received since 1998; and (iii) the community group posts including the number, job title and remit which have been funded.

(AQW 1041/11)

Minister for Social Development: My Department administered Funding to many recipients (some of which may have been community groups from South Belfast) under a number of 1994 – 99 European Union Programmes. However, due to the passage of time these programmes are long since closed. The branches involved have ceased operation and the relative records, files and documentation have either been put in to storage, or, no longer exist as they are now outside the required 10 year retention period.

In view of this I am not in a position to provide information for the years 1998/1999.

I can advise you that under the 2000 – 2006 Peace II and Building Sustainable Prosperity Programmes, a number of South Belfast projects did receive EU funding totalling £5,655,258.81.

Unfortunately, details on the community group posts including the number, job title and remit which have been funded are not readily available. It has also not been possible to identify and separate community group projects from the information available.

Housing Executive Contractors

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development (i) how many inquiries are currently underway in the Housing Executive in relation to contractual arrangements between the Housing Executive and contractors; (ii) when these investigations will be completed; (iii) which contracts are subject to the investigations; and (iv) the areas to which they relate.

(AQW 1053/11)

Minister for Social Development: There are two inquiries currently underway in the Housing Executive in relation to contractual arrangements between the Housing Executive and contractors. I advised during my statement to the Assembly on 11 October that due process must be exhausted and these inquiries must be allowed to be fully completed. I cannot confirm when this will be but I hope this to be in the near future. In relation to (iii) I assume the Member is referring to Police investigations. These are not subject to police investigations. In relation to (iv) I assume the Member refers to work related areas which are electrical work and maintenance.

Care Packages for People with a Disability

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development whether a person with a disability living in South Belfast will experience any change in a care package on moving to Lagan Valley, assuming there is no change in care needs.

(AQW 1059/11)

Minister for Social Development: In such instances where a change in housing or setting takes place, then a reassessment of the care package will be undertaken by the appropriate Trust team, taking into account, for example, the availability of additional support and access to locally based services. This reassessment may or may not lead to an adjustment of the Care Package.

Neighbourhood Renewal in the Kilcooley Estate, Bangor

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the next stage of neighbourhood renewal in the Kilcooley Estate, Bangor.

(AQW 1067/11)

Minister for Social Development: The neighbourhood renewal strategy in Kilcooley is being progressed in line with the Kilcooley Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership’s Vision Framework and 3 year rolling action plan for the regeneration of the estate which identifies the priorities up to 31 March 2011. The action plan will be reviewed again in the first half of 2011.

Small Pockets of Deprivation Funding

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the future of Small Pockets of Deprivation funding for the Rathgill Estate community workers.

(AQW 1069/11)

Minister for Social Development: The outcome of the Spending Review 2010 is not yet finalised. Plans for 2011/12 will be confirmed after the budget is agreed. I am strongly committed to the principle that people in areas of need should be protected going forward.

Community Houses

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how many community houses are currently being funded.

(AQW 1071/11)

Minister for Social Development: At present 340 Housing Executive properties are being used as community houses by community/voluntary groups.

Single Tender Actions

Mr M Brady asked the Minister for Social Development how many single tender actions were issued by his Department and its agencies, including the Housing Executive, in (i) 2005/06; (ii) 2006/07; (iii) 2007/08; (iv) 2008/09; and (v) 2009/10.

(AQW 1076/11)

Minister for Social Development: The table below details the number of single tender actions issued by this Department and its agencies in the years 2005/06 to 2009/10; detail pertaining to the Housing Executive is pending and will be provided at a later stage.

   

	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	£
Extension of contract awarded under full tender			1			20,000
Linked to DWP Framework Agreement for JobCentrePlus			1			140,000
Linked to DWP contract under parity (IT)and DCLG Procurement Strategy contract				2	3	1,137,000
Specialist Advice/System Supplier			1	4	1	253,819
General < £10,000	1		1	4	2	23,877
General £10,001 - £20,000	1		2	2	1	101,750
General £20,001 - £50,000			1	3	1	162,500
General £50,001 - £100,000	1		2		2	354,953
General > £100,000	1					136,000
Total	4	0	9	15	10
Value (£)	209,900	0	401,124	648,832	1,070,043

People with Disabilities

Mr P Weir asked e Minister for Social Development what grants or funding schemes are available from his Department, or its arms-length bodies, to assist with projects undertaken by (i) groups for people with disabilities; or (ii) residential care facilities which cater for people with disabilities.

(AQW 1079/11)

Minister for Social Development: Under the Modernisation Fund, Voluntary and Community Unit has approved a Disability Action project to provide a centre of excellence in the North West. Based on the former Ebrington Barracks site, the aim of this project is to improve delivery of services and provide for the totality of the needs of people with disabilities and their carers in the North West. A similar service is already available through a Belfast based centre. The project does not incorporate a residential element. The application was supported by 11 partner organisations with the aim of creating a regional hub, bringing together a number of disability-related projects and service providers under one roof. A Contract for Funding worth approximately £1.275 million is expected to be issued when my Department has secured the required capital funding for this project.

While the Voluntary and Community Unit does not provide specific funding for groups serving people with disabilities, the Community Support Programme, which is run in partnership with all 26 local councils, does provide revenue funding to help local voluntary and community based organisations supporting those in greatest need. It is primarily a matter for the relevant local authority to decide on allocations and priorities across each local council area.

Furthermore, through their regional and sub-regional infrastructure and investment programmes, the Voluntary and Community Unit funds a number of network support organisations to provide generic advice and specialist services to the voluntary and community sector. Advice on issues such as fund raising, managing resources, recruiting volunteers and promoting local projects is available all across Northern Ireland through both regional and more locally based bodies.

The Housing Executive’s Supporting People Programme also provides funding for persons with a disability. Table 1 attached details the services funded for persons with a disability at October 2010.

Client Group	Service Type	Number of Services	Contracted Units	2010/11 Budget*
Learning Disability	Accommodation Based Service	145	1250	12,348,184
	Accommodation based with floating/resettlement/outreach support	1	14	46,978
	Floating Support Service	5	102	419,342
	Total	151	1366	12,814,505
Mental Health Physical Impairment	Accommodation Based Service	113	1071	9,947,580
	Accommodation based with floating/resettlement/outreach support	1	4	33,712
	Floating Support Service	10	267	604,732
	Total	124	1342	10,586,024
Physical Impairment	Accommodation Based Service	20	199	1,268,850
	Floating Support Service	9	270	985,294
	Total	29	469	2,254,144
	Grand Total	304	3,177	25,654,673

Table 1 – Housing Executive’s Supporting People Programme for persons with a disability

* As at October 2010

(Note: Figures rounded up to the nearest £.)

Financial Transactions

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development how much his Department spent on processing financial transactions in each of the three years prior to migration to Account NI.

(AQW 1090/11)

Minister for Social Development: The table below details the amount spent by this Department on processing financial transactions in each of the three years prior to migration to Account NI.

COST OF PROCESSING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS £’000
2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
820	859	849

It should be noted that, as a result of an arrangement in place from 1999 when the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Department for Social Development were established, this Department continued to process financial transactions for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety up to the introduction of Account NI in 2008. The amounts quoted, therefore, include the cost of processing these transactions.

Homeless People Under 18 in Larne

Mr D Hilditch asked e Minister for Social Development how many people under 18 years old in Larne are currently registered with the Housing Executive as homeless.

(AQW 1106/11)

Minister for Social Development: One person under 18 years of age presented as homeless in Larne between April and September 2010 and was accepted as Full Duty Applicant status.

Childcare Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) his Department's criteria for any funding of childcare provision; and (ii) how much his Department has invested in childcare provision in each of the last three years, including Sure Start programmes.

(AQW 1110/11)

Minister for Social Development: (i) My Department funds childcare provision through the Women’s Centre Fund (WCCF) and the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. Both of these funding streams support childcare places in disadvantaged areas because of the absence of a coherent Northern Ireland Childcare Strategy. Eligibility for funding ultimately depends on the identification of need and the availability of other childcare provision in the area.

(ii) Between 2007-08 and 2009-10 the amount that the Department has invested in childcare provision is approximately £1.89m through Neighbourhood Renewal and £2.42m through the Children and Young People’s Fund (C&YPF) and Women’s Centres Childcare Fund (WCCF).

To tackle this issue effectively and to increase the hope of impacting on child poverty we need Executive agreement to a coherent approach to childcare.

City of Culture 2013 in Derry

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development whether he has identified any funding from his Department's budget to be allocated to the City of Culture 2013 in Derry; and if so, how much and for what specific purpose, projects or programmes in the City of Culture is this money intended.

(AQW 1142/11)

Minister for Social Development: To date my Department has provided £450k resource (along with the Office of First Minister and deputy First Minister) in this current year to help fund the successful bid that has seen Derry win the title of UK City of Culture. An additional £2.2m resource is expected to be required during the period 2011-2014.

I am not in a position to confirm the exact DSD budget for future years until the Executive agree a Budget. I can however provide you with my Department’s bids for the coming years.

In total my Department has made bids of £68m capital from 2011/12 to 2014/15 for the North West area to cover Neighbourhood Renewal (£8m), Urban Development Grant and Public Realm schemes (£20m), the City of Culture (£8m) and implementation of the Regeneration Plan (£32m) which includes the regeneration of Fort George.

If budget allocations are confirmed, my Department would be in a position to develop projects across the built environment, public spaces, streetscapes, the riverfront, parks and green spaces. DSD was the only department of government which put in its budget bid, further monies for Derry development 2011-15, including being the only department that put in a bid of £8m for the City of Culture 2013.

My Department is also aware of a growing private sector interest in the City surrounding the success of the City of Culture bid and we will give due consideration to all projects whose progression will match the needs for the City of Culture and the wider DSD social agenda.

Housing Executive

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how many houses are currently in stock with the Housing Executive.

(AQW 1265/11)

Minister for Social Development: The total Housing Executive stock as at 30 September 2010 was 90,194.

Land Owned by Housing Executive

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development how much land is currently owned by the Housing Executive.

(AQW 1266/11)

Minister for Social Development: In addition to land which the Housing Executive owns and maintains for its current stock, they have a further land schedule of approximately 344 hectares across 357 sites which may be suitable for development. Housing Executive land is disposed of in accordance with Managing Public Money Northern Ireland (MPMNI) procedures.

Pilot Faith Forum

Mr S Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 547/11, whether (i) the Churches Community Work Alliance; or (ii) the Voluntary and Community Unit in his Department raised any concerns regarding the community balance of the invitations to participate on the pilot Faith Forum.

(AQW 1291/11)

Minister for Social Development: Members of the Churches Community Work Alliance (Northern Ireland) (CCWA (NI)) and officials from the Voluntary Community Unit (VCU) of DSD worked closely together to identify suitable individuals with a proven track record in projects of specific relevance to the areas of policy responsibility of my Department. CCWA (NI) and VCU officials are of the opinion that the membership of the pilot forum represents a broad range of faith organisations, Christian and non-Christian, currently active in faith based community work. They recognise that the current membership of the pilot forum contains too few women, a lower than preferred involvement of members from rural communities and inadequate representation of young people. However, a decision to proceed was taken to avoid any further delays in the work of this innovative project.

I have asked the pilot forum to consider issues around membership as part of their work over the life of the pilot forum and make recommendations on securing an appropriate community balance in the membership of any future faith forum. In the meantime I have also asked the pilot forum to consider ways of widening their consultation and engagement with churches and faith based groups that have no or minimal experience of working with my Department.

Voluntary and Community Unit

Mr S Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 547/11, to list each church and faith based organisation that the Voluntary and Community Unit of his Department has engaged with in the last year and the nature of that engagement, with particular reference to its engagement with the (i) Free Presbyterian Church; (ii) Elim Pentcostal Church; (iii) Congregational Union of Ireland; (iv) Reformed Presbyterian Church; (v) Evangelical Presbyterian Church; (vi) Baptist Union of Ireland; and (vii) Church of Nazarene.

(AQW 1297/11)

Minister for Social Development: In pursuit of its policy objectives to support the regeneration and community development of our most deprived communities and serving the needs of the most disadvantaged and marginalised groups across Northern Ireland, officials from my Department have met and engaged with members and representatives from across very many church and faith groups. In particular the Voluntary and Community Unit (VCU) within DSD has, since 2006, maintained a Regional Infrastructure Programme contract with the Churches Community Work Alliance (Northern Ireland) (CCWA (NI)), a body made up of members from across many Christian Churches and organisations. CCWA (NI) have been tasked with engaging with all Christian faith communities and groups across the faith sector to develop their interest and capacity to become involved in social action projects.

Officials from VCU have met regularly with the members of CCWA (NI) and have attended many events and regular meetings at which they engage with representatives from a very wide section of Christian Churches. While officials do not keep records of the particular individuals they engage with at such meetings, I am advised that members from the Church of Nazarene, Elim Pentecostal, Congregational and Baptist churches have all been involved with the work of CCWA (NI). In addition my officials have attended major faith-based conferences organised by organisations like ‘CREED’ and ‘Care for the Family’ at which they make contact with a large body of Christian delegates from a wide range of Churches involved and interested in faith-based social action.

Other than these contacts, during the last year there has been no formal programme of engagement between VCU officials and any individual church body or movement, except when requested by individual organisations or members as part of other meetings and initiatives.

Home Owners in Negative Equity

Mr T Buchanan asked e Minister for Social Development what action he is taking to help home owners, in the Village area of Belfast who are facing (i) negative equity; and (ii) bankruptcy after their homes were vested by the Housing Executive.

(AQW 1306/11)

Minister for Social Development: I understand there are a number of property owners in the Village, home owners and investors alike, who may owe more on their property than it is currently valued by Land and Property Services within DFP.

This issue was recently considered by the Lands Tribunal for NI who ruled that the ‘amount of compensation payable upon the vesting of mortgaged lands is not measured by the sum of money required to redeem the mortgage or mortgage upon the lands’. The Tribunal also ruled the Housing Executive was not ‘bound to discharge all of the mortgaged debts secured on each property’.

Given the implications of this ruling, and the issues raised by the vesting of land and property by other Government Departments, for example by DRD for new Road Building, I have written to my Ministerial colleague, Sammy Wilson, Minister of Finance and Personnel, to identify what can be done.

I will be happy to keep the member apprised of any developments in that regard. I appreciate the difficulties that people are now facing and am actively considering this issue.

Red Sky Developments

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development if he will make the Forensic investigation into contractual arrangements between Red Sky and the Housing Executive available to all West Belfast MLAs as soon as it is complete.

(AQW 1391/11)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive commissioned a confidential investigation by external forensic consultants into the work being carried out by one of its contractors (Red Sky) in its West Belfast Districts. The final report of that investigation is likely to be received within the next few weeks. It is hoped that the findings of that report will enable the Housing Executive to carefully consider its contractual position under the contract and decide whether any further steps against the contractor or other parties will be necessary. Any such actions will necessarily involve the right of the affected parties to make representations to the Housing Executive on its findings before any further steps can be taken.

Accordingly, in the interests of due process, it would be inappropriate and premature to publicly release the findings of the report until appropriate steps have been taken by the Housing Executive or other bodies in relation to the report. I will, of course, share with the Social Development Committee, if necessary in private and in confidence, such information that is proper to share, consistent with the standards outlined above.

Assignment of a Housing Executive tenancy

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the process for assignment by the courts of a Housing Executive tenancy from one tenant to another under Rule 76 of the Housing Selection Scheme.

(AQW 1393/11)

Minister for Social Development: Rule 76 of the Housing Selection Scheme states that the Housing Executive as a landlord will fully comply with its statutory obligations with regard to assignment. Under Article 32 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, an assignment may be made in pursuance of an order made under Article 26 of the Matrimonial Causes (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 or under Part 2 of Schedule 15, or paragraph 9 (2) or (3) of Schedule 17, to the Civil Partnership Act 2004. Where it is clear that a Court Order transferring a tenancy had been made, the Housing Executive will obtain a copy of the Order which will be placed on the tenant’s file. Neither the Assignor nor the Assignee is required to complete an assignment form. The Housing Executive cannot refuse such an assignment, indeed from a legal perspective the Order transferring the tenancy takes effect automatically.

Red Sky Contractors

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development whether any penalties have been imposed on Red Sky contractors throughout the period of their contract for repairs in West Belfast; and what was the total amount paid to Red Sky in relation to this contract in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1438/11)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive has not imposed any penalties on Red Sky contractors throughout the period of their contract for repairs in West Belfast. The total amount paid by the Housing Executive to Red Sky in relation to this contract in each of the last five years is as follows:-

2005/06 Nil

2006/07 £28,859.91

2007/08 £917,192.44

2008/09 £1,427,829.16

2009/10 £1,724,504.71

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

Outreach to Local School

Mr C McDevitt asked the Assembly Commission for an update on the Outreach to Local Schools programme.

(AQO 302/11)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr P Weir): In response, as part of the implementation of the Engagement Strategy and following an Education Service questionnaire completed by teachers between March and May 2010, a strategy for Education Outreach has been developed by the Education Service. The aim is to promote the work of the Assembly and to deliver education programmes within schools and to other alternative education programmes.

In May 2010, the Education Service embarked on a pilot of a new Outreach Programme to Primary and Post Primary schools. This involved schools from Newry, Fermanagh and Tyrone.

An outreach programme was also delivered to students of Nursing and Midwifery in Queen’s University, Belfast and to young people in Hydebank Wood Young Offenders’ Centre and Prison in June 2010.

The Education service has trialled the use of Video Conferencing as a cost-effective way of engaging with young people. In May and June 2010, Members had successful video conferences with pupils from Lurgan College and Lumen Christi College.

The Education Service has identified 41 post primary schools who have not participated in the Education Programme in Parliament Buildings since 2007. In September 2010 these schools were contacted and offered an outreach programme workshop. The workshops are planned to take place on Fridays as far as possible in order to maximise opportunities for Members to participate in schools within their local constituency. All Members have received information about this new initiative and will be contacted by the Education Service when a school in their constituency is taking part in an outreach programme. Since September 2010, 170 pupils from schools in North Antrim and Tyrone have taken part and bookings have been taken from a further three schools.

In addition, the Education service is seeking to develop links with existing partner schools across Northern Ireland. The hope is to organise ‘Hub events’ between schools and within communities focusing on ensuring that the event is a cross community one which maximises opportunities to foster good relations.

Parliament Buildings: Tours

Mrs D Kelly asked the Assembly Commission if there are any plans to continue the hourly tours of Parliament Buildings which were successful during recess.

(AQO 303/11)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr P Weir): In response, as part of a plan to open Parliament Buildings for public tours, the Events team offered tours to visitors without prior booking for a three week period in August and September 2010.  The team worked closely with local tour companies to encourage visitors to avail of tours on a drop in basis. Tours were conducted hourly and more than 800 people took part, proving a huge success.

The Events team are now developing a business plan to open Parliament Buildings for hourly public tours during recess periods, with a proposal to launch in the Summer Recess period of 2011. The Events Office is also currently running a second trial which will look at extending this provision throughout the whole year.  With effect from today, the Events team has set aside two specific slots at 10am and 3pm, running Monday to Friday, for public tours on a pre-arranged or drop-in basis. The trial will then be evaluated and the outcomes considered. 

Assembly: Budget

Mr D McNarry asked the Assembly Commission to outline its total budget for both the Commission and the Secretariat in each of the last three years, including any underspend.

(AQO 307/11)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr P Ramsey): In response, the Assembly Commission’s Request for Resources as set by the Main and Spring Supplementary Estimates is not split between "Commission" and "Secretariat" expenditure. The total Resources budget, including both Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) expenditure and Annually Managed Expenditure (AME), for each of the last three years was £44.7 million in 2007/08, £48.6 million in 2008/09 and £55.6 million in 2009/10. The underspend in each of these years was £3.6 million, £3.5 million and £4.7 million.

If you require any further details on the Commission’s budget position for the past three years, please contact Mr Tony Logue, Head of the Commission Support and Compliance Unit on the number above to arrange a meeting with Finance Office staff.

Parliament Buildings: Smoking

Mr I McCrea asked the Assembly Commission what provision is in place for people smoking outside of Parliaments Buildings to dispose of their cigarettes.

(AQO 308/11)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr S Neeson): Following the introduction of the Smoking Regulations in 2007, the Assembly Commission implemented a smoking policy in Parliament Buildings. As a consequence a smoking shelter was provided in the West internal courtyard for all building users.  

Smoking is permitted within the confines of the smoking shelter only and not in any other location, internal or external, within the vicinity of the building. For this reason receptacles have not been provided outside of Parliament Buildings.

Within the Stormont Estate, smoking is still permitted in the area of the public park. This includes the lower car park serving Parliament Buildings and for that reason a receptacle has been provided at the External Search facility.

Parliament Buildings: Internet

Mr B McCrea asked the Assembly Commission how it intends to address the long-standing internet problems within the Assembly's IT system, in particular the sporadic access to the internet and emails which affects staff working in Parliament Buildings.

(AQO 309/11)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): In response, the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission provides a fully featured, internally based, email system for use by Members, Party Support staff and Secretariat staff on Assembly business. This system has been designed with a high degree of availability. A Member can choose an alternative, internet based, email system.

The Assembly also operates a "Shared Service" arrangement with the NI Civil Service to ensure a secure connection to internet based resources. There has been an increasing demand for a large number of feature rich websites from all users of the internet connection within Parliament Buildings including:

• Members,
• Members’ staff,
• Party support staff,
• Party staff,
• Secretariat staff and
• Guests to the building including journalists, NICS staff and visitors.

To ease the pressure on the internet connection and counteract the demand for live video streaming of Assembly related material from external websites such as Democracy Live and the Assembly’s own website, the new TV distribution system streams video to PC equipment connected to the main NIA network as well as to TVs. It features audio and video recordings of Plenary, Committee meetings, local news programmes and current affairs programmes. The internal network is designed to handle this traffic and further use of this facility should reduce demand on the internet connection.

The Assembly Commission has also restricted access to a number of non essential websites and is investigating how to prioritise all traffic to ensure that external email sites such as Hotmail, Yahoo and Google Mail are accessible during busy periods. A number of technical measures are already in place to reduce the pressure on the internet connection by storing frequently requested web pages and files locally for use when another user requests the same page or file.

The Assembly Commission recognises that these are only short term measures and a project has been initiated to obtain a replacement, secure internet connection of sufficient capacity for exclusive use by the Assembly.

Assembly Committees: Documents

Mr D Kinahan asked Assembly Commission whether it has investigated the benefits of supplying Committee Members with electronic devices to read papers so they do not need to be printed.

(AQO 310/11)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr P Doherty): In response, the Assembly Commission recognises the benefits of supplying Committee Members with electronic devices to read Committee meeting papers and continues to consider ways in which to facilitate this.

The main initiative under consideration is the use of e-readers to enable Committee members to view Committee packs electronically in Committee meeting rooms. A pilot study on the use of e-reader technology within the Assembly was undertaken in 2009. While it was recognised that the use e-readers had potential, there were a number of difficulties encountered with the then commercially available equipment. The Information Systems Office, on behalf of the Assembly Commission, continues to review technological advances in the emerging e-reader market, and is hopeful that an enhanced e- reader will become available which could be trialled at a later date.

The amount of paper used within the Assembly has been identified as one of the key areas to be addressed by the Sustainable Development Office, to assist in the reduction of the Assembly’s environmental impact. The successful introduction of an effective, user friendly e-reader would significantly reduce the amount of paper used in Committee meeting packs.

The use of laptops to view papers during Committee meetings is also being considered. All the new Committee Rooms have the infrastructure necessary to support the use of lap tops. However, their use is constrained by a number of practical and technical issues. The Information Systems Office is currently examining ways to facilitate the use of laptops and to identify other possible alternatives.