Friday 03 December 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

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Investigation by Sir Jon Shortridge

Mr P McGlone asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the time-frame for the investigation by Sir Jon Shortridge.

(AQW 1947/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister (Mr P Robinson and Mr M McGuinness): The investigation by Sir Jon Shortridge has been completed. His report has been received and is being considered by the Head of the NI Civil Service.

Women's Groups: Interim Review of Funding

Mr P Weir asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister when the Interim Review of Funding for Women's Groups was completed: and when a report will be published.

(AQW 2204/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: A draft report is in the final stages of preparation, and it is hoped that recommendations will be submitted to us for consideration before the end of the year.

Consultation on the Draft Budget and Capital Programme

Ms S Ramsey asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether consultation on the Draft Budget and Capital Programme will be led by the Executive; and how the Executive intends to carry out the consultation.

(AQW 2216/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Following the agreement of the Executive, the Minister of Finance and Personnel will conduct a consultation on its behalf on a draft budget. The precise arrangements for the consultation process have not yet been determined.

Executive’s New Website

Mr T Burns asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the cost to date of (i) creating; and (ii) maintaining the Executive’s new website.

(AQW 2223/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: This is not a new website but a redesign of the existing Northern Ireland Executive site: www.northernireland.gov.uk/ .

All work on the redesign was undertaken internally by the Web & Design team in the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) under the direction of the Executive Information Service (EIS). No external agencies or consultants were used.

The website’s content continues to be managed by EIS, with technical support provided by Web Hosting in DFP and while it is not possible to disaggregate internal charges, no additional costs are incurred for maintaining the site.

The new design was undertaken to exploit the growing influence of new media and to improve an important channel for government communication.

Local Government Boundaries Commissioner

Mr R Beggs asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister on what grounds were the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners removed from the list of public appointments to be regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.[R]

(AQW 2258/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: At no time were the posts of the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner or Assistant Local Government Boundaries Commissioners removed from the list of public appointments to be regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether any of their Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2274/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Guidance issued in July 2010 by the Department of Finance and Personnel to all departments in anticipation of the Budget 2010 process, set out the requirement for high-level equality impact assessments in terms of both spending proposals and savings measures.

Consequently, our Department’s Spending Review proposals have been subject to high-level equality impact assessments. This process includes an assessment of the impact of the spending proposals on issues of equality, good relations, poverty, social inclusion and sustainable development.

Staff Salaries

Mr R Beggs asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 667/11, to detail the seven positions within their Department or its arms-length bodies that attract salaries of over £100,000 per annum.

(AQW 2381/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The seven positions within our arms length bodies that attracted salaries of over £100,000 per annum as noted in AQW 667/11 are set out below.

However, it should be noted that although this information was correct at the time of publishing our answer to AQW 667, one of the Strategic Advisors noted in this table has now left the Strategic Investment Board. This means that there are now six positions within our Department’s arms length bodies that attract salaries of greater than £100,000 per annum.

The Ilex CEO is on secondment from the Department for Employment and Learning and her salary is jointly funded by OFMDFM and the Department for Social Development.

Budget Review Group

Mr S Gardiner asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in light of the need for the Executive to produce a budget, for an update on the progress of the Budget Review Group.

(AQW 2478/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Budget Review Group has met six times to date and is continuing to meet. The Review Group has discussed a number of important cross-cutting strategic issues, including public sector pay constraint, Capital investment plans, asset management, potential additional revenue raising options, additional means of leveraging funds and measures to reduce bureaucracy. These discussions are continuing as part of developing a Budget.

Film and Television Production

Mr W Clarke asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the benefits to the local economy from television and film production deals brought about by their visits to the USA.

(AQO 602/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Paint Hall in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter has an important role in the future of television and film production in Northern Ireland.

Building a strong working relationship with global media organisations has been one of the key objectives of our visits to the US and these visits have produced real results.

The film Your Highness returned a direct spend to the local economy of approximately £12m for an investment of some £1.15m.

Game of Thrones ‘Series 1’ is anticipated to return a direct spend to the local economy of approximately £17m for an investment of £1.6m.

If series 1 proves successful then the potential exists for production to continue on up to seven series at the Paint Hall, which could equate to a total direct spend in the local economy of an estimated £140m for an investment of some £11m.

We understand a decision by HBO to commission the second series of Game of Thrones could be made as early as April 2011.

We have had local success too. The second series of Sesame Tree returned to our screens last week. This was made for and by people from Northern Ireland and has been taken by CBeebies for broadcast to the whole of the UK. This is an excellent achievement by the local production company Sixteen South Television.

Clearly global entertainment organisations like HBO, Universal and the others we met feel that Northern Ireland has something to offer. A significant attraction is undoubtedly the magnificent facility of the Paint Hall.

We recently visited the set of HBO’s Game of Thrones, which further highlighted to us the opportunities that the Paint Hall presents to film and TV producers as one of the largest studio spaces in Europe.

The recent investments by HBO’s and Universal are helping not only to grow the creative industries here, but also, our local economy.

Public Appointments

Mr R Beggs asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether all senior appointments to public bodies are subject to approval by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

(AQO 607/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: We can confirm that no senior appointments to public bodies are subject to approval by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Border Areas: Efficiencies

Mr G McHugh asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what discussions they have held with Executive Departments and the Irish Government about improving efficiencies in the border areas.

(AQO 608/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Executive Departments have discussed a range of issues with the Irish Government relating to efficiencies in the border areas and within the NSMC including health and emergency services, cross-border transport and roads and school transport.

Ministers meeting in the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) have approved the 2010 Business Plans for each of the North South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Ltd (the Bodies). These have included minimum 3% cash releasing efficiency savings.

The 2011-2013 Corporate Plans and 2011 Business Plans and budgets for each of the Bodies are being finalised for approval at future NSMC meetings. These plans will include a continuation of efficiency savings of 3% in 2011 cumulating to 9% over the period 2012 and 2013.

Planning Appeals Commission

Mr P Givan asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps have been taken by the Planning Appeals Commission to manage its resources more efficiently to allow future public inquiries on Article 31 applications to be dealt with concurrently.

(AQO 609/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Planning Appeals Commission is an independent Tribunal which operates at arms length from Government and exercises its functions independently of our Department.

While OFMDFM holds sponsorship responsibility for the Commission and provides financial and administrative support, the Chief Commissioner is responsible for the day to day operation of the Commission and for deployment of its resources to meet the prevailing workload. However, in recognition of the challenges and pressures facing the Commission, we made a commitment through PSA 21 to increase its resources.

We allocated a significant additional budget to the Commission over the three-year period 2008 to 2011 to deliver potential increased spending power by around £2 million over the three years.

This additional funding has enabled us to appoint a further 14 fee-paid Panel Commissioners to address the backlog of planning appeals, and to increase the Commission’s capacity at senior levels to enable it to address an increasingly complex workload.

As a result, the planning appeals backlog has reduced from its height of over 3,000 in 2007 to a figure of 409 at the end of October 2010.

However, the Commission’s referred workload has also increased significantly over the past 2 years with a large number of major planning proposals being referred to it for public inquiry.

In addition, the Commission is currently engaged in the very resource intensive process of considering objections to a number of draft development plans.

Recently the Chief Commissioner sought approval to widening the remit of three suitably qualified and experienced Panel Commissioners to enable them to undertake public inquiry work and we have agreed to this.

This, together with the availability of full-time Commissioners when reports on draft development plans are completed, will allow the Commission to process a number of Article 31 proposals in early 2011.

Arms-length Bodies

Mr T Gallagher asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given the proposal to abolish a number of quangos in the rest of the United Kingdom, whether they plan to review the number and remit of departmental arms-length bodies.

(AQO 610/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Publicly funded bodies play an important role in the delivery of public services but they need to be as efficient as possible and continuously examine how they can operate most effectively and economically. This is even more important in times of budgetary constraint.

The Ministerial Budget Review Group is currently looking at the matter of arm’s length bodies or so-called ‘quangos’ as part of its work. This includes looking carefully at the options to realise savings in our public bodies without a loss of essential public services. Part of this is about looking at the scope for greater use of shared services and shared facilities across public bodies. All public bodies should already be seriously exploring these options as part of achieving the reductions in their cost base that will have to happen over the next few years.

In terms of what is happening in the rest of the UK, the Westminster Coalition Government has put forward proposals for the reform of several hundred public bodies in a Public Bodies Bill which was introduced into the UK Parliament on 28 October.

We are currently consulting all Northern Ireland departments about the nature of their involvement with the bodies included in the Public Bodies Bill to enable us to make a comprehensive assessment of the implications for this Administration of their proposals and the need for the legislative consent of the Assembly to the changes proposed.

After-school Club: Ballymacarrett

Mr C Lyttle asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether funding for the Ballymacarrett Centre's after schools club has been awarded up to March 2011.

(AQO 611/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Whilst after school childcare is not a direct responsibility of OFMDFM, we are pleased to confirm that we have recently secured additional funding to enable this after school club to continue until March 2011.

You will appreciate how difficult this task has been, particularly in the current economic climate and we are therefore pleased to have found a way forward.

Government: Revenue

Ms M Anderson asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what powers the Executive has at present to raise revenue.

(AQO 613/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Executive has limited powers at this time to raise revenue. Schedule 2 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 lists matters which are excepted and, therefore, generally outside the competence of the NI Assembly and the Executive.

Paragraph 9 addresses revenue raising taxes and duties.

Over 90% of the Executive’s resources are made available from Westminster. Of the revenues raised locally, the regional rate is the only significant item amounting to around 3% of the total managed expenditure in 2009/10.

Community and Race Relations: Funding

Mr A Easton asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister how much funding was awarded in the last financial year to groups involved in the promotion of community and race relations.

(AQO 614/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: OFMDFM funding for Community Relations for 2009/10 totalled £8,972,739. This includes support for the District Councils Community Relations Programme, direct funding to voluntary and community groups, sponsorship for the Community Relations Council’s good relations work, technical transfers to other departments for intervention work and support for the former Community Empowerment Partnerships through the North Belfast programme.

In the 2009/10 financial year, OFMDFM provided funding for the promotion of race relations totalling £1,050,115 through the Minority Ethnic Development Fund.

North/South Ministerial Council: Efficiencies

Mr D Hilditch asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given the economic downturn, whether discussions have taken place in the North/South Ministerial Council regarding efficiencies.

(AQO 615/11)

First Minister and deputy First Minister: Executive Departments have discussed a range of issues with the Irish Government relating to efficiencies in the border areas and within the NSMC including health and emergency services, cross-border transport and roads and school transport.

Ministers meeting in the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) have approved the 2010 Business Plans for each of the North South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Ltd (the Bodies). These have included minimum 3% cash releasing efficiency savings.

The 2011-2013 Corporate Plans and 2011 Business Plans and budgets for each of the Bodies are being finalised for approval at future NSMC meetings. These plans will include a continuation of efficiency savings of 3% in 2011 cumulating to 9% over the period 2012 and 2013.

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Documents Translated from English into Irish

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to list the documents published by her Department in each of the last four years that have been translated from English into Irish.

(AQW 2103/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew):

We have not included in this response, general response letters which were translated into Irish or adverts. Irish translations of Ministerial Forewords and Executive summaries to main documents have been included.

Cost of Calls and Lines Supplied by BT

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost of calls and lines supplied by BT to her Department in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2130/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The costs incurred in each of the last five financial years are outlined in the table below.

Delivery of Telecommunications

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to list all the companies currently responsible for the delivery of telecommunications for her Department.

(AQW 2131/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The main providers of telecommunications services to both DARD and NICS are BT and Eircom. The full list of providers is as follows:

British Telecom (BT)

Cable & Wireless

Eircom

O2

Orange

Vodafone

£45m Export Deal Between the UK and China

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether pig breeders and producers will benefit from the recently signed £45m export deal between the UK and China.

(AQW 2141/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: I am very hopeful that pig breeders and producers here will be able to benefit from the recently agreed export trade deal with China. The re-opening of this market is very welcome.

Arrangements are in place to allow farmers here to take advantage of the opportunity. The stringent testing of stock prior to exportation and the transportation costs involved will be challenging but a strong export market allows breeders to develop and exploit this business opportunity.

Formal agreement has also been reached and a protocol signed on export health certification to allow a start to be made on the export of pigmeat to China. Discussions are ongoing and there is optimism that this resumption of trade will create further opportunities for local breeders and producers.

Measure 341 of the EU Rural Development Programme

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the aims and benefits of Measure 341 of the EU Rural Development Programme; and why she did not follow her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland in bidding for funding under this measure, when submitting the original bid.

(AQW 2142/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The decision to implement the Axis 3 Quality of Life Measures through the Axis 4 methodology enabled the draw down by Local Action Groups of a generous Administration provision of up to 20%. In light of that my Department did not include Measure 341 in its Programme. Rather it made administration funds available to Council Clusters for animation of their areas and for the formation and competitive selection of Local Action Groups to develop local development strategies.

In addition my Department has provided a range of training and development activities for Local Action Groups to build the capacity of members and improve management of the Axis

The shape and delivery of the rural development programme in the north reflects the different problems faced here. It has been informed by a range of consultations and studies undertaken by my Department and is working well.

Single Farm Payment: Late Payment of Cheques

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether her Department has been fined by the European Union for late payment of Single Farm Payment cheques.

(AQW 2143/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Disallowance for late payments is levied by the Commission at a Member State level. Since the introduction of the Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme, the only claim year for which such disallowance has been levied on the UK in regard to SFP was 2005. For 2005, the Commission imposed financial corrections for payments made late totalling €93m (£63.5). None of this late payment disallowance has been attributed to my department. 

Publicly Funded Trees

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of publicly funded trees which were planted in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2150/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: My Department’s Forest Service encourages and supports, through public funding, the planting of trees by private land owners and farmers primarily thorough the Woodland Grant Schemes for the creation of woodlands and the replanting of their woodlands after felling.

Forest Service also commits public funds to the re-afforestation of the Department’s forests following harvesting and occasionally will acquire small parcels of additional land for the establishment of new woodland.

Funding has also been made available over the 5 year period to participants in agri-environment schemes for planting small areas (up to 0.2 hectares) of native trees on farmland and managing existing woodland. These schemes include the Countryside Management Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme. The data that the Department holds is area-based and includes both the planting of trees to form new woodland and the management of existing woodland.

The data available for woodland creation (which includes public and private afforestation grant aided), replanting following harvesting, is recorded by area (hectare) and not by the numbers of trees planted. A summary of tree planting by area, over the last five years, that has been publically funded by my Department is as follows:

The data held in relation to other Departmental Agri-environment Schemes does not separately quantify new areas planted from management of existing woodland.

Administrative Costs and Burden on Farmers

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps her Department has taken since May 2007 to reduce the administrative costs and burden on farmers.

(AQW 2151/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: In 2007 I, along with my Ministerial colleague at the time from the Department of Environment Arlene Foster, asked an independent panel to review the regulations that apply in the agri-food sector in the north of Ireland with a view to simplifying and reducing the administrative burden placed on farmers and the industry generally.

The NI Agri-Food Better Regulations and Simplification Review was published in April 2009 and both Departments took time to consider and respond to each of the 85 recommendations contained in the Review.

My Department issued its response to the Better Regulation Review on 18 May 2010. Since then the department has been actively taking forward an extensive programme of work to give effect to the 61 recommendations put forward by the Independent Panel which have been accepted or accepted in principle. Part of my departments response was a commitment to develop an action plan to implement, monitor and review the accepted recommendations. Systems have been put in place which will measure these outcomes in due course. My intention is to publish the final action plan in early December following scrutiny by the ARD Committee.

We have not waited until now to improve our approach, for instance we have put in place an electronic identification system for sheep and goats which was supported and welcomed by the industry. Moreover in July 2009, we secured a very important derogation from Brussels benefiting flock keepers with the introduction of the sheep electronic identification system (EID); the concession provides central points of recording reducing the administrative burden on flockkeepers, who will not need in general to purchase EID readers. My officials have worked extremely hard to deliver this legislation and supported its implementation. More than 1,100 sheep farmers attended EID training events in 13 markets across the north, this was in addition to information evenings delivered by staff from CAFRE, Veterinary Service and Animal Health and Welfare policy.

There has been an increased uptake of APHIS Online. Since September 2010, in response to customer demand officials from my Department have trained 450 farmers on the use of APHIS Online with a further 550 to be trained by March 2011.

This training and increased promotion of APHIS Online has seen cattle birth registrations via this channel rise from 34% in October 2009 to 45% in October 2010. This service allows 24 hour access and is in keeping with customers expectations.

Computerisation of the application process for Agri-environment schemes has contributed to reducing the administrative burden for farmers who participate in the new Countryside Management Scheme.

The Department has eliminated herd size as a factor when synchronising annual Brucellosis surveillance herd tests with any due TB herd test.

While not part of the Review, the Department is striving to implement other new initiatives as efficiently and with the least amount of bureaucratic burden to the industry as possible. The Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS) - Tranche 2 is a capital grants scheme which re-opens for applications on Wednesday 1 December 2010. It will provide financial support for farmers who wish to purchase specialised slurry spreading equipment. In order to support the greater use of online facilities to access DARD key services and schemes, farmers are being encouraged to submit their applications electronically through the award of additional marks, although paper applications will continue to be accepted, by hand or by post. On-line applications are the way ahead for more rapid service delivery, reduced paperwork and less bureaucracy.

The Farm Modernisation Programme is another example where there has been a significant increase in farmers making use of an enhanced on-line application process. The Department received approximately 7000 on-line applications for the Programme and this represents in the region of 90% of the total applications submitted. This shows that farmers have reacted positively to this new system of submitting applications and it is a real step forward in reducing the time and cost farmers are asked to spend on paperwork.

These are just some of the actions my department has taken to reduce the administrative burden on farmers. I can assure you that I and my department remain committed to reducing the level of red tape and achieving the PSA Target to reduce the administrative burden on the agri-food sector by 25% by 2013 – with an interim target of 15% by 2011.

Agricultural Employers

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in each of the last three years, how many agricultural employers were found to have paid workers a rate below that set by the Agricultural Wages Board for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2152/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The number of employers who were found to have paid workers a wage rate below that set by the Agricultural Wages Board for NI was as follows:

• three employers in 2007;
• five employers in 2008 and
• one in 2009.

Funding for Agri-environment Schemes

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether she intends to continue funding for agri-environment schemes so that work to halt the loss of species and habitat in the countryside can continue.

(AQW 2172/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Agri-environment measures are funded from the Rural Development Plan (RDP) 2007 - 2013. There are currently over 12,500 participants in agri-environment schemes. These schemes aim to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality and mitigate climate change.

The number of new Countryside Management Scheme agreements to be progressed depends on the availability of national funding. Now that the outcome of the spending review has been announced, we know the level of budget available to the Executive from the British Treasury and the Executives’ Budget Review Group are now discussing the wider budget.

Decisions will be taken on how this money will be allocated and at the moment it is too early for me to speculate about the future of funding for agri-environment schemes.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether any of her Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2217/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: The current economic situation is placing significant pressures on public spending and the Executive is assessing the implications of the recent Spending Review announcement.

While decisions have not yet been taken at Executive level about the level of resource and capital that will be available to individual Departments I can assure you that, my Department will take its Section 75 equality duties seriously.

Once the Executive has agreed a draft Budget my Department will produce an overarching Equality Impact Assessment at departmental level at which stage the key policy decisions will be subjected to a full and rigorous equality assessment.

My Equality team will be liaising closely with key organisations and equality interest groups to ensure that everyone knows how they can engage with us during any EQIA consultation. My Department would wish to consult on any proposals in tandem with any Executive consultation on the overall draft Budget position.

Livestock Thefts

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of recorded incidents of livestock thefts in each Divisional Veterinary Office area in each of the last five years, broken down by the type of livestock stolen and the number of each type stolen.

(AQW 2252/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Herdkeepers are not obliged to inform DARD of the theft of their livestock and therefore this information is not recorded. I would advise that the PSNI may be in a position to provide further information.

Rural Development Programme Funding

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in light of the difficulties being experienced by the Local Action Groups tasked with the distribution of Rural Development Programme funding, what plans she has to address the problems with the programme criteria to enable the LAGs to distribute funding more effectively.

(AQW 2454/11)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: As I informed the Assembly on 28 September, I have asked officials to undertake a review of Axis 3 delivery and of what and where the blockages are. This has commenced, and the work will review processes and procedures around the delivery of the programme.

Local Action Groups, Joint Council Committees and Lead Councils are all contributing, and I will receive a report from officials in December.

Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure

Libraries in the North Down Area

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many people (i) visited; and (ii) joined each library in the North Down area in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2173/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr N McCausland): The table below shows the number of people who visited each library in the North Down area in each of the last five years. The libraries I am listing as being in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency area are; Bangor Carnegie, Holywood and Donaghadee.

The following table shows the number of people who joined each library in the North Down area in each of the last five years.

Shankill Cultural Quarter in North and West Belfast

Mr W Humphrey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether his Department supports the concept of a Shankill Cultural Quarter in North and West Belfast.

(AQW 2180/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The creation of a Shankill Cultural Quarter would be an excellent way to promote the Shankill and its many tourist attractions and places of interest and would also boost the local economy.

My Department and I are very supportive of any project that will attract more visitors and tourists to the Shankill area and improve the quality of life for those who live in the area.

Fish Population in the Feeder Rivers to Lough Neagh

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to determine the (i) health; and (ii) level of the fish population in the feeder rivers to Lough Neagh.

(AQW 2193/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is responsible for fish health in the Northern Ireland through the monitoring, control and prevention of fish disease.

DCAL is responsible for the conservation and protection of salmon and freshwater fish. As part of this it is essential to monitor fish populations to inform decisions on conservation and protection measures to be undertaken.

During 2010, DCAL Inland Fisheries Group staff carried out a semi-quantitative assessment of juvenile Atlantic salmon and brown trout populations on the following tributaries of Lough Neagh: Main, Six Mile Water, Glenavy, Upper Bann, Blackwater, Ballinderry, Moyola. In all approximately 640 sites on Lough Neagh tributaries have been surveyed this year.  

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether any of his Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2218/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The Executive has yet to decide on budget allocations to departments. After this process has been completed, my Department will conduct high level impact assessments to determine the impact of its own allocation on equality, good relations, poverty/ social inclusion and sustainable development.

Interns

Mr P Weir asked e Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many interns his Department has facilitated in 2010/11; and how many it intends to facilitate in 2011/12.

(AQW 2319/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: My Department did not facilitate any internships during the current financial year 2010/11. At this stage there are plans to facilitate one intern during 2011/12, subject to confirmation that insurance indemnity cover will be provided by the relevant University. Any further requests received will be considered in accordance with the relevant NICS policy.

Derry City Football Club

Mr Pól Callaghan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much funding has been allocated to Derry City Football Club in each of the last four financial years; and for what purpose was the funding allocated.

(AQW 2358/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI advises that in the last four financial years it has received no applications for funding from Derry City Football Club and consequently no funding has been provided.

Capital Projects

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list the capital projects valued above £10,000 that Sport NI agreed to fund in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2406/11)

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: The following awards above £10,000 have been made by Sport NI to capital projects in each of the last five years:

Sport NI will in December 2010 announce awards for its Sport Matters: Capital and Equipment Programme and for its Awards for Sport Programme. A total of £2.5m will be awarded to 200 capital projects. A significant number of these individual awards will be in excess of £10,000.

Department of Education

Central Integrated Primary School in Bangor

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education what maintenance or capital works are planned for the Central Integrated Primary School in Bangor.

(AQW 2138/11)

Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane ): The South-Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) is responsible for maintenance and minor works at controlled schools. The SEELB has confirmed that the following work is planned during the 2010/11 year:-

Toilet Refurbishment £80k

Mobile classroom Refurbishment £12k

Fire Risk Assessment Remedial Works Cost to be finalised.

Tá scéim fhéideartha móroibreacha caipitil do Bangor Central Integrated Primary School ag céim an Bhreithmheasa Eacnamaíochta (EA) faoi láthair ach níor fógraíodh an scoil le haghaidh cistithe caipitil. Is í an rogha a mholtar san EA ná scoil nua a thógáil ar shuíomh sínte.

A potential major capital works scheme for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School is currently at Economic Appraisal (EA) stage but has not been announced for capital funding. The recommended option in the EA is to build a new school on an extended site.

As for all capital schemes, the progression of the Bangor Central scheme is dependent on the availability of the necessary resources and hence no guarantee can be given as to when the scheme will proceed.

I have effectively utilised the capital funding made available to me and with additional funding could do much more to address the historic under investment in the schools estate.

Primary Schools: Dining Facilities

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how many primary schools do not have designated dining facilities; and what is this figure as a percentage of all primary schools.

(AQW 2139/11)

Minister of Education: It is recommended by Department of Education Primary Schools Building Handbook that primary schools are constructed with a multipurpose hall. This hall is designed to be utilised for assembly, Physical Education, performing arts

activities/presentations involving large school groups, and in all but the larger schools, dining. The larger primary schools are recommended to have dedicated dining rooms.

The Education and Library Boards have responsibility for carrying out surveys of the individual properties that make up the schools’ estate. The information from these surveys is stored on the Manhattan estate management system. Unfortunately these surveys are purely for the teaching and associated areas and hence do not currently include school meals accommodation. In addition some of the schools in the estate may not have been surveyed for various reasons, for example if they are part of a Public Private Partnership scheme or have been constructed recently.

Níl eolas ar fáil ach ar 818 ceann de na 846 bunscoil sa tuaisceart. As na 818 scoil sin, léiríonn an córas Manhattan go bhfuil 753 bunscoil ann a bhfuil halla ilfheidhme acu agus d’fhéadfaí go mbeadh seomra bia ar leith ag cuid de na scoileanna sin (na scoileanna is mó) fosta. Is ionann sin agus 92% de na scoileanna a ndearna suirbhé orthu.

Current information is only available on 818 of the 846 primary schools in the north. Of these 818 schools the Manhattan system shows that there are 753 primary schools with a multipurpose hall and some of these schools (the larger ones) may also have a dedicated dining room. These represent 92% of the schools that have been surveyed.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Education whether any of her Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2230/11)

Minister of Education:Is féidir liom a dhearbhú go mbeidh aon chinneadh a dhéanaim ar phleananna caiteachais mo Roinne mar chuid de phróiseas Bhuiséad 2010 faoi réir Scrúdaithe Comhionannais agus comhlánú foirme um scrúdú comhionannais.

I can confirm that any decisions I make on spending plans for my Department as part of the Budget 2010 process will be subject to Equality Screening and the completion of an equality screening form. The comprehensive screening form will be completed for each proposal and this will identify any potential equality impact, set out any mitigating action or further assessment that may be required. When considering budget proposals, as is always the case, each decision will be based on the underlying principles of need and equality.

Junior Schools

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education whether her Department plans to phase out all junior schools from the education system.

(AQW 2278/11)

Minister of Education: Is ceist don údarás ábhartha scoile ar an chéad dul síos í pleanáil an eastáit scoile i gcomhthéacs na creatlaí beartais atá ag an Roinn Oideachais.

The planning of the schools’ estate within the context of DE’s policy framework is a matter for the relevant school authority to consider in the first instance.

School Maintenance

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Education (i) for her assessment of the decision by the Education and Library Boards to introduce measured term contracts for school maintenance; and (ii) to detail how much the Belfast Education and Library Board spent on these contracts since May 2007.

(AQW 2292/11)

Minister of Education: Is bealach le cur chuige comhsheasmhach a chur i bhfeidhm thar na ELBanna ar fad iad na conarthaí ar Sheirbhís Téarma agus déantar cinnte go gcloíann siad le treoir an Bhoird Sholáthair agus an Stiúrthóireachta um Sholáthar Lárnach (DFP).

Term Service contracts are a means of adopting a consistent approach across the ELBs and to ensure compliance with the direction of the Procurement Board and the Central Procurement Directorate (DFP).

The Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) has already introduced this form of procurement. The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) is in the final stages of introducing TSCs and the remaining ELBs have indicated they intend to adopt the process in the 2011/12 financial year.

In 2006 The Belfast Education and Library Board reviewed its method of provision of building maintenance and in consultation with the Departments of Education and Finance and Personnel developed a measured term contract for the provision of these services. This approach followed best practice operating at that time within public sector organisations.

The total amount spent by the BELB on this form of contract since its introduction in 2007 is approximately £41.1m.

School Maintenance

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Education for her Department's assessment of the benefits of introducing measured term contracts for school maintenance.

(AQW 2295/11)

Minister of Education: Measured Term Contracts are not new to the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and have been used to deliver maintenance across the schools’ estate for the past 10 years. However, these contracts have now expired and are being replaced by NEC3 Term Service Contracts.

Is bealach iad na conarthaí ar Sheirbhís Téarma le cur chuige comhsheasmhach dea-chleachtais a chur i bhfeidhm thar na ELBanna chun a chinntiú go gcloítear le treoir an Bhoird Sholáthair agus an Stiúrthóireachta um Sholáthar Lárnach (DFP).

Term Service Contracts are a means of adopting a consistent and best practice approach across the ELBs to ensure compliance with the direction of the Procurement Board and the Central Procurement Directorate (DFP).

Term Service Contracts are the preferred option for maintenance work where a service over a period is required with the possibility of large numbers of individual task orders as opposed to a single project.

The ELBs recognise the benefits of Term Service Contracts and have developed a procurement strategy in line with CPD guidelines taking into consideration the needs of small to medium enterprises and existing contractors. This strategy will also reduce the administrative burden of tendering and streamline the management processes.

Interns

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education how many interns her Department has facilitated in 2010/11 and how many it intends to facilitate in 2011/12.

(AQW 2325/11)

Minister of Education: Ní bhfuair an Roinn Oideachais aon iarrtas go data le haghaidh Intéirneachtaí sna blianta 2010/11 nó 2011/12.

To date the Department of Education has not received any formal applications for Internships in 2010/11 or 2011/12.

School Maintenance

Mr P Givan asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 1398/11, to provide a breakdown of the spending on the maintenance of each school in the Lagan Valley constituency, in each of the last three years; and to detail the current backlog, including estimated costs for each school.

(AQW 2328/11)

Minister of Education: Mionshonraítear sa tábla atá léirithe thíos caiteachas ar Chothabháil gach scoile i dtoghcheantar Ghleanna an Lagáin i ngach bliain le trí bliana anuas.

The table below shows a breakdown of spend on the Maintenance of each school in the Lagan Valley Constituency in each of the last three years.

The table below details the current maintenance backlog for each school in the Lagan Valley constituency.

Figures for the Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools are not readily available.

Travel Claims

Mr A Easton asked e Minister of Education to detail the cost of travel claims by departmental staff in each of the last three years.

(AQW 2362/11)

Minister of Education: Seo a leanas caiteachas mo Roinne ar éilimh taistil ag baill foirne na roinne i ngach bliain le trí bliana anuas:

My Department’s spend on travel claims by departmental staff in each of the last three years was as follows:

Alternative Education Provision

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to outline the current arrangements for Alternative Education Provision and what plans she has for its future development.

(AQW 2374/11)

Minister of Education: Is í an scoil an áit is fearr do pháistí agus do dhaoine óga le hoideachas a fháil. Fágann daoine óga an t-oideachas mar gheall ar chúiseanna éagsúla nach mbaineann le mo Roinn amháin.

The best place for children and young people to be educated is in school. Young people disengage from education for a variety of reasons which are not within the remit of my Department alone to address. If a young person cannot sustain their school placement and they require alternative education provision, responsibility for making this provision rests with the relevant Education and Library Board. Currently that provision is made by Board services or through voluntary organisations by arrangement with the Board.

My Department has been reviewing alternative education provision. The aim is to ensure that every child or young person, whatever barriers to learning he or she faces, is supported to sustain a school placement and to receive timely support within school. I have introduced a significant range of policies or policy proposals that will contribute to this, in particular, policies on transfer, school improvement, literacy and numeracy, the revised curriculum and entitlement framework, special educational needs and inclusion and programmes to support pupil health and well-being. I will also be considering the particular problems faced by young people in developing our new Priorities for Youth Strategy.

Furthermore, where the needs of an individual young person are best met out of the mainstream school environment the alternative provision should address their educational as well as their physical, emotional and social needs.

Alongside our consideration of the future development of alternative education provision we have, as with other Departments, engaged in discussions with the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) to see how our work can contribute to developing a strategic approach to our young people who are not in education, employment or training. We also want to ensure that the findings of the DEL Committee’s inquiry into this issue are taken into account in future alternative education provision arrangements.

South Belfast Area Project

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Education what funding is available for the continuation of detached outreach youth workers for the South Belfast Area Project.

(AQW 2385/11)

Minister of Education:

The Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) is responsible for detached outreach workers in the South Belfast Area Project.

The Chief Executive of the BELB has advised that it is funding two outreach worker posts within the South Belfast Area Project, and that these posts are secured until March 2011. The estimated costs associated with the two project posts will total £70,000 in the 2010/11 financial year. The BELB had also advised that it will make a decision on the funding for outreach posts across Belfast from April 2011 onwards after DE has notified it of its budget allocation for 2011/12.

Maidir le cistiú do na blianta atá le teacht, caithfidh an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin Clár don Rialtas agus dréachtbhuiséad a leagfaidh amach Pleananna Caiteachais na Ranna don chéad 4 bliana eile a chomhaontú. Go dtí go gcomhaontaítear iad, ní bheidh mé ábalta aon mhionchinntí a dhéanamh ar mhaoiniú a thabharfar do sheirbhísí oideachais.

As far as funding for future years is concerned, the Executive need to agree a Programme for Government and a draft budget setting Departmental Spending Plans for the next 4 years. Until this happens, I will not be in a position to make any detailed decisions on future funding for education services.

In setting education budgets, my key priority will be to ensure that children come first, that resources are targeted on the basis of need, that we adhere to our equality duties and that any potential savings are delivered in a way that protects front line education services as far as possible. It will be a matter for the BELB to determine how it deploys resources made available to it in 2011/12 taking account of the need to ensure that resources are allocated on an equitable basis and based on an assessment of objective need, in line Ministerial priorities.

Magherafelt Primary School

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Education why her Department has not yet approved the revised economic appraisal for Magherafelt Primary School.

(AQW 2418/11)

Minister of Education: Tá an Breithmheas Eacnamaíochta leasaithe do Magherafelt Primary School ag céim dheiridh an bhreithniúcháin.

The revised Economic Appraisal for Magherafelt Primary School is at an advanced stage of consideration.

Educational Psychologists

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Education how many educational psychologists are currently available to assess children in the Irish-medium sector, through the medium of Irish; and to detail the geographical area they cover.

(AQW 2427/11)

Minister of Education: Tá tugtha le fios ag Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne dom gur mar seo a leanas atá líon na síceolaithe oideachais atá ar fáil le measúnú a dhéanamh ar pháistí in earnáil na Gaelscolaíochta trí mheán na Gaeilge;

I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that the number of educational psychologists (EPs) available to assess children in the Irish Medium sector through the medium of Irish is as follows;

Belfast None

North Eastern One. Coverage is throughout the whole Board area.

South Eastern One. Coverage is throughout the whole Board area.

Southern One. Coverage is throughout the whole Board area.

Western Two. One EP is based in Derry and caters for all 3 Irish medium schools in the city. The second EP covers County Fermanagh.

Strandtown Primary School

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 2277/11, (i) to define 'appropriate accountability'; and (ii) to clarify which part of the revised curriculum is not currently being delivered by Strandtown Primary School.

(AQW 2542/11)

Minister of Education:

Bíonn páistí ó Bhlianta 4 -7 ag freastal ar Strandtown Primary School.  Mar sin de, ní sholáthraíonn an scoil an Bhonnchéim den churaclam athbhreithnithe ná an chéad bhliain d’Eochairchéim 1.  Déanann an scoil measúnú ar dhaltaí ag deireadh Eochairchéim 1 áfach, agus bíonn an scoil freagrach as na torthaí a fhaigheann siad ag deireadh na hEochairchéime sin.

Strandtown Primary School is attended by children in Years 4 - 7.  It therefore does not deliver the Foundation Stage of the revised curriculum or the first year of Key Stage 1.  It does, however, assess pupils at the end of Key Stage 1 and is accountable for the outcomes they achieve at the end of that Key Stage.  While it is clear to me that the school currently handles the transition of pupils very effectively, it is important, as part of a decision-making process that could result in a very significant investment of public funds, that we take stock of that model of provision in the context of the revised curriculum and the new assessment arrangements. 

The Belfast Education and Library Board is the school managing authority for Strandtown and its feeder schools. It is therefore the responsibility of the board, working with the schools involved, to provide the necessary assurances to the Department that the transition which occurs in the middle of a key stage in this model is managed effectively to ensure seamless delivery of the revised curriculum and the associated assessment arrangements in the best interest of the pupils.

Department for Employment and Learning

Belfast Metropolitan College

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the content of his Department's letter to the Belfast Metropolitan College in relation to his Department's approval of its College Improvement Plan and whether he will place a copy of this letter in the Assembly library.

(AQW 2167/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning (Mr D Kennedy): In order to address the findings and recommendations of the Efficiency Review of Belfast Metropolitan College, my Department requested that the College develop a College Improvement Plan to identify those actions required to restore the College to sound financial health and stability.

Whilst the development of the Plan is the responsibility of the College, my Department has a key oversight, scrutiny and challenge role to ensure that the Plan is realistic, comprehensive and robust. Officials from my Department have met with the College to discuss the Plan on numerous occasions and continue to do so to ensure that the College is brought into financial stability.

Following the submission of the final version of the Plan and a detailed examination and consideration of its contents, my Department wrote formally to the College setting out its view that the Plan had considered all key elements of the College operations, that, if implemented as planned, the proposals are projected to return the College to financial stability, whilst also acknowledging the significant challenges which faced the College in fully implementing its proposals.

Overall, my Department concluded that it found the Plan acceptable as the basis of achieving financial stability, however, it noted that the proposals would need vigilant and rigorous management action to ensure that they are implemented effectively and that the Department would be carefully monitoring its implementation.

The letter also contained some specific and detailed references to the College’s developments at Titanic Quarter and Springvale which relate to ongoing development of policy and production of business cases which are considered to be, potentially, commercially sensitive. However, I am content that a copy of the letter be placed in the Assembly library with the sensitive information redacted as appropriate.

Belfast Metropolitan College

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether an Equality Impact Assessment was carried out on Belfast Metropolitan College's 'College Improvement Plan'.

(AQW 2168/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: Further education colleges are incorporated bodies, established under the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. College governing bodies are, therefore, responsible for all matters relating to the good management of the college including a statutory duty under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 for promoting equality of opportunity. The Department would not, therefore, have a formal role in the internal processes of the College in implementing its statutory obligations under equality legislation.

I understand, however, that the College has not yet carried out an equality impact assessment on the College Improvement Plan. College management are currently consulting with staff and staff representative bodies about the proposals set out in the Plan and the outcome of those consultations will help inform the decision as to whether an equality impact assessment will be required in respect of the Plan, or specific elements within it.

Belfast Metropolitan College

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether his Department has considered the out-turn statement of accounts provided by the Belfast Metropolitan College to the Northern Ireland Audit Office at the end of July 2010.

(AQW 2171/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The Department required all further education colleges to provide a copy of the draft accounts for the 2009/2010 academic year which were being submitted to the Northern Ireland Audit Office. This was to allow detailed consideration, examination and review of the statements in order to assess if they contained any issues of concern, or significant deviations from the projected position, which had not been identified through the regular monitoring reviews carried out by the Department during the year.

All further education colleges, including Belfast Metropolitan College, have complied with this requirement and the Department has reviewed all draft accounts presented to it. Only two significant issues, relating to the accounting treatment of a pension credit and a reduction in the value of land and buildings, were identified, both of these matters applying to all colleges.

Once the financial statements are audited and signed off by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Department will carry out a further review.

Belfast Metropolitan College

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, in light of the concerns expressed by the public regarding the proposed redundancies at the Belfast Metropolitan College, whether he will immediately provide the Committee for Employment and Learning and the relevant trade unions with the proposed redundancy figure.

(AQW 2174/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The Belfast Metropolitan College’s Improvement Plan has identified a need for 168 potential redundancies.

Belfast Metropolitan College

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for (i) his assessment of (a) the financial reserves; and (b) the amount in bank accounts currently held by the Belfast Metropolitan College; and (ii) the ratio of the financial reserves to the amount in bank accounts at the end of July 2010.

(AQW 2175/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The information that my Department has relating to the position at 31 July 2010 for Belfast Metropolitan College is based on, as yet, unaudited financial statements. As a result, there is a possibility that some adjustments may be made to these figures as a result of the audit process.

At that date, however, the financial statements indicate that the College’s income and expenditure reserve stood at £7.7m and that it had a cash balance of £6.1m. Accordingly, the ratio of the income and expenditure reserve to the cash in bank accounts at 31 July 2010, as requested in part (ii) of your question, is 1.26:1.

Whilst, on the face of it, these balances appear significant, you will be aware that the College has embarked on a major capital investment programme within Belfast and is currently developing new campus buildings at Titanic Quarter and Springvale which will provide the College with modern state of the art facilities.

As a result, the College is required to invest a considerable proportion of its resources in financing these developments in the short term and so it is anticipated that these balances will reduce significantly over the next 18 months.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether any of his Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2233/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: In accordance with the requirements of Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (the Act), my Department has published an Equality Scheme which sets out how it will fulfil the duties imposed by the Act. It also closely follows Guidance produced by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) to ensure that all its policies are assessed for potential significant impact on equality of opportunity between the nine categories as listed in Section 75 of the Act. In relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review proposals, Section 75 legislation requires us to assess the likely impact of any proposed spending decisions or reductions in expenditure on all of the categories listed in the legislation. Should the initial high level equality impact screening demonstrate the potential for significant impact on equality of opportunity on any of the nine categories, a full Equality Impact Assessment will be conducted following the ECNI Guidance.

Medical Students

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of medical students from Northern Ireland who attended Queen's University in (i) 2007/08; and (ii) 2008/09 who were from socio-economic class 4-7.

(AQW 2284/11)

Minister for Employment and Learning: The percentages of full-time, undergraduate¹ medical students from Northern Ireland, enrolled at Queen’s University in 2007/08 and 2008/09, from socio-economic classes 4 to 7 are 21.5% and 20.2% respectively.

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Notes:

1. Data on socio-economic class are routinely collected for full-time undergraduates only.

2. Caution should be exercised when comparing the 2008/09 SEC figure with the previous year due to a change in the question asked by UCAS.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether any of her Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2231/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mrs A Foster): As part of DETI’s preparations for Budget 2010, High Level Impact Assessments (HLIAs) have been completed for all potential adjustments to expenditure, including bids and potential reductions.

The HLIA has been designed, and agreed by the Equality Commission, for the purposes of mainstreaming equality considerations in budgetary processes.

An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) will be carried out by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister at a strategic level for Budget 2010.

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on the current situation on the Presbyterian Mutual Society, particularly in relation to the loan package agreed by the UK Government and the availability of this loan package.

(AQW 2253/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Chancellor confirmed in the Spending Review announcement on 20 October 2010 that Northern Ireland’s Reinvestment and Reform Initiative borrowing facility would be increased by £175 million in 2011-12 to facilitate a loan to the PMS administrator, and an additional allocation of £25 million in respect of the Coalition Government’s contribution to the Mutual Access Fund. These amounts are in addition to the Northern Ireland block grant. The Executive has agreed in principle to contribute £25 million to the Mutual Access Fund with a further £1 million to be sought from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The proposed solution remains subject to Executive, Assembly and EU agreement.

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether any collateral has to be provided against the UK Government's loan to the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

(AQW 2254/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Northern Ireland’s Reinvestment and Reform Initiative borrowing facility will be increased by £175 million in 2011-12 to facilitate a loan to the PMS administrator.

The terms and conditions of any loan assistance to be made available by the Executive to the administrator of the Presbyterian Mutual Society have not been finalised.

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment when the £25 million pound from the UK Government and the Executive will be made available to the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

(AQW 2255/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Spending Review announcement on 20 October confirmed that the Government’s £25 million contribution to proposed Mutual Access Fund will be made available to the Executive in 2011-12

The Executive’s £25 million contribution to the Mutual Access Fund is subject to the Executive’s and Assembly’s agreement.

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment when small savers with the Presbyterian Mutual Society will have access to their funds; and whether there is any intention to save the Society.

(AQW 2256/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: It is proposed that Government and Executive funding for the establishment of a Mutual Access Fund and the orderly winding down of the Presbyterian Mutual Society will become available in 2011-12. The proposed solution is subject to Executive, Assembly and EU agreement.

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment when she expects the Presbyterian Church to make its £1million contribution to the Presbyterian Mutual Society settlement.

(AQW 2257/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: It has not yet been agreed when the Presbyterian Church will make a contribution to the proposed establishment of a Mutual Access Fund.

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the time-scale for the completion of local and EU agreements to facilitate the resolution of the Presbyterian Mutual Society issue.

(AQW 2276/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Executive, Assembly, and EU agreement to the overall financial package will be required before DETI, acting on behalf of the Executive , puts its proposals to the administrator of the Presbyterian Mutual Society for agreement or otherwise by its members and creditors. H M Government and Executive funding will not become available until the 2011-2012 financial year. This will be progressed as quickly as possible, and the precise timings will become clearer as the implementation process is worked through.

Tourist Signage Policy

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether the Tourist Signage Policy has been subject to Equality Screening and an Equality Impact Assessment.

(AQW 2308/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Tourist Signing in Northern Ireland Policy has been subject to Equality Screening and analysis showed that a full Equality Impact Assessment was not deemed necessary.

Interns

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many interns her Department has facilitated in 2010/11 and how many it intends to facilitate in 2011/12.

(AQW 2321/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment has not facilitated any interns in the 2010/11 year and has no plans for 2011/12 year.

Tourism in the Strangford Constituency

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much has been invested in tourism in the Strangford constituency, in each of the last three financial years.

(AQW 2330/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Over the past three years the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has provided investment totalling £315,602 by way of financial assistance made available to 5 tourism projects in the Strangford Constituency. The assistance was paid in each of the last 3 years as follows:

* This is an estimated figure being approximately one third share of financial assistance totalling £158,668.54 which was provided for the development of the St Patrick’s Christian Heritage Trail during the 2008/09 year. Approximately one third of the trail crosses the Strangford Constituency therefore the constituencies share of the investment may be considered as approximately £52,890.

NITB has also provided support for tourism in the Strangford Constituency over the past 3 years through its promotional campaigns in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This support will continue in the future in recognition of the identification of Strangford as a specific tourism destination in the new Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland.

In addition Invest NI has identified 8 projects in the Tourism sector that were offered support totalling £28,000 over the past 3 years.

Implications of Irish Government's Request for Financial Assistance

Mr Pól Callaghan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to her response to the Urgent Oral Question 22 November, whether she intends to meet with the Irish Government to discuss the possible implications for Northern Ireland of the financial assistance allocated to the Irish Government; and if not to outline the reasons.

(AQW 2383/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: As I mentioned in answering the urgent oral question on 22 November 2010, I intend to have discussions with the Irish Government on the matter only if the measures to reduce the Republic of Ireland’s Budget deficit have direct implications for the Northern Ireland economy.

Given the bilateral assistance from the UK Government, I and the DFP Minister met the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Secretary of State on 24 November 2010. At this meeting we stressed the need for the UK assistance to reflect the specific issues of the Northern Ireland economy. I also understand that the DFP Minister intends to meet his Republic of Ireland counterpart to discuss these issues.

I am considering the implications of the Republic of Irelands National Recovery Plan. I will, of course, continue to actively monitor the situation, particularly with the Irish Government’s 2011 Budget due to be announced next week.

Broadband Speeds

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the current broadband speeds available in the (i) Craigavon; (ii) Belfast; (iii) Lisburn; (iv) Londonderry; (v) Omagh; (vi) Enniskillen; (vii) Bangor; (viii) Antrim; (ix) Ballymena; and (x) Newry areas.

(AQW 2390/11)

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Broadband speeds depend on a wide range of factors and in Northern Ireland there are many ways to get broadband. It is a competitive market, with different companies offering different technologies, packages and prices. DETI does not collect or monitor broadband speeds across Northern Ireland on an ongoing basis as, to do so, would be costly and complex in such a competitive and dynamic market.

We have funded projects which have ensured that services of at least 512 kilobits per second are available across the whole of Northern Ireland.

Department of the Environment

Cost of Calls and Lines Supplied by BT

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the cost of calls and lines supplied by BT to his Department in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2099/11)

Minister of the Environment (Mr E Poots): DFP, through IT Assist, is responsible for most of the telephony services used by the NICS. DFP have advised that as all invoices from various suppliers are consolidated and apportioned across departments based on extension numbers it is not possible to give figures in relation to a single supplier.

The table below provides the costs incurred by my Department in relation to telephony services, to call and tariff level, provided in each of the last five years.

In addition my Department has a number of telecommunication lines that are leased separately from third party companies. The table also provides details of the payments made specifically to BT in connection with these services over the past five years. It is not possible however, to provide a split of these costs between calls and tariff except at disproportionate cost.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment whether any of his Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2232/11)

Minister of the Environment: As part of the Budget 2010 process, my Department submitted its spending proposals to DFP at the end of July. Where appropriate, a High Level Equality Impact Assessment (HLIA) was carried out for each spending proposal in accordance with the DFP guidance issued to all departments. This entailed a high level assessment of the impact of the spending proposals on issues of Equality, Good Relations, Poverty, Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development.

I can confirm that once the final outcome of the Budget 2010 process is known and decisions have been made regarding the delivery of savings in my Department, these will be subject to Equality screening and, where appropriate, Equality Impact Assessments will be undertaken.

Procurement

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of the Environment how much has been spent by each local Council on procurement in each of the last three years.

(AQW 2243/11)

Minister of the Environment: You have confirmed that you are specifically interested in procurement expenditure on goods and services. The information is not held centrally by my department under these specific categories and to obtain the information from all 26 councils could only be done at disproportionate cost. The information may be available under these categories from any individual council in which you have an interest.

Planning Applications: Delays

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on planning application P/2010/0485/F; and to explain why, following meetings with the Divisional Planning Manager about this matter, his Department has taken over 8 months to process the application when enforcement proceedings, which triggered the need for an application because of a breach of condition notice, were initiated within a matter of days by the Department.

(AQW 2250/11)

Minister of the Environment: Enforcement proceedings would have been initiated within a matter of days following the receipt of a complaint alleging a non-compliance with a planning condition. This is normal practice on all such enforcement cases within the Division and is in accordance with centrally agreed targets.

In respect of the planning application, processing began immediately upon receipt and all statutory obligations were carried out within the first week of processing.

Further documentation from the applicant’s representatives in support of the case were also submitted which included case law. A meeting also took place between the Divisional Planning Manager, the applicant, his representatives and his local MP, in relation to this particular case.

As a consequence of the issues raised at this meeting and the documentation submitted, the Division felt it was necessary to seek legal advice from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO). This advice remains outstanding, however upon receipt of this, the application will be considered further and an opinion formed for consultation with Council as soon as possible thereafter.

Planning Applications

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of the Environment whether his Department has acknowledged the precedent set under S/2009/0245/LDE in its assessment of planning application P/2010/0485/F.

(AQW 2251/11)

Minister of the Environment: The Craigavon Divisional Planning Office is aware of the decision taken under the application S/2009/0245/LDE. However, Planning Service concluded that it was appropriate to seek legal advice from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO) to clarify the Department’s position in relation to such applications.

Local Government Boundary Commissioner

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the claim that the appointment of the Local Government Boundary Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners through the Commissioner for Public Appointments would increase the likelihood of any local government boundaries legislation gaining cross-party support.[R]

(AQW 2259/11)

Minister of the Environment: The Local Government Boundaries Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioners are not listed in the Commissioner for Public Appointments (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2008, therefore, their appointment was not required to be carried out under the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ monitored kitemark.

Their appointment, however, followed OFMdFM, Central Appointments Unit’s Best Practice Guide and was based on merit, with independent assessment, openness, and transparency of process.

There is nothing to indicate that the appointments’ process influenced cross-party support for any local government boundaries legislation.

Driver and Vehicle Agency

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the timetable for the recruitment of additional staff to the Driver and Vehicle Agency to (i) administer the new IT system for goods vehicle operators' licence applications; and (ii) enforce the new Goods Vehicles Operators' Licencing Scheme.

(AQW 2260/11)

Minister of the Environment: At this point in the process it is not known what the staffing requirements for the introduction and management of the IT system or the enforcement of the scheme will be. The Department is currently considering resource requirements to enable the new scheme to be effectively implemented, managed and enforced. The arrangements to allocate staff to the new functions will be considered in the context of the financial and staffing position in the Department at the time.

Planning Applications

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications (i) submitted and; (ii) approved by each divisional planning office, in each month, in each of the last two years.

(AQW 2301/11)

Minister of the Environment: I have attached for your information data obtained from my Department’s records in relation to the number of planning applications (i) submitted and (ii) approved by each divisional planning office, in each month, in each of the last two years.

Annex 1 - AQW 2301/11 - Planning applications received

Table 1a - Planning applications received by Divisional Office 2008/09

Table 1b - Planning applications received by Divisional Office 2009/10

Table 1c - Planning applications received by Divisional Office 2010/11*

* Data not yet available for Quarter 2 of 2010/11 (scheduled for publication on 9 Dec 2010)

Annex 2 - AQW 2301/11 – Planning Applications approved

Table 2a - Planning applications approved by Divisional Office 2008/09

Table 2a - Planning applications approved by Divisional Office 2009/10

Table 2c - Planning applications approved by Divisional Office 2010/11*

* Data not yet available for Quarter 2 of 2010/11 (scheduled for publication on 9 Dec 2010)

Driver and Vehicle Agency

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any computer system breakdowns which have occurred in the Driver and Vehicle Agency in the last three months.

(AQW 2302/11)

Minister of the Environment: There are a number of major Information Technology systems which DVA uses:

1. "MOT" is a system contracted out to provide the testing function in each of the MOT test centres. There were 8 occasions where testing was unavailable in various test centres and 3 occasions when results failed to be sent back to the system meaning retests could not be booked.
2. "BSP" is the electronic system used to book appointments. There were 2 occasions when the internet booking service was unavailable.
3. "NIDLS" is the driver license system. There were 8 occasions of system downtime relating to the printer used for driving licenses and 2 occasions where network issues caused a problem.
4. "FABS" is the Freight and Bus system. There was 1 occasion caused by a system error.
5. "TRADS" is a system used to check car insurance details. The system was unavailable on 10 occasions, 6 of which were server problems and 4 were caused by network issues.

In all cases system failure impact on business was minimised and business continuity measures were employed.

Graduate Internship Programmes

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how many interns his Department has facilitated in 2010/11 and how many it intends to facilitate in 2011/12.

(AQW 2324/11)

Minister of the Environment:

2010/11 Year

(i) DOE has facilitated one internship request in 2010/11 and intends to continue to support this student in the year 2011/12.

(ii) The Department is currently considering two further applications for 2010/11 year and every reasonable effort will be made to facilitate these students.

2011/12 Year

(iii) The two internships mentioned at (ii) above, if facilitated, may continue into the 2011/12 year.

Any further requests for both 2010/11 and 2011/12 years will be considered and facilitated where possible.

New Planning Reform Legislation

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the reasons for the delay in publishing new planning reform legislation, as set out in the Programme for Government; and whether there is enough time to complete this commitment before the end of this Assembly mandate.

(AQW 2353/11)

Minister of the Environment: The current PSA target is to "Bring forward legislation to further reform the planning system by March 2011 and further streamline administrative processes and improve customer service by March 2011".

I have submitted the Planning Bill to the Speaker and hope that it can be introduced in the very near future.  I and my officials are committed to working closely with the Environment Committee to facilitate its formal scrutiny and report so that the Assembly can be given the opportunity to scrutinise and pass the Bill before dissolution.

The Felling of Trees

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of prosecutions for the felling of trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2367/11)

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

During the 2009/10 business year, three investigations in relation to the cutting down, uprooting or wilfully destroying a tree, or wilfully damaging, topping or lopping a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) resulted in prosecutions.

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

The Felling of Trees

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment, for each of the last five years, to detail any enforcement action that has been taken, other than prosecution, for the felling of trees that are covered by Tree Preservation Orders.

(AQW 2372/11)

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

During the 2009/10 business year, one case relating to the cutting down, uprooting or wilfully destroying a tree, or wilfully damaging, topping or lopping a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), involved the service of a Notice in accordance with Article 82(1) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 as amended which requires the replanting of any destroyed or damaged trees.

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

Land Owned by Each Local Council

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of the Environment to list the land owned by each local council and to give details of its current use.

(AQW 2420/11)

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

Twinning of Towns, Villages and Cities

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the cost, incurred by each local council, in each of the last five years, of (i) travel; (ii) accommodation; (iii) meals; and (iv) any other expenses, when twinning with European villages, towns and cities.

(AQW 2481/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information requested is not held centrally by my Department and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The information may be available from each individual council if you have an interest in any particular council and its links with other European areas.

Twinning of Towns, Villages and Cities

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of the Environment to list (i) the villages, towns and cities that are twinned and the village, town or city with which each is twinned; and (ii) the date each twinning was agreed.

(AQW 2482/11)

Minister of the Environment: The information requested is not held centrally by my Department and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The information may be available from each individual council if you have an interest in any particular council and its links with other European areas.

Planning Applications

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to provide a planning application renewal exemption for developers who have planning approvals that are soon to expire, but have not yet commenced construction due to the downturn in the housing market.

(AQW 2485/11)

Minister of the Environment: My Department recognises the financial difficulties experienced by developers at this time and the fact that they may not be in a position to develop a site for which they have been granted planning permission.

Under current planning legislation developers who wish to delay the commencement of development may choose to apply for renewal of planning permission as the time limit for implementation of the planning approval approaches.

Developers who do not wish to apply for renewal of planning permission do have the opportunity to commence development on the site in order to implement the planning permission and prevent the permission from lapsing. To assist and provide clarification, my officials have published guidance on this issue ‘Guidance on Renewing Planning Permission and Starting Development’ which is available to view at the Planning Service website. This guidance includes useful examples of when my Department would accept that development has commenced in accordance with the approved planning permission.

A renewal exemption due to the downturn in the housing market is not available under the current planning legislation and I have no plans to amend the legislation at this time to introduce one. I am content that the current legislation provides sufficient opportunities to renew planning permission or commence development within the required period.

Road Safety Committees

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the decline in the number of road safety committees.[R]

(AQO 637/11)

Minister of the Environment: Road safety committees are affiliated to the Road Safety Council and as an independent and voluntary organisation the future of the RSC and its local committees is very much in their own hands.

We have had limited contact with local road safety committees since 1 April 2010 when the Department introduced a new funding model which allows us to engage with the wider voluntary and community sector. As such the Department is not in a position to confirm the status of the committees that were in receipt of direct funding prior to 1 April 2010, or if new committees have been established.

Planning: John Lewis/Sprucefield Centre Ltd

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of the Environment for an update on the John Lewis planning application.

(AQO 638/11)

Minister of the Environment: I will no longer take any part in the decision making process or play any part in the consideration and decision making with regard to the subject planning application.

I have assigned all functions of the Department to Leo O’Reilly, Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Environment, in connection with the processing, administration and determination of the application.

The Judicial Review of the application has been withdrawn.

The Permanent Secretary will write to the Member about this matter in the near future.

Goods Vehicle Licensing

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of the Environment how many additional staff will be required to administer the new IT system for goods vehicles operators' licence applications and to enforce the new Goods Vehicles Operators' Licensing Scheme.

(AQO 636/11)

Minister of the Environment: At this point in the process it is not known what the staffing requirement for the introduction and management of the IT system or the enforcement of the scheme will be. The Department is currently considering resource requirements to enable the new scheme to be effectively implemented, managed and enforced.

Planning

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the consistency in decision-making across planning divisional offices, particularly in relation to PPS 21.

(AQO 643/11)

Minister of the Environment: I take the issue of consistency in decision making in relation to planning policy very seriously.

My officials in Planning Policy Division and at Planning Service Headquarters have provided advice and guidance to staff in Divisional Planning Offices on the application and interpretation of new policy, particularly in relation to the significant amendments to the final published version of PPS 21.

There is an established forum – the Development Management Working Group – where each Divisional Office is represented and where matters of policy interpretation are raised and agreed to ensure a consistent approach.

Elected representatives also raise matters of policy interpretation with me directly and I have recently clarified a number of issues in relation to PPS 21 and the second addendum to PPS 7.

Finally the development management process is subject to regular audit to ensure files are processed properly in line with legislative requirements and that proper decision making procedures are followed.

Footpaths

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has held with local councils and the Department for Regional Development about a joined-up approach to the gritting of footpaths.

(AQO 644/11)

Minister of the Environment: I have had no discussions with either the local councils or the Department for Regional Development about a joined-up approach to the gritting of footpaths.

Department of Finance and Personnel

Bonuses

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many staff in his Department received bonuses for work carried out in relation to HR Connect in each of the last five years, broken down by grade; and what were the business reasons for the bonuses.

(AQW 2197/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr S Wilson): The attached tables record the number of staff in DFP who received bonus payments outside the normal pay system exclusively for work in relation to HR Connect.

2005/06 - Nil

2006/07 - Nil

2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

HR Connect

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, since HR Connect became operational, in how many instances, when an overpayment has occurred, did HR Connect not follow the process for the recovery of overpayments.

(AQW 2266/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel:The HRConnect payroll service became operational in November 2008. The complete and accurate recovery of overpayments is measured and reported on a monthly basis as one of the agreed Service Measures for the payroll service.

Since September 2009 this Service Measure has been achieved 100%. Prior to September 2009 the overpayment procedures were still being developed and embedded and the Service Measure was not measured during that period.

Suicide

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many people in each constituency have died as a result of suicide in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2404/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The table attached gives the number of deaths registered due to either ‘suicide and self-inflicted injury’¹ or ‘undetermined injury whether accidentally or purposefully inflicted’² by Parliamentary Constituency that the deceased was resident in for each year between 2005 and 2009.

¹ International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes X60-X84, Y87.0

² International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes Y10-Y34, Y87.2

Table 1: Number of registered deaths due to ‘suicide and self-inflicted injury’ and ‘undetermined injury whether accidentally or purposefully inflicted’ by Parliamentary Constituency of the deceased, 2005-2009.

Student Support Fund 2010/11

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when his department will transfer monies for the Student Support Fund 2010/11 to the Department for Employment and Learning.

(AQW 2428/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The closure of the student rate relief scheme was agreed to in July 2009 by the Northern Ireland Executive. At that time the Executive also agreed to protect existing claimants so long as their household circumstances remained the same.

In terms of redirecting savings achieved, the Executive were advised that supplementing the Universities’ Student Support funds was the favoured option with savings redirected as and when they occurred. This was always going to take time, particularly as the closure of the scheme to new applicants led to a late, though anticipated, surge in applications in the preceding weeks.

Land and Property Services, who administer the remnants of the rates scheme, have recently reviewed the entitlement of all claimants and the majority of them are now expected to leave the scheme because of household changes, resulting in a sizeable amount of savings from the scheme.

It is my understanding that officials in DEL have now submitted the business case to DFP to allow such savings to be redirected. Following approval of the business case actual savings can flow from DFP to DEL as and when they occur.

Irish Language Classes for Staff

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether his Department currently offers, or plans to offer, Irish language classes to staff.

(AQW 2545/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: No.

Government: Revenue

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what revenue-raising options his Department and the Executive are considering.

(AQO 655/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: A number of revenue raising options are being considered by the Budget Review Group as part of the budget process.

The options being considered cover a wide array of issues in a number of departments. Ministers are now considering the practicalities of pursuing these options. These practicalities include if the proposals are deliverable and, if so, the timescale involved in the implementation.

There is no point in announcing a revenue raising policy if it is not within the Executive’s power to implement or if it will have an adverse impact on areas we would wish to protect.

It is therefore important that the Budget Review Group be allowed to consider these ideas in full before bringing forward their proposals.

Rates: Debt

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking to ensure the maximum recovery of ratepayer debt from previous financial years by 1 April 2011.

(AQO 650/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The period of rating reforms and related IT system replacements led to an increase in ratepayer debt in recent years; the recent economic situation has also increased the difficulty many ratepayers have in paying monies due.

Land & Property Services continues to pursue all unpaid rates, whilst recognising the genuine financial difficulties of many ratepayers. The Agency seeks to agree payment arrangements with ratepayers where possible, and to ensure that all ratepayers are claiming all the benefits and reliefs that they are due. Multi-year payment arrangements leave debt on the books in the short-term; but the alternative is to take ratepayers suffering genuine hardship through a legal recovery process. LPS staff have to make such decisions on a daily basis.

Where a payment arrangement is not agreed by the ratepayer, LPS uses legal recovery processes, ultimately lodging unpaid debts with the Enforcement of Judgements Office, or seeking an order declaring the ratepayer bankrupt. This is vital work if we are to ensure that the rating system is fair, and each of us pays our share of the cost of running Northern Ireland. LPS is therefore discussing more interventionist enforcement activity with EJO, and is considering options such as the use of private sector debt collectors. Those ratepayers who are not paying their rates are likely to receive a knock on the door, a phone call, or further letters.

LPS is currently making solid progress is taking forward cases of unpaid rates. At 31 October, the Agency’s work had reduced the £157 million total prior year ratepayer debt to £102 million, and had secured 10,801 court decrees, an increase of 17% on the same date last year.

Republic of Ireland: European Financial Stability Facility

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the impact that any bail-out for the Republic of Ireland under the European Financial Stability Fund might have on Northern Ireland.

(AQO 652/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Northern Ireland has strong economic links with the Republic of Ireland. They are our largest trading partner accounting for approximately 30% of our exports. Therefore a strong and growing Irish economy is very much in our interests. In that context I welcome the support package agreed with the EU and IMF on the 28^th November 2010.

However, I am concerned about the potential impact on local Irish owned banks. We don’t yet know the fine detail of how the EU – IMF Programme will be implemented, it is clear that a fundamental downsizing and reorganisation of the Irish banking sector is required. This could lead to job losses in the Irish owned banks here – Bank of Ireland (UK) and First Trust - and impact on lending in Northern Ireland.

Finally, the austerity measures announced by the Irish Government will undoubtedly lead to falling demand in the Irish market. This could adversely affect our sales to the Republic and their ability to travel to Northern Ireland to shop.

Civil Service: Pay

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of whether the 5 per cent pay rise being sought for Civil Service staff might lead to job losses if it was awarded.

(AQO 653/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: A 5 per cent pay rise would create additional pressures on departmental budgets and when taken together with the budget reductions announced as part of 2010 spending review I expect that civil service workforce numbers would have to fall. Every effort however will be made to manage any necessary workforce reductions without the need for redundancies, but it seems inevitable that the NICS will face significant post reductions in the coming years.

Inflation

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what scope he envisages to control inflation in Executive expenditure over the next four years.

(AQO 654/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Northern Ireland essentially received a flat cash settlement in terms of current expenditure in the Spending Review. In real terms, this means we are facing a reduction in our Departmental Expenditure Limit of 8 per cent by the end of 2014-15. Therefore controlling inflation will be important as we seek to maintain public services.

Public sector pay accounts for around half of all current expenditure in Northern Ireland and that is the one area where we have greatest scope to control inflation. That is why earlier this year I announced a two-year public sector pay freeze unless contractual commitments apply.

Unfortunately, we have limited ability to control other external sources of inflation such as energy costs. However, I have no doubt that further efficiency savings are possible which could help offset these inflationary

pressures. Therefore, I have asked Departments to produce savings plans as part of the Budget process.

Banks

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel which banks he has met over the last six months.

(AQO 656/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Earlier this year my officials met with representatives of each of our four main local banks on my behalf to discuss the perceived lack of credit available for businesses. More recently, I have personally met with representatives from Santander UK, while my officials met with Citibank.

I am also meeting the British Bankers Association and the banks together with Business Alliance representatives in early December to discuss the recent Task force report from the BBA. It outlines 17 action points to improve the relationship between banks and their customers and I pressing for these to be implemented in Northern Ireland as soon as possible

Student Finance

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when the money saved by the abolition of rates relief for students will be redirected to the Department for Employment and Learning for Student Support.

(AQO 657/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The closure of the student rate relief scheme was agreed to in July 2009 by the Northern Ireland Executive. At that time the Executive also agreed to protect existing claimants so long as their household circumstances remained the same.

In terms of redirecting savings achieved, the Executive were advised that supplementing the Universities’ Student Support funds was the favoured option with savings redirected as and when they occurred. This was always going to take time, particularly as the closure of the scheme to new applicants led to a late, though anticipated, surge in applications in the preceding weeks.

Land and Property Services, who administer the remnants of the rates scheme, have recently reviewed the entitlement of all claimants and the majority of them are now expected to leave the scheme because of household changes, resulting in a sizeable amount of savings from the scheme.

It is my understanding that officials in DEL have now submitted the business case to DFP to allow such savings to be redirected. Following approval of the business case actual savings can flow from DFP to DEL as and when they occur.

Budget 2010-11

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide an update on preparations for the draft budget.

(AQO 658/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The Member will be aware that, I have been urging the Executive to agree a draft Budget. It is now essential this is done as soon as possible to ensure there is adequate time for public consultation before agreeing the final Budget at the end of January/beginning of February. It is important that the final Budget is agreed by this date to provide departments and their arm’s length bodies with the certainty they require to plan effectively for the coming financial year.

I brought an initial paper to the Executive in mid September outlining my planning assumptions for Budget 2010. This was the subject of a useful discussion at the Executive meeting on 23 September.

Following the Spending Review announcement on 20 October, I presented a paper to the Budget Review Group on 4 November 2010 which included an initial draft Budget scenario. Bilateral meetings are currently being conducted which will allow me to gather the views of other Ministers on the impact of the proposed allocations to their departments.

The Budget Review Group continues to meet on a regular basis to discuss the draft Budget. These discussions include issues such as revenue raising proposals.

Once these discussions have been completed I will bring a draft Budget paper to the Executive.

Presbyterian Mutual Society

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he can give an assurance that the interests of the Presbyterian Mutual Society savers will not be adversely affected by the current budget negotiations.

(AQO 659/11)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Executive and Assembly approval of our Budget will be needed before the proposed solution to the PMS situation can go ahead.

The Spending Review announced on 20 October confirmed that the Executive would have the spending power necessary to meet the UK Government’s contribution to both the Loan and Mutual Access Fund elements of the proposed PMS solution in the 2011-12 financial year. This money is specifically for the purpose of PMS but as it will flow through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment the Executive must formally approve this allocation to them as part of the process of agreeing our own Budget. The Assembly will subsequently have to approve this in order to provide legislative authority for the expenditure.

DETI have made a bid in the budget 2010 process for £25 million in respect of the Northern Ireland Executive’s contribution to the Mutual Access Fund. Confirmation of this is subject to agreement of the Budget by the Executive. The Assembly will again have to provide legislative authority for the expenditure.

My hope is that a Budget will be agreed in the near future.

Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Mental Health Patients

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many mental health patients are currently treated as (i) in-patients; and (ii) out-patients and receiving care in the community.

(AQW 2107/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): At 17 February 2010 (latest available), 1,067 patients were being treated as inpatients in mental health hospitals in Northern Ireland.

Information on the number of mental health patients being treated as outpatients and receiving care in the community is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Budget Allocation

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in the last financial year available, what proportion of his budget was spent on (i) health care; (ii) social services and (iii) public safety.

(AQW 2108/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The last complete financial year for which the information requested is available is 2009-10. The proportions of the budget spent by my Department on health, social services and public safety in 2009/10 were:

Consultants and General Practitioners Earnings

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the maximum amount that (i) a consultant; and (ii) a general practitioner can earn from the Health Service per annum; and how many people earned the maximun amount in the last available financial year.

(AQW 2109/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:

1. The maximum basic salary for a consultant is £100,446 per annum. 159 consultants are at the maximum point on the salary scale.

(ii) As the GMS Contract is a contract for services with a GP Practice, it is for a GP to decide how much to draw out by way of earnings and practice expenses. It is therefore not possible to provide information on the maximum amount a GP can earn from health service work per annum.

Car Parking Charges

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much revenue has been raised from car parking charges on Health Service property in each of the last three years; and how much of this revenue went back into the Health Service.

(AQW 2110/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety:

* Craigavon started charging in August 2009.

All revenue listed is shown gross and has gone back into the Health Service.

The revenue raised on the Royal Victoria Hospital site is excluded as revenue raised is retained by the PFI contractor under the terms of the contract.

Prescriptions for Anti-depressant Drugs

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many prescriptions for anti-depressant drugs were issued and dispensed in each of the last three years; and what was the cost to the Health Service in each year.

(AQW 2112/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The number of prescription items for anti-depressants for which a prescription was written, dispensed by a community pharmacist, and presented for payment in each of the last three years is shown in the table below.

The ingredient cost before discount is also shown in the table below, this is the basic cost of the drug before the application of the sliding discount scale. The ingredient cost does not include other costs to the health service such as dispensing fees and other payments.

Table 1: Number of prescription items for anti-depressants dispensed, and ingredient cost before discount 2007/08 – 2009/10.

Source: Family Practitioner Services, Information and Registration Unit - HSC Business Services Organisation.

Notes:

1. The ingredient cost shown is the ingredient cost before the application of the sliding discount scale with the exception of the drugs classified in part 1 of the Drug Tariff. For these items it is the ingredient cost after discount.

2. BSO prescribing data extract for Antidepressants as classified as BNF Chapter 4, Section 3.

3. Information relates to prescriptions dispensed April to March.

4. Figures exclude private prescriptions and prescriptions for anti-depressants written and dispensed in secondary care.

C Difficile

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many patients have (i) been diagnosed with; and (ii) died from C difficile in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust since the launch of the public inquiry into the outbreak of the infection in the Trust.

(AQW 2115/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: On 31 March 2009 I launched the public inquiry into the outbreak of the Clostridium Difficile infection in the Northern Health & Social Care Trust.

1. Between 1 April 2009 and 15 November 2010, 331 patients have been diagnosed with Clostridium difficile in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. Of these, 209 patients have been diagnosed during an inpatient episode and 122 diagnosed within a community setting. Information reported for the community includes those diagnosed by a General Practitioner and those diagnosed during an Accident and Emergency attendance (since 12 November 2009); and,
2. Provisional information indicates that between 1 April 2009 and 30 September 2010, 11 deaths were registered in Northern Ireland where Clostridium difficile was recorded as the underlying or main cause of death in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

C Difficile

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many suspected cases of C difficile have been reported in children under the age of 2 years old in each Health and Social Care Trust in (i) 2007/08; (ii) 2008/09; and (iii) 2009/10.

(AQW 2116/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Northern Health and Social Care Trust's Day Surgery Rate

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, given that the Northern Health and Social Care Trust's day surgery rate currently stands at 47 per cent which is a reduction of 6 per cent since March 2010, what action is being taken to ensure the Trust meets its target rate of 72 per cent by March 2011.

(AQW 2117/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Responsibility for meeting the targets in its Trust Delivery Plan lies with the Northern Trust. The Trust has advised me that it remains fully committed to improving day case rates in a safe and sustainable manner and is taking steps to specifically achieve improvements in this area.

Children Suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the current average waiting time between referral and assessment for children suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder.

(AQW 2126/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Figures are not available in the format requested.

Urology Services at the Causeway Hospital

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether he has any plans to withdraw urology services from the Causeway Hospital; and whether his Department or the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has consulted any party about the potential withdrawal of urology services from the Causeway Hospital.

(AQW 2163/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are no plans to withdraw Urology Services from the Causeway Hospital; the current configuration of seven beds will remain in Causeway for minor and intermediate cases and all other outpatient, diagnostic and elective admissions and services will continue to be based in Causeway.

Cancer Detection and Survival Rates

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how cancer (i) detection; and (ii) survival rates compare with the rest of the UK.

(AQW 2176/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) The latest comparable incidence¹ rates for NI and the UK are set out in table 1 below.

Table 1 - Incidence rates of all cancers excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (ICD-10* C00-C97 excl. C44) diagnosed in 2007 in N. Ireland and the UK

(ii) Comparable five year relative survival rates for all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) between the UK constituent countries is presented in Table 2 below.

Table 2 - 5-year relative survival rate of patients diagnosed with cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (ICD-10* C00-C97 excl. C44) between 1995-99

This information was provided by the NI Cancer registry and is the most up-to-date available

Radiographers

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to detail the number of radiographers currently employed in Health and Social Care Trusts under (a) a permanent contract; and (b) a temporary contract; (ii) the length of each temporary contract; and (iii) what plans he has to make these temporary contracts permanent.

(AQW 2189/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) (a) The number of radiographers employed under permanent contracts is given in the table below.

Number of Radiographers employed under permanent contracts by Trust as at November 2010.

Source: NI HSC Trusts

(i) (b) The number of radiographers employed under temporary contracts is given in the table below.

Number of Radiographers employed under temporary contracts as at November 2010.

Source: NI HSC Trusts

Note: Some counts have been combined in order to minimise the risk of personal disclosure, where it may be possible to identify an individual from the data provided.

(i) (b) (ii) We cannot provide each length of contract as this would be to disclose individual information, however these temporary contracts range from 1 month to 25 months.

(iii) It is not the Minister’s responsibility to determine staffing levels within Trusts. Trusts decide on their own staffing levels for both permanent and temporary contracts as required by the individual Trust.

Patient and Client Council and the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority: Funding

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funding provided by his Department to the (i) Patient and Client Council; and (ii) Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority, in each of the last two years.

(AQW 2195/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The funding allocated by my Department to these bodies over the last 2 years was as follows:

2009/10 2008/09

£k £k

Patient and Client Council

• revenue 1,548 n/a
• capital 0

Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

• revenue 5,952 5,523
• capital 133 50

The Patient and Client Council came into being on 1 April 2009.

Food Standards Agency

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the impact that the reorganisation of the Food Standards Agency will have on the centralised support available to the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2200/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: As a result of the change in remit of the FSA in England, those staff responsible for nutrition policy have transferred to the Department of Health and those staff responsible for non-safety related food composition and labelling have transferred to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Staff from the FSA in NI who retain responsibility for these policy areas are now establishing relationships with staff in the relevant English Government Departments. It is still too early to establish whether or not an equivalent level of policy development support and technical expert advice will be available in the future. I will be maintaining contact with the FSA to ensure that Northern Ireland continues to have the ability to provide an appropriate level of public health protection for our citizens.

Lung Surgery Beds and Anaesthetists

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the impact on waiting times of the reduction across hospitals in the number of lung surgery beds and anaesthetists.

(AQW 2206/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The delivery of these services is a matter for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust as the regional service provider.

I am not aware of any reduction within Belfast of consultant anaesthetist staffing associated with thoracic surgery or in the number of lung surgery beds.

The Belfast Trust has advised that they will continue to make available additional beds for thoracic surgery including beds for lung cancer patients as and when they are needed.

The Trust continues to work to meet access targets in respect of elective waiting times for thoracic surgery. The Trust also continues to manage patients in line with my Department’s access targets for diagnosis and commencement of treatment for those with cancer.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether any of his Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2220/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Department is keenly aware of the importance of legislation in this arena and will keep it central to its thinking in relation to Budget 2010. The impact on Section 75 groups and the most vulnerable in our society continues to be of prime importance and this will not change as a result of the emerging budget settlement. My bids included a summary high level impact assessment. In essence these show that, in general, a decision to spend more on health and social care helps people in section 75 groups – older people, people with a disability and younger people - because their need for health and social care is generally greater than the general population of average age. The converse is also true.

At this stage of the planning process, we do not know the level of the Budget 2010 reductions that will be made to the Department’s budget. However, once this information is available, we can begin to model more clearly how the actual funding allocated can/should be spent and begin to assess the impact of those decisions in terms of the Section 75 groups.  Best practice dictates that Equality Impact Assessments should be completed as part of the public consultation exercise that will be undertaken if savings delivery plans are necessary. This will allow an informed discussion on any potential impact there may be on section 75 groups

Employment Levels

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently employed in (i) the Patient and Client Council; and (ii) the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority.

(AQW 2235/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Information on staffing levels within both the Patient Client Council and the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Authority can be found in the latest Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Key Facts Workforce Bulletin at 30^th September 2010, which is on the DHSSPS website at:

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/key_facts_workforce_bulletin_sept_2010_web_template.pdf

Royal Victoria Hospital: Car Parking

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he plans to take to aleviate the car parking problems and resulting queues of traffic at the Royal Victoria Hospital car park in Belfast.

(AQW 2244/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A temporary car park will be completed soon on the Broadway site. This will accommodate an additional 230 spaces. It is the intention that staff will be relocated from the main car park which will, in turn, make more space available for patients and visitors in the main car park.

Cystic Fibrosis

Mr Pól Callaghan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many (i) children; and (ii) adults are currently diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

(AQW 2271/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In 2008, there were 230 children recorded on the Cystic Fibrosis register as receiving treatment in Northern Ireland.

Similarly, there were 192 adults recorded on the Cystic Fibrosis register as receiving treatment in Northern Ireland in 2008.

Mental Illness and Personality Disorders Among Prisoners

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what resources are available to address the high levels of mental illness and personality disorders among prisoners.

(AQO 629/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has responsibility for the delivery of prison healthcare services. The Trust advises that £1.05m is currently spent on the provision of mental health services to prisons. Twenty one staff and two consultants (part time) provide this service.

Student Bursaries

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why local students studying in England for a degree in Social Care do not receive the same bursary as students from England and Wales who study the same subject here.

(AQW 2495/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The DHSSPS Student Incentive Scheme provides support to all students domiciled in Northern Ireland who study social work at undergraduate level here. It is not available for students from NI who choose to study elsewhere in the UK although they are eligible to apply for a Student Loan from their relevant Education and Library Board.

Rationale for the Scheme was based on evidence produced by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Department of Employment and Learning (DEL), showing that more than 70% of students funded to study outside Northern Ireland did not return to Northern Ireland to work. By contrast, the majority of local graduates remained in Northern Ireland.

Other countries in the UK have their own funding schemes for the Degree in Social Work.

Agenda for Change Review

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 658/11, when the Agenda for Change review outcome for auxiliary nurses in the Ulster Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit will be known.

(AQW 2511/11)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Management at the South Eastern Trust have advised me that the Trust had originally anticipated having these reviews completed within a four week period. However, there have been further issues raised at the consistency checking stage of the process. The Trust is currently addressing these issues with both the manager and staff concerned.

We alI appreciate that this has been a lengthy and drawn out process, which I would wish to see concluded as quickly as possible. However, it is important that this particular case is dealt with in line with the agreed process.

Department of Justice

Domestic Violence

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of arrests for common or aggravated assault, or similar offences, of a partner in the context of domestic violence, in each of the last five years; and (ii) of these, how many people were (a) prosecuted; (b) convicted.

(AQW 2147/11)

Minister of Justice (Mr D Ford): The information is not available in the format requested. Data on arrests, prosecutions and convictions do not specify the relationship between the parties involved.

Human Trafficking

Mr P Frew asked the Minister of Justice, for each of the last ten years, to detail (i) the number of people who have been victims of human trafficking, in and through, Northern Ireland; (ii) the number of people convicted for human trafficking or similar offences; and (iii) what measures he plans to put in place to counter this crime.

(AQW 2229/11)

Minister of Justice : The information is not recorded in the manner requested. However, I can advise the following:

Prior to 2007 there was no significant awareness of human trafficking into Northern Ireland. In 2007/08 local law enforcement agencies participated in Pentameter 2, a UK wide operation focussing on human trafficking, which led to a small number of victims being recovered locally.

• In 2008/2009, the PSNI recovered 11 potential victims of human trafficking;
• In 2009/2010, the PSNI recovered 25 potential victims of human trafficking; and
• Recent figures provided by the UK Human Trafficking Centre confirm that between 1 January 2010 and 31 August 2010 the PSNI have made 13 referrals to the National Referral Mechanism. This includes 5 persons under 18 and 8 adults who are reported to have been subjected to either sexual or labour exploitation.

A number of other cases have also been pursued through the Criminal Justice system as follows:

On 4 February 2010, Thomas Carroll and Shamelia Clark pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and conspiracy to money launder. Toma Carroll pleaded guilty to conspiracy to money launder. They were sentenced to seven years, three and a half years and two years respectively.

The Trafficking charges against the three defendants were not taken to trial on the basis that the maximum sentence for trafficking (14 years) is the same as that for money laundering.

This prosecution followed a proactive and complex investigation by PSNI, An Garda Siochána and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

One further case of human trafficking for sexual exploitation is presently awaiting a date for trial and a case of human trafficking for labour exploitation is presently awaiting direction from the Public Prosecution Service.

In terms of the measures in place to counter trafficking, the PSNI has proactively sought to develop trust and develop good working relationships with a wide range of organisations and community representatives, who may, within their respective roles, come into contact with victims of human trafficking. This has led directly to the identification of victims of human trafficking and the commencement of investigations.

All potential victims are invited to accompany officers to a place of safety and, following an initial interview, are referred to a competent authority through the National Referral Mechanism. If victim status is granted, the victim will receive access to the appropriate support services and enter a 45 day reflection period to aid their recovery from their ordeal and to consider whether they wish to cooperate with a police investigation.

PSNI Organised Crime Branch has conducted a number of major proactive operations against trafficking.  The first priority in such investigations is the rescue of any suspected or potential victims. There have been eight persons arrested in Northern Ireland this year on suspicion of involvement in Human Trafficking, three of whom were subsequently charged with Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation and other related offences. 

The PSNI has also invested in joint training with An Garda Siochána, in order to deliver the highest possible standard of cross border co-operation and investigation on this issue.

On 23 February this year a human trafficking awareness seminar was held in Belfast for around 120 frontline staff from health and social services, education, law enforcement, legal, religious and voluntary/community organisations.

As part of that seminar the Blue Blindfold campaign was officially launched in Northern Ireland. The campaign aims to increase public awareness of human trafficking and to encourage reporting of any suspicions. I intend to repeat the campaign early in the New Year, to reinforce the message that human trafficking is happening in Northern Ireland and that the PSNI needs the public to be vigilant to help stamp out this vile crime. I hope that this campaign will be run jointly with the relevant agencies and the Irish authorities.

On behalf of the Organised Crime Task Force I recently launched a multi-lingual poster and leaflet, which is targeted at potential victims of trafficking. These resources are displayed in key places where victims might come into contact with them including, ports, main railway stations, health centres and Doctors’ surgeries.

Court Service Case Number 10/111192

Lord Morrow asked e Minister of Justice to detail the total cost, from outset to conclusion, of bringing Court Service case number 10/111192 to trial at Dungannon Crown Court, broken down by costs incurred for prosecution, defence, court, jury, interpreter and any other relevant costs.

(AQW 2236/11)

Minister of Justice : The available information cannot be disaggregated in the way the question asks. Some of the costs of this case are not yet known – for example the legal aid costs may not be submitted for some months.

The table below sets out the estimated costs associated with the bringing to trial and hearing of case number 10/111192 including all appearances before the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Justice whether any of his Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2275/11)

Minister of Justice : The Department of Justice’s Budget 2010 proposals for both revenue and capital expenditure will be Equality Impact Assessed. However, this process cannot be completed until the Department’s budget allocation is finalised and firm spending plans are agreed across the DOJ.

The process will include an assessment of the impact of the spending proposals on issues of Equality, Good Relations, Poverty, Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development.

Interns

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Justice how many interns his Department has facilitated in 2010/11 and how many it intends to facilitate in 2011/12.

(AQW 2282/11)

Minister of Justice : The Department of Justice has facilitated 16 internships in 2010/11 and arrangements have already been made to facilitate 1 internship in 2011/12.

Carlisle House Substance Misuse Treatment Centre

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Justice if he has any plans to use the facilities available at the Carlisle House Substance Misuse Treatment Centre for treating offenders who have addictions, as an alternative to fines or custodial sentences.

(AQW 2309/11)

Minister of Justice : The Department of Justice currently has no plans to use Carlisle House. However, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, a Non Departmental Public Body of the DoJ, does use Carlisle House for offenders with addiction issues.

Maghaberry Prison

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice, in relation to the cost of the clean-up, resolution, negotiation and refurbishment of Maghaberry Prison following the dissident republican disorder, (i) whether funding will come from the Treasury or his Department's budget; and (ii) how this funding will impact on current resources.

(AQW 2334/11)

Minister of Justice : Both capital and resource expenditure has been funded from the relevant NIPS budget which was allocated by the Department of Justice.

There has been no impact on resources outside NIPS, as all expenditure to date has been managed within the existing allocation. Some elements of additional security are consistent with the programme to review and upgrade security at Maghaberry.

Violence in Rathcoole

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Justice how many people have been (i) questioned; (ii) arrested; (iii) charged; and (iv) convicted in relation to the recent violence that took place in Rathcoole.

(AQW 2336/11)

Minister of Justice : To date (25 November) 6 persons have been arrested and questioned in relation to the violence which occurred in the Rathcoole area on 25 - 26 October. Of these, 1 individual has been charged, 3 have been released pending reports to the Public Prosecution Service and the remaining 2 were released unconditionally. Information is not yet available on convictions for these offences as they have not yet completed the criminal process.

Terminally-ill Prisoners

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Justice to outline the procedures in place concerning the possible release of terminally-ill prisoners on compassionate grounds.

(AQW 2343/11)

Minister of Justice : In circumstances where a prisoner is deemed by the prison’s General Medical Practitioner to have reached the stage where terminal illness necessitates a higher level of palliative care than can be provided within the prison, Section 16 of the Prison Act (Northern Ireland) 1953 or Prison Rule 27(2) may be invoked, which could lead to the prisoner being taken to a hospital or other suitable place for the purposes of investigation, observation or treatment.

Convictions for Assaults on Staff

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice to detail the number of convictions for assaults on staff of (i) medical facilities; (ii) the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service; and (iii) ambulance crews, broken down by each court division, in each of the last two years.

(AQW 2384/11)

Minister of Justice : The information is not available in the format requested. Assaults on staff of medical facilities and ambulance crews do not constitute a separate offence and it is therefore not possible to separate out the number of convictions for assault on ambulance personnel or medical facility staff.

The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 provides for an offence of assaulting or obstructing a fire and rescue officer. In 2006 (the only year for which figures are currently available), there were no convictions for this offence.

Riots in Ardoyne and Rathcoole

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Justice to detail the number of (i) prosecutions; and (ii) convictions in relation to the recent riots in (a) Ardoyne; and (b) Rathcoole.

(AQW 2407/11)

Minister of Justice : The PPS has advised that to date (30 November) prosecution decisions have been issued in respect of 39 persons relating to incidents in the Ardoyne area over the 12-13 July period. Of these, 35 cases are currently progressing through the Courts; 3 individuals have been convicted; and 1 person has been dealt with by a diversionary option.

In respect of incidents in the Rathcoole area over the 25-26 October period, 3 people have been reported by police to the PPS. Prosecution decisions in relation to these individuals will be taken in due course.

Women in the PSNI

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Justice what percentage of the PSNI workforce was female in each of the last ten years; and what steps he is taking to increase the number of women in the PSNI.

(AQW 2452/11)

Minister of Justice : The female composition of the PSNI is a matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board.

You may therefore wish to direct your question to the PSNI.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has responsibility for making, and periodically amending, the Gender Action Plan which focuses on recruitment, retention and progression of females in the PSNI. The Gender Action Plan was last updated in 2008. My Department is one of the statutory consultees to the action plan.

Prison Services: Absences

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Justice to outline the levels of sickness absence in the Prison Service over the last three years.

(AQO 619/11)

Minister of Justice : During the 2007/08 year the level of sick absence in the prison service totalled an average of 17.72 days per member of staff. During 2008/09 that figure fell to an average of 14.52 days and during 2009/10 the average again fell to 12.65 days. These figures include all staff working within the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Mr Speaker we are not complacent about the progress to date and every effort is being made to reduce the levels of absence further. As the figures for the first six months of this year demonstrate progress is being made. Management is committed to continue to work with staff and their Trade Unions to address this issue.

Justice Bill: Community Impact

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Justice if he will work with the Committee for Justice on the possible inclusion of provisions on community impact assessments within the Justice Bill.

(AQO 616/11)

Minister of Justice : The Member will no doubt be aware that the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, Dr Michael Maguire, has recommended that my Department should undertake a feasibility study into the introduction of community impact assessments and report on it by June 2011. This was in the context of Dr Maguire’s report into the justice system’s handling of sexual offences cases, with particular reference to the circumstances of the McDermott case, which was published on 9 November.

In accepting the recommendation, I made it clear that we need to be careful not to create unrealistic expectations about what effect community impact assessments could have, were they to be introduced. While they may well help to give communities a voice, which is undoubtedly important, decisions in court will still be made independently by the judge, based on the evidence presented and the individual circumstances of each case.

There are a number of ways in which community impact assessments could operate. And the very fact that the Chief Inspector’s recommendation was framed in terms of undertaking a feasibility study was, I believe, a recognition of the complexity and sensitivity of this particular issue. We will need to consider the available options very carefully.

I am very happy to give a commitment to work closely with the Committee for Justice as we undertake this important piece of work.

But, turning to the specifics of the Member’s question, it would not really be feasible to use the current Justice Bill as the vehicle for introducing community impact assessments. It is established practice across government that new policies are fully assessed, screened for their equality impact and opened up to public consultation. It will be important that we do this in order to arrive at the right solution for the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland. If we decide to proceed with the introduction of community impact assessments, it would be more realistic to plan to legislate for this in our next Justice Bill.

Police: Complaints

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Justice whether he has raised with the Chief Constable the high levels of incivility complaints made against police officers to the Police Ombudsman in recent years.

(AQO 623/11)

Minister of Justice : Whilst the conduct and discipline of police officers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable, public confidence in the police is a departmental priority.

The Chief Constable remains committed to reducing the number of complaints being made against police officers, and the Assembly can be assured that he has been active in assessing and responding to the profile of complaints against officers.

I fully support the extensive initiatives taken by the PSNI to reduce the number of complaints and thereby to increase community confidence and trust in the police throughout Northern Ireland.

Prisoners: Deaths in Custody

Mr D Kinahan asked the Minister of Justice how many prisoners have died in custody over the last five years.

(AQO 624/11)

Minister of Justice : Since 2005 16 prisoners have died in the three Northern Ireland prison establishments. In addition, nine prisoners have died in outside hospitals, of whom two had been granted compassionate release on licence. Two prisoners have died whilst being unlawfully at large. There has also been one death in police custody. A little over half of these deaths have been as a result of natural causes.

The Prison Service takes it duty of care very seriously. Since the transfer of responsibility for healthcare in April 2008 the Prison Service has a strong working partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust for the delivery of healthcare services.

The needs of the prison population are complex, a disproportionately high level of prisoners present with mental health problems or personality disorders. I am committed to providing effective services to offenders in custody in order to better support prisoners at risk, in partnership with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety,

Safer custody is a priority and the Service is currently taking forward a range of strategic measures to identify and better meet the needs of vulnerable prisoners. These include the introduction last December of a new multi agency approach to Supporting Prisoners at Risk (SPAR).

NIPS also has strong links with the Samaritans organisation in the provision of a peer support scheme known as Listeners. Listeners are prisoners, trained by the Samaritans in listening skills, with the objective being to offer confidential emotional support to those who wish to share their problems with someone who is not a member of prison staff, but is willing to listen.

The new REACH and OUTREACH facilities will also provide a therapeutic regime for our most vulnerable prisoners.

Young Offenders: Remand

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Justice how many inmates at the Young Offenders' Centre are currently on remand awaiting trail.

(AQO 627/11)

Minister of Justice : There are currently 78 inmates on remand in Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre, inclusive of both inmates on remand and awaiting trial. This figure includes eleven juvenile inmates on remand, ten of whom are aged 17 years old.

Prisoners: Christmas Parole

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Justice how many prisoners, over the last five years, were given parole for the Christmas period and failed to return to prison.

(AQO 628/11)

Minister of Justice : In the last five years a total of 462 prisoners have been granted parole for the Christmas period. Of these, a total of seven prisoners failed to return as required. All of these prisoners were subsequently returned to custody, including two prisoners who returned voluntarily.

All 76 prisoners who participated in the Home Leave at Christmas Scheme last year returned on time, as required.

The Home leave at Christmas Scheme is an important part of the resettlement process which strengthens family links and helps to reduce levels of re-offending on release.

Eligibility for the scheme is governed by tight criteria, which have been published by the Prison Service. It is based on a prisoner having reached his home leave eligibility date (usually within the last year of sentence) and having been successfully tested by an overnight period of home leave before Christmas releases begin. Eligibility is also subject to risk assessments and public protection considerations.

The scheme has been operating successfully now for a number of years with a very low failure rate: approximately only 1.5% of prisoners participating in the scheme over the last five years have failed to return as required.

The scheme has also been modified to limit eligibility largely to those prisoners who are in their last year of sentence. This is expected to further reduce the level of prisoners who fail to return as required, whilst still ensuring that appropriate prisoners can benefit from this important scheme.

Antisocial Behaviour

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Justice what action his Department is taking to address anti-social behaviour.

(AQO 630/11)

Minister of Justice : Tackling anti- social behaviour is one of my Department’s key priorities, and we are currently on target to deliver a 15% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents over the three year period ending March 2011. Last year (2009/10) saw a 17.2% reduction on the baseline year (2007/08). These reductions have continued into this year (2010/11) where most recent figures show there has been a 20.2% reduction between April and September 2010 and the same period in the baseline year (Apr-Sept 2007).

The approach to tacking anti-social behaviour can be summarised by 3 themes of prevention, intervention and enforcement which collectively have resulted in 17,000 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour in 2009/10 than in 2007/08.

At a local level tacking anti-social behaviour is prioritised in Community Safety Partnership action plans to ensure local delivery against a strategic priority.

Dealing with this issue is not solely the responsibility of any one agency. It requires a partnership approach and my Department will continue to work with PSNI, district councils and the NI Housing Executive in their actions to tackle anti-social behaviour. They are using the full range of tools available to them against the themes of prevention which includes initiatives such as neighbourhood watch, intervention which includes diversionary programmes such as ‘Splash’ and enforcement which provides for a graduated approach from warning letters to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts through to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

Tackling anti- social behaviour will continue to be a priority for my Department and the forthcoming consultation on a new Community Safety Strategy will provide an opportunity to consider the current approaches to tackling anti social behaviour as well as obtaining views on the use of anti social behaviour orders and alternative approaches to addressing anti social behaviour.

Department for Regional Development

Cost of Calls and Lines Supplied by BT

Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of calls and lines supplied by BT to his Department in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2096/11)

Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): DFP, through IT Assist, is responsible for most of the telephony services used by NICS, including DRD. Voice services are provided via the DIAL network and the Department is charged directly by DFP. Charges include both call charges and a tariff. All invoices from various suppliers are consolidated by DFP and apportioned across departments based on extension numbers. This apportionment is known as the tariff and it is not possible to provide figures for a single supplier. A breakdown of the total DIAL telephony cost for DRD, to call and tariff level for each of the last five financial years, is set out in the table below:-

The Department also has a number of lines that are leased separately from BT. The following list details those payments, which includes calls, data communications and lines, over the past five years:-

2005/06 - £679,000

2006/07 - £728,000

2007/08 - £716,000

2008/09 - £794,000

2009/10 - £706,000

These figures are a best estimate. Whilst every effort has been made to identify cost and charges specifically related to lines, due to the large number of payments that have been made to BT over the past five years it has not been possible to accurately determine which of the payments relate solely to lines except at disproportionate cost.

Delivery of Telecommunications

Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to list all companies currently responsible for the delivery of telecommunications for his Department.

(AQW 2097/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The main providers of telecommunications services to both DRD and NICS are BT and Eircom. The full list of providers is as follows:

Atlas Communications

BT

C&W

C&W Energis

Eircom

Fenix Solutions

Global crossing

O2

Opal

Orange

Siemens

Virgin Media

Vodafone

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Restoring Broken Street Lighting

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development whether there is a (i) target time; and (ii) maximum target time for restoring broken street lighting.

(AQW 2140/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service aims to respond to defective street lights within five working days of notification. However, depending on the nature of the defective light, it may not always be possible to locate and repair all problems within this time scale. For example, in cases where there is an underground cable fault or a failure in the electricity supply, repairs are completed as quickly as possible but it may take more than five working days depending on the circumstances.

I can advise that Roads Service aims to ensure that 98% of all street lights are operational at all times, and has consistently met and exceeded this target over recent years.

East Street Car Park in Warrenpoint

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he will consider renaming the East Street Car Park in Warrenpoint to The Shambles Car Park, to mark the historic significance of this site.

(AQW 2146/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I can advise that it is customary and practicable to officially name car parks after the street in which they are located or accessed from. Roads Service does not intend to change this policy at this time, therefore I am unable to accede to your request.

Proposed A5 Road Project

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline line the process followed when appointing Mouchel as consultants for the A5 road project.

(AQW 2153/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service appointed Mouchel, in October 2007, as its lead consultant on the A5 Project, through a framework contract established in August 2005: - ‘Consultancy Services for the Assistance in the delivery of the Roads Service Strategic Road Improvement (SRI) Programme, Major Works Planning, Assessment and Delivery Contract’. This framework contract was renewed in July 2009 and Mouchel’s commission was continued through this renewed contract, with effect from 1 December 2009.

The A5 project is being delivered through an Early Contractor Involvement procurement route whereby contractors, assisted by their own consultant designers, are combining with Mouchel to deliver the project. The actual scheme has been split into three distinct sections and the three contractor/consultant consortiums were appointed, in December 2009, to form the Integrated Delivery Team to deliver the whole project, with Mouchel as the lead consultant.

Development work on the A5 Western Transport Corridor is progressing well and the draft statutory orders and Environmental Statement were published earlier this month.

Proposed A5 Road Project

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) what is the current estimated amount of land that will be used in the construction of the proposed A5 road: and (ii) whether any Areas of Special Scientific Interest or Environmentally Significant Land will be impinged.

(AQW 2154/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that approximately 1,200 hectares of land will be required for the construction of the proposed A5 dual carriageway. Approximately 250 hectares of this land will be required temporarily during the construction phase.

The environmental assessment has identified and assessed impacts on designated sites and environmentally sensitive areas. The proposed A5 dual carriageway will not involve any direct landtake from any Areas of Special Scientific Interest. However, the proposed road will cross the Special Areas of Conservation of the River Foyle and its Tributaries. Where this occurs, the scheme has been designed to avoid and minimise impacts, for example, by the use of clear span bridges.

There are a number of additional areas across the scheme where impacts would occur on other environmental features, for example, the scheme would involve the demolition of Castletown House, a Grade B1 listed building, and landtake from agricultural land and woodland. Full details are available in the Environmental Statement which is available on the scheme website at www.a5wtc.com.

Proposed A5 Road Project

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development how many farmers and landowners will lose land due to the proposed A5 road project.

(AQW 2155/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that land will be required from 419 landowners for the A5 scheme. Of these, 331 are agricultural holdings, of which 282 are actively farmed. The remaining agricultural holdings are mostly single fields and not farmed.

Impact on farms is discussed in Chapter 15 of the Environmental Statement which is available at http://a5wtc.com/Statutory_Procedures.aspx .

Proposed A5 and A8 Road Projects

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development whether a contract has been signed with the Government in the Republic of Ireland for the delivery of finance for the proposed A5 and A8 road projects.

(AQW 2156/11)

Minister for Regional Development: In 2007 the Irish Government confirmed its commitment to make a £400 million contribution to the A5 and A8 projects and the Executive agreed, in principle, to take forward both projects. Furthermore, the terms on which funding is to be provided were agreed at the North South Ministerial Council plenary session held in July 2009.

You may be interested to know that the third key milestone, publication of draft statutory orders, was met, on target, during week commencing 15 November 2010.

20mph Speed Limit Outside Schools

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he intends to introduce a 20mph speed limit outside schools.

(AQW 2165/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The important issue of safer travel to schools, and road safety measures around schools, is fully recognised by my Department’s Roads Service, and it has invested considerable resources in trying to make it as safe as possible for children travelling to and from school.

Roads Service has recently piloted two part time 20 mph speed limits at two rural schools, where the national speed limit currently applies, and at a school located in a more urban environment. The pilots at the two rural schools have proven to be very successful in reducing vehicle speeds during those periods when there are higher levels of activity at the school entrance, such as at opening and closing time. There was, however, a less marked reduction at the school in the more urban environment.

Roads Service’s speed management policy encourages further roll out of 20 mph limits and zones, in residential and other areas where there is a high proportion of vulnerable road users present. However, these limits and zones are only effective when they are backed up with physical traffic calming measures, or the existing average speed of vehicles is close to 20 mph. Research has shown that erection of permanent 20 mph signs will only result in a 1 mph reduction in speeds, and that drivers show a tendency to disregard such signs whenever they see there is no activity at schools for the vast majority of time.

Unfortunately, the approximate cost per rural site is high at £64,000, and given the current financial climate and the budgetary constraints facing my Department, it is unlikely that I will be able to announce the go-ahead for a comprehensive programme for some time.

However, a number of other measures, including warning signs, road markings advising motorists of the presence of children and additional electronic warning signs have been installed as part of the Safer Routes to School Initiative. In addition, schools in residential areas frequently have traffic calming measures, such as road humps installed, as part of an overall scheme for the surrounding area.

Procurement Contracts

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any plans he has to review procurement contracts relating to the recycling of materials in Roads Service, to ensure that contracts represent value for money.

(AQW 2184/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it continually reviews opportunities, in every construction contract, to maximise the use of recycling methods or reuse of materials in each construction contract, in order to reduce the quantity of waste sent to landfill.

Recycling, reuse or disposal of materials recovered on site is an integral element within the scope of our works projects and is, therefore, incorporated within the contracts, which are procured on a quality/price basis. In the tender process, quality marks are also allocated to sustainability as part of contract evaluations and, clear targets are set for site specific measures relating to recycling and environmental considerations in the works information.

I can advise that in April 2009, Roads Service was the first Government Agency in the North to sign up to Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) - The Construction Commitments, Halving Waste to Landfill, which identifies how organisations can "play their part" through their influence over construction contracts.

Roads Service has previously participated in an initiative to measure the total quantities of potential waste produced, that was recycled, reused on site or sent to landfill, in all construction contracts with a value greater than £300,000. This was carried out during the period April 2009 to March 2010, with data being collected from 14 construction projects that had a total spend of £62 million. The outcome indicated that there were over half a million tonnes of potential waste produced, of which, 57% was recycled, recovered or reused, with the remaining 43% being sent to licensed landfill sites. As part of this initiative, Roads Service has now set a target of a 10% year on year improvement for the amount of material recycled, recovered or reused during 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Travel Claims by Roads Service Employees

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of travel claims by Roads Service employees in each of the last five years, broken down by Roads Service division.

(AQW 2185/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that details of expenditure on travel claims by Roads Service employees in each of the last five years, broken down by Roads Service Division and its other main business areas, are shown in the table below:

Roads Service’s internal contractor, Roads Service Direct (RSD), and its internal consultancy service, Roads Service Consultancy (RSC), provide support across all four Divisions. TEPU is Roads Service’s Transportation & Engineering Policy Unit.

These figures exclude expenditure for mileage claims relating to overtime. Spend in 2005-2006 to 2008-2009, includes expenditure relating to standard mileage claims for industrial staff, however, since responsibility for the payment of Industrial Staff moved from the Department to HR Connect in 2009-2010, these costs are no longer easily identifiable.

Details of expenditure for mileage claims relating to overtime for this five year period, and those relating to standard mileage claims for industrial staff for 2009-2010, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Roads Service Vehicles

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of repairs, service and maintenance of (i) in-house Roads Service vehicles; and (ii) contracted out Roads Service vehicles, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2186/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that details of the cost of repairs, servicing and maintenance of Roads Service vehicles, carried out in-house and contracted out, in each of the last five years, are contained in the table below:

Creagh Waste Water Treatment Project

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 1863/11, (i) to detail the projected cost provided by the company that was awarded the tender for the Creagh Waste Water Treatment Project; and (ii) to provide a breakdown of the projected land valuation costs associated with the project.

(AQW 2190/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the current projected costs for the construction works associated with the Creagh Wastewater Treatment Works Project are as set out in the table below.

The projected land valuation costs of £85,000 are based on a wayleave compensation value of around £20 – £25 per metre, dependant on ground type, over the total projected 3,900 metres of sewers to be laid as part of the essential networks required for the project.

A55 Knock Road Widening Scheme

Sir Reg Empey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost to his Department of maintaining land vested for the A55 Knock Road Widening Scheme, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2203/11)

Minister for Regional Development: Unfortunately, details of the maintenance costs for lands owned by my Department’s Roads Service, are not recorded in a manner that would easily allow the extraction of figures for a specific site. My Department’s Roads Service has therefore advised that details of costs for maintenance to the lands at A55 Knock Road could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.

However, Roads Service has advised that in the last five years, the work undertaken on the lands vested for the A55 Knock Road Widening Scheme has included hedge and grass cutting, as well as repairs to properties 11 and 13 Shandon Park, following damage caused by freezing weather and vandalism.

A55 Knock Road Widening Scheme

Sir Reg Empey asked the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the works projected for the A55 Knock Road Widening Scheme and when he expects work to commence.

(AQW 2207/11)

Minister for Regional Development: You may be aware that in March 2010, I decided that a Public Inquiry should be held to consider the issues raised by objectors to the A55 Knock Road proposals. The Inquiry was held at the Park Avenue Hotel between 8 and 11 November 2010. My Department’s Roads Service expects to receive the Inspector’s report in Spring 2011, and will consider the recommendations made in the report before making a statement outlining the proposals it intends to take forward.

The Investment Delivery Plan for Roads, which sets out the roads programme under the funding envisaged through the Investment Strategy 2008 – 2018, indicates that delivery of the A55 Knock Road widening scheme is planned for the second half of the Strategy period, that is, 2013/14 to 2017/18. However, the outcome of the current budget review and the work surrounding Investment Strategy 3, will determine how quickly Roads Service can deliver this scheme.

EWAY Scheme Proposed for East Belfast

Sir Reg Empey asked the Minister for Regional Development when he expects work to commence on the EWAY scheme proposed for East Belfast; and to detail the projected costs.

(AQW 2208/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The Strategic Outline Case (SOC) for Belfast Rapid Transit confirmed that bus based Rapid Transit was viable for Belfast and recommended a pilot network connecting East Belfast, West Belfast and Titanic Quarter with and through the city centre. It identified an indicative project cost of some £150m.

My Department is in the process of securing external support to complete the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the pilot Belfast Rapid Transit network, including the EWAY route to East Belfast. The OBC will identify the preferred options for Belfast Rapid Transit in terms of the network routes, procurement strategy, commercial/business model and fare system. Identifying the preferred options will allow the Department to undertake the necessary public consultation, impact assessments and appraisals on the scheme. The OBC will also provide confirmation of the budgetary requirements and timescales for the identified preferred option.

My Department, in preparation for the OBC process, has completed survey data collection work and is preparing preliminary designs for all route alignment options. The preliminary designs will form part of a public awareness exercise, which is anticipated to take place in 2011, as part of the OBC process. This will give everyone an opportunity to comment on the options for Belfast Rapid Transit, including the route alignment options.

Eastern Division of the Roads Service

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total budget of the Eastern Division of the Roads Service in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2210/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the budget outturn in each of the last five financial years, in Eastern Division, is detailed in the table below:-

Please note that this spend does not include the outturn associated with work undertaken in Eastern Division by Roads Service’s internal contractor, Roads Service Direct. This information is not readily available and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.

I should also explain that Roads Service allocates its total budget for capital expenditure on roads across Divisions, on the basis of need. Major road improvements are prioritised on a countrywide basis, taking account of a broad range of criteria, such as, strategic planning policy, traffic flow, number of accidents, potential travel time savings, environmental impact, accessibility and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be attributed to one Division, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to that particular area.

Speed Bumps

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development how many speed bumps are located in the North Down area.

(AQW 2211/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service carries out a programme of Traffic Calming schemes each year. The overall objective of this programme is to improve driver behaviour and control traffic speed, in order to reduce the number of collisions, primarily those involving pedestrians and cyclists. These Traffic Calming schemes incorporate a number of traffic calming measures, not all of which involve the use of speed bumps. The results of this work are published in the Road Safety Engineering Report which is available online at:-

http://applications.drdni.gov.uk/publications/document.asp?docid=19634

With regard to the North Down area, Roads Service does not hold the requested information by constituency, however, it can provide the information by Roads Service Division.

The table below details the number of Traffic Calming schemes incorporating speed bumps, within Eastern Division, since the 1999-2000 financial year:-

Capital Budget for Road Schemes for 2011/12

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development when he expects to finalise the capital budget for road schemes for 2011/12.

(AQW 2213/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service’s planned expenditure after 2010/11 is subject to funding from the outcome of the Budget 2010 process, which has not yet been agreed by the Executive.

A5 Western Transport Corridor

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Regional Development what consultation was undertaken and consideration given to a multi-model solution for the A5 Western Transport Corridor.

(AQW 2225/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The A5 was identified as one of five Key Transport Corridors within the Regional Strategic Transport Network Plan 2015. This plan was developed to support both the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2025 and the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) 2002-2012.

The RTS, which includes improvements to walking, cycling and public transport, as well as the strategic transport network, was prepared against the background of wider transportation policy in the European Union. The overall development of the strategy was based upon the Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies (GOMMMS). As part of this development process, the document was subject to a comprehensive consultation exercise.

Roads at Bushforde and Bush Manor, Antrim

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 6565/10, for an update on the adoption of the roads in Bush Manor, Antrim; and what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and the administrator.

(AQW 2226/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the present position regarding the streets in Bush Manor, Antrim is as follows:-

(a) emergency repairs have been carried out on site;

(b) remedial work required to bring roads and sewers to adoption standard has been listed;

(c) remedial work required to obtain technical approval for the retaining wall along the front of the site is ongoing;

(d) an Article 11 Notice, under the Private Streets (NI) Order, was served on the developer/ administrator on 1 November 2010, to allow Roads Service to employ a contractor to complete the streets; and

(e) 28 days after the Article 11 Notice has been served, Roads Service will employ a contractor to complete the streets, should the developer/administrator fail to act.

I am further advised that the administrator, having received the Article 11 Notice, is aware of the above situation. Roads Service has had discussions with the administrator regarding this Notice, who has indicated that it would not have the resources to complete the streets. It is therefore likely that Roads Service will have to employ a contractor to undertake the works required to complete the site.

Adoption of Roads in Glencraig Manor, Antrim

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development if there is an ongoing dispute between a developer and his Department in relation to the adoption of roads in Glencraig Manor, Antrim.

(AQW 2227/11)

Minister for Regional Development: I refer the Member to my answer to Assembly Question AQW 2092/11.

Unadopted Roads in the Antrim Borough Council Area

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail all the unadopted roads in the Antrim Borough Council area, including an indication as to whether each road is planned for adoption in the next (i) 6 months; or (ii) 12 months.

(AQW 2228/11)

Minister for Regional Development: Details of the unadopted roads in the Antrim Borough Council area are provided in the table below. My Department’s Roads Service has advised that developers are responsible for completing private streets/roads and it is therefore not possible to give an accurate indication of future adoption dates. However, where there is inappropriate delay, Roads Service can, and will, use the Private Streets legislation, to ensure adoption.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development whether any of his Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2234/11)

Minister for Regional Development: Section 75 considerations have been taken into account on my Department’s Budget 2010 revenue and capital spending proposals from the outset. Business areas in my Department have already carried out High Level Impact Assessments (HLIA) and equality screenings on all spending bids. These identified the differential equality impacts of each proposal. They also considered opportunities to promote sustainable development, good relations and the impacts on individuals, groups or areas suffering social disadvantage. Separately, my Department has also looked at the short term benefits of bids to the local construction sector and longer term economic growth.

The HLIAs and screening exercises for each of my Department’s three main programmes – Water, Roads, and Transport - will form the basis of an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on DRD’s Budget 2010 proposals. My Department plans to issue this EQIA for formal consultation after the Executive has agreed a Draft Budget.

Upgrade of the A32

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for Regional Development how much of the £5 million committed by his Department for the upgrade of the A32 has been released to date; and when the balance will be released.

(AQW 2242/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service is currently developing several improvement schemes along the A32 between Dromore and Enniskillen and, to date, has spent £1.8 million. This figure includes £600,000 for the completion of advance site works at the scheme at Drumskinny, with the remaining balance used for essential design and development work of the proposed schemes. A further £7.5 million has been expended advancing proposals for a new link road between Cherrymount Roundabout and Tempo Road, Enniskillen.

Roads Service remains committed to delivering a programme of improvement works along this route. However, the timing of further expenditure will be dependent on the extent of subsequent allocations to my Department.

Legal Services

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 1509/11, how much was paid in legal fees to the Departmental Solicitors Office and the Crown Solicitors.

(AQW 2267/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The amounts paid to the Departmental Solicitors Office and the Crown Solicitors in each of the last five years are as follows:

Parking and Traffic Issues in Whiteabbey and Jordanstown

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to address the current and growing parking and traffic issues affecting businesses in the Whiteabbey and Jordanstown areas.

(AQW 2378/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has confirmed that the issue of long-stay parking within Whiteabbey village was raised at a recent meeting with Newtownabbey Borough Council. I am advised that parking problems in the village have been exacerbated by the closure of the Loughshore Park by the Council whilst it is carrying out works at that location. Mr Hutton, the Divisional Roads Manager, agreed to consider the various options that may be available and report back to the Council.

I expect that Mr Hutton’s response to the Council will issue in early December 2010 and I have asked that it is copied to you for information.

Since 2004, Park and Ride capacity has increased at Whiteabbey rail station from 16 to 80 spaces, and at Greenisland Rail Station from 13 to 85 spaces. My Department is also currently carrying out a strategic review of Park and Ride facilities, with the aim of developing proposals for future provision which would offer the best prospect of maximising modal shift from car travel. The review is ongoing and no decisions have yet been taken.

My Department is also working with the University of Ulster in providing assistance for the development of a Workplace Travel Plan. The main purpose of these plans is to help organisations to reduce the volume of cars travelling to their sites by promoting the possible alternatives to single car occupancy use. The benefits to these areas of reducing commuter dependency on single car occupancy include reductions in traffic and congestion, travel stress and improvements in punctuality.

Rolling Stock on the Larne Railway Line

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the average age of rolling stock on the Larne railway line.

(AQW 2453/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The nine Class 450 trains were built between 1985 and 1987; therefore the ages of these trains range from 23 to 25 years.

The Class 80 trains were built between 1969 and 1978; therefore the ages of these trains range from 32 to 41 years. It should however be noted that the Class 80 vehicles were overhauled in 2008 and 2009.

These trains are due to be removed from use when the new trains being purchased come into passenger service from 2011 onwards.

Gritting Areas Around Schools

Mr C McDevitt asked the Minister for Regional Development whether it is the Roads Service's policy to grit the area around schools; and whether he has any plans to review this policy.

(AQW 2514/11)

Minister for Regional Development: The Member will be aware that, following the severe wintry conditions experienced at the start of December 2008, I asked my Department’s Roads Service to carry out an examination of its operational response to areas around rural schools. This examination resulted in Roads Service introducing enhanced communication arrangements and priority "secondary" salting to the 46 rural schools most affected by weather conditions throughout the winter of 2008/09.

It is appreciated that the list of sites benefiting from these actions is likely to change over time to include more schools, to take account of the extent to which adverse weather can affect different schools at different times.

At the time of the examination of Roads Service’s operational response, the criteria for the provision of grit/salt piles and salt bins was also amended, so that these can be provided to affected schools, if requested.

As there have not been significant changes since the previous examination was carried out, I have no plans to carry out a further review of the winter service policy around schools, at this time.

Mayfield Link Road

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development (i) to outline the reasons which prevented the Mayfield Link Road onto the Sandyknowes Roundabout and the M2 from being gritted during the recent cold spell; (ii) whether errors by his Department resulted in this road not being adopted; and (iii) what action he is taking to ensure that metro bus services continue to operate on this road this winter.

(AQW 2587/11)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the Mayfield Link Road, Mallusk is unadopted, and therefore it has no responsibility for its maintenance.

The Mayfield Link Road was constructed as part of an adjacent residential development to provide a link for residents to the public road network, and the developer is responsible for ensuring that it is constructed to an adoptable standard.

While Roads Service can use Private Streets legislation to ensure outstanding work is completed to enable adoption, it has, in this case, been actively engaging with the developer to ensure that the link road is completed to the required adoptable standard. I can confirm that once the developer obtains the necessary approval from NI Water for the sewerage system, the adoption process can be completed.

Translink has advised, that in general terms, Translink/Metro will operate its timetable on the basis that roads remain safe to travel on. However, the safety of passengers, pedestrians, motorists and staff will always remain a paramount consideration in deciding service arrangements during adverse conditions.

Department for Social Development

Neighbourhood Renewal Funding

Mr C Lyttle asked the Minister for Social Development what weight is given to volunteer development activity in the assessment of applications for Neighbourhood Renewal funding.

(AQW 2205/11)

Minister for Social Development (Mr A Attwood): There is no specific weight attached to volunteer development activity when assessing applications for Neighbourhood Renewal funding. However, where groups do include the use of volunteers within their funding application, the sustainment and/or creation of volunteer posts would be included as an output measure. This will be factored into any assessment of the options being considered when the application is undergoing economic appraisal.

I believe that it is imperative that what my Department funds under Neighbourhood Renewal produces both value for money and results. My Department encourages those organisations which it funds to maximise the opportunities to use volunteers where possible.

'Proof of Age' Schemes

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what proposals he has to improve 'proof of age' schemes for the sale and purchase of (i) tobacco; and (ii) alcohol.

(AQW 2241/11)

Minister for Social Development: My Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill is currently in the Committee stage of its passage through the Assembly. It will introduce a statutory proof-of-age scheme under which licensed premises and registered clubs will be encouraged to request specified documents as evidence of a young person’s age. The specified proof-of-age documents are a passport, photocard driving licence, a Northern Ireland Electoral Card and any Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) accredited photo.

Premises will be required to display notices highlighting offences relating to the sale of alcohol to young people under 18 and the purchase of alcohol by, or for, young people. These notices will also refer to the documents prescribed for the purposes of proving age and failure to display a notice will be an offence. The Addressing Young People’s Drinking Action Plan, which was launched by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in 2009, highlighted a range of issues in relation to the accessibility of alcohol in Northern Ireland. My Department fully supports and continues to contribute to this initiative.

The sale and purchase of tobacco is the responsibility of the DHSSPS and I have been advised that guidance was issued to all tobacco retailers in Northern Ireland before the minimum age of sale for tobacco products was increased from 16 to 18 years old in September 2008. This guidance included advice to retailers on how and when to ask customers for proof of age, and provided information on acceptable forms of photographic ID. Minister McGimpsey believes that as a result of this guidance, retailers are fully aware of their obligations with regards to asking for proof of age, and therefore, there are no immediate plans for any further developments in this area.

Housing Executive Recruitment

Mr S Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development how many (i) Protestants; and (ii) Roman Catholics have been recruited to the Housing Executive in Craigavon in each of the last five years; and what these figures represent as a percentage of the total number of people recruited.

(AQW 2245/11)

Minister for Social Development: The table below details the number of Protestants and Roman Catholics that have been recruited to the Housing Executive in Craigavon in each of the last five years and what these figures represent as a percentage of the total number of people recruited.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development whether any of his Department's Comprehensive Spending Review proposals for revenue and capital will be Equality Impact Assessed; and if so, to outline the process that will be followed.

(AQW 2273/11)

Minister for Social Development: I can assure you that my Department is committed to fulfilling its obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (the Act), and thereby ensuring that future funding decisions are assessed for their potential impact on the nine categories listed in the legislation. Indeed, this is of particular importance to my Department as the majority of its work is aimed at redressing poverty and disadvantage in our society.

In order to inform the Budget process, my Department has already carried out an initial high level impact assessments of Equality, Good Relations, Poverty/Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development on possible spending proposals. This assessment, along with those of other departments will be used by the Office of the First & Deputy First Minister in drafting an Equality Impact Assessment at strategic level to accompany the forthcoming Programme for Government and in work in relation to the Budget and Investment Strategy.

My Department is unable to undertake further assessment with regard to equality until the level of our final budget allocation is known. Once this information is available my Department will consider the impact of its funding decisions on Section 75 groups in line with the Equality Commission’s Guidance. This dictates that a full Equality Impact Assessment should be carried out if the potential for significant adverse impact on equality of opportunity on any of the nine categories is identified.

Households With No-one in Work

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of households currently in each (i) council area; and (ii) constituency with no-one in work; and what these figures represent as a percentage of the total number of households in each council area and constituency.

(AQW 2293/11)

Minister for Social Development: During the period 2006/09 the average annual number of households with no-one in work and their proportion of the total number of households in the Parliamentary Constituency is presented in Table 1. The percentage of households with no-one in work as a proportion of all households in each District Council area is presented in Table 2. The results are produced using the Family Resources Survey datasets for Northern Ireland, and the Households Below Average Income datasets for Northern Ireland.

Table 1:

Table 2:

Social Housing New Builds

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development how many social housing new build units have been (i) commenced; and (ii) completed in the Strangford constituency in each of the last three years; and how much was spent on these social housing new builds in each year.

(AQW 2333/11)

Minister for Social Development: The table below details the number of social housing units commenced and completed in the Strangford constituency in each of the last three years and how much was spent on these units in each year.

* These include figures for New Build, Off the Shelf Purchases, Existing Satisfactory Purchases and Rehab units.

Capital Projects

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development how much his Department has spent on capital projects in the Strangford constituency in each of the last three financial years.

(AQW 2350/11)

Minister for Social Development: The amount that my Department has spent on capital projects in the Strangford constituency in each of the last three financial years is as follows:

2007/08 £11,409.00

2008/09 £47,449.00

2009/10 £62,862.00

Housing Executive Properties with Economy 7 Heating

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development how many Housing Executive properties in North Down currently use Economy 7 heating.

(AQW 2414/11)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executi0ve has advised that they have 470 dwellings within its Bangor District Office area which have electrical storage heating systems.

Crumlin Road Court House

Mr W Humphrey asked the Minister for Social Development, in light of his recent meeting with the owner of Crumlin Road Court House, what plans the owner has for the development of the building and the timescale for completion.

(AQW 2436/11)

Minister for Social Development: The Crumlin Road Courthouse is in private ownership. The owner of the building informed me when I met him on 8 September 2010 that he continued to seek a long-term use for the Crumlin Road Courthouse and that he had been in discussion with a community-based organisation around a specific proposal for the building. I was not made aware of any further plans for the development or the building or any timescales for that to take place.

Disability Living Allowance

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what representations he plans to make to the UK Government on the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for people in residential accomodation.

(AQW 2451/11)

Minister for Social Development: I have concerns about a number of the proposed welfare reforms including proposed reforms to disability living allowance and I have made my views clear to both Iain Duncan Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and Lord Freud, the Minister for Welfare Reform. Indeed on 29 November I had a further meeting with Lord Freud where I raised concerns about the proposed reforms. I have also written to Iain Duncan Smith to voice my concerns on the proposals relating to the mobility component for people in residential accommodation.

West Belfast Housing Executive Repair Contract with Red Sky

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development when the investigation into the West Belfast Housing Executive repair contract with Red Sky will be concluded; and whether he will bring the result to the attention of the MLAs for the West Belfast constituency or the Assembly.

(AQW 2573/11)

Minister for Social Development: I am not yet in a position to confirm when the investigation into the West Belfast
Housing Executive repair contract with Red Sky will be concluded. The findings of the 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.