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Friday 21 September 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels Rev Dr Ian Paisley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail when the Northern Ireland Executive Office will open in Brussels. (AQW 10/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels has been operational in its permanent premises since the end of May. The Office is now fully staffed and providing advice and information to the devolved administration as a whole on EU matters relevant to Northern Ireland, as well as promoting Northern Ireland's wider interests in Europe. A reception to mark the official opening of the Office had been scheduled for 18 September, but regrettably, it has had to be postponed. It is expected that the official opening will now take place later in the year. Assembly Bills Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to list those Bills that have been passed by the Assembly since devolution occurred and how many flowed from recommendations made in the Programme for Government. (AQW 11/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: Twenty one Acts have been made since devolution and a list of these is available in the Assembly Library. The Programme for Government covers the period from April 2001. Since April 2001, the following Acts have been passed. These will all support the plans and priorities set out by the Executive in its Programme for Government. The Acts are:
Victims Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 1774/00 and the Bloomfield Report, to state the current position in respect of this matter. (AQW 33/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: Deloitte & Touche was commissioned by the Victims Unit within the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to carry out research into the services needed by victims and the current level of service provision. A report on the findings of that research will be completed shortly and a summary will be sent to all those who took part in the exercise, along with other interested parties. It is proposed that an Action Plan will also be issued to indicate how the findings might be taken forward. The research will also help to inform the development of a victims' strategy. Northern Ireland Bureau Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail which Department or government agency is responsible for funding the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington, USA. (AQW 87/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The Northern Ireland Bureau is part of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, and is funded by our department. Northern Ireland Bureau Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the annual budget of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington, USA. (AQW 89/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The budget for the Northern Ireland Bureau for the current year is £640,000. This will reduce to just over £590,000 from April 2002.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute Conference Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her reasons as to why she is unable to attend the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute conference on 8 September 2001. (AQW 19/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I was unable to attend the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute conference on 8 September due to personal circumstances. Sheep Annual Premium Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what steps will be taken to recover any monies that are claimed falsely for sheep premiums. (AQW 58/01) Ms Rodgers: Where any farmer receives payment of subsidy to which he is not entitled, he is required to repay that money. If appropriate it may be deducted from other payments due to be made to him. In relation to the advance payments of 2001 Sheep Annual Premium to farmers in the Foot and Mouth cull areas, these have been made on the basis of the comparison of cull data against subsidy claims. Consequently, no overpayments have occurred on these claims and no recovery of payments should be required. Sheep Annual Premiums Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of money that was involved in the alleged falsified claims for sheep premium. (AQW 59/01) Ms Rodgers: The total shortfall in sheep identified in the Foot and Mouth cull areas was worth around £57,000 in Sheep Annual Premium. The farmers concerned have been given the opportunity to explain the apparent shortfall. The final amount of subsidy involved in over-claims will not be known until the Department has completed a full review of all the claims. Sheep Annual Premiums Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the geographical areas from which farmers have allegedly completed false returns for sheep premium. (AQW 60/01) Ms Rodgers: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development carried out a cull of animals in response to the Foot and Mouth outbreak in South Armagh, Ardboe and the Cushendall/Cushendun areas. An analysis of the cull data against claims for 2001 Sheep Annual Premium showed a shortfall in the South Armagh and Cushendall/Cushendun cull areas. Game Shooting Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, taking into consideration the restrictions placed on game and rabbit shooting as a result of foot-and-mouth disease, to detail the steps she is taking to ensure that game shooting can continue when the season starts on 1 October, especially with regard to private and syndicate shoots. (AQW 62/01) Ms Rodgers: I am pleased to inform you that I have reviewed the risk associated with game shooting with my veterinary advisors and I have decided to lift the prohibition on game shooting. The necessary legislation will be completed as soon as possible and shooting will be able to commence on the opening of the game season on 1 October 2001. Sheep Annual Premium Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what steps will be taken to review payments for sheep premium to verify that no other alleged false applications have been made. (AQW 68/01) Ms Rodgers: The subsidy claims lodged by all farmers whose animals were culled because of the Foot and Mouth outbreak have been compared with the cull data. Advance payments of 2001 Sheep Annual Premium have been paid in accordance with the findings of this analysis. In relation to the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme as a whole, the Department undertakes an annual programme of unannounced on-farm inspections to verify subsidy claims in accordance with the European Commission Regulations. Individual problem cases identified through these checks are dealt with under the provisions of the Scheme. In the light of the particular problems which have emerged this year, the Department is considering how the arrangements for checking and inspection of claims for Sheep Annual Premium might be strengthened. Fraudulent Claims Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how many farmers have been prosecuted for making fraudulent claims over the last three years. (AQW 69/01) Ms Rodgers: For the 3 year period ending 31 March 2001 i.e. financial years 1 April 1998 - 31 March 2001 there have been 77 farmers prosecuted for making fraudulent claims. Sheep Annual Premium Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail whether any prosecutions have taken place against farmers who have allegedly completed false returns for sheep premium. (AQW 70/01) Ms Rodgers: As a result of investigations in the light of the information from the Foot and Mouth culls, 9 cases have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. A further 8 cases are currently under investigation with a view to referral. TOPCULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Northern Ireland Events Company Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the cost associated with the running of the Northern Ireland Events Company. (AQW 1/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Northern Ireland Events Company has a total budget of £1.6 million in the current financial year. This comprises provision of £1.5 million to support events and £100K for administrative costs. All of this funding is provided through the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure. Northern Ireland Events Company Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail funding from his Department to the Northern Ireland Events Company, by year, from 1999. (AQW 2/01) Mr McGimpsey: DCAL has had direct responsibility for funding the Northern Ireland Events Company for the past two years, ie 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. Funding in 2000/2001 totalled £1.1 million and in 2001/2002 £1.6 million. Northern Ireland Events Company Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the application and assessment criteria of the Northern Ireland Events Company. (AQW 3/01) Mr McGimpsey: Strategic Context The strategic context, rationale and authority for the work of the Events Company derives from the report of the Events Strategy Group entitled "A strategy for attracting major events to Northern Ireland", which was endorsed by the then Secretary of State. Strategic Aim The strategic aim of the Company is: "To support the promotion of major events in Northern Ireland which have the potential to:
Impact positively on the image of Northern Ireland and in particular on its external image; Create opportunity for greater social cohesion; Bring direct or indirect economic benefits to Northern Ireland." In pursuit of this aim, the Company has defined its role as being:- "To contribute to improving the social and economic status of Northern Ireland, for the benefit of all the people, by supporting events, consistent with its aim, which would be unlikely to happen in Northern Ireland without the intervention of the Company." In assessing funding applications, the Company applies the following criteria:-
Each project must be in a position to provide at least 50% of project funding;
Northern Ireland Events Company Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the distribution of funding from the Northern Ireland Events Company, by year, since it's inception. (AQW 4/01) Mr McGimpsey: The Events Company has been operational since the financial year 1999/2000 and the distribution of funding in this and each subsequent financial year is as follows: EVENTS SUPPORTED 1999/2000 State of the World Forum £ 141,800.00
Senior British Open Golf £ 360,000.00
Festival of Racing £ 164,999.74
Pavarotti Concert £ 125,000.00
Belfast Festival at Queen's £ 150,000.00
World/European Junior 3-Day Event £ 10,000.00
UK Ice Skating Championships £ 20,000.00
NI v France £ 50,000.00
Total £1,021,799.70
EVENTS SUPPORTED 2000/2001
Senior British Open Golf £395,000.00
Young at Art £ 64,200.00
Belfast Festival at Queen's £100,000.00
Festival of Racing £180,000.00
Cinemagic £ 90,000.00
World Student Golf £ 10,000.00
Feet of Flames Concert £100,000.00
Ice Hockey £ 7,000.00
Total £946,200.00
EVENTS SUPPORTED 2001/2002
World Indoor Bowls £ 5,000 Young at Art £ 31,000 World Amateur Boxing Championships £ 119,000 Eagles at Stormont £ 100,000 Milk Cup £ 90,000 Senior British Open £ 400,000 Bryan Adams in Derry £ 30,000 Les Miserables £ 100,000 European Agriculture Conference £ 25,000 Total £ 900,000 Motorcycle Road Racing Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to make motorcycle road racing a safer sport. (AQW 78/01) Mr McGimpsey: As you will be aware I recently secured £100K as a contribution towards safety works at the province's road race circuits. This contribution was based on the costings that were provided by the public utilities (British Telecom, Northern Ireland Electricity and Department of Regional Development) and the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Private Land Owners) to remove/relocate items of roadside 'furniture' which constituted a serious risk and which were specifically highlighted in the Road Race Task Force Report. My Department is providing funding (within the £100k limit) for all safety related elements. Work is now underway to action the required improvements. The Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI), who have been given responsibility for timetabling and prioritising these improvements, have focused action, up to now, on the circuits which held events this year (namely the Mid-Antrim and Dundrod circuits) and the North West 200. The safety improvement programme is now to be "rolled out" across the province to address the safety needs at all other courses. TOPEducation CCEA Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Education to outline what action has been taken to ensure that children have access to adequate advice and counselling after their disturbing experiences as the result of the mistakes made in the marking by the CCEA in a Home Economics Examination; and to make a statement. (AQO 99/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): Post-primary schools regularly have teachers available when examination results are announced to provide help and guidance to individual pupils. Where a school feels that further counselling support is necessary, it can be made accessible to pupils through the Education and Library Boards' Educational Psychology or Education Welfare Services. CCEA's investigation into this matter is still ongoing and I will be studying the report when completed to ensure that sufficient steps are taken to prevent similar mistakes occurring in the future. Holy Cross Primary School : North Belfast Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the situation at Holy Cross Primary School in North Belfast. (AQO 43/01) Mr McGuinness: I am extremely disappointed that the situation in North Belfast was not resolved in time for the beginning of the school year and dismayed at the situation which innocent young children have had to face. It is the fundamental right of every child to be able to travel unhindered to school and be educated in an environment where they feel safe and secure and able to learn. Protests of any sort affecting school-children are completely unacceptable and must stop. School Crossing Patrols Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps being taken to ensure that adequate numbers of school crossing guards are available to ensure the safety of children on their way to and from school. (AQO 41/01) Mr McGuinness: In order to assist in the prevention of accidents to children, my Department approves the schemes which set out the measures Education and Library Boards may take to provide school crossing patrols where particular traffic hazards have been identified. In considering the need for such a measure, Boards carry out a survey, assess traffic flow and consult with relevant authorities, including Road Safety Officers of the DOE. Primary School Provision : West Tyrone Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to detail if he has any plans to amend primary school provision in West Tyrone. (AQO 69/01) Mr McGuinness: Any decision about the future of primary school provision in West Tyrone is a matter for the Western Education and Library Board in the first instance. The Board has long recognised the need for a rationalisation of the schools in the Beragh/Sixmilecross area because of declining enrolments at 2 schools plus the unsatisfactory nature of the accommodation. Difficulties have, however, arisen regarding an agreed location for a new school. The Board is therefore currently involved in a second consultation exercise with the various school interests to determine a preferred site for the new school as part of an Economic Appraisal. The Board will then initiate a development proposal process which will provide a further opportunity for all interested parties to express their views before a final decision is taken by the Department. CCEA Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education if he proposes to take any action to address the situation where CCEA is both a curriculum and validating authority as well as being an examining body. (AQO 93/01) Mr McGuinness: The three aspects of CCEA's role were established to reflect the distinctive local needs. CCEA is required to comply with regulations set out in a Code of Practice drawn up by the regulatory bodies, and participates in scrutinies that are conducted by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to ensure that procedures are adhered to and that there is comparability of standards. CCEA is also inspected regularly by Education and Training Inspectorate. With these checks and balances in mind, I remain to be persuaded that there is a need for action in this area. Moneydarragh Primary School Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Education to outline the progress that has been made in completing the economic appraisal for the capital works at Moneydarragh Primary School. (AQO 47/01) Mr McGuinness: Moneydarragh Primary School is one of a number of schools which will be the subject of an economic appraisal process during the present business year. Work has started on this exercise but before progressing further the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools has asked for further discussions at local level. A meeting involving CCMS, school trustees and the Department will take place shortly following which, Department officials will arrange for a site visit to initiate a feasibility study. Linguistic Development : Minority Groups Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of Education to detail the action he is taking to strengthen the linguistic development of children and young people from minority groups. (AQO 12/01) Mr McGuinness: The provision of education for children and young people from ethnic minority groups is set within the framework of the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 which makes it unlawful for schools to treat a pupil from a particular racial group less favourably than other pupils and requires education authorities to ensure that facilities for education are provided without racial discrimination. Under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 there is also a duty placed upon public authorities to promote equality of opportunity among persons of different racial groups. The provision made for the education of children and young people from ethnic minorities attending primary or secondary schools normally takes the form of a more generous staffing ratio and/or the use of support teachers including those specialising in teaching English as a second language where the need for this is identified. In the current financial year it is estimated that more than half a million pounds will be allocated by the Education and Library Boards to provide support to schools with pupils whose first language is not English. In addition, all Boards provide support to schools through their Curriculum Advisory Support Service (CASS) to assist with the education of pupils for whom English is a second language. This additional support, whilst important, cannot be quantified in money terms. The Department has also successfully bid for support from the Executive Programme Funds (EPF) for a project to improve access to the curriculum and promote social inclusion for children from ethnic minority backgrounds where their first language is not English and for Traveller children. Special Education Needs : ICT Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education to outline the present provision of ICT for children with special education needs in each of the education and library boards; and to make a statement. (AQO 71/01) Mr McGuinness: Children with special educational needs in all types of schools have access to the same ICT facilities as non-statemented pupils. Additional ICT equipment may be provided for certain classes in special schools and for the personal use of individual pupils in all types of schools as specified in their statements. Free School Transport Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Education to explain why, to obtain free school transport, parents must nominate the nearest school as their first preference whether their child intends to attend that school or not. (AQO 115/01) Mr McGuinness: The current transport arrangements were introduced in 1997 to constrain the escalating costs of home to school transport and to release resources to safeguard funding for the classroom. The revised arrangements restrict transport provision to pupils who have been unable to gain a place in all suitable schools within statutory walking distance of their home (2 miles for primary school age pupils and 3 miles for others). Suitable schools are defined as the established educational categories of controlled, maintained, integrated and Irish-medium, and, in the grammar sector, denominational and non-denominational schools. Schools may not include the order of preference within their admissions criteria so parents and children are not disadvantaged under the revised procedures. Parents who disregard the arrangements and send their child to a school of their choice should understand that they may render themselves ineligible for transport assistance. Teaching Vacancies Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of current teaching vacancies in primary and post-primary schools. (AQO 14/01) Mr McGuinness: Information on current teaching vacancies is not held by the Department of Education nor collated by the relevant employing authorities. Employers have not reported to the Department any large scale problems with teacher shortages here. Saintfield High School : Enrolment Statistics The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of applications for enrolment in Form 1 at Saintfield High School for the school year beginning September 2001 (b) how many were successful and (c) the total enrolment at this school. (AQW 147/01) Mr McGuinness: Saintfield High School received 87 applications for admission to Form 1 for the school year beginning September 2001. 65 applicants were admitted. The school's total enrolment figure is 337. St Patrick's High School, Downpatrick : Enrolment Statistics The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of applications for enrolment in Form 1 at St Patrick's High School, Downpatrick for the academic year beginning September 2001 (b) how many were successful and (c) the total enrolment at the school. (AQW 148/01) Mr McGuinness: St Patrick's Grammar School, Downpatrick received 133 applications for admission to Form 1 for the school year beginning September 2001. 112 applicants were admitted. The school's total enrolment figure is 709. Down High School : Enrolment Statistics The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of applications for enrolment in Form 1 at Down High School for the school year beginning September 2001 (b) how many were successful and (c) the total enrolment at the school. (AQW 149/01) Mr McGuinness: Down High School received 149 applications for admission to Form 1 for the school year beginning September 2001. 129 applicants were admitted. The school's total enrolment figure is 884. TOPEMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING Foreign Workers : Employment Rights Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the action he has taken against firms/employers and employment agencies who have sacked foreign workers, without adequate notice or reason and without the provision of P45s. (AQW 23/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): My Department has not been advised of any instances of such behaviour on the part of employment agencies. If you can provide information to me regarding the circumstances of this allegation, I shall ensure that my officials investigate the matter. With regard to the violation of the individuals employment rights the foreign workers should be advised to seek legal advice from the appropriate body. I have asked officials to provide you with contact details directly. European Directive on Part-Time Workers Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how the European Workers Directive applies to part-time members of the Royal Irish Regiment. (AQW 35/01) Dr Farren: The European Directive on Part-time Workers was implemented in Northern Ireland by Regulations which came into operation on 1 July 2000. I understand that the Ministry of Defence's view is that the Regulations do not apply to part-time members of the Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service), since they are employed on wholly different terms and conditions to full-time members of the Regiment. Jobskills : Cross-Border Mobility Mr John Fee asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give an update on the issue of cross-border mobility for Jobskills trainees. (AQW 46/01) Dr Farren: Young people from the Republic of Ireland who meet the eligibility criteria for Jobskills presently have access to that Programme. I have previously given an undertaking that I will review the issue of payment of training allowances to these young people on completion of the labour mobility research commissioned by the North South Ministerial Council. I understand that that research work is close to finalisation and I have therefore asked my officials to begin discussion of the issue of training allowances with the appropriate authorities in the Republic of Ireland. TOPENVIRONMENT Radioactive Waste Management Consultation Paper Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail when the Radioactive Waste Management Consultation Paper will be launched in Northern Ireland. (AQW 65/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The Radioactive Waste Management Consultation Paper will be launched simultaneously in Westminster and by the three devolved administrations. It is envisaged that the launch date will be 12th September. This Consultation paper is the first stage in the process, which will ultimately result in the creation of a radioactive waste management strategy capable of embracing widespread support from the general public and the scientific community. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL Census 2001 The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the response rate to the Census 2001 (b) the percentage of replies which are still outstanding (c) the estimated date of publication of the various sections of the Census 2001 report; and to make a statement. (AQW 119/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): Several major elements of the Census process have now been successfully completed with the vast majority of Census forms received back by Census Office and data processing underway. Some late returns are still being received after last reminders and where possible these forms will also be processed. An estimated response rate of around 98% has been achieved but an exact figure for the number of people counted in the 2001 Census will be available in late summer 2002 when all the information, including the results of an independent census coverage survey to assess the extent of any under-enumeration, has been analysed. The first outputs - detailed population counts by age and sex - will inform the 2001 mid year estimates of population, which will be published in late summer 2002 in parallel with results for England, Wales and Scotland. These will be followed in late 2002 and early 2003 by more detailed Census outputs on the complete range of topics covered by the Census. Results will be provided for a range of geographic area levels such as District Council, ward and sub ward. Census results will be made available in a range of formats including a series of printed reports, electronic supplements on CD and via the Internet. Law Society : Registry of Deeds Mr James Leslie asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what action he proposes to take following the concerns expressed by the Law Society that, as a consequence of the computerisation of records at the Registry of Deeds on 17 June 2001, the situation has developed where solicitors are advising lending institutions that they can no longer certify title. (AQO 95/01) Mr Durkan: I understand that the Law Society is now content following the introduction of additional quality control measures by Land Registers NI. Registry of Deeds should be back within target by the end of September. PEACE II Funding Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he expects the first round of Peace II funding to be released. (AQO 78/01) Mr Durkan: Under the new Peace Programme there are various implementing bodies tasked with administering the Programme funds, Intermediary Funding Bodies, Local Strategy Partnerships, the SEUPB and Departments. All of these implementing bodies have different timescales for issuing calls for projects and the delivery of funds within the Programme, although some have already started and I can confirm that the Intermediary Funding Bodies contracts have now been agreed. Senior Civil Service Review Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the purpose, scope and timetable for the senior civil service review and specify if the review encompasses all senior civil service grades, including those who are seconded to the Northern Ireland Office. (AQO 65/01) Mr Durkan: The purpose of the review is to open, to independent scrutiny, the current policies and procedures concerning appointment to, and promotion within, the NICS Senior Civil Service. These policies and procedures relate to all senior grades in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and will apply to all SCS staff including those seconded to other organisations such as the Northern Ireland Office. However, as the Northern Ireland Office is a UK Exchequer Department, the review does not apply to the NIO itself. Through the terms of reference, I have specifically asked the Review Team to consider the appointment and promotion procedures for the Senior Civil Service to ensure that they facilitate the business objectives of Ministers and Departments; to address any identifies obstacles to fair participation by all sectors of the community; and to promote the NICS goal to be fully representative of the community with it serves by tackling under-representation. However, the terms of reference for the review have been cast broadly to maximize the opportunity and scope that the review provides. As agreed by the Executive, the review team will report to me in the autumn. I will then bring the report, with my recommendations, to the Executive for final decisions. |