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MONDAY 29 OCTOBER 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER E-Government Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to advise how e-government is being co-ordinated within local government so that capabilities developed by one local council are shared with other councils. (AQW 254/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: Responsibility for the use and co-ordination of information technology at local government level falls to district councils. The Central Information Technology Unit, CITU(NI), within the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has a role in promoting and encouraging co-operation on e-government across the public sector in Northern Ireland. In fulfilling that role it has been working with SOLACE(NI) (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) to ensure that it is kept informed of developments on e government. A representative from SOLACE(NI) has recently been co-opted, in an observer role, on to the e-Government Project Board which contributes to the formulation of e-government policy in Northern Ireland. Recently Mr Dermot Nesbitt addressed a SOLACE ICT awareness Seminar "Transforming Government" held at the Newtownabbey Borough Council offices at the New Mossley Mill. The seminar was to promote the use of IT to facilitate access to Government services for people across Northern Ireland. The seminar was attended by councillors, chief executives and senior officers across Northern Ireland. Responsibility for developing IT rests with individual councils, who respond to their own specific needs and circumstances. Local government has its own arrangements for coordination and networking which are developed as it sees fit. CITU(NI) will continue to work with the Department of the Environment, SOLACE and the district councils to encourage the development of e government. TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Flooding Precautions : West Tyrone Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what precautions and schemes have been implemented in West Tyrone to prevent such flooding as witnessed last winter. (AQW 365/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I am conscious of concerns about flooding in West Tyrone and can assure you that Rivers Agency has been active on measures to alleviate flooding risk. Works, including culvert replacement and flood defence strengthening have been completed at a number of locations. Capital Works Schemes at Newtownstewart, Sion Mills and the Glebe are programmed for completion in the next financial year. At Burndennet works have been carried out to maintain the integrity of the embankment and the existing level of flood protection. To assist residents Rivers Agency maintains a 24-hour Flood Emergency Service for West Tyrone at its Omagh Office, Telephone (028) 82254900. Foot & Mouth Study for South Armagh Area Mr Conor Murphy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what financial assistance is being made available for a foot-and-mouth disease regeneration study in the South Armagh area. (AQW 398/01) Ms Rodgers: There are currently no specific plans to provide any financial assistance for a Foot and Mouth regeneration study in the South Armagh area. On a more general front you will be interested to know that I will be launching the 2001 to 2006 Rural Development Programme during November. The intention is to create a broad and flexible programme that will offer a wide range of opportunities for the development of rural areas. The new Rural Development Programme will consist of six main elements funded through a number of EU structural fund programmes and initiatives. The six key elements are:-
I would encourage groups within South Armagh to consider opportunities under the new programme and other opportunities to stimulate local regeneration. EU Vessel Modernisation Scheme Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in respect of schemes to modernise fishing vessels, to detail (a) those schemes that are currently available, (b) those schemes that have been in place over the last five years and (c) her proposals for future schemes. (AQW 419/01) Ms Rodgers: There are no schemes currently available for any form of vessel modernisation as the EU Vessel Modernisation Scheme under the previous round of Fisheries Structural Funds closed in December 1999. This Scheme provided for a wide range of measures to improve crew safety and comfort and to modernise a variety of equipment on board fishing vessels. Funding closed in December 1999. I am planning to announce a number of schemes within the next few weeks to assist the processing sector, aquaculture and the fishery harbours. Early next year I plan to announce a further series of schemes to assist the fishing industry. These will include a scheme to improve the marketing and quality of fish on board fishing vessels. It will be focussed on improvements to hygiene and better presentation of fish on board fishing vessels. DARD Colleges : NI & England Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, given the number of local students that are attracted to Harper Adams University College in Shropshire, England, to outline the main differences between the courses offered at this college compared to colleges in Northern Ireland. (AQW 420/01) Ms Rodgers: Harper Adams University College primarily provides Higher Education programmes. These programmes are distinctive when compared to the programmes provided by DARD Colleges in that they generally involve more specialist subject areas, which are reflective of the different requirements of the agri-food industry in Great Britain when compared to that of Northern Ireland. Examples of such programmes include Higher National Diploma (HND) and BSc programmes in Marketing, Business Studies, Land and Estate Management Leisure Studies and Animal Welfare. Due to its size, Harper Adams University College provides a range of more specialist programmes than DARD Colleges, which will assist students wishing to secure employment in Great Britain. I am also aware that some students prefer to pursue studies outside Northern Ireland before returning home to work. Education programmes offered by DARD Colleges are specifically tailored to the requirements of the local agri-food industry through regular reviews which involve formal consultation with industry representatives on the Colleges' Advisory Boards. The aim of DARD Colleges provision is to develop the competences which people require to successfully pursue careers within Northern Ireland's agri-food industry. Traditionally, these requirements were largely addressed through providing Further Education programmes. In response to very significant changes within the agri-food industry during the past decade, DARD Colleges have progressively developed, through collaborating with Colleges of Further and Higher Education, Queen's University, the Open University and the University of Ulster, a much wider range of Higher Education courses to complement their Further Education provision. Examples include Higher National Diploma (HND) and BSc level courses in Agriculture, Food Technology and Equine Studies and an HND programme in Horticulture. These programmes are complemented by degree programmes offered by the School of Agriculture and Food Science, QUB. These developments have significantly widened access to agri-food related Higher Education programmes in Northern Ireland, and have also facilitated progression from the Further Education programmes provided by DARD Colleges that was not available in the past. As a consequence, Northern Ireland students now have many more opportunities at DARD Colleges to pursue Higher Education qualifications specifically tailored to the requirements of the local agri-food industry. Farming as a Career Choice for Young People Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to encourage young people to enter the farming profession. (AQW 421/01) Ms Rodgers: In choosing a career, young people and their parents are very strongly influenced by future career opportunities and the image of the industry. A highly competitive and progressive industry, which is perceived as having a sustainable and viable future, will be much more successful in attracting young people to seek careers in that industry. It is for this reason that I believe that the current Vision exercise is so important in providing a positive and proactive direction on which we can build a programme for future industry development. The availability of high quality education courses and facilities is another vital factor in attracting young people of high calibre into the industry. The courses run by the DARD colleges are specifically targeted at ensuring that those entering the industry have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the industry, while enjoying a satisfying and fulfilling career. These courses are constantly revised and improved to ensure a close match with industry requirements. To ensure that young people of high calibre are attracted to the courses in agriculture and related subjects, my Department initiates direct contact with students and their parents through attending careers conventions and exhibiting at farming events such as Balmoral Show, the Winter Fair, the Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships and local agriculture shows. This is supplemented by advertising in the Press, on radio, in cinemas and on television. Steps are also taken to ensure that careers teachers and schools have a good understanding of the agri-food industry and career opportunities within it. DARD colleges hold regular events such as open days and seminars of relevance to schools throughout Northern Ireland. Congress of European Agriculture : Rt Hon Margaret Beckett's Speech Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment has she made of the content of the statement by the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, at the recent Congress of European Agriculture, including the impact this would have on the future of the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland. (AQW 429/01) Ms Rodgers: I have made no assessment of the impact on Northern Ireland agriculture of the content of the speech by Mrs Beckett. Essentially, this was a restatement of the general position of successive UK Governments on the issue of CAP reform and contained no specific proposals which could be assessed. Any future reform of the CAP will be negotiated by the EU Member States based on proposals from the EU Commission. However, as I made clear in my own speech to the CEA, agriculture plays a vital role in the Northern Ireland rural economy and I am anxious to ensure that a viable industry remains both in the lowlands and in the hills. Therefore, while reform of the CAP is inevitable, I will be seeking to ensure that this occurs at a pace which the industry can sustain and that suitable measures are in place to help the industry through this process. EU & Departmental Bureaucracy Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she has initiated to help reduce the level of EU and departmental bureaucracy currently facing the farming community. (AQO 297/01) Ms Rodgers: I think it best if I answer this question in the context of the various subsidy schemes related to IACS which are a major area of activity and financial importance for the industry. Most of the rules and conditions are set down in EU legislation and are not easy to get changed - though we do try through the various committees and other meetings. I can though, report on a number of initiatives to ease the burden for farmers:
I think this shows that my Department is doing what it can within the constraints in which it must operate. NI Beef Farmers Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what benefits can be gained for Northern Ireland beef farmers as a result of Egypt's recent decision to accept beef exported from the Republic of Ireland. (AQO 304/01) Ms Rodgers: The re-opening of the Egyptian market to EU beef including that from the Republic of Ireland (ROI) has the potential to benefit returns to Northern Ireland beef producers through reduced levels of ROI beef competing with NI beef on the GB market. Additionally firmer prices for ROI cattle would make their live importation into Northern Ireland for slaughter and processing less attractive and therefore provide the potential for increased returns for NI producers. It should be noted however that the re-opening of the Egyptian market for beef imports from the EU will be subject to the meeting of certain strict veterinary conditions and trade will not commence until February 2002 at the earliest. Agriculture Committee's Report Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she intends to implement the recommendations of the Agriculture Committee's report "Retailing in Northern Ireland - a fair deal for the farmer". (AQO 307/01) Ms Rodgers: This report contained recommendations directed at all links in the food marketing chain, as well as the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Department of the Environment. With regard to those recommendations directed at my Department, I was pleased to be able to confirm in my reply to the Committee that in most cases, DARD was already taking forward a range of initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying issues and concerns. Tests for Bovines Aged 30 Months Plus Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how many tests were carried out over the last six months on bovines, aged 30 months or more, that were destined for the food chain. (AQO 332/01) Ms Rodgers: I assume that the Member has in mind tests carried out by my Department. If that is the case, the answer is "None". Northern Ireland bovines aged 30 months or more do not enter the food chain. Advice Funding for Farmers Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to provide target funding for advice organisations which are presently involved in supporting farmers through provision of on-farm financial audits. (AQO 308/01) Ms Rodgers: In Northern Ireland a long term and more sustainable approach has been taken in the form of the LFA Good Business Sense programme. This involves the development of a tailored business recording system and associated training programme which aims to develop the business management competences of farmers, especially smaller farmers, who have been reluctant to participate in traditional training programmes. The programme will provide approximately 12,000 business development training places for farmers. TOPHeritage Lottery Fund : Details of Awards 2000-01 Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the grants that have been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in the 2000-01 financial year. (AQW 433/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): During the 2000-2001 financial year 34 grants were awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to projects in Northern Ireland totalling £12,086,400. These are as follows:
Details of all Lottery Awards made by all National Lottery Distributing Bodies across the UK can be accessed through the Awards Search on the Web Site of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Promoting Disabled Sports Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has any plans to increase the role of district councils in promoting disabled sports and if funding is available for this purpose. (AQW 438/01) Mr McGimpsey: Under Article 10 of the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, each District Council is responsible for securing the provision for its area of adequate facilities for recreational, physical and cultural activities. This includes meeting the needs of disabled people. The Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI) works closely with the Chief Leisure Officer Association (CLOA) and Disability Sport Northern Ireland in promoting sport for people with disabilities and for developing more inclusive leisure facilities at a local level. The aim of this work is to move towards a more joined-up and district council specific response to addressing the needs of the disabled. In view of this ongoing work I do not see the need to consider increasing the role of district councils in the promotion of disabled sport at this time. Public Relations Posts for Promotion of Disabled Sports Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if the Sports Council for Northern Ireland has any plans to create a public relations post to promote disabled sporting events. (AQW 439/01) Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland does not provide funding for public relations posts in any sector at present. It is the view of the Sports Council, which is working closely with Disability Sports Northern Ireland on developing sporting opportunities for those with a disability, that priority should be given to sports development posts which ensure increased participation of those with a disability. The Sports Council has indicated that if Disability Sports Northern Ireland is anxious to increase their public relations capacity the Sports Council's Public Relations Department would be keen to provide assistance, but both Disability Sports Northern Ireland and the Sports Council share the view at present that the need for such a post has not been clearly established. Funding Available for Disabled Sportsmen & Women Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail any funding that is available for disabled sportsmen and women. (AQW 440/01) Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland, in addition to providing exchequer funding to the governing body of the sport (Disability Sport Northern Ireland), offer a number of funding opportunities for disabled athletes through their various Lottery Revenue Programmes. Talented performers with a disability are entitled to apply for Lottery Funding from any Revenue Programme, to support their performance development, where their performance level reaches the necessary standard. The Sports Council currently provides Lottery support for a number of disabled athletes through Talented Athlete and Talented Athlete (Next Generation) programmes. Furthermore, the Sports Council Lottery Fund, can also provide funding for Major International Events. The Sports Council recently, for instance, allocated £6,300 to Wheelchair Basketball to enable the hosting of the Willie Brinkman Cup, a British Nations Event that took place in the Antrim Forum. TOPAccess for the Disabled Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (a) mainstream secondary schools and (b) primary schools that are (i) totally accessible for the disabled (ii) partially accessible for the disabled and (iii) what percentage of the total number of secondary and primary schools do these represent. (AQW 347/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost. Most primary schools are generally accessible for disabled people and earmarked funding of £1.5m last year and £2m this year has been made available to improve access to both primary and secondary school buildings. Teacher Costs at Irish-Medium Schools Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he could outline any difference in teacher costs at Irish-Medium Schools compared to other school sectors. (AQW 355/01) Mr McGuinness: At present, the numbers of teachers employed in individual Irish-Medium Schools are broadly similar to those employed in controlled and maintained schools of similar size and characteristics. However Irish-Medium schools have additional requirements arising from the need to prepare curriculum materials and to meet the additional statutory curriculum requirement to teach English at Key Stage 2. Proposals included in the recent LMS Consultation Document are designed to help Irish-medium schools meet these additional needs. LMS Funding Formula Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he will undertake to change the criteria for New TSN from one of "threshold" allocation to that of "per head" allocation. (AQW 357/01) Mr McGuinness: At present only the Belfast Education and Library Board operates a threshold as part of its LMS funding formula. My proposals for a common funding formula for schools were set out in a consultation document published in April 2001 and do not involve the application of a threshold for TSN funding. The consultation period ended on 21st September and responses are currently being considered. In my announcement of 4th October I indicated that the common formula will not now be implemented until April 2003 so existing arrangements will continue for 2002/3 funding allocations. LMS Schemes Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education, in respect of the consultation document "Common Funding Formula for Grant Aided Schools", to explain why children of service personnel, who frequently move schools, are only allocated one third of the proposed funds available. (AQW 358/01) Mr McGuinness: The proposed allocation of an amount equivalent to £250 per pupil is in line with current funding in Board LMS schemes for children of service personnel and is designed to enable schools to provide the additional support needed by these pupils. Direct comparisons with support proposed for children from the travelling community or pupils for whom English is an additional language are not appropriate as the needs of these children and the nature of the support they require are quite different. Responses to the consultation are currently being considered and the views expressed on all the proposals, including those for children of service personnel, will be carefully weighed before final decisions are taken. Fund for New TSN Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education, in respect of the consultation document "Common Funding Formula for Grant Aided Schools", to explain why the fund for New TSN increased from 5% to 5.5% and what does he hope to achieve as a result of this increase. (AQW 359/01) Mr McGuinness: Deciding on the amount of funding to be distributed under the TSN factor requires a judgement to be made between meeting the genuine needs of schools trying to operate in very difficult circumstances, where there are high levels of social disadvantage and educational need, and ensuring that all schools have sufficient core funding to meet the needs of their pupils. A proper balance must be struck. The proposals in the document to include educational indicators (KS2 results) alongside entitlement to FSM in the TSN indicator, would direct TSN resources more accurately to schools with pupils in need. In particular, the revised indicator would target more effectively schools with pupils who are not socially disadvantaged but who are nevertheless performing below the expected level for their age. This would address a long-standing criticism of the current TSN arrangements within LMS. The increase in resources distributed under TSN from 5% to 5.5% of total schools' recurrent funding would raise TSN funding from £40m to around £44m and was widely supported by schools in the consultation. This additional £4m would assist schools in addressing low educational achievement, regardless of social background, while also ensuring that schools currently receiving TSN funds continue to receive adequate support The consultation period on the Common Formula has just ended and all responses will be carefully considered before final decisions are made. Additional Funding : Queen's University, Belfast Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 3676/00, to detail how the Education & Library Boards have utilised the additional funding allocated for teachers on the MSc in Educational Psychology course at Queen's University, Belfast. (AQW 369/01) Mr McGuinness: Additional funding was used (1) to increase the number of teachers being supported to eleven; (2) to increase the level of support from £11,000 to £17,500; (3) to enable them to join a recognised superannuation scheme during training; (3) to allow them to receive increased travel and subsistence costs; and (4) to enable them to attend an annual conference. All the additional funding was used for the intended purpose. Educating Against Drug Abuse Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education how much money has been spent on educating school children against drug abuse in each of the last three years. (AQW 376/01) Mr McGuinness: It is not possible to quantify the amount of money spent on drug education in schools, as drug education programmes are, for the most part, delivered as part of the statutory curriculum. Under the Northern Ireland Drug Strategy, additional funding of approximately £800,000 for two years was allocated to the education sector in March 2000 to enable drug education provision to be strengthened. Guidance for Post Primary Schools Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister of Education if the CCEA considered The Children (NI) Order 1995 in formulating the lessons and materials as recommended in their teaching guide, "Guidance for Post Primary Schools - Relationships and Sexuality Education". (AQW 442/01) Mr McGuinness: The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) considered the Children (NI) Order 1995 in preparing its guidance on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), in as far as the Order was consistent with the Council's responsibilities. The lists of teaching materials included in the guidance have been identified, during the consultation phases of the development of the guidance, by teachers from both primary and post-primary schools as useful when developing an RSE policy or programme. CCEA makes it very clear that their inclusion does not imply endorsement and strongly recommends that schools review all resources to be used with pupils prior to any use. A wide range of groups was consulted prior to the production of the guidance for both primary and post primary schools. Copies of the draft proposals were sent out to Education and Health Boards, Churches, schools, CCMS, teachers unions and many other organisations and individuals. CCEA also placed a public notice in a local newspaper on 17 November 1998 inviting comments from interested individuals, groups and organisations. RSE is mainly taught through the Programme of Study for Science and the cross-curricular theme of Health Education. It may also be delivered through subjects such as Religious Education, Personal and Social Education, Pastoral Care, Physical Education, Home Economics and English. In producing its guidance on RSE, CCEA used as a guideline proposals drawn up by the Health Education Liaison Group (HELG) in 1997, which set out a framework and headings for developing policy and programmes. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child does not include a specific right or option for parents to withdraw their children from a class in which sex education is being taught. It does, however, require States to recognise the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents to provide direction and guidance to their children in the exercise of the children's rights under the Convention, including the right of the child to education. My Department has suggested that schools should explain to parents, before a programme of RSE is instigated, how they intend to approach this sensitive subject, and what aspects will be covered in the course of the programme. Schools should then take account of any parental concerns expressed to them and, as far as possible, make alternative arrangements for any pupil whose parent wishes him/her to be excused from sex education. Guidance for Post Primary Schools Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister of Education what consultation was carried out by his Department or the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment with churches, schools and parents prior to publishing the teaching guide "Guidance for Post Primary Schools - Relations and Sexuality Education". (AQW 443/01) Mr McGuinness: The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) considered the Children (NI) Order 1995 in preparing its guidance on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), in as far as the Order was consistent with the Council's responsibilities. The lists of teaching materials included in the guidance have been identified, during the consultation phases of the development of the guidance, by teachers from both primary and post-primary schools as useful when developing an RSE policy or programme. CCEA makes it very clear that their inclusion does not imply endorsement and strongly recommends that schools review all resources to be used with pupils prior to any use. A wide range of groups was consulted prior to the production of the guidance for both primary and post primary schools. Copies of the draft proposals were sent out to Education and Health Boards, Churches, schools, CCMS, teachers unions and many other organisations and individuals. CCEA also placed a public notice in a local newspaper on 17 November 1998 inviting comments from interested individuals, groups and organisations. RSE is mainly taught through the Programme of Study for Science and the cross-curricular theme of Health Education. It may also be delivered through subjects such as Religious Education, Personal and Social Education, Pastoral Care, Physical Education, Home Economics and English. In producing its guidance on RSE, CCEA used as a guideline proposals drawn up by the Health Education Liaison Group (HELG) in 1997, which set out a framework and headings for developing policy and programmes. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child does not include a specific right or option for parents to withdraw their children from a class in which sex education is being taught. It does, however, require States to recognise the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents to provide direction and guidance to their children in the exercise of the children's rights under the Convention, including the right of the child to education. My Department has suggested that schools should explain to parents, before a programme of RSE is instigated, how they intend to approach this sensitive subject, and what aspects will be covered in the course of the programme. Schools should then take account of any parental concerns expressed to them and, as far as possible, make alternative arrangements for any pupil whose parent wishes him/her to be excused from sex education. Guidance for Post Primary Schools Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister of Education if sex education for 11-14 year old children in secondary schools is conducted in the context of another lesson i.e. biology or taught as a separate and distinct lesson. (AQW 444/01) Mr McGuinness: The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) considered the Children (NI) Order 1995 in preparing its guidance on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), in as far as the Order was consistent with the Council's responsibilities. The lists of teaching materials included in the guidance have been identified, during the consultation phases of the development of the guidance, by teachers from both primary and post-primary schools as useful when developing an RSE policy or programme. CCEA makes it very clear that their inclusion does not imply endorsement and strongly recommends that schools review all resources to be used with pupils prior to any use. A wide range of groups was consulted prior to the production of the guidance for both primary and post primary schools. Copies of the draft proposals were sent out to Education and Health Boards, Churches, schools, CCMS, teachers unions and many other organisations and individuals. CCEA also placed a public notice in a local newspaper on 17 November 1998 inviting comments from interested individuals, groups and organisations. RSE is mainly taught through the Programme of Study for Science and the cross-curricular theme of Health Education. It may also be delivered through subjects such as Religious Education, Personal and Social Education, Pastoral Care, Physical Education, Home Economics and English. In producing its guidance on RSE, CCEA used as a guideline proposals drawn up by the Health Education Liaison Group (HELG) in 1997, which set out a framework and headings for developing policy and programmes. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child does not include a specific right or option for parents to withdraw their children from a class in which sex education is being taught. It does, however, require States to recognise the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents to provide direction and guidance to their children in the exercise of the children's rights under the Convention, including the right of the child to education. My Department has suggested that schools should explain to parents, before a programme of RSE is instigated, how they intend to approach this sensitive subject, and what aspects will be covered in the course of the programme. Schools should then take account of any parental concerns expressed to them and, as far as possible, make alternative arrangements for any pupil whose parent wishes him/her to be excused from sex education. Guidance for Post Primary Schools Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister of Education if parents of 11-14 year old children, who object to the content of sex education being taught, have a right or an option under "United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child" to withdraw their children from that particular class. (AQW 445/01) Mr McGuinness: The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) considered the Children (NI) Order 1995 in preparing its guidance on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), in as far as the Order was consistent with the Council's responsibilities. The lists of teaching materials included in the guidance have been identified, during the consultation phases of the development of the guidance, by teachers from both primary and post-primary schools as useful when developing an RSE policy or programme. CCEA makes it very clear that their inclusion does not imply endorsement and strongly recommends that schools review all resources to be used with pupils prior to any use. A wide range of groups was consulted prior to the production of the guidance for both primary and post primary schools. Copies of the draft proposals were sent out to Education and Health Boards, Churches, schools, CCMS, teachers unions and many other organisations and individuals. CCEA also placed a public notice in a local newspaper on 17 November 1998 inviting comments from interested individuals, groups and organisations. RSE is mainly taught through the Programme of Study for Science and the cross-curricular theme of Health Education. It may also be delivered through subjects such as Religious Education, Personal and Social Education, Pastoral Care, Physical Education, Home Economics and English. In producing its guidance on RSE, CCEA used as a guideline proposals drawn up by the Health Education Liaison Group (HELG) in 1997, which set out a framework and headings for developing policy and programmes. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child does not include a specific right or option for parents to withdraw their children from a class in which sex education is being taught. It does, however, require States to recognise the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents to provide direction and guidance to their children in the exercise of the children's rights under the Convention, including the right of the child to education. My Department has suggested that schools should explain to parents, before a programme of RSE is instigated, how they intend to approach this sensitive subject, and what aspects will be covered in the course of the programme. Schools should then take account of any parental concerns expressed to them and, as far as possible, make alternative arrangements for any pupil whose parent wishes him/her to be excused from sex education. Guidance for Post Primary Schools Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister of Education what guidelines were used by the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment in preparing its teaching guide "Guidance for Post Primary Schools - Relationships and Sexuality Education". (AQW 446/01) Mr McGuinness: The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) considered the Children (NI) Order 1995 in preparing its guidance on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), in as far as the Order was consistent with the Council's responsibilities. The lists of teaching materials included in the guidance have been identified, during the consultation phases of the development of the guidance, by teachers from both primary and post-primary schools as useful when developing an RSE policy or programme. CCEA makes it very clear that their inclusion does not imply endorsement and strongly recommends that schools review all resources to be used with pupils prior to any use. A wide range of groups was consulted prior to the production of the guidance for both primary and post primary schools. Copies of the draft proposals were sent out to Education and Health Boards, Churches, schools, CCMS, teachers unions and many other organisations and individuals. CCEA also placed a public notice in a local newspaper on 17 November 1998 inviting comments from interested individuals, groups and organisations. RSE is mainly taught through the Programme of Study for Science and the cross-curricular theme of Health Education. It may also be delivered through subjects such as Religious Education, Personal and Social Education, Pastoral Care, Physical Education, Home Economics and English. In producing its guidance on RSE, CCEA used as a guideline proposals drawn up by the Health Education Liaison Group (HELG) in 1997, which set out a framework and headings for developing policy and programmes. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child does not include a specific right or option for parents to withdraw their children from a class in which sex education is being taught. It does, however, require States to recognise the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents to provide direction and guidance to their children in the exercise of the children's rights under the Convention, including the right of the child to education. My Department has suggested that schools should explain to parents, before a programme of RSE is instigated, how they intend to approach this sensitive subject, and what aspects will be covered in the course of the programme. Schools should then take account of any parental concerns expressed to them and, as far as possible, make alternative arrangements for any pupil whose parent wishes him/her to be excused from sex education. TOPArts Graduates Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action is being taken to ensure that local "Arts" graduates secure employment in Northern Ireland. (AQO 317/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): The Department's JobCentre network provides a range of services and programmes which address the needs of those seeking to secure employment, including graduates of any discipline. Graduates can access a wide range of vacancies in any JobCentre and can seek careers information and guidance if this is required. A range of programmes is also provided by the Department's Management Development Branch. These include programmes specifically aimed at helping graduates from any discipline to develop IT and Business Management Skills. Movement of Courses in University of Ulster Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (a) the courses within the University of Ulster which have moved between campuses in the last and current academic year and (b) any further plans to move courses. (AQW 434/01) Dr Farren: I am advised that no courses have been transferred between the campuses of the University of Ulster in either the last or current academic years. Following the establishment of a new faculty structure the University is currently reviewing its overall course provision with the aim of achieving the goals set out in its published Vision and Strategy 2000-2010. Movement of Courses in University of Ulster Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (a) any discussions which took place with unions in respect of moving courses within campuses of the University of Ulster and (b) any provision which has been made for students whose courses have been moved. (AQW 435/01) Dr Farren: I am advised that the University is currently reviewing provision across each faculty and each campus. Trade Unions will be consulted in line with agreed procedures when the review has been completed. Existing students will not be affected by any transfer of courses that might arise as a result of the institution-wide review process. They will be able to complete their course on the campus at which they are currently registered. Individual Learning Accounts Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of Individual Learning Accounts that have been activated in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local district council area. (AQW 452/01) Dr Farren: Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) are available to virtually all Northern Ireland residents aged 18 or over for a wide range of learning. Information on ILAs is not collected in the format requested but is available on the basis of high level Postal Codes. I attach a table showing the numbers of ILAs that have been opened and activated (ie. used by the Account holder towards the cost of a course) from 4 September 2000 (when ILAs became available in Northern Ireland) to 30 September 2001. INDIVIDUAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS OPENED AND ACTIVATED FROM SEPTEMBER 2000 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2001
New Campus for East Antrim Institute of Further & Higher Education Mr Danny O'Connor asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will assist the East Antrim Institute of Further & Higher Education in funding the new campus, pending the sale of existing land. (AQW 480/01) Dr Farren: East Antrim Institute is in the process of selling land at Larne. A smaller building on the existing site will be built. If there is a shortfall in the proceeds from the sale of the land, the Department will consider any proposal brought forward by the Institute in light of the overall resources available and other competing priorities at the relevant time. East Antrim Institute of Further & Higher Education Mr Danny O'Connor asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment has he made in relation to the future plans for East Antrim Institute of Further & Higher Education. (AQW 481/01) Dr Farren: The future development of the Institute is a matter, in the first instance, for its Governing Body. Any specific plans brought forward by the Governing Body will be considered by my Department. |