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Friday 7 December 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Interdepartmental Working Group : Flags, Emblems and Graffiti Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline the progress the Executive has made on establishing an Interdepartmental Working Group to address the removal of paramilitary flags, emblems and graffiti from public property. (AQW 671/01) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan): We have not taken a decision on whether to establish such a group. In the draft Programme for Government, we have made clear our commitment to support local communities in dealing with matters of dispute and division, including the proliferation of sectarian graffiti, unauthorised flag flying, the erection of memorials and other issues that can lead to community tensions. We will bring forward proposals to address these issues as part of our cross-departmental strategy and framework for the promotion of community relations and to ensure an effective and co-ordinated response to sectarian and racial intimidation. TOPAgriculture and Rural Development Disposal of Building and Land Assets Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any building or land assets that she intends to dispose of in counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry. (AQW 826/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): My Department intends to dispose of the following land:-
Buildings/Land Assets : Fermanagh, Tyrone, Londonderry Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the building and land assets that belong to her department within the counties of Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry. (AQW 827/01) Ms Rodgers: The following list details the building or land assets owned by the Department within Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry:-
Building and Land Assets Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) the methodology she follows to dispose of land and/or building assets and (b) if this includes competitive tendering or preferred bidders. (AQW 828/01) Ms Rodgers: [a] My Department follows the methodology for the disposal of publicly owned land and buildings as set out in the document "Disposal of Surplus Land and Buildings by Public Sector Bodies" issued by the Central Advisory Unit of the Valuation and Lands Agency, [b] The Department disposes of land and / or building assets by means of a competitive process which may take the form of public auction or open market tenders. Building and Land Assets Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what land and building assets have been disposed of by her department since 1996. (AQW 829/01) Ms Rodgers: Information in the form requested for the 1996/1997 financial year is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost. However, for the 1997-2001 period, the Department sold the following:-
Sheep Annual Premium Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the Director of Public Prosecutions directive that prosecutions should not proceed in respect of false claims for the Sheep Annual Premium scheme. (AQW 870/01) Ms Rodgers: Following the investigation of the shortfalls of sheep identified after the Foot and Mouth culls, 12 cases were referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to prosecution. Seven of these had been accepted by the DPP and dates had been set for hearings when the loss of an unrelated appeal case caused the DPP to review the evidence and the legislation. He decided that he would be unable to secure a conviction due to limitations within the legislation and therefore he directed that the prosecutions should not proceed. However, some of the farmers may still remain liable to legal action because they did not present their flock records when requested. The limitation identified is that the Regulations provide for an offence only where false or misleading information is furnished by the claimant, and this effectively means at the time of the submission of a claim. Consequently, where a shortfall of sheep occurs after the claim has been submitted, it would be necessary to prove that the claimant did not intend, at the time he claimed, to keep the specified number of sheep. An amending regulation came into operation on Tuesday 4 December when the 2002 scheme opened for applications. The amendment has created an additional offence where a farmer does not notify the Department of material changes to the particulars of his or her claim. Claimants are already required to do this under the Scheme rules and are subject to penalties if they do not. The new regulations will, in addition, make them liable to prosecution. Forest Service Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether she could confirm that the Forest Service achieved its target of 'paying visitors' for the 2000/01 season. (AQW 900/01) Ms Rodgers: As published in the Forest Service's Annual Report and Accounts for 2000/01, the number of paying visitors achieved was 400,507, against a target of 440,000. The target was not achieved. Forest Service Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment she has made in relation to the Forest Service's marketing strategy to promote forest recreation. (AQW 901/01) Ms Rodgers: The Forest Service markets forests mainly as a venue for those who wish to enjoy a sense of seclusion and quietness. I have been personally involved with two new developments - the Peace Maze at Castlewellan and the Millennium Wood in Favour Royal. Other marketing of forest recreation is carried out by means of local initiatives and targeted advertising. I am satisfied that local users of forests are well aware of the facilities on offer. The Forest Service is also building relationships with other bodies such as the Tourist Board to see what more can be done to promote forests as a venue. My assessment is that current practices are both appropriate and cost-effective, and that the Forest Service is taking steps to ensure that its marketing continues to be effective. TOPDe-Escalating Sectarianism in Sport Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action will he take to de-escalate sectarian tensions following the actions of some supporters whereby they failed to recognise the one minute silence at the Linfield/Cliftonville football match on 10 November 2001. (AQW 798/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): I regard sectarianism both as a problem for society and symptomatic of wider problems facing soccer. Action is being considered as part of the development of a soccer strategy and recommendations for dealing with sectarianism in soccer are contained in Part 10 of the Consultative Document 'Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland'. My Department hopes to have the Soccer Strategy published early in 2002. In addition it is already a condition of grant under the Safe Sports Grounds Scheme, administered by the Sports Council, that successful applicants will be required to formulate an Equity Statement for inclusion in the organisation's Constitution highlighting practical measures of how family, disability and sectarianism issues will be addressed. You should also note that the IFA, the body responsible for football, is fully committed to an anti-sectarianism policy through its 'Football for All' Campaign which is supported by the Sports Council. Measures include:
Dromintee Primary School, Killeavy Mr Conor Murphy asked the Minister of Education to outline any progress for the proposed capital works scheme at Dromintee Primary School, Killeavy. (AQW 793/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): An Economic Appraisal which addresses options for meeting Dromintee's capital needs is nearing completion. The school's Board of Governors is currently seeking an alternative site for the school and hopes to finalise this exercise shortly. The economic appraisal will then be completed which will clear the way for initial planning of the scheme to commence. Ulster-Scots Ethos Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail any progress by CCEA and the Education and Library Boards to produce materials which will enable teachers to reflect the Ulster-Scots ethos in the classroom. (AQW 805/01) Mr McGuinness: Responsibility for the promotion of Ulster-Scots lies with the Ulster-Scots Agency, set up as part of the North/South Language Implementation Body. I understand that proposals in the Agency's Corporate Plan include the development of resources for use in the classroom and that discussions with CCEA are being arranged. Cost of Vandalism Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the approximate cost of damage repair to school facilities following acts of vandalism over the past year and (b) any action he is taking to eradicate the problem of vandalism, notably at Glengormley High School and Templepatrick Primary in the South Antrim constituency. (AQW 825/01) Mr McGuinness: The approximate cost of repairs in the 2000/2001 financial year is estimated at £1 million of which approximately £870,000 was spent by Education and Library Boards on repairing damage in controlled and maintained schools. Action to prevent vandalism includes the installation of fencing, security lighting, window grills, burglar alarms, CCTV systems and door entry systems. At Glengormley High School the North-Eastern Board has installed CCTV, intruder alarms, security lighting and anti-climb measures and is planning to erect additional fencing. The Board has indicated that it is not aware of any major problems with vandalism at Templepatrick Primary School. Protecting the Identity of Children Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to give his assessment of the need to protect the identity of children connecting to the internet through school computer systems and what guidance he has issued on this matter. (AQW 832/01) Mr McGuinness: I fully recognise the importance of protecting the identity of children connecting to the Internet through school computer systems. The advice issued to schools includes:
'Citizenship' as a Curriculum Subject Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education what preparations remain to be completed in respect of the introduction of 'citizenship' as a curriculum subject. (AQW 850/01) Mr McGuinness: It is intended to phase citizenship into the curriculum for pupils in post-primary schools as soon as possible, with the current pilot being extended to a number of other schools (on a voluntary basis) from September 2002. Course content is currently being developed, and a major inservice programme for teachers is in planning. Making Education More Attractive Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps he is taking to make education more attractive for school age members of the Unionist tradition in areas of multiple deprivation; and to make a statement. (AQW 897/01) Mr McGuinness: I fully recognise the need to make education attractive to young people, as this is key to improving attendance, motivation and results. I am aware of the concerns of principals about the appropriateness of the curriculum for some young people. In response my Department has co-funded a study of young people's views on their post-primary education, and introduced a pilot scheme to provide more flexibility for schools to offer work-related courses in Key Stage 4. CCEA are conducting a full review of the curriculum, and have already revised some programmes of study to make them more practical and relevant. All of these measures relate to all schools and all pupils. In addition, my Department's New TSN Action Plan is specifically aimed at tackling disaffection and social exclusion so that all young people can take full advantage of the educational opportunities on offer, and the School Support Programme, and specifically the Group One Schools initiative, are aimed at improving the quality of education in the most disadvantaged areas and where pupil achievement and motivation are lowest. These initiatives are focused where need is greatest and benefit both communities. TOPAccess to Higher Education Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the criteria used by his department to measure the level of success in widening access to higher education. (AQW 779/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): My Department will measure the level of success in widening access to higher education by monitoring the impact of policies on the student profile. I have required the universities to produce three year Strategies and Action Plans which detail activities, targets and performance indicators associated with widening access. My Department will monitor progress towards the achievement of these targets, and, in particular, will complete an evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the additional support made available as a result of my recent review into student finance to assist with widening access. Ulster-Scots Cultural Ethos Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of courses funded in the last three years which reflect the Ulster-Scots cultural ethos. (AQW 803/01) Dr Farren: The Department for Employment and Learning does not fund individual courses but allocates funding to Higher and Further Education institutions which are responsible for the delivery of teaching and learning in Northern Ireland. As autonomous bodies, the institutions are responsible for their own policies, procedures and practices, which includes course provision. New Deal Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is the impact of New Deal for the long-term unemployed in West Tyrone. (AQW 810/01) Dr Farren: Since the introduction of New Deal in April 1998, unemployment in the target groups for the New Deal for 18-24 year olds and New Deal for over 25 in West Tyrone has fallen by 55% and 53% respectively. In the same period total unemployment in West Tyrone fell by 30%. Post Graduate Certificate in Education Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if it is possible for students to obtain funding from local education authorities to complete a post graduate certificate in education in the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 837/01) Dr Farren: Students undertaking post graduate certificate in education courses at publicly funded institutions in the Republic of Ireland are eligible for support in respect of tuition fees, loans and supplementary grants from the Education and Library Boards in accordance with the Education (Student Support) Regulations (Northern Ireland). Quality of Teaching Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment has he made of the quality of teaching in further education. (AQW 844/01) Dr Farren: The Education and Training Inspectorate reports regularly to me on the quality of teaching and learning in further education colleges. The reports indicate a quality of provision which is at least satisfactory, and often good or better. Adult Basic Education Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what progress is being made in raising levels of adult literacy. (AQW 858/01) Dr Farren: The Further Education funding formula provides additional weightings for Adult Basic Education. The Department has also introduced, through the Basic Skills Unit, Community and Workplace Innovation Funds which support innovative projects attracting new adult learners. In addition, my Department will publish shortly a consultation document containing a framework for improving the levels of adult literacy. University of Ulster : Temporary Contracts Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many teaching staff at the University of Ulster are on temporary contracts. (AQO 461/01) Dr Farren: The University of Ulster, in common with all other UK universities, is an autonomous body entirely responsible for its own policies and procedures, including staff contractual matters. I am advised that, while the numbers of temporary contract teaching staff employed by the University fluctuates during the course of the academic year according to need, the number of such staff currently in post is 94. Taskforce for Employability and Long-Term Unemployment Mr David Ford asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to make a statement on the Taskforce for Employability and Long Term Unemployment. (AQO 464/01) Dr Farren: The Taskforce, which has met on six occasions, has circulated 2100 discussion documents. Sixty-five written responses have been returned. We have completed a series of thirty engagement meetings with a wide range of organisations as well as bi-laterals with Government Departments. The Taskforce is now considering the information gathered with a view to preparing an Action Plan by 31 March 2002. Individual Learning Accounts Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the timescale for a review of the Individual Learning Accounts initiative and when does he expect to bring forward revised proposals. (AQO 483/01) Dr Farren: I will review the operation of the scheme and announce replacement arrangements as quickly as possible. Since my announcement of the review on 26 October, there has been a most serious development. On Friday 23 November, due to police investigations in England into serious allegations of fraud and theft concerning Individual Learning Accounts, the ILA Centre system, which administers the programme for England and Scotland as well as Northern Ireland, was shut down. This was essential to protect both the interests of individual ILA holders in Northern Ireland and public funds. The police investigations are continuing, and the system remains unavailable. In these circumstances it would be impossible to put in place essential additional safeguards before the 7 December closing date for new course bookings. I have therefore, regrettably, concluded that the ILA scheme for Northern Ireland in its present form is now effectively closed a few days ahead of the earlier announced end date. My Department will be writing immediately to all ILA holders and education and training providers affected by this development. All ILA holders who had valid course bookings made on the ILA Centre system before it was shut down will have that commitment honoured and will receive the appropriate ILA support. Anyone who had been contemplating using their ILA to enrol on a course before 7 December should call the learndirect free phone help-line for advice not only on courses, but also on what support may be available. While there have been difficulties with the programme, it has been successful in attracting many new learners. My review will build on that success while addressing the practical issues that have arisen in its present operation. Part-Time Workers Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he has any plans to encourage the extension of the scope of the regulations in respect of part-time work to cover those part-time workers not included in the framework agreement on part-time work. (AQO 477/01) Dr Farren: The Part-Time Regulations were designed to give full effect to the EU Directive covering the Framework Agreement, and I have no plans to encourage the extension of the scope of the Regulations beyond this. European Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what groups are eligible for funding under the European Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity. (AQO 458/01) Dr Farren: A wide range of organisations may apply for funding under Priority 2 of the Northern Ireland Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity including voluntary, community and other educational and training organisations. Indeed the only exclusions under European Social Fund Regulations are individuals, sole traders, or organisations which are not legally constituted. TOPEnterprise, Trade and Investment Global Point Industrial Park Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress has been made by his agencies to attract tenants into the Global Point Industrial site at Newtownabbey. (AQW 804/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): Global Point International Business Park has been included in the visit programmes of a number of potential investors from the telecommunications, engineering, electronics and food manufacturing sectors. The Park has also been the subject of recent interest by a number of property consultants. The proposed provision of a 40000 sq ft speculative build light industrial unit and an office style campus will enhance the attractiveness of Global Point as a prestigious high quality business location. Electricity Prices Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to ensure electricity prices in Northern Ireland fall to a level comparable with other parts of the UK. (AQW 812/01) Sir Reg Empey: Action taken, or underway, to reduce the higher electricity prices in Northern Ireland includes: the opening up of 35% of the electricity market to competition, two years ahead of EU requirements; the consideration by my Department of responses to the consultation paper recently published by the Regulator on proposals for moving to a fully competitive electricity market with accompanying industry structure reforms; the proposed commissioning of the electricity interconnector with Scotland in January 2002, thereby providing a new source of competitively priced electricity; the Regulator's continuing discussions with the generators on reducing generation costs; the Regulator's ongoing review of NIE's transmission & distribution price controls (revised controls to be introduced from April 2002); the allocation of the £60 million Government support package for electricity consumers; the accelerated roll-out of the natural gas programme in the Greater Belfast licence area; the agreement by the Executive on grant support for the construction of gas transmission pipelines from Gormanstown to Antrim and from Antrim to the North West of Northern Ireland; the promotion by my Department of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly combined heat and power technology and the continuing campaign to promote greater energy efficiency. In addition, I hope to publish an initial consultation paper on a new energy strategy for Northern Ireland and accompanying proposals requiring legislation to give effect to that strategy, in the near future. The achievement of significant electricity price reductions will be a main focus of those proposals. Finally, the planned progressive development of an all-island energy market will further increase choice and encourage downward pressure on electricity prices in both jurisdictions. Job Loses : East Antrim Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 632/01, what plans he has to redress the 1218 jobs loss in the East Antrim area. (AQW 819/01) Sir Reg Empey: LEDU has been working with other Government agencies, LEDCOM and other bodies in liaison with employers to provide support and advice to employees who are to be made redundant. It will also continue to work with its enterprise partners to develop programmes and initiatives aimed at the development of export markets and job creation. IDB's Trade International and Business Excellence Service offer a range of programmes and initiatives aimed at helping IDB and LEDU client companies increase their competitive advantage. Many companies are participating on these including several who operate in the East Antrim area. In addition IDB maintains contact with Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne Borough Councils to understand their priorities for economic development and to work with the CORE group of councils, of which they are part, to market the region to potential investors. Performance Standards : NIE Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 631/01, if he has any plans to review the level of compensation to non-domestic customers; and to make a statement. (AQW 822/01) Sir Reg Empey: The performance standards which NIE is currently required to achieve in relation to repairs to the electricity network and the payments which it is required to make to customers for breaches of those standards are prescribed in Regulations made by the Regulator with the consent of the Department. The latest changes to the performance standards and payment levels were introduced, via the Electricity (Standards of Performance) (Amendment No 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (Statutory Rule 1999 No 366), in October 1999. This followed a review by the Regulator of the earlier requirements which included a public consultation exercise. The current standards and payment levels for both domestic and non-domestic customers are constantly monitored by the Regulator, and there are no plans for a further review at this time. Investment in Larne Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the level of investment and number of jobs created in Larne over the last three years by (i) IDB and (ii) LEDU and (b) the steps he will be taking to improve the current situation. (AQW 841/01) Sir Reg Empey: (a) (i) In the past 3 years IDB has offered some £4 million to projects which are investing almost £13 million in the Larne Borough Council area. These projects involved the promotion of 271 news jobs and the safeguarding of a further 62 jobs. (ii) Over the past 3 years LEDU has provided some £840,000 towards projects creating 130 jobs in the Larne Borough Council area. (b) IDB continues to work with companies to encourage them to become more internationally competitive. Several companies have been involved in Trade International and Business Excellence programmes and initiatives which are aimed at increasing their competitive advantage. In addition IDB maintains contact with Larne Borough Council to understand its priorities for economic development and with the CORE group of councils, of which Larne is part, to market the region to potential investors. LEDU works closely with LEDCOM and Larne Council and has been involved in a number of joint economic initiatives. Further joint projects are currently being discussed. Unemployment Figures : Larne Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the unemployment figures for Larne over the last three years and (b) how he proposes to address this situation. (AQW 842/01) Sir Reg Empey: Unemployment statistics at District Council level are only available from the claimant count. Details of claimant count unemployment in Larne Borough Council and a comparison with Northern Ireland as a whole can be found in Table 1. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment continues to work, through IDB and LEDU, with companies in Larne to ensure they are able to compete in the global marketplace. IDB has six client companies in the Borough employing almost 1,800 people. Several companies have been involved in Trade International and Business Excellence programmes and initiatives which are aimed at increasing their competitive advantage. In addition IDB maintains contact with Larne Borough Council in order to understand its priorities for economic development and with the CORE group of councils, of which Larne is part, to market the region to potential investors. LEDU works closely with the LEDCOM enterprise agency and Larne Council and has been involved in a number of joint economic initiatives. Further joint projects are currently being discussed. Table 1 Number and rate of claimant count unemployed in Larne Borough Council and Northern Ireland.
TeleTech Call Centre Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the percentage of employees in the TeleTech Call Centre who are residents of the Belfast BT15 area. (AQW 853/01) Sir Reg Empey: TeleTech has invested over £11m in a customer interaction centre at Northgate, North Belfast that will employ approximately 950 people by 2004. At present the company employs 130 people at the centre, with 8 employees (6%) resident in the BT15 area. The company employs a total of 26 people (21%) resident in any of the north Belfast and adjacent Newtownabbey postcode areas. TeleTech is very keen to employ as many people from the immediate locality as possible in the centre and is conscious of its role in the community. However as the project is still in its start-up phase the company's immediate requirement is for persons with previous experience in call centre/customer service work. Unemployment Statistics : Coleraine Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the unemployment figures for Coleraine over the last three years and what assessment he has made in respect of these figures. (AQW 905/01) Sir Reg Empey: Unemployment statistics at District Council level are only available from the claimant count. Details of claimant count unemployment in Coleraine District Council and a comparison with Northern Ireland as a whole can be found in Table 1. The unemployment figure for Coleraine, whilst higher than for Northern Ireland as a whole, has fallen at a similar rate. My Department, through IDB and LEDU, and, when it is established, the new economic development agency Invest Northern Ireland, will continue to work with companies and with the District Council and local enterprise agencies to promote further economic activity and employment in the area. Table 1 Number and rate of claimant count unemployed in Coleraine District Council and Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what implications will the new Single Economic Development Agency, Invest Northern Ireland, have for the regional LEDU offices. (AQO 452/01) Sir Reg Empey: When Invest Northern Ireland is established on 1 April 2002, it is likely that it will adopt the existing LEDU regional office network. Subsequent decisions on the location and responsibilities of INI regional offices will be guided by operational needs and will seek to maximise the effective and efficient operation of INI. Investment Projects Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he has taken to ensure that job announcements translate into actual jobs. (AQO 478/01) Sir Reg Empey: Implementation of investment projects and the provision of associated jobs is the responsibility of the companies involved. When the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment offers financial assistance towards such projects, payments under the offers are dependent upon the companies fulfilling agreed conditions, including those related to satisfactory employment performance. TOP |
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