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Written Answers to Questions Agriculture and Rural Development Agriculture and Rural Development Brucellosis : Claims Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of claims for Brucellosis in the last 5 years; and (b) how many of these claims were found to be fraudulent. (AQW 1192/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): (a) In the last five years the number of Brucellosis cases were as follows:- 1997 - 29 1998 - 62 1999 - 155 2000 - 210 2001 - 187 (b) No prosecutions have been undertaken to date but a number of cases are currently being investigated and compensation is being withheld in 9 cases where irregularities have been identified. Genetically Modified Food Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) how many genetically modified food experiments have taken place in the last 2 years; and (b) the impact on surrounding farmland. (AQW 1202/01) Ms Rodgers: There have been no genetically modified food experiments carried out in the last two years in Northern Ireland. As no genetically modified food experiments have been carried out in the last two years in Northern Ireland there has, as a consequence, been no impact on farmland or the environment. Rural Development Programme for 2001-2006 Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what current and future measures are available for the Unionist community to participate in rural development projects. (AQW 1222/01) Ms Rodgers: All measures of the Rural Development Programme for 2001-2006 are, and will continue to be available for the entire rural population, irrespective of community background. The Programme will endeavour to promote equality of opportunity within the section 75 categories. The promotion of equality and inclusion are guiding principles of the Programme and for this reason a commitment to equality will be a key criteria for selection of all projects. The capacity building element of the Programme aims to strengthen areas of weak community infra-structure and to develop diverse and representative community-based organisations in rural areas. This will include a PEACE II measure focused on isolated, minority communities along both sides of the border to involve them in rural regeneration activities. Payment of Lights Dues Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what plans she has to abolish the payment of Light Dues. (AQW 1224/01) Ms Rodgers: Responsibility for policy relating to the payment of lights dues lies with the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) in London. While I remain fully committed to obtaining the reduction or removal of the payment of lights dues for Northern Ireland fishermen, the policy in the UK is that any removal or reduction of lights dues would be contrary to the "user pays" principle and that, as users of aids to navigation, lights dues are a proper charge against fishermen. However a review of the current structure of UK lights dues is due to be carried out by DTLR in early 2002 and the views of the maritime industry on the current charging regime will be sought. At that stage I will take the opportunity to request that the current economic circumstances of the fishing industry are taken into account when determining the outcome of the review. NI Fishery Harbour Authority : Development Projects Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) her commitment to grant aid the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour's authority for capital works; and (b) the timescale for the completion of these works; and to make a statement. (AQW 1237/01) Ms Rodgers: In addition to the Kilkeel Integrated Development Plan, the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority have put forward a number of additional development projects at Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel. Currently discussions are taking place with the Harbour Authority on these additional projects in relation to their funding and prioritisation and timescale. Plankton Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the fall in plankton in the Irish Sea over the past 5 years; and (b) the emergence of new forms of copepods off the south coast of Ireland, and in the Bristol and English Channels. (AQW 1238/01) Ms Rodgers: I am not aware of any decrease in the amount of plankton in the Irish Sea over the past 5 years. Information available would confirm, at least in the English Channel, the appearance of new species of copepods in the English Channel over the last few years. Larne Harbour Ltd Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to AQW 1050/01, what advice she has given to Larne Harbour Ltd to reopen the pedestrian gate at Chaine Memorial Road, Larne, following the review carried out on 3 December 2001. (AQW 1253/01) Ms Rodgers: In March 2001, as a result of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, my Department asked for the pedestrian gate at Chaine Memorial Road, Larne, to be closed as a FMD precaution. In early December 2001 we further advised Larne Harbour Ltd that, as the FMD situation had improved, we would be content for this gate to be re-opened. Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline any financial help for the fishing industry in light of new fishing quotas set by the European Union. (AQW 1300/01) Ms Rodgers: To assist the industry I announced a Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme in October last year and Letters of Offer have now issued to the owners of 34 fishing vessels. More recently I announced the opening of grant applications for schemes aimed at the Improvement of Facilities at Northern Ireland Fishing Ports, Aquaculture, Processing and Marketing of Freshwater and Marine Products and Promotion of Fishery Productions. I would add that at Council increases above last year's levels were obtained in the Total Allowable Catches for such stocks as Irish Sea cod, Irish Sea plaice and hake. Moreover whilst there was some reduction in the Total Allowable Catch for the important nephrops stocks, this has to be set against the initial Commission's proposal for a 25% reduction in their reticence for any increase because of their view that the by catch in this fishery includes stocks under threat, for example cod and whiting. The agreed nephrops TAC of 17,790 tonnes still gives the UK a quota which exceeds 2000 landing and likely landings in 2001. Hospitality : December 2001 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (a) the cost of and (b) to whom he is providing hospitality during the month of December 2001. (AQW 1107/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The estimated cost of hospitality during December 2001 was £1,018.23. This figure is broken down as follows: £575.20 - meetings/lunches with Department officials and local representatives. £443.03 - DCAL reception. Interpretative Facilities : East Londonderry Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to improve cultural interpretative facilities within East Londonderry. (AQW 1125/01) Mr McGimpsey: I have no direct responsibility for the quality of cultural interpretative facilities. However, my Department seeks to work, mainly through the Northern Ireland Museums Council, with local councils, which provide most such facilities, and with others, to ensure that they receive the advice and support they need in carrying out their responsibilities in this regard. My Department has established a Cultural Forum to bring together local councils with a range of other relevant public bodies; this has already provided guidance to councils in the preparation of their cultural strategies. In addition, the Local Museum and Heritage Review will provide another, complementary context for addressing the issue of cultural interpretative facilities. Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps is he taking to promote Ulster-Scots representation within the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. (AQW 1126/01) Mr McGimpsey: My Department has no role in making appointments to the Commission, which are a matter for the Secretary of State. The Northern Ireland Act states that as far as practicable, the Commissioners, as a group, should be representative of the community in Northern Ireland. Waterways Ireland Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the cost of the consultancy work contracted to manage the recruitment process of the administration and technical posts at Waterways Ireland. (AQW 1203/01) Mr McGimpsey: The issue referred to by the Member is now a matter for Waterways Ireland, the North/South Implementation Body for Inland Waterways. Waterways Ireland has the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterway systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. I understand from Waterways Ireland that two separate recruitment consultancy contracts have been awarded; one for filling outstanding administration and technical posts up to Director level and the other for filling four Director posts. As both these contracts are still in progress, no consultancy costs are yet available. 50 Metre Swimming Pool : University of Ulster, Jordanstown Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQO 449/01, what steps he will take to ensure that a 50 metre swimming pool will form the core of the proposed Centre of Excellence at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, and act as a magnet for prestige international sporting events. (AQW 1259/01) Mr McGimpsey: As I explained in my answer to AQO 449/01, current plans are to provide a 50 metre swimming pool at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown for the training of international performers as part of the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland (SINI). This will allow for high level training and low level gala promotions. While no spectator provision is specifically included, there will be the potential for a 200-300 temporary seating arrangement for low key events. This satisfies the requirements of the SINI and is expected to cost in the region of £3-4m. I understand the additional cost of upgrading the proposed facility to a 50 metre competition pool, with 8 lanes, boom and spectator accommodation for a minimum of 500 would be at least £3m. Apart from the cost consideration, the need/demand and location for such a facility would have to be carefully assessed and this would be a matter in the first instance for the Sports Council, possibly in partnership with a district council. 50 Metre Swimming Pool : University of Ulster, Jordanstown Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQO 449/01, what steps he will take to encourage the inclusion of adequate spectator accommodation in any scheme for a 50 metre pool in the proposed Centre of Excellence at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. (AQW 1260/01) Mr McGimpsey: As I explained in my answer to AQO 449/01, current plans are to provide a 50 metre swimming pool at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown for the training of international performers as part of the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland (SINI). This will allow for high level training and low level gala promotions. While no spectator provision is specifically included, there will be the potential for a 200-300 temporary seating arrangement for low key events. This satisfies the requirements of the SINI and is expected to cost in the region of £3-4m. I understand the additional cost of upgrading the proposed facility to a 50 metre competition pool, with 8 lanes, boom and spectator accommodation for a minimum of 500 would be at least £3m.
Apart from the cost consideration, the need/demand and location for such a facility would have to be carefully assessed and this would be a matter in the first instance for the Sports Council, possibly in partnership with a district council. Money Allocated for Gaelic Games Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money was allocated for Gaelic games in each of the last three years. (AQW 1338/01) Mr McGimpsey: The position is as follows:
Action on Autism Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to indicate (a) when will the new Centre of Excellence for Action on Autism be completed; and (b) how much funding is being set aside for this project. (AQW 1119/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): It is not planned that the proposed Centre of Excellence for the education of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders will require a new building. Existing premises are being considered for purchase, subject to satisfactory surveys and the subsequent successful conclusion of negotiations with the current owners. My Department made a successful bid to the Executive Programme Funds for additional funding of £110k in 2002/03 and £1.61m in 2003/04 to take forward this project on a North-South basis. The allocation is subject to DFP clearance of an appropriate economic appraisal. As soon as the economic appraisal is cleared, and my Department and the Department of Education and Science have concluded negotiations, I will be in a position to give full details of the location of the Centre and plans for its use. Action on Autism Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to indicate (a) when building will commence on the new Centre of Excellence for Action on Autism; and (b) where this Centre will be based. (AQW 1120/01) Mr McGuinness: It is not planned that the proposed Centre of Excellence for the education of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders will require a new building. Existing premises are being considered for purchase, subject to satisfactory surveys and the subsequent successful conclusion of negotiations with the current owners. My Department made a successful bid to the Executive Programme Funds for additional funding of £110k in 2002/03 and £1.61m in 2003/04 to take forward this project on a North-South basis. The allocation is subject to DFP clearance of an appropriate economic appraisal. As soon as the economic appraisal is cleared, and my Department and the Department of Education and Science have concluded negotiations, I will be in a position to give full details of the location of the Centre and plans for its use. School Closure Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to list, by name and location, those schools that were closed in each of the past 5 years. (AQW 1150/01) Mr McGuinness: The following schools were closed or amalgamated in the last 5 years. Those which were amalgamated, are denoted with an asterisk. NAME OF SCHOOL LOCATION School Year 2001/02 Ballymena Academy Prep Department Ballymena *Cambridge House Boys' Grammar Ballymena *Cambridge House Girls' Grammar Ballymena Cavanacaw Primary Omagh *Coleraine Boys' High Coleraine *Coleraine Girls' High Coleraine Jaffe Special Belfast Glenagoorland Primary Strabane St Anthony's Primary Belfast *St Mary's Boys' Primary Newcastle *St Mary's Girls' Primary Newcastle *St Michael's Primary Enniskillen *St Theresa's Primary Enniskillen School Year 2000/01 *Croreagh Primary nr Rathfriland *Edendale Primary nr Rathfriland *Glaskermore Primary nr Rathfriland *Holy Trinity Boys' Primary Belfast *Holy Trinity Girls' Primary Belfast Rainey Endowed Prep Department Magherafelt Sacred Heart Primary Lurgan *St Mary's Primary Belfast *St Paul's Primary Belfast *Gransha Boys' High Bangor *Bangor Girls' High Bangor St Joseph's Centre Middletown St Stephen's Centre Belfast School Year 1999/2000
*Ballyward Primary nr Banbridge *Ballyroney Primary nr Banbridge *Katesbridge Primary nr Banbridge *Cargycroy Primary nr Lisburn *Legacurry Primary nr Lisburn *Magheraknock Primary nr Lisburn *Ravarnette nr Lisburn Dunamuggy Primary Ballyclare *Glassdrummond Primary Middletown *Middletown Primary Middletown *St Louis Primary Middletown
Larne Grammar Prep Department Larne Millbrook Primary Larne Royal School Dungannon Prep Department Dungannon *St Comgall's Primary Divis Street, Belfast *St Joseph's Primary Divis Street, Belfast *St Mary's Primary Divis Street, Belfast *St Peter's Primary Divis Street, Belfast School Year 1998/99 *Antrim High Antrim *Ardnaveigh High Antrim Ballyclare Grammar Prep Department Ballyclare *Fernhill Primary Belfast *Glencairn Primary Belfast Killyrammer Primary Ballymoney *Lurganachone Primary Rathfriland *St Colman's Primary Drumgreenagh Scrabo High Newtownards Star of the Sea Primary Kilkeel *St Clare's Primary Keady *St Mary's Primary Keady St Oliver Plunkett Boys' Primary Belfast *St Oliver Plunkett Girls' Primary Belfast *Tullymore Primary Armagh *Tullysaran Primary Armagh School Year 1997/98 *Carnew Primary Dromore *Gransha Primary Dromore *Kinallen Primary Dromore Transformation of Schools Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the benefits in (a) staffing complement; (b) staffing costs; (c) capital costs; (d) maintenance costs; and (e) education provision, for schools seeking to change their status from controlled to maintained integrated status; and to make a statement. (AQW 1236/01) Mr McGuinness: As with all schools funded under Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements the funding made available to a Grant Maintained Integrated (GMI) school is unhypothecated and thus it is a matter for the Board of Governors of each school to determine how much it spends on staffing, maintenance etc.. GMI schools have additional responsibilities compared to their counterparts in the controlled and maintained sectors and these result in higher costs. The funding arrangements include additional resources to enable them to meet these additional responsibilities. Schools may also transform to Controlled Integrated (CI) status. Insofar as LMS is concerned, controlled integrated schools are treated exactly the same as other controlled or maintained schools. There would be no material benefit as far as capital costs are concerned for controlled schools which transform to either CI or GMI status. Arrangements for capital costs for CI schools would remain unchanged, whereas the only change for GMI schools would be that responsibility for expenditure of a capital nature would transfer from the education and library board to the trustees or Board of Governors of the new GMI school. Any such expenditure that is approved by the Department of Education would be eligible for capital grant at 100% All grant-aided schools are required to follow the statutory curricular and other educational requirements. Finally, since 1997/98 a small amount of funding has been secured annually to assist schools with the additional requirements that the transformation process produces. Healthier Menus Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the timescale and costs associated with his plans to introduce healthier menus in schools. (AQW 1246/01) Mr McGuinness: I launched a consultation document on the introduction of new compulsory standards for school meals on 12 December 2001. The consultation period ends on 8 February 2002. The document envisages that the new standards and good practice guidance will be implemented from 1 September 2002, but views have been sought as to whether this timetable is reasonable. It will be essential that catering staff are trained to ensure successful implementation of the standards. I have therefore earmarked a budget of £250k to assist with the training of catering staff. I do not anticipate any addition to the cost of a school meal as a direct result of the implementation of healthier menus. Applications for Enrolment The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of applications that were (a) received; and (b) not accepted for enrolment in first year in September 2001, in each of the following schools (i) Down High School; (ii) Saintfield High School; and (iii) Regent House Grammar School. (AQW 1285/01) Mr McGuinness: The information requested is as follows: School Applications to Form 1 Applications not accepted September 2001 Down High School 149 20 Saintfield High School 87 22 Regent House Grammar School 239 27 School Enrolment : Strangford Constituency The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education how many pupils were enrolled at each secondary and grammar school in the Strangford Constituency for the academic years beginning (i) September 2001; and (ii) September 1996. (AQW 1286/01) Mr McGuinness: The number of pupils enrolled at each secondary and grammar school in the Strangford Constituency in the school years 2001/02 and 1996/97 were as follows:
School Enrollment : Strangford Constituency The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education how many pupils were enrolled at each primary school in the Strangford Constituency for the academic years beginning (i) September 2001; and (ii) September 1996. (AQW 1287/01) Mr McGuinness: The number of pupils enrolled at each primary school in the Strangford Constituency in the school years 2001/02 and 1996/97 were as follows:
Enrolement at Primary Schools : South Eastern Education and Library Board The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Education to outline (a) the five primary schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area which had the smallest enrolment totals at the beginning of the academic year September 2001; and (b) the enrolment totals of each of these primary schools. (AQW 1288/01) Mr McGuinness: The five primary schools in the South-Eastern Education and Library Board area with the smallest enrolment totals in the 2001/02 school year are:
Standards in Education Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education how he plans to use information on examination performance to improve standards in education. (AQW 1290/01) Mr McGuinness: The setting of targets at individual school level is an important part of the strategy to raise standards and improve school performance. All schools are required to set targets annually in certain key areas, including examination performance, and to monitor progress towards them. To assist them in this process, my Department provides schools, each year, with aggregated data on performance to enable them to compare their own performance with that of other, similar schools. Performance in Mathematics Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he has any plans to improve pupil performances in mathematics at secondary school level; and to make a statement. (AQW 1333/01) Mr McGuinness: The strategy for the promotion of numeracy provides the focus for driving up further the standards being achieved by pupils in all schools. A review of the strategy, and how it can be strengthened and developed further, is being carried out by my officials, in consultation with the Boards and CCMS. Threshold Assessment Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to outline (a) the procedures which are in place for assessing teachers' threshold pay; (b) the systems in place to ensure parity of treatment; and (c) any variation in these procedures or systems for assessing teachers' threshold pay. (AQW 1335/01) Mr McGuinness: (a) All applications for threshold assessment are assessed by the school Principal and validated by independent external assessors to ensure fairness and consistency in the treatment of all applications. Unsuccessful applicants have a right of appeal. (b) All Principals are trained by the Regional Training Unit, which also trains and accredits the external assessors. The assessors' work is subject to moderation by their Lead Assessors and the Regional Manager, and to monitoring and evaluation by a Quality Assurance Team. (c) These procedures are applied consistently across all schools. For a small number of teachers employed in non-school settings, their line manager completes the assessments, which are then validated by the external assessors. Burns Report Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 1284/01, to detail (a) the name of the working groups which are to be established; (b) the number of officials for each working group; (c) the remit of each working group; (d) the date on which they are to be established; and (e) to identify any external advisers who are to be co-opted or consulted within these working groups. (AQW 1444/01) Mr McGuinness: The arrangements for the establishment of working groups are still under consideration. No decisions have yet been taken on the remit of each working group or the number of officials who will be involved. There are no plans at present to co-opt or consult with any external advisers. Classroom Assistants Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to outline his policies for the enhancement of classroom assistants in terms of (a) salary; (b) training; and (c) status within the education system. (AQO 568/01) Mr McGuinness: I fully recognise and value the important contribution classroom assistants make to children's education. However, the terms and conditions of service of classroom assistants are a matter for the employing authorities. Neutrality of Schools Ms Pauline Armitage asked the Minister of Education what measures he is taking to ensure places of education are seen as neutral. (AQO 577/01) Mr McGuinness: Schools should be seen by the community as being above political or sectarian controversy. They should be havens where all our young people can feel safe, confident, and able to concentrate on their education. I have missed no opportunity to convey this message in response to the all too many attacks on schools and children in the past year. Child Protection Joint Working Group Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council in education sectoral format, what measures will be put in place to improve the provision of child protection. (AQO 585/01) Mr McGuinness: The Child Protection Joint Working Group established under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council has the remit of developing proposals, in consultation as necessary with other British and Irish Government Departments, to establish a confidential mechanism across both islands for the reciprocal identification of people who are considered to be unsuitable to work with children and young people. Therefore, any proposals we might bring forward, in due course, will require separate but complementary legislation North and South. Text Books Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of Education to detail those text books that have been added to the history curriculum in this academic year. (AQO 561/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department does not specify particular text books or resources for use in schools in delivering the curriculum. The choice of books and teaching resources is a matter for the Principal and the Board of Governors of each individual school. Noise Pollution : Effects on Educational Attainment Mr Conor Murphy asked the Minister of Education if he will take account of recent findings on the impact of chronic aircraft noise on pupil attainment as outlined in a report by Mary Haines entitled 'Follow-up study of effects of chronic aircraft noise exposure on child stress responses and cognitions'. (AQO 594/01) Mr McGuinness: This study, carried out in West London schools, was one of a series conducted by a team from the University of London about the effects of chronic high levels of noise around international airports. It found that greater aircraft noise exposure produced higher levels of annoyance among pupils and was associated with poorer reading performance on difficult items on a standard reading test. While none of our schools would be exposed to aircraft noise levels similar to those of Heathrow, I will be taking this research into account in any future decisions about the siting of new schools in proximity to airports. Statements of Special Educational Needs Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education what measures he will put in place to ease the transition from primary to post-primary schools for those children who have been statemented. (AQO 559/01) Mr McGuinness: At transfer age children with statements of special educational needs must have their statements amended to specify the secondary school to be attended. The choice of school is discussed with the parents at the annual review meeting which takes place around the same time as those with parents of other children of transfer age. Updated advice is obtained in order to assist the discussion. Where parents disagree with an Education and Library Board's final decision, they can appeal to the local Special Educational Needs Tribunal. I am not aware of any particular problems associated with this procedure. Schools Curriculum Mr John Kelly asked the Minister of Education what protocol his Department applies to the vetting of methodologies and resources used with children, particularly special needs children and other vulnerable groups; and to make a statement. (AQO 573/01) Mr McGuinness: The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment is responsible for devising the curriculum schools should follow. Schools themselves are responsible for deciding the teaching methods used to deliver the curriculum. My Department's Inspectorate assesses the effectiveness of the teaching methods used in schools through the inspection process. In recent years inspections have included an evaluation of the effectiveness and quality of provision for children with special educational needs. Post Primary Education Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Education how he proposes to address a form of selection at 11 years of age which would avoid the same weaknesses that exist in the current system.[R] (AQO 592/01) Mr McGuinness: The weaknesses in the current arrangements for post-primary education are unacceptable and cannot be resolved by any other form of academic selection. The Burns Report has been published for consultation and I encourage everyone to consider it carefully and to submit their views on its proposals, or to identify alternative approaches. I will consider carefully all the comments submitted and in making decisions about the future arrangements my focus will be on ensuring fairness for all children, raising standards and creating a modern education system for a modern age. Re-Employment of Retired Teachers Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 651/01, why it has been necessary to employ 1,334 retired teachers in primary and post-primary schools in the 2000-01 school year. (AQO 556/01) Mr McGuinness: The Department does not hold details of the reasons why retired teachers are employed nor is the information collated by the Education and Library Boards. Programmes of Study for Technology and Design at Key Stage 3 Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education what measures he proposes to take to develop engineering as a subject in secondary schools. (AQO 564/01) Mr McGuinness: The current curriculum contains basic elements of engineering in the compulsory Programmes of Study for Technology and Design at Key Stage 3 and for Science at Key Stages 3 and 4. My Department's most recent approval of qualifications circular also offers schools the opportunity to prepare pupils for a Part One GNVQ in Engineering and in addition, the Northern Ireland Business Education Partnership is also promoting engineering through its sponsorship of a number of programmes. The current review of the Curriculum includes a proposal to provide a specific programme for Employability as a statutory requirement for all young people in Key Stages 3 and 4. One of the objectives of the review is to encourage pupils to develop the skills and qualities which they will need for work. There has been (and will continue to be) widespread consultation with employers to ensure that their needs are taken into account in a revised curriculum. |
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