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Friday 15 February 2002 Irish Football Association Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of the current structure of the Irish Football Association. [R] (AQW 1718/01) Mr McGimpsey: The current structure of the Irish Football Association is a matter for the Irish Football Association as the governing body for soccer, but I can inform you that the issues of governance and administration were among the issues identified as being central to the development of a soccer strategy for Northern Ireland. I would refer you to chapter 1 of the report ‘Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland’. I hope to be in a position to publish a draft strategy as soon as possible. Football For All Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of the Irish Football Association’s community relations programme Football For All. [R]* (AQW 1719/01) Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland has been working with the Irish Football Association on its community relations programme Football for All. I can also inform you that the issue of Community Relations was one of the issues identified as being central to the development of a soccer strategy for Northern Ireland. I would refer you to chapter 10 of the report ‘Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland’. I hope to be in a position to publish a draft strategy as soon as possible. Although there is much work to be done, I believe that the Football for All programme, along with the proposed soccer strategy and the broader equality agenda, has the potential to contribute to an improvement in community relations in Northern Ireland. Soccer Strategy: Implementation Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how he proposes to implement those recommendations contained in ‘Creating a Soccer Strategy’ following the end of the consultation period on 31 January 2002. [R]* (AQW 1720/01) Mr McGimpsey: Following careful consideration of the comments received from the consultation exercise, I hope to be in a position to publish a draft strategy for the development of soccer in Northern Ireland as soon as possible. I envisage that this will include proposed actions involving my Department as well as other key organisations involved in soccer. Newtownards Library Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of money spent on Newtownards Public Library by the South Eastern Education and Library Board in each of the last five years. (AQW 1779/01) Mr McGimpsey: The following table details expenditure by the South Eastern Education and Library Board on Newtownards Library over the past complete five years.
Golden Jubilee Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the events that he intends to organise to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. (AQW 1781/01) Mr McGimpsey: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has initiated an extensive campaign to encourage community groups, schools, churches and organisations to plan events. These plans will be submitted to the Golden Jubilee Office, allowing a comprehensive publication to be printed, detailing the events organised to celebrate the Golden Jubilee throughout Northern Ireland in 2002. This process is further supported by the Department’s commitment to grant aid groups who are planning a Jubilee event, by offering a non-lottery grants scheme. This works in conjunction with the joint Lottery distributors scheme Awards for All. These schemes ensure that financial help is available to most groups in Northern Ireland who wish to organise an event. Working in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee themes suggested by Buckingham Palace, which are outlined in the attached leaflet, the Department has been keen to encourage community involvement, and celebrations organised by the community, for the community. Consequently, we are constantly reviewing the programme and details we have, before committing to organising a major event for the Golden Jubilee ourselves. My Department is keen to fund community initiatives, which will be spread throughout Northern Ireland. The provisional programme to date shows a wide interest in celebrating the Golden Jubilee with events planned across the Province. Motorcycle Racing: Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what representations he intends to make to insurance companies on the issue of premiums for motorcycle racing teams. (AQW 1783/01) Mr McGimpsey: The issue of insurance cover for motorcycle racing teams is a matter for individual race teams and team sponsors and is not a matter which I can, nor would it be appropriate for me to, intervene in. I am, however, acutely aware of the potential impact of the Robert Dunlop incident on the sport and I understand that the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland has made representations to its insurance broker, with a view to putting together a competitive insurance package to safeguard teams, sponsors and personnel in the future. Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps is he taking to assist the Motor Cycle Union with the present problems of insurance cover. (AQW 1818/01) Mr McGimpsey: The issue of insurance cover for motorcycle racing teams is a matter for individual race teams and team sponsors, and is not a matter which I can, nor would it be appropriate for me to, intervene in. I am, however, acutely aware of the potential impact of the Robert Dunlop incident on the sport and I understand that the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland has made representations to its insurance broker, with a view to putting together a competitive insurance package to safeguard teams, sponsors and personnel in the future. Independent Review: Mrs Nelis asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what assessment he can make in relation to the job evaluation review in the Library Service, which began in 1995, and the system provided for grading jobs; and to make a statement. (AQW 1884/01) Mr McGimpsey: During 1994 job evaluations were formally introduced for all white-collar staff in the Education and Library Boards to provide necessary accountability reassurance to Chief Executives. In recognition that the process would be a long one, Chief Executives agreed that staff should not be disadvantaged and payments would be backdated to the date when additional duties/responsibilities were first undertaken or to 1 January 1995, which ever was the later. The system used was a widely accepted job evaluation method devised by the Greater London Whitley Council. My Department undertook an independent review to establish the robustness of the process. That review has confirmed that the job evaluation has been carried out correctly and that the results are robust and defensible. My Department was unable to meet the resulting costs within existing resources. Accordingly it was agreed to meet the back pay bill and the on-going costs from central resources and I welcomed this decision. Portavogie Primary School: Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the plans for redevelopment work at Portavogie Primary School; and (b) the timescale for the completion of any such work; and to make a statement. (AQW 1618/01) The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): I understand that the South Eastern Education and Library Board plans to provide a new car parking area and playground at Portavogie Primary School and to carry out other improvements to the site. The Board hopes that the bulk of the work will be completed by Easter. Management of Schools: Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the make-up of the sub-committee of the SEELB’s Committee for the Management of Schools. (AQW 1659/01) Mr M McGuinness: The South Eastern Education and Library Board have confirmed the composition of the Management of Schools sub-committees as:
Management of Schools Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the grounds, if any, on which the sub-committee of the SEELB’s Committee on the Management of Schools can recommend the removal of any individual from the Board of Governors of a school. (AQW 1660/01) Mr M McGuinness: Members of the Board of Governors of Controlled and Maintained Schools are appointed for a period of four years co-terminus with that of the education and library boards. The re-appointment of the education and library board representatives who have completed a four year term is a matter for determination by the board. In accordance with the Scheme of Management for Schools, the following persons are disqualified from the membership of Boards of Governors: (a) a person, other than a teacher, who is employed for the purposes of the school, or for the purpose of non-school activities; (b) a person who within the previous five years has been convicted by a court in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the British Islands of any offence and received a prison sentence of not less than three months without the option of a fine; (c) a person who is adjudged bankrupt or who has made a composition or arrangement with his creditors. Management of Schools Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the terms of reference used by the sub-committee of the SEELB’s Committee for Management of Schools. (AQW 1661/01) Mr M McGuinness: The South Eastern Education and Library Board has confirmed that the Management of Schools sub-committees were established to take forward the reconstitution of the Boards of Governors of schools for the period 2001-05. In particular the sub-committees:
Professional Teaching Qualifications Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) if Protestant trainee school teachers are eligible for employment at schools with a Roman Catholic ethos; and, if not, (b) to state if there are any routes that Protestant trainee school teachers can follow in order to become eligible for employment at a school with a Roman Catholic ethos. (AQW 1667/01) Mr M McGuinness: Provided requirements as to age and health are satisfied, my Department requires a professional teaching qualification, normally a Bachelor of Education degree or a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, for a person to be eligible to teach in any grant-aided school. It is then a matter for employing authorities, including the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, to set any specific criteria for particular posts, such as, where appropriate, the possession of the Catholic Religious Education Certificate. Standards in Public Life Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to outline the standards expected for individuals appointed to quangos for which he is responsible. (AQW 1672/01) Mr M McGuinness: All individuals appointed to non- departmental public bodies for which my Department is responsible are expected to abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life, recommended by the Nolan Committee. These principles are as follows:
Appointees are issued with a copy of the 'Guidance on Codes of Best Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies'. Education at Home Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of children currently being educated at home by choice; and (b) how this figure was compiled and substantiated. (AQW 1724/01) Mr M McGuinness: This information is not available. My Department will give consideration to the collection of information about the number of children whose parents choose to have them educated at home as part of the annual statistical returns provided by the Education and Library Boards. It will be August of this year before the next return is commissioned. Drug Education Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Education to list the drugs education material and resources that have been approved by the Department and made available to schools. (AQW 1725/01) Mr M McGuinness: My Department does not specify materials and resources for use in schools. The choice of teaching aids for the delivery of drugs education is, therefore, a matter for schools themselves. In 1996 my Department issued comprehensive guidance to schools on how to develop a drug education policy and how to deal with drug-related incidents on school premises. Drug Education Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Education how much funding and support has been made available to schools for the provision of drug education, broken down by education authority, for each of the last three years. (AQW 1726/01) Mr M 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 and therefore funded through schools’ budgets. 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. Specialist Teachers Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many specialist teachers for deaf children are currently employed in each Education Authority. (AQW 1787/01) Mr M McGuinness: Education and Library Boards employ both peripatetic teachers of the hearing impaired and teachers in special education units for the hearing impaired attached to primary and secondary schools. The current situation is as follows: -
In addition Jordanstown Special School, in the North Eastern Board area, makes provision for both auditory- and hearing-impaired pupils. New Build: Tor Bank Special School Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the current position in relation to the New Build for Tor Bank Special School. (AQW 1802/01) Mr M McGuinness: Planning of a new school is being taken forward by the South Eastern Education and Library Board and the school is being considered for a place in the capital programme in the light of the resources available. Study of Languages in Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Education what measures he has put in place to promote the learning of foreign languages in secondary schools. (AQW 1847/01) Mr M McGuinness: It is important that we should do all we can to encourage people of all ages to become familiar with at least one language other than their own. The statutory curriculum here requires all secondary-level schools to offer pupils the opportunity to study one of the main European languages in order to prepare them for living and working in an increasingly global and European-based economy. The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment will be specifically addressing the issue of language provision as part of the current Curriculum Review. Vocational Qualifications: Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of Education what plans does he have to provide vocational qualifications through CCEA. (AQO 792/01) Mr M McGuinness: CCEA will offer new vocational qualifications known as GCSE "Double Awards" from September 2002. The subjects on offer will comprise: Art and Design; Business; Engineering; Health and Social Care; Information and Communication Technology; Leisure and Tourism; Manufacturing; and Science. It is planned that this range of subjects will be increased from 2004. National Association of Head Teachers Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Education how he intends to respond to the National Association of Head Teachers’ recent vote for industrial action. (AQO 794/01) Mr M McGuinness: I met with senior officials of the National Association of Head Teachers on 17 January to hear their views on pay differentials for principals and vice-principals. I am also conscious of the Public Accounts Committee’s concern that the system of pay flexibilities for principals and vice-principals must work equitably. As such, the employing authorities and my Department have been drawing up detailed guidance for Boards of Governors on the pay arrangements for principals and vice-principals, which will issue very shortly. Report of the Post-Primary Review Body Ms Gildernew asked the Minister of Education to explain his decision to extend the consultation period on the Report of the Post-Primary Review Body. (AQO 816/01) Mr M McGuinness: I have extended the consultation period to 28 June 2002 to allow sufficient time for a full, open and informed debate about the issues, including the key issue of academic selection. This Review is about putting in place arrangements which will address the weaknesses of the current system, raise standards and best meet the needs of all children. By extending the consultation period I have provided additional time for everyone to comment on the proposals contained in the Review Body’s Report, suggest modifications to the Burns proposals or suggest alternative arrangements. Magherafelt High School: Rev Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Education what funds have been made available to facilitate the removal of mobile classrooms at Magherafelt High School and to upgrade the school generally. (AQO 775/01) Mr M McGuinness: The North Eastern Education and Library Board will be commencing work shortly on an economic appraisal to determine the most cost effective means of addressing the accommodation needs at the school. When this has been completed and planning is sufficiently advanced, the project will be considered for a place in the capital programme in light of the resources available. Irish Language in English-Medium Schools Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Education to encourage and facilitate the teaching of the Irish language in English-medium schools; and to make a statement. (AQO 767/01) Mr M McGuinness: I believe that the Irish language is an important element in the cultural heritage of all the people of Ireland, and I would encourage as many schools as possible in all sectors to offer pupils the opportunity to learn the language. It is, however, a matter for schools themselves to determine the curriculum they offer to pupils, subject to meeting their statutory obligations. The study of Irish is compulsory only in those schools which teach through the medium of Irish. Edexcel Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Education to detail the effect the recent exam mistakes by Edexcel, in particular those concerning the Decision Maths AS level paper and the Religious Studies exam last summer, has had on Northern Ireland students and to indicate the number of students involved. (AQO 787/01) Mr M McGuinness: It is estimated that difficulties resulting from Edexcel’s administration of last year’s AS Mathematics and AS Religious Studies examination papers impacted on some 200 students in Northern Ireland. CCEA, in its regulatory capacity, has sought to expedite the resolution of issues relating to Edexcel examinations on behalf of local schools and colleges. Rationalisation of Local Primary Schools Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Education how many feasibility studies are necessary to carry out the rationalisation of local primary schools. (AQO 777/01) Mr M McGuinness: A single feasibility study is normally sufficient in rationalisation schemes which involve capital expenditure. Such a study is unnecessary for schemes where there are no capital expenditure implications. Sick Pay and Statutory Sick Pay Mr B Hutchinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of teacher sickness in each Education Board in the years 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01; and to make a statement. (AQO 793/01) Mr M McGuinness: The costs of Sick Pay and Statutory Sick Pay for each Education Board in the years 1998-99 to 2000-01 were as follows.
Education Other Than in School Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Education how many children, in each Board area, are receiving part-time and full-time education other than at school; and to make a statement. (AQO 819/01) Mr M McGuinness: Information provided at 5 October 2001 by the Boards shows that the number of children receiving educational provision other than in school was as follows:
Information is not available about the part-time or full-time nature of the provision and the figures do not cover all children as some are in community based projects which may or may not be in receipt of funding through the Boards. Equality and Human Rights Mr McNamee asked the Minister of Education how he is promoting equality and human rights, and specifically what work has been undertaken with the Equality Commission and the Human Rights Commission. (AQO 818/01) Mr M McGuinness: As Minister for Education I am fully committed to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement of which equality and human rights are key tenets. As part of this work my Department has developed excellent working relationships with both the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission. My Department last year co-hosted two major Conferences, one with the Human Rights Commission which dealt with Human Rights in Education and one with the Equality Commission on Racial Equality in Education. I launched the Conference Report on the Human Rights in Education Conference on 30 January 2002 and the Racial Equality in Education Conference Report is due to be launched later this month. Flowing from both Conferences are a series of recommendations which will ensure that this work is taken forward at all levels within the Education sector. My Department will continue to work closely with both the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission in taking the respective Conference Report recommendations forward. New Opportunities for PE Mr Close asked the Minister of Education what resources his Department will make available to allow schools to avail of the New Opportunities Fund programme for PE and Sport in schools. (AQO 782/01) Mr M McGuinness: A total of £33·75 million is being made available under the New Opportunities for PE and Sport Programme in Northern Ireland to:
The funding will be split between five area partnerships, headed up by the Education and Library Boards, who will facilitate schools in developing their projects for consideration by the New Opportunities Fund. Pre-School Places: Downshire Mr Poots asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of fully funded pre-school nursery places available in the Downshire and Killultagh District electoral areas of Lisburn Borough Council; and (b) where they are located. (AQO 791/01) Mr M McGuinness: In the Downshire and Killultagh District electoral areas funded pre-school places are available as follows:
Killultagh District
In addition, a scheme for the establishment of a nursery unit offering 26 part-time places in Maghaberry Primary School is currently in planning. Possession of Offensive Weapons Mr Davis asked the Minister of Education what plans he has to amend the guidance to schools regarding the expulsion of pupils caught in possession of offensive weapons. (AQO 786/01) Mr M McGuinness: There are no plans to issue guidance to schools about the management of pupils caught in possession of offensive weapons. Schools are responsible for their own discipline policies and within these to determine the sanctions which will be applied in respect of any breaches. The current arrangements around suspensions and expulsions are due to be reviewed during 2002-03. At that time the need for any supplementary guidance in this area will be considered. Burns Report Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 789/01, to detail the membership and remit of the Committee he has announced to be established by end February 2002 to deal with matters related to the Burns Report, prior to the end of the public consultation process related to that report. (AQW 2041/01) Mr M McGuinness: The remit of the groups will be to consider the issues which arise out of the consultations on the report and they will comprise relevant officials from within my Department. The groups will not have formal terms of reference nor, as I said in my reply of 21 January, are there any plans at present to involve external advisers. |
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