Friday 22 March 2002
Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister whether the Executive can bind future administrations to the legislative and financial requirements of ongoing strategies such as the 'Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025'.

(AQW 2268/01)

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan): While it is normal for planning to be taken forward on the basis of continuity decisions of the Executive do not bind successive administrations. It is a matter for each new administration to decide whether to adopt the strategies and policies of its predecessor. Any changes to those strategies and policies can be made through legislation, the budgets, or administratively, as appropriate.

Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail any representations made to HM Government and the European Commission to have a common register of sex offenders throughout the European Union.

(AQW 2401/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We have not made any representations to UK Government or the European Commission to have a common register of sex offenders throughout the European Union. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is the building maintenance budget for its properties in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 2403/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Accommodation and Construction Division (ACD) within the Department of Finance and Personnel hold the maintenance budget for office buildings and will respond in respect of these buildings. However, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has responsibility for a number of properties that fall outside ACD control. Set out below are the relevant figures for each the buildings for the last three years:

*The figures for the North South Ministerial Council are for NI only and encompasses both rental and all maintenance of the property .

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it would consider establishing a forum of related agencies, as suggested by leading charities, to tackle the increasing level of violent attacks against pensioners; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2404/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We deplore all attacks on vulnerable people. Such attacks have no place in a democratic society. The responsibility for criminal justice including criminal law on assault is a reserved matter.

However, we understand that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland intends to consult on the scope for strengthening legislation in respect of attacks motivated by racism and sectarianism. We are not aware however of any plans to strengthen the law in relation to attacks against older people.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the Commissioner for Children.

(AQO 1028/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Following a very successful consultation, which closed on 8 November 2001, over 300 responses have been analysed and decisions are being taken on the way forward. We intend to introduce legislation to the Assembly in the near future, with a view to appointing the Commissioner in the Autumn.

We are at an advanced stage of drafting the Bill and we are also bringing forward the necessary preparatory work for the appointment.

We recognise that progress in taking this initiative forward has not been as quick as we had hoped. However, we firmly believe that it is better to take a little more time now, to make sure that the office we establish can properly discharge its important role. We believe that by doing this, Northern Ireland can be a world-leader in improving life for children and young people

Mr John Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans the First Minister and Deputy First Minister have to visit the USA; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1059/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We currently have no plans to make a joint visit to the USA. We made joint visits to the US in early February and again on 12-14 March. Both visits included meetings with senior members of the US Administration on Capitol Hill. During our recent visit to Washington we met with President Bush and updated him on progress with devolution and expressed our thanks for the ongoing support from the US administration. At a subsequent meeting with Secretary of State, Colin Powell, we reflected on developments over the past number of months, work being progressed by the Executive and what assistance and expertise may be available through the US administration in relation to taking forward some of the major policy reviews including the Review of Public Administration.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister would it support the concept of National Park designation for Northern Ireland; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1063/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We understand the Department of the Environment has prepared a Report on National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The issues covered, including the involvement of local communities and the need to resource any management bodies, are complex and require careful consideration.

The Environment Committee has provided its initial views on the Report. When officials in the Department of the Environment, and Minister Nesbitt, have considered these comments, we understand that the Minister will make a statement on the way forward.

In the circumstances, it would be premature for us to express a view on the concept of National Park designation.

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on business transacted at the last meeting of the Executive.

(AQO 1027/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The last Executive meeting was held on the 19 March. The Executive discussed the Capital of Culture bid and agreed the draft Victims Strategy.

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Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) the dates on which all 2002 annual subsidies are due for payment; and (b) the latest anticipated payment dates in each category.

(AQW 2487/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): EU rules provide for advance payments on direct farm subsidy claims for the 2002 scheme year to commence from 16 October 2002 and for balance payments to be 96% complete by the end of June 2003. The Department will publish its detailed scheme by scheme payment targets within this overall timetable prior to the start of payments in October 2002.

The Department’s Annual Profile of Premia Payments for 2001/02, which was published by press release on 31 October 2001, set out the payment targets for the 2001 scheme year. Updates on performance against this Profile have been published in press releases on 18 January 2002, 19 February 2002 and 14 March 2002.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the benefits the dairy industry receive in lieu of its financial contribution to the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2489/01)

Ms Rodgers: The dairy industry contributes to the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) through levies collected on slaughter from animals derived from the dairy herd. It receives the same benefits from levies collected as are available to the specialist beef sector.

The LMC activities which are funded by levy are Information Services, Agriculture and Marketing/Promotion.

Information Services are designed to fulfil LMC's legal obligation to research, analyse and disseminate information about markets, prices and other pertinent matters in regard to the entire beef and sheep sector.

In regard to "Agriculture", LMC's primary role is to ensure that the producer sector is aware of market requirements, including quality assurance, weight and grade specification, etc.

Marketing and Promotion which seeks to enhance the market opportunities for Northern Ireland beef and lamb, is the area where LMC spends the majority of its levy income.

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of farmyard accidents in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 2490/01)

Ms Rodgers: Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997, it falls to individual employers and the self-employed to report accidents, which result in either major injuries or absences of more than three days away from work, to the Health and Safety Executive (NI). My Department’s responsibility in this area relates only to its employees. The number of farmyard accidents involving the Department’s employees during the last five years is outlined in the table below.

Year	Number of accidents
March 1997 –February 1998	19
March 1998 –February 1999	13
March 1999 –February 2000	17
March 2000 –February 2001	20
March 2001 –February 2002	6

Consignia

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has engaged in discussions with Consignia on how information relating to Agriculture and Rural Development can be delivered through the Post Office as a one-stop shop.

(AQO 1038/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am aware of the pilot exercise carried out in collaboration with Consignia in Leicestershire, and that officials in Northern Ireland, including officials in my own Department, are considering whether something similar could prove effective in Northern Ireland.

I am, of course, very keen that anyone who wishes to use DARD's extensive range of services should have ready access to information about those services from the widest possible range of sources. If Consignia are able to offer an additional means of providing such information in a way which is effective and which represents value for money, I should certainly be prepared to give it close consideration.

Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many farmers have enrolled on Good Farming Practice courses.

(AQO 1032/01)

Ms Rodgers: The launch of the Good Farming Practice programme was delayed until 29 January 2002 due to the FMD crisis. Since the launch at the end of January 1,500 applications have been received with 1,200 training places being offered. To 8 March 2002, 500 participants completed the introductory workshop and it is anticipated that a further 450 to 500 participants will have completed this workshop by the end of the 2001/02 financial year.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the problems faced by the community in Ballyhornan and Bishopscourt in County Down; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1047/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am well aware of the Member’s keen interest in this part of his constituency, and of the efforts he has made in drawing its problems to Ministers’ attention.

Many of those problems seem to relate to major infrastructure issues which fall outside my area of responsibility. Nevertheless, officials from the Rural Development Division of DARD are aware of developments in the Ballyhornan area and would welcome applications from local collectives or co-operatives wishing to promote local regeneration projects for funding under the new round of EU Structural Funds Programmes.

I understand that a number of local groups are currently engaged in drawing up a development programme for the area. Needless to say, I shall be happy to consider any assistance which my Department might be able to offer in implementing that programme when it is complete.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give her assessment of the search operation for the fishing vessel 'Tullaghmurray Lass'; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1035/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Tullaghmurray Lass was reported missing in the early hours of the 15^th February, and my Department’s fishery protection vessel was involved with 2 helicopters and a Nimrod in the subsequent Search and Rescue operation co-ordinated by HM Coastguard.

The search and rescue operation was terminated by HM Coastguard at 1100 on Saturday 16 February.

Having met the Greene family I was conscious of the need to make every effort to find the missing vessel, thought to be somewhere on the seabed in its usual fishing area, and made representations to the authorities in both jurisdictions. In due course the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau of DTLR made available HMS Bridport, and the Irish Naval Service the LE Eithne. Both ships commenced a sonar search on 19 February co-ordinated by MAIB.

Although hampered frequently by rough weather, these minesweepers made a detailed examination of the seabed in areas determined by the Kilkeel fishermen who knew the habits of Tullaghmurray lass best. Contacts revealed by sonar were inspected by video where possible.

Both Vessels had to leave the search on occasion to re-fuel and change crew, and HMS Bridport received fresh orders on 26 February, handing over to HMS Bangor.

Despite unprecedented efforts by the vessels of both Navies and My Department’s Fishery Protection Vessel, none of the contacts were identified as a sunken vessel.

On 6 March I met Admiral John Lang the Chief Inspector of the MAIB, who showed me a chart of the search area and explained that in his professional assessment the exercise must sadly be concluded without success. Although MAIB terminated the search at midday on 6 March, the investigation remains open and further significant evidence would result in the return of a vessel for a video examination.

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she expects to set up the working group into the proposed food body for Northern Ireland; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1039/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Food Body Working Group was appointed on 21 February 2002 and met for the first time last week. The Group’s role is to consider whether or not there is a need for a Food Body and, if there is, its possible structure, functions and funding. It has been asked to report by the middle of June.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has any plans to visit Kilkeel to hear the concerns of local fishermen on the issue of sea safety.

(AQO 1045/01)

Ms Rodgers: Safety at sea is the responsibility of Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions Maritime and Coastguard agency, and is a reserved matter. Following the tragedies of the sinking of the Charisma and the loss of the Tullaghmurray Lass, nobody can be in any doubt of the dangers involved in putting out to sea.

I have recently visited Kilkeel and spoken at length to fishermen and members of their families. I am therefore aware of the understandable concerns they have over their safety, and I can assure the Member that my Department will make every provision to encourage the industry to improve safety in the catching sector in light of these incidents and encourage implementation of any recommendations that may result from them in the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau reports.

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the sectors on which modulated funds were spent last year; and (b) the percentage of all expenditure which went to farmers.

(AQO 1036/01)

Ms Rodgers: There has been no significant expenditure of modulation monies to date, but those funds which have been committed have been used in support of organic farming and afforestation of agricultural land. Expenditure of modulation monies is, however, set to rise significantly as participants in the other agri-environment schemes start to qualify for payments. The beneficiaries of modulation funds committed so far would have been required either to have owned the land in question or to have held it in a long-term lease.

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Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is the building maintenance budget for his department in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 2407/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Department currently has its Headquarters within the Interpoint Building in central Belfast. Accommodation and Construction Division within the Department of Finance and Personnel hold the maintenance budget for this building and they will respond in respect of Interpoint.

DCAL has responsibility for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and their maintenance budget for the period since devolution on 2 December 1999 to 31 March 2002 has been as follows :

Similarly the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland maintenance budget for the period since devolution on 2 December 1999 to 31 March 2002 has been follows:

Since the transfer of the three Inland Waterways and Fisheries properties at Bushmills, Movanagher Fish Farm in Kilrea and Riversdale in Co Fermanagh from the former Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland there has been no formal maintenance budget. However the following has been spent on maintenance and the money transferred from within other programme budgets.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to ensure equality issues are adhered to in relation to the level of funding provided to Disability Sport.

(AQW 2431/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council is totally committed to providing equality of opportunity for people who suffer social disadvantage for any reason, including disability. The Council fully supports the "mainstreaming" of people with a disability into every day sporting opportunities. To this end the Council, under the distribution of Lottery Funds, affords a higher priority to projects which provide opportunities for people with a disability and allow a higher percentage of funding for these projects.

Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when does he plan to publish the draft strategy for the development of soccer in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2469/01)

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 before the summer. I envisage that this will include proposed actions involving my Department as well as other key organisations involved in soccer.

Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans the Sports Council have to develop youth football in Northern Ireland over the next 3 years using Executive Programme Funds.

(AQW 2470/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council is currently engaged in drawing up specific criteria for the establishment of a network of Football Development Centres to be located at soccer clubs across Northern Ireland, over the next 3 years, using Executive Programme Funds. The Sports Council hopes to involve 10,000 children and young people on an annual basis and the programme, being prepared, will seek to address wider community and social deprivation issues through the medium of soccer. It will also include a talent identification and development programme for young players attending the Development Centres. It is intended that each Centre will employ a full time Development Officer who will be responsible for leading the programme for their respective club. It is envisaged that Development Officers will be in post by September 2002.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to encourage celebrations of HM The Queen's Golden Jubilee year in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2471/01)

Mr McGimpsey: As I outlined in my statement to the Assembly on 19 February 2002 a number of initiatives has already been undertaken by my Department in relation to encouraging events for the Golden Jubilee.

In July 2001, I established a Golden Jubilee Advisory Panel, representing various sectors such as youth, voluntary, business, events organisers etc. The remit of this group is to guide on programme content and the funding scheme, as well as general Golden Jubilee publicity in Northern Ireland. The emphasis has continually been on community-led events, and this was encouraged through the establishment of the Golden Jubilee Non Lottery grants scheme through my Department. The uptake of this scheme has been encouraging.

Briefings have been held with the Lord Lieutenants, and a Jubilee contact has been established in almost every district council. Through these networks, as well as substantial mailings to community groups, headquarter organisations and schools, officials in my Department have received almost 500 completed event registration forms. These outline provisional planned events for the Golden Jubilee.

The events planned will form the basis of a publication – Golden Jubilee Diary of Events - which will show the extent and variety of the events planned throughout Northern Ireland encompassing all ages and areas. It is hoped that this souvenir brochure will be launched at the beginning of May. The distribution of the grants will also take place over this period, as assessment will then be complete.

Another initiative which will be announced by the Department, is the provision of souvenirs or mementoes for school children. As I outlined to the Assembly, my Department is investigating a number of options, and I hope to provide further detail on these in the near future.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (a) steps the Sports Council for Northern Ireland has taken to undertake a strategic review of Disability Sports; (b) the progress to date; and (c) the timescale for completion of this review.

(AQW 2472/01)

Mr McGimpsey: In 2001/02, the Sports Council expressed its intention of undertaking a Strategic Review of Disability Sports. This Review has not yet taken place. However, Disability Sports have prepared a development plan and this will form the basis of the Review, which is expected to be completed in the Autumn of 2002.

Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (a) his plans to progress a national sports stadium; and (b) if he plans to provide funding for existing stadia.

(AQW 2501/01)

Mr McGimpsey: As you will be aware, the Advisory Panel’s report on the development of a soccer strategy for Northern Ireland has called on Government, in conjunction with the governing body for football, to end the uncertainty on the issue by making a firm commitment to establish a national stadium for football. The report also recommended that an early decision should be taken on the mix of sports that should be involved with football in the project. My Department is in the process of working up a strategy for the development of football in the province, this will include how we propose moving forward on the national stadium issue.

I have managed to a secure an additional £1m for 2002/3 to build upon the Interim Safety at Sports Grounds Scheme, which was designed to address the urgent health and safety needs at Northern Ireland’s sporting venues. My Department is also considering the needs in the longer term and is in the process of drawing proposals for a programme of improvements at sports stadia.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is the current position with the Review of Regional Museums in Northern Ireland; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1055/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Firstly, I am pleased to be able to say that my officials are about to pass a draft response on the Local Museum and Heritage Review to key stakeholders for comment; it will then be sent to the Members of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee. After that, the document will be published for consultation.

However, I do not want to give the impression that no progress has been made on the issues raised in the Review. Since last year the Cultural Forum has been established and is doing important work in bringing together the key players in the museum and heritage sectors, and in assisting district councils in the development of their local cultural strategies. In addition, we are funding a partnership between the Linenhall Library and the Nerve Centre to develop the CultureNorthernIreland website to promote awareness of our rich cultural heritage. The development of an Archives Policy is also continuing apace with a workshop-based conference planned for early April and a digitisation project planned for the next financial year. And my Department is working closely with the Education and Training Inspectorate to develop a Learning Strategy.

One of the fundamental aspects of the Review is the question of providing increased funding. We intend therefore to use the opportunity of the current spending review to bid for the extra resources required to take forward other Review recommendations.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what measures he is taking to promote the use of sign language.

(AQO 1057/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department recognises that work needs to be done to develop a coherent policy in respect of British and Irish sign languages. Meetings with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and the British Deaf Association have identified interpreting services as a key issue. As I stated in a previous response to the member on 24 September 2001 my Department is convening a working party of interested individuals and organisations to explore important issues and agree a way forward. Discussions have taken place with officials and representative organisations with a view to constituting the working party in April.

Since the 24 September 2001 progress has been made in my Department in promoting the use of sign language. Staff from Linguistic Diversity Branch have attended a deaf awareness training course and this is now being extended to all officials in my Department. My Department is engaged in developing, on behalf of all Executive departments, a linguistic diversity awareness seminar which will include reference to sign languages. I am aware that staff from some other Departments have already attended deaf awareness training courses and we would encourage officials who have not already done so to avail of the opportunity.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his plans for encouraging the development of local museums; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1056/01)

Mr McGimpsey: This issue will be addressed in our response to the Local Museums and Heritage Review.

I am pleased to be able to say that my officials are about to pass a draft response on the Review to key stakeholders for comment; it will then be sent to the Members of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee. After that, the document will be published for consultation.

However, I do not want to give the impression that no progress has been made on the issues raised in the Review. Since last year the Cultural Forum has been established and is doing important work in bringing together the key players in the museum and heritage sectors, and in assisting district councils in the development of their local cultural strategies. In addition, we are funding a partnership between the Linenhall Library and the Nerve Centre to develop the CultureNorthernIreland website to promote awareness of our rich cultural heritage. The development of an Archives Policy is also continuing apace with a workshop-based conference planned for early April and a digitisation project planned for the next financial year. And my Department is working closely with the Education and Training Inspectorate to develop a Learning Strategy.

One of the fundamental aspects of the Review is the question of providing increased funding. We intend therefore to use the opportunity of the current spending review to bid for the extra resources required to take forward other Review recommendations.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate funding is provided to Disability Sports NI.

(AQO 1022/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland is responsible for the distribution of funding for sport, including disability sport. This includes funding for Talented Athletes with disabilities and a substantial capital investment for improving access for the disabled.

I understand that the Sports Council is in receipt of an application from Disability Sport under the Lottery ‘Starting Well’ programme, which, if successful, would provide £84,000 over 4 years.

The Department is currently working with the Sports Council and Disability Sport to make a case for Executive Programme Funds which, if successful, would include provision for people with disabilities.

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail any discussions he has had with Ordnance Survey NI regarding the publication of maps for towns outside Belfast.

(AQO 1050/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland is an Agency within my Department. As part of its core work it produces a range of detailed topographic maps including a Road Atlas showing 16 town maps.

OSNI actively encourages the use of these topographic maps in partnership or under licence to local Councils to enable the production of individual street maps. As the production cost of a current street map is £20k, it is only when there are sufficient sales to cover the cost would OSNI publish a map.

I understand that discussions are underway with some local councils on co-funding a new series of street maps, as past sales of these have not recovered the full cost of production and bringing these to the market.

Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what proposals he has to bring forward a County Museum strategy; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1053/01)

Mr McGimpsey: This issue will be addressed in our response to the Local Museums and Heritage Review.

I am pleased to be able to say that my officials are about to pass a draft response on the Review to key stakeholders for comment; it will then be sent to the Members of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee. After that, the document will be published for consultation.

However, I do not want to give the impression that no progress has been made on the issues raised in the Review. Since last year the Cultural Forum has been established and is doing important work in bringing together the key players in the museum and heritage sectors, and in assisting district councils in the development of their local cultural strategies. In addition, we are funding a partnership between the Linenhall Library and the Nerve Centre to develop the CultureNorthernIreland website to promote awareness of our rich cultural heritage. The development of an Archives Policy is also continuing apace with a workshop-based conference planned for early April and a digitisation project planned for the next financial year. And my Department is working closely with the Education and Training Inspectorate to develop a Learning Strategy.

One of the fundamental aspects of the Review is the question of providing increased funding. We intend therefore to use the opportunity of the current spending review to bid for the extra resources required to take forward other Review recommendations.

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Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education what assessment has he made in relation to the increase in the number of statemented children and to detail the amount of money set aside for special educational needs for schools in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 2408/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): The introduction of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs in 1998 served to increase awareness of special educational needs in schools and among parents. Since then an increase in referrals for statutory assessment has led to a consequential increase in the number of statements issued.

The total numbers of statements for the last three years are:

A related issue has been an increase in the number of children presenting for statutory assessment with diagnoses of specific conditions or displaying significant behavioural difficulties.

Money is not set aside, as such, for the education of children with special educational needs. Instead, Education and Library Boards assess and respond to need on an individual basis, in line with the Code of Practice.

Details of approximate funding for special educational needs pupils for the last three years are given below. It was not possible to provide figures for the five-year period within the timescale of the question.

# 1998/99 SEELB figure does not include non-delegated General Schools Budget items such as mainstream classroom assistants, LMS formula allocations for both pupils in units attached to mainstream schools and non-statemented pupils in mainstream schools, and staff costs associated with special units.

## WELB figure includes non-delegated costs of Special Units and classroom assistants in mainstream schools only.

### BELB figure includes only LMS formula funding for Special Needs as its non-delegated GSB cost.

All figures are the best approximations by the Boards available within the timescale of the question.

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of categories for statemented pupils; and (b) the number of pupils in each category for each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 2410/01)

Mr McGuinness: The information requested is as follows:

(a) There are currently 13 categories for statemented pupils collected in the school census. In previous years there were 9 categories.

(b)

¹ Data on categories of statement in respect of nursery and primary schools are not included. Such data were not collected centrally in 1999/2000.

² Previously counted under Behavioural and Social.

³ Includes autism other than Asperger’s Syndrome.

⁴ Previously counted under Other.

⁵ Previously counted under Intellectual Learning Difficulties.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of truancy officers; and (b) how they are distributed across the Boards.

(AQW 2433/01)

Mr McGuinness: The staffing position in the Education Welfare Service at 1 March 2002 was :

  Truancy

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to prevent truancy amongst primary school children.

(AQW 2434/01)

Mr McGuinness: My Department will be setting targets in the Public Service Agreement for improved attendance at school and monitoring the position. However, it must be remembered that responsibility to ensure regular attendance at school rests primarily with parents. Where a school has concerns about a pupil’s attendance, a referral can be made to the Education Welfare Service. An officer will normally visit the home to make an assessment of the situation and from that determine appropriate follow up action based on the underlying reasons for the poor attendance.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to prevent truancy amongst secondary and grammar school children.

(AQW 2435/01)

Mr McGuinness: My Department will be setting targets in the Public Service Agreement for improved attendance at school and monitoring the position. However, it must be remembered that responsibility to ensure regular attendance at school rests primarily with parents. Where a school has concerns about a pupil’s attendance, a referral can be made to the Education Welfare Service. An officer will normally visit the home to make an assessment of the situation and from that determine appropriate follow up action based on the underlying reasons for the poor attendance.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of Education to outline (a) the current status of both Moneydarragh Primary School, Annalong and St Joseph's Primary School, Ballymartin Village regarding their applications for new school facilities at both sites; and (b) if there are any plans to amalgamate the two schools contrary to the wishes of the local community.

(AQW 2450/01)

Mr McGuinness: Moneydarragh Primary School, Annalong is one of a number of schools which is included in my Department’s programme of economic appraisals. Preliminary work has already commenced on this appraisal and a site meeting to discuss options for improving the accommodation has been arranged for April.

In relation to St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ballymartin Village, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) has asked my Department to arrange a site visit to assess the school’s accommodation problems, with a view to including a scheme in the school capital priorities list. This visit has also been arranged for April.

My Department is not aware of any current plans to amalgamate these two schools.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education what recent assessment he has made of the performance at GCSE of (a) pupils at grammar schools; and (b) their equivalent cohort in secondary schools.

(AQW 2454/01)

Mr McGuinness: The percentage of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A* to C in secondary and grammar schools is as follows:

The percentage of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A* to G in secondary schools is as follows:

I consider that pupils in both secondary and grammar schools are continuing to perform at a creditable level, however, there is much to be done in the drive to achieve higher standards in all sectors, and the School Improvement Programme is central to my Department’s efforts in this area.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education what steps he has taken to consult young people about the policies of his Department.

(AQW 2473/01)

Mr McGuinness: I fully support the need to consult young people on educational issues which affect them and I am, for example, currently considering how best to achieve this as part of the consultations on the review of post-primary education.

I am aware too that this issue will be considered as part of the discussions on the draft Bill of Rights and the Children’s Commissioner and I look forward to playing a full part in those discussions.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the use of Public Finance Initiatives for schools.

(AQW 2474/01)

Mr McGuinness: My Department has completed a number of Public Private Partnerships projects in schools in which it has determined that value for money deals are achievable through PPP and it has learned valuable lessons on how best to make use of PPP. Last year, I announced eight secondary school projects with a total capital value of some £70m to be taken forward under PPP as part of the 2001 New Starts Capital Programme. I will be making an announcement later this month of this year's New Starts Capital Programme.

Notwithstanding legitimate concerns about Public Private Partnerships, I believe that, properly managed, the use of PPP will allow faster progress on meeting urgent accommodation needs than would otherwise be possible with the resources available to my Department. However Public Private Partnerships are not an appropriate method of procurement in all circumstances. In the education sector smaller projects in particular do not lend themselves to PPP as they are unlikely to attract private sector interest or offer better value for money. The future use of the PPP in schools will therefore focus on putting a number of schemes together to create a project which will offer value for money, whilst at the same time meeting the full educational needs of the individual schools involved.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what is the building maintenance budget for his Department in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 2475/01)

Mr McGuinness: The Department allocates recurrent funding to Education and Library Boards for the maintenance of controlled and maintained schools and other Board property. The resources expended by the Boards in each of the last three years are set out below.

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