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Friday 22 March 2002 Offensive Weapons in Schools Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education how he intends to address the growing problem of pupils bringing offensive weapons into schools. (AQW 2492/01) Mr McGuinness: Policy on dealing with pupils who bring weapons into school is a matter for schools. Schools are responsible for their own discipline policies and within these to determine the sanctions which will be applied in respect of any breaches. Pupil Attacks on Teachers Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of recorded incidences of pupil attacks on teachers, in each Education and Library Board, for each year since 1995. (AQW 2493/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department does not collect this information. The possibility of collecting it at education and library board level through the notifications from schools about suspensions is under consideration. School Leavers Without Formal Qualifications Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 2179/01, what percentage of pupils leaving school in each of these years do the figures represent. (AQW 2495/01) Mr McGuinness:
* Qualifications data were missing for 479 16 year old leavers in 1995/96. This represents 3.5% of 16 year old school leavers and 1.9% of all school leavers. There is evidence that the missing data relate predominantly to those with no GCSE’s. These figures do not include pupils at special or independent schools. School Leavers Without Formal Qualifications Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 2179/01, how these figures compare to (a) the UK average for each of these years; and (b) figures available for other regions within the UK. (AQW 2496/01) Mr McGuinness: Data are not available in exactly comparable form but for Scotland, available figures relate to all school leavers with no Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) qualifications.
1. Some of these pupils may have gained other qualifications such as National Certificate Modules or English exam board qualifications (e.g. GCSE/ A level qualifications), which are not covered in this analysis. 2. Excludes pupils at independent schools and special schools. 3. Qualifications data were missing for 3% of school leavers in 1995/96. For England and Wales, available figures relate to 16 year-olds who are not in full-time education.
1. Source: Youth Cohort Study (YCS). Excludes those who attended special schools. Qualifications are self-reported. The table shows figures for those years in which the YCS was carried out. 2. Excludes those who attended special or independent schools. Nursery Provision : Derry City Council Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools located in the Derry City Council area that do not have nursery provision. (AQW 2504/01) Mr McGuinness: There are currently 25 schools in the Derry City Council area that do not have nursery provision. They are:
Belvoir Primary School : Nursery Unit Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of applications for enrolment at Belvoir Nursery Unit, Belvoir Primary School, Belfast BT8; (b) the number of successful applications; and (c) the total enrolment at the school beginning September 2001. (AQW 2518/01) Mr McGuinness: Set out below is the information requested in respect of the nursery unit at Belvoir Park Primary School for the 2001/2002 and 2002/03 school years: Belvoir Primary School – Nursery Unit SEPTEMBER 2001
SEPTEMBER 2002
The allocation of places for the 2002/03 school year will not be complete until 14 June 2002. Pre-School Admission : Benefits Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the research undertaken by his Department which has resulted in the children of parents in receipt of Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance, being given priority for full-time positions in nursery school. (AQW 2519/01) Mr McGuinness: The statutory pre-school admissions arrangements which afford priority to children whose parents are in receipt of Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance in the allocation of funded pre-school places, whether full or part-time, are part of the implementation of the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme. The decision to amend the existing admissions arrangements stemmed from the substantial body of research in the USA and UK which showed that experience of good quality pre-school education was beneficial for children from socially disadvantaged circumstances. In view of the research which already existed, it was not considered necessary to commission locally based research. EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING Departmental Working Group Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give consideration to the establishment of a cross departmental working group to deal with the recent attacks on students in South Belfast and residents' concerns in the University area. (AQW 2023/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): While I very much deplore and condemn attacks on student in South Belfast, this is a law and order issue and as such is a reserved matter. As regards residents’ concerns, while your question does not elaborate, your letter to me of 6 February points up a number of difficulties. I shall be responding separately to your letter but, in essence, none of the points you highlighted fall within the ambit of my Department’s responsibilities. In the circumstances I do not propose to pursue the establishment of a cross departmental working group. Student Loans Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she will make a statement on her plans to review the system of student loans. (AQW 2455/01) Ms Hanna: Currently I have no plans to undertake a further review of the student loan system. However, I will consider the implications of any outcomes emerging from the current DfES review into student finance. Restructuring of Higher Education Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans she has to implement proposals for the restructuring of higher education in Northern Ireland. (AQW 2456/01) Ms Hanna: I have no proposals to restructure Higher Education in Northern Ireland. Modern Apprenticeships Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she will make a statement on the introduction of modern apprenticeships in schools. (AQW 2457/01) Ms Hanna: Modern Apprenticeships are work based full time training opportunities available to young people who have attained minimum school leaving age and are under 25 years of age. Certain existing employees are also eligible. There are no plans to introduce Modern Apprenticeships in schools. Student Drop Out Rates Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she has monitored the reasons given by students for dropping out of further and higher education institutions; and to make a statement. (AQW 2458/01) Ms Hanna: The Department does not monitor currently the reasons why students drop out of further and higher education. A Level Students Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what efforts she has made to encourage A-Level students to continue their studies in Northern Ireland rather than leave the Province. (AQW 2497/01) Ms Hanna: Careers Officers from this Department’s Careers Service provide impartial guidance and accurate, timely and up to date careers information to A level students in schools and colleges to help them make informed decisions about opportunities in continuing education, training and employment. New Deal Programme Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to AQW 2260/01, how many Northern Ireland MPs have employed staff under the New Deal scheme. (AQW 2545/01) Ms Hanna: No Northern Ireland MPs have employed staff under the New Deal Programme. ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Call Centres Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the number of people employed in call centres in each of the last 3 years; (b) the proportion of those who are male, female; and (c) the proportion of those who are full-time and part-time. (AQW 2294/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): [holding answer 12 March 2002]: Employment in call centres in Northern Ireland has increased significantly over the past number of years. However, not all call centres have received support from the Industrial Development Board (IDB) or the Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU), as some have been the result of developments in the commercial sector; and in addition, call centres have no Standard Industry Classification of their own. Therefore, it is difficult to determine a precise figure for the number of people employed in this sector. However, the total number currently employed in call centres supported by IDB and LEDU is approximately 5,500. This figure is based on Full Time Equivalents, which means that the actual number of individuals employed would exceed 6,000. IDB and LEDU do not maintain data on the male/female balance within call centres. Consignia : Implications for Northern Ireland Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to make a statement on the implications for Northern Ireland industry and business as a result of the decision to grant commercial freedom to Consignia. (AQW 2397/01) Sir Reg Empey: Postal services are a reserved matter for which the Department of Trade and Industry is responsible across the UK. The implications for Northern Ireland industry and business of any decision that has been, or may be, taken with regard to greater market liberalisation are unclear at present. My Ministerial colleagues and I will continue to monitor the situation. Montracon Management Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail any discussions officials from his Department have had with management of Montracon Ltd in Mallusk in an attempt to safeguard employment. (AQW 2438/01) Sir Reg Empey: Officials from IDB have been in contact with Montracon Management over recent months and offered assistance to the company as it worked through the rationalisation required in order to remain competitive in the marketplace. The loss of skilled jobs is always very regrettable but the company believes that the actions taken will help safeguard the employment of the remaining workforce. IDB will maintain contact with the company. Montracon, Mallusk Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the commercial viability of the Montracon plant in Mallusk. (AQW 2439/01) Sir Reg Empey: The various actions taken by the company, including the redundancy of some 60 workers at Mallusk, are seen as necessary to ensure continuing operations in Northern Ireland and the group as a whole. The trailer market in the UK and ROI is extremely competitive and the company must continue to look at ways to maintain its position in the market. Difficulties Facing the Hi-Tech Sector Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has any plans to order an investigation into the current problems associated with local hi-tech industry. (AQW 2440/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s agencies are acutely aware of the difficulties facing the hi-tech sector and they are working to safeguard employment and promote competitiveness in established companies, in addition to encouraging new investment from indigenous and overseas companies. Whilst there are no plans to organise an investigation into the current problems faced by the hi-tech sector, the agencies are promoting a number of sectoral initiatives including export promotion, the opening of the NI Technology & Development Centre in Boston, quality initiatives and broadband access programmes. SX3 Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail plans to address the impact on the employment situation in Newtownabbey regarding the prospect of job losses at the local IT company, Sx3. (AQW 2441/01) Sir Reg Empey: Services and Systems solutions Limited (SX3) has announced that up to 150 compulsory redundancies will take place across the UK and Ireland. It is too early to say how many redundancies will take place in Northern Ireland and which sites will be affected. Any redundancies are regrettable, however, this is a commercial decision taken by the company as a result of worsening conditions in the IT sector. There are a number of areas under discussion with the company. For reasons of commercial confidentiality I cannot provide details. However, I can give you my assurance that all reasonable steps will be taken to minimise the local impact of the restructuring where that is possible. SX3 Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail any discussions officials from his Department have had with management of Sx3 in an attempt to safeguard employment. (AQW 2442/01) Sir Reg Empey: Services and Systems solutions Limited (SX3) has announced that up to 150 compulsory redundancies will take place across the UK and Ireland. The company currently employs approximately 750 staff in Northern Ireland; total employment in UK and Ireland is about 1300. These redundancies are in addition to the 100 voluntary redundancies announced in November 2001, also across the UK and Ireland. This recent announcement follows a restructuring of SX3’s businesses. It is not clear at this time how this announcement will affect operations in Northern Ireland. However, I have written personally to the Managing Director of SX3 Ireland in order to express government’s support for the Northern Ireland operations. I have also stated my hope that this successful homegrown Northern Ireland IT services company can find ways to minimise the impact on local employment. I have continued to maintain close contact through my officials who have had a number of meetings with the company. My officials are continuing to examine ways in which assistance might be offered to the company to minimise the local impact of the restructuring where that is possible. These discussions are ongoing. North-South Pipeline Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) when he will be in a position to confirm if the introduction of the North-South pipeline would lead to an increase in electricity costs; and (b) if a copy of the investment appraisal of the project can be placed in the public domain. (AQW 2459/01) Sir Reg Empey: I am aware that Dr Sean Farren, Minister of Finance and Personnel, wrote to you on 19 March 2002 about this matter. I can confirm that I am content with the contents of this letter. A copy of this letter will be place in the Assembly Library. Industrial Development Board Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Board in East, West, North and South Belfast in the years 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02. (AQW 2466/01) Sir Reg Empey: Projects typically take 4-5 years to build up to maximum employment. Consequently the Industrial Development Board (IDB) starts to analyse job creations in the second year after projects are secured. The table below shows the number of jobs created to date in respect of projects secured in 1998/99 and 1999/2000. For comparison, the relevant job promotion figures for projects secured by IDB in the years 1998/99, 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 are also shown. Promotion figures for 2001/02 are not yet available.
* Creation figures will be made available during 2002/03. Tourism Ireland Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the marketing strategy for Northern Ireland by Tourism Ireland for the year 2002. (AQW 2467/01) Sir Reg Empey: Tourism Ireland in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has devised a number of special promotional campaigns, which are aimed specifically at increasing visitors to Northern Ireland. Such initiatives include campaigns in Scotland and the North of England, together with campaigns aimed at attracting more car visitors from Britain. Tourism Ireland launched its Marketing Strategy for 2002 at functions in Dublin and Belfast on 7 November 2001 and will present details of its promotional programme to members of the Industry in Northern Ireland at three road shows organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 20 & 21 March 2002 in Belfast, Enniskillen and Londonderry. Tourism Ireland aims to introduce overseas travel trade and media, many for the first time, to the appeals and attractions of Northern Ireland. Unemployment Statistics Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, by electoral ward, the unemployment rate for the parliamentary constituency of Belfast North. (AQW 2468/01) Sir Reg Empey: Up-to-date unemployment statistics at ward level are only available from the claimant count. However, whilst the number of unemployed claimants at ward level may be obtained, unemployment rates at ward level are not available. Details of the number of claimant count unemployed for each ward in Belfast North Parliamentary Constituency Area can be found in Table 1 overleaf. Also provided (Table 2) is an unemployment rate for Belfast North Parliamentary Constituency Area as a whole compared to Northern Ireland. Claimant count data is published monthly in the Department’s Labour Market Statistics (LMS) publication, copies of which are placed in the Assembly Library. The LMS bulletin contains a detailed breakdown of claimant unemployment at sub-Northern Ireland level, including Parliamentary Constituency Area. This information, as well as up-to-date claimant unemployment data at ward level for Northern Ireland, are also available via DETI Statistics Research Branch website at www.detini.gov.uk/statsres . Table 1 Number of claimant count unemployed in Belfast North Parliamentary Constituency Area by electoral ward at February 2002.
Table 2 Number and rate of claimant count unemployed in Belfast North Parliamentary Constituency Area and Northern Ireland at February 2002.
ENVIRONMENT Job Decentralisation Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of personnel currently employed within his department and how many of these jobs may be decentralised between January and December 2002. (AQW 2109/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): [holding answer 4 March 2002]: There are currently some 1950 personnel employed in my department. Approximately 60% of these are already located outside the Greater Belfast area. In relation to any further job decentralisation, a strategic review of civil service office accommodation, which includes an examination of the scope for decentralisation of civil service jobs, is currently ongoing. Pending the outcome of the review, opportunities to relocate civil service jobs will continue to be examined on a case by case basis, as particular needs and issues arise. Where there are considered to be pressing accommodation needs or where short-term decisions are required, business cases are prepared taking full account of the current relocation policy. Management Plan for the Mournes Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment when will resources be made available for the development of a management plan for the Mournes; and to make a statement. (AQW 2349/01) Mr Nesbitt: Work on the development of a management plan for the Mournes is currently scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2003. This work would be led by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS). The feasibility of accelerating that programme will be assessed against EHS’s other priorities. I have no doubt that a management plan for the Mournes is desirable. It would provide a shared agenda for the many bodies with an interest in the area. The Mournes is one of our most valuable scenic areas. It is of exceptional importance for visitors who go there either to enjoy the landscape or take part in outdoor recreational pursuits. A management plan, based on the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), would help to provide co-ordination and direction to the work needed to achieve the objectives of the AONB designation. Public participation in the development of the plan would also help to create a sense of common purpose. Outer Ards ASSI The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (a) if he has received advice that a number of land holders have not been informed about the proposed SPA and ASSI declarations in the Outer Ards Area; (b) if there has been a request to extend the consultation period for a further 3 months; and to make a statement. (AQW 2405/01) Mr Nesbitt: All known owners and occupiers of land within the Outer Ards ASSI and proposed SPA were notified by my Department in December 2001. A significant number of people claiming to hold rights within the designated area were not notified. Notification packages have been served within the last few weeks on those who have, for that reason, made contact with the Department. The Department has received some requests to extend the period of consultation. Those parties recently notified, as indicated above, will be allowed three months to make representations. For others previously notified the date for the submission of comments remains 15 March 2002. Unless there are substantial and valid objections, it remains my Department’s intention to classify the SPA before the end of June 2002, at the same time as the ASSI is confirmed. University of Ulster, Coleraine : Student Accommodation Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made to establish a meeting between officials from his Department, the Department for Employment and Learning and the authorities of the University of Ulster at Coleraine to discuss issues of student accommodation and multiple-student occupancy in Portstewart. (AQW 2421/01) Mr Nesbitt: I understand that the meeting has been arranged for 11 April 2002 at County Hall, Coleraine. Flashing School Warning Signs Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQO 946/01, if he will liaise with his Executive colleague, the Minister for Regional Development, with a view to providing flashing school warning signs at schools that front on to A class and B class routes. (AQW 2443/01) Mr Nesbitt: The provision of flashing warning lights is a matter for the Department for Regional Development. The Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson, has advised me that it is the policy of his Department’s Roads Service to reserve the use of warning lights for sites where traffic speeds are greatest. I am informed that to provide such lights at all schools on A and B class roads would lead to a proliferation of the warning lights and a consequential lessening of their impact on road safety. Given that all road authorities in the United Kingdom apply the above policy, I understand that the Regional Development Minister has no plans to amend current practice. Review of Public Administration Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to give a commitment that any future review of local government will include ring-fencing funds for the purposes of the construction of new civic centres which may be needed to accommodate the administrative needs of newly formed local government authorities. (AQW 2444/01) Mr Nesbitt: No such commitment can be given. The structure, responsibilities and delivery of services by local government will be considered in the context of the wider review of public administration. There are no predetermined outcomes of that review. Building Maintenance Budget Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what is the building maintenance budget for his Department in each of the last 3 years. (AQW 2478/01) Mr Nesbitt: Accommodation and Construction Division within the Department of Finance and Personnel holds the maintenance budget for office buildings occupied by NICS departments and will respond in respect of these buildings. In respect of the specialised buildings occupied by DOE, the maintenance expenditure is as follows:
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of the Environment what measures have been taken by him to inform District Councils of their responsibilities under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (AQW 2528/01) Mr Nesbitt: A circular has issued to district councils recently, which provides background information about the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages. It outlines possible implications for councils. Legal advice, however, has been sought about the definition of "administrative authority" in the context of the Charter and also on the specific reference to the use by local authorities of regional or minority languages in debates, without excluding the use of the official languages of the State. The Department hopes to be in a position soon, to clarify the responsibilities of district councils under the Charter. FINANCE AND PERSONNEL Hippo Bags Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to list those properties controlled by the NI Civil Service that are currently using Water Service 'Hippo Bags'. (AQW 2356/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): [holding answer 19 March 2002]: I attach a list of all Government buildings which have been or are about to be fitted with ‘Hippo Bags’. The Department of Finance and Personnel is responsible for the general office estate and individual Departments are responsible for their respective specialist buildings. The use of Hippo Bags is being promoted by the Water Service, an agency within the Department for Regional Development. In consultation with the Construction Service, the Water Service is planning to issue posters and Hippo Bags to all government buildings within the next 3 months. When received, the Hippo Bags will be fitted where appropriate. LIST OF BUILDINGS WITH HIPPO BAGS INSTALLED OR ABOUT TO BE INSTALLED
Southern Division
Northern Division
Eastern Division
Western Division
Executive Programme Funds Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what percentage of Executive Programme Funds have been allocated to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. (AQW 2394/01) Dr Farren: The total amount of funding allocated from Executive Programme Funds to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is £9.6 million which represents 4.4% of the total £218.9 million allocated to date or almost 2.6% of the total £373.4 million set aside by the Executive. Of the £9.6 million allocated, the Department has received a total of £8.5 million from the New Directions Fund and £1.1 million from the Social Inclusion Fund. Budget Allocation to DARD Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what percentage of the NI budget is allocated to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. (AQW 2395/01) Dr Farren: The total departmental expenditure limit (DEL) for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for 2001-02 is £204.9 million or 3.6% of the total Northern Ireland DEL. In 2002 the Department will be allocated £213.2 million which is 3.5% of the total Northern Ireland DEL. The total Northern Ireland DEL includes, amongst other things, the European Union Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. This excludes expenditure by DARD under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) which is accounted for under annually managed expenditure (AME) and is anticipated to amount to £165.5 million in 2002-03, as set out in the Budget document. Equal Opportunities : NICS Mr Conor Murphy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what progress has been made since 1992 to implement goals and timetables in relation to the under representation of women and Catholics in most senior grades within the NI Civil Service. (AQW 2499/01) Dr Farren: As reported in the Fifth Report of the NI Civil Service’s Equal Opportunities Unit (EOU), copies of which are available in the Library, goals and timetables were first established in December 1992 and February 1993 as benchmarks against which progress could be assessed in addressing the under-representation of, respectively, Roman Catholics and women in the General Service group at Grade 5 level and above. Subsequently, goals and timetables were also established for the General Service grades of Grade 7 and Deputy Principal (DP). Progress against these benchmarks was reported in the Sixth Report of the EOU. The Seventh Report of the EOU sets out the further goals and timetables in respect of administrative posts in the Senior Civil Service, Grade 7 and DP that were subsequently agreed with the former Fair Employment and Equal Opportunities Commissions and have been reviewed in consultation with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland during 2000. The expectation is that progress against these benchmarks and the establishment of any further goals and timetables will be set out in the Eighth Report of the Equal Opportunities Unit which it is planned to publish later this year. Procurement Review Implementation Team Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is the current position with regard to the recommendations of the Procurement Review Implementation Team. (AQW 2624/01) Dr Farren: The public consultation on the Team’s Report has been completed and the Team has commented on the consultation responses. I am now considering those responses and the Team’s comments and I plan to submit proposals to the Executive on the way ahead in this important area after the Easter recess. Alongside the public consultation on the Team’s report, and with the Executive’s approval, my Department has been taking forward preparatory work on setting up the proposed new Central Procurement Directorate, which will bring together the Government Purchasing Agency and the Construction Service, and on the appointment of its Director. The new Directorate will be established from 1 April 2002 and its Director is expected to be in post shortly thereafter. External Link Disclaimer: The Northern Ireland Assembly does not exercise any editorial control over the websites listed above and therefore cannot be held responsible for the information, products or services contained therein. |
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