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Friday 19 April 2002
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First
Minister OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER Amnesty for Terrorists Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what representations they have made to HM Government to oppose the introduction of an amnesty for terrorists on the run. (AQW 2529/01) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan): We have not jointly made representations to the UK Government about the introduction of an amnesty for those on run. Appointment Process Mr Alban Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the appointment process for part-time members of tribunals which are sponsored by the Northern Ireland Departments is fully compliant with the Human Rights Act 1998. (AQW 2861/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: As a result of the Scottish case Starrs and Chalmers –v- Ruxton, in which it was held that the use of part-time temporary sheriffs did not comply with the independence requirements of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, new arrangements have been put in place to safeguard the independence of part-time tribunal members whose appointment is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland departments. The new arrangements have been drawn up by this department, the Northern Ireland Court Service, the Department for Social Development, the Department of Employment and Learning, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, and the Department of Education. The relevant tribunals are the Rent Assessment Panel, the Fair Employment Tribunal, the Industrial Tribunals, the Health Service Tribunal, the Registered Homes Tribunal, the National Appeal Panel and the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. A copy of the specific frameworks in respect of each tribunal, which are effective from today, has been placed in the Assembly Library. Bill of Rights Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what further discussions have taken place with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in respect of the Bill of Rights being published. (AQO 1136/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We have not discussed this matter jointly with the Secretary of State. Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group Report on Travellers Mr Conor Murphy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what resources have been identified by the Executive to implement the Final Report of the PSI Working Group on Travellers. (AQO 1121/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Work on the development of the Executive’s strategic response to the Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group Report on Travellers is at an advanced stage. We look forward to publishing our response shortly. Any resources required for the implementation of actions falling out of this strategic response are a matter for individual Departments. Review of Public Administration : Progress Mr Joe Byrne asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on progress on the review of public administration. (AQO 1133/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Members will be aware that the proposed terms of reference for the Review of Public Administration have been the subject of a pre-consultation process over the past number of weeks. They were debated in this Assembly on 25 February and since then officials have been engaged in a series of meetings with umbrella organisations representing a broad spectrum of stakeholder interests. The pre-consultation has now concluded, and we have received a significant number of responses. All these responses have been carefully analysed, and work is in progress to produce revised terms of reference as quickly as possible. Separately, work has been progressing on the appointment the high level independent experts and the establishment of the multi-disciplinary Review team. Legislative Programme Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many Bills the Executive plans to bring before the Assembly between now and the Summer Recess. (AQO 1137/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Ministers have been examining their legislative programmes for the remainder of this Assembly's mandate, taking account of the need for all Bills to have received Royal Assent before dissolution on 21 March 2003. The Executive will shortly consider the outcome of this review, but the indications at this stage are that Ministers will be trying to ensure that over two dozen Bills are introduced by this September. Ministers are aware that it would be preferable if as many of these Bills as possible are introduced before the summer recess. Executive Meetings : Minutes Mr David Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans it has to publish the minutes of Executive meetings. (AQO 1115/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: There are no plans to publish the minutes of Executive meetings. Meeting with the Taoiseach Mr Arthur Doherty asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans there are to meet with an Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern. (AQO 1131/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We currently have no plans jointly to meet the Taoiseach outside our commitment to British Irish Council and North South Ministerial Council. British-Irish Council Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the improvements to East-West links resulting from the establishment of the British-Irish Council. (AQO 1135/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The last BIC meeting, which was held on 30 November 2001, set in motion programmes of work on tourism and telemedicine. This was in addition to work already underway on drugs, the environment and social inclusion , which is proceeding. A Conference for decision makers on 'Bridging the Digital Divide' is scheduled to take place in Jersey on 24 to 26 April. This Conference provides an opportunity for representatives from a number of Northern Ireland Departments to hear at first hand the models of good practice and experience of dealing with this issue. Similarly, a number of conferences under the Drugs sector are planned for the Autumn, these will help to advance co-operation in this field. All of this illustrates how member administrations are working positively to improving East-West links. North-South Ministerial Council Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister when will the next meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council take place. (AQO 1097/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council is scheduled for today, Monday 15 April, in Dublin. The meetings scheduled for Monday 15 April will be on Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission followed by an Agriculture meeting. Both meetings will be held in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Dublin. Executive Meeting 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 1117/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The last Executive meeting was held on 28 March 2002. Business transacted at Executive meetings is confidential and is only made public as and when agreed by the Executive. AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BSE/TSE Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she intends to purchase BSE/TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy) test kits by public tender. (AQW 2802/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): Arrangements for the purchase by public tender of BSE/TSE test kits have yet to be finalised. However my Department intends to tender for the supply of such kits during the first half of this Financial Year. Until the tendering process is completed it is necessary to maintain existing arrangements for supply of test kits in order to ensure continuity of testing and meet EU legislative requirements. BSE/TSE Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost of purchasing BSE/TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy) test kits over the last 12 months. (AQW 2803/01) Ms Rodgers: Since the introduction of the EU TSE surveillance programme last July, the Department has incurred £651,330 expenditure on TSE test kits. Gosford Castle Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the purchaser of Gosford Castle; (b) the agreed purchase price; and (c) the purpose for which the Castle will be used. (AQW 2919/01) Ms Rodgers: The purchaser of Gosford Castle has not yet been identified; The purchase price has not been agreed; and The purpose for which the Castle will be used has not yet been agreed upon. Forest Service is considering proposals from a number of potential purchasers and has requested more detailed information from each by 24 May. A final decision on the future of Gosford Castle will not be taken until the further information sought has been fully evaluated. It is the Department’s policy not to divulge the details of commercial contracts. CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Arts Council of Northern Ireland Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he is taking to support theatres and arts organisations. (AQW 2679/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure makes funding available through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for the support of theatres and arts organisations in Northern Ireland. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland recently announced its funding allocations for 2002/03 and I will arrange to send you a copy of this announcement and the Arts Council’s five year arts plan which sets out the strategic context for their funding decisions. Amateur Football Clubs Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to encourage amateur football clubs. (AQW 2681/01) Mr McGimpsey: My proposed soccer strategy will aim to encourage both professional and amateur soccer in Northern Ireland. I enclose a copy of the Advisory Panel report, which has been published for consultation. Chapter 2: League Structure, Chapter 4: Youth Development, and Chapter 13: Playing Facilities will provide particular encouragement to amateur football. I have also placed a copy in the Assembly Library. Following a detailed assessment of the comments received from the consultation exercise, I aim to publish a draft strategy by the summer. Development of Sport at Community Level : West Tyrone Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to assist the development of sport at community level in West Tyrone. (AQW 2682/01) Mr McGimpsey: Statutory responsibility for the development of sport in West Tyrone rests with the District Councils covering that area. Each District Council will have a Leisure Division, manned by a Sports Development Officer, who should be able to provide specific advice on plans to assist the development of sport at community level in their area. On a broader level, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, which is funded by my Department, already supports a range of sports development schemes from which local communities throughout Northern Ireland can benefit. These include a number of community development and club development programmes. In addition, the Sports Council recently launched a new "Strategy on Sport for Young People" which was drawn up in conjunction with representatives from DCAL, schools, local authorities etc. This Strategy outlines future plans for the development of youth sport across Northern Ireland and points to a move from school to community provision, with posts of community development officers and community co-ordinators at grass roots level, leading the way. Disability Access Legislation Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how is the Sports Council for Northern Ireland assisting Sports Clubs to prepare for incoming Disability Access legislation. (AQW 2735/01) Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland are acutely aware of the need to disburse Lottery funding for capital projects which provide for the needs of people with disabilities and are cognizant of the requirements of existing disability legislation. The Sports Council for Northern Ireland provide comprehensive guidelines to all applicants regarding the distribution of capital Lottery funds, which stress the need to ensure that full access to any proposed development is in line with disability legislation. In addition, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland also employ a technical officer who is fully conversant with disability access legislation and who can offer advice to governing bodies and sports clubs on the specific design and minimum technical requirements of sports facility development. World Cup Tournament : England Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure will he be offering congratulations and best wishes to England as they prepare to compete in the forthcoming World Cup tournament. (AQW 2764/01) Mr McGimpsey: As Minister with responsibility for sport in Northern Ireland, my first priority is the Northern Ireland team, and it would not therefore be appropriate for me to offer formal congratulations and best wishes to England. You are aware that my proposed soccer strategy aims to raise the standard of the local game, and I hope that this will help the Northern Ireland team towards future World Cup competitions. I plan to publish a draft soccer strategy by the summer. Disability Related Groups : Funding Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQW 2491/01, in relation to the 'substantial capital investment for improving access for the disabled', to detail (a) the programmes/schemes and criteria utilised in the distribution of this funding; and (b) the distribution of this funding over the last 5 years. (AQW 2776/01) Mr McGimpsey: (a) The full list of Capital Programmes is attached – Appendix A. All Lottery Fund Capital programmes are assessed against a set of criteria as outlined in the information and guidance booklet supplied for each programme. Each Lottery Capital programme features the following equality of opportunity and social inclusion key assessment criteria: "The Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI) is committed to providing equality of opportunity for people who may suffer social disadvantage because of their:
No Lottery award will unjustifiably discriminate against any of the above broad range of social groups. In particular SCNI recognises that women, young people and people with disabilities are frequently under-represented in terms of access to and/or participation in sporting activities. Where an application demonstrates an innovative and imaginative programme of activities, which significantly increases participation for women, young people and people with disabilities, then those applications will accord a higher priority." Information and guidance booklets further advise applicants that all new provision and extension/upgrading should provide adequate access provision for people with disabilities. Special cases are identified in the Club Sport and Community Sport Programmes where SCNI offers higher percentage awards, 90% as opposed to 70%, for projects promoting social inclusion and projects targeting social need. Scoring Matrices for each of the Capital programmes are similar. Each criterion receives a weighting, ranging from 1-3. This weighting acts as a multiplier to reflect priorities. In each Capital programme the maximum weighting of 3 is given to each criteria relating to disability and social inclusion issues. The Sports Council has distributed £45m between 1995 and 2001 to Capital projects. It is a condition of award that every project provides access for people with disabilities. Details of awards to groups in respect of disability specific projects is attached – Appendix B. CAPITAL PROGRAMMES APPENDIX A "A Sports Council Lottery Fund capital programme to assist sports clubs and governing bodies of sport with the development of locally-based sports facilities." Community Sport "A Sports Council Lottery Fund capital programme to assist community based organisations with the development of sporting facilities." Major Projects – Sports Share " A Sports Council Lottery Fund capital programme to assist with the development of sports facilities for community and post-primary school use." Major Projects – Performance Facilities "A Sports Council Lottery Fund capital programme to assist with the development of national or regional training and competition facilities." AWARDS TO DISABILITY SPECIFIC PROJECTS APPENDIX B
Disabilities Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQW 2491/01, to detail the range of disabilities covered by the term ' talented athletes with disabilities'; and to define 'talented'. (AQW 2778/01) Mr McGimpsey: I am afraid it is not possible to detail the "range of disabilities covered by the term ‘talented athletes with disabilities’", as what is a disabling factor in one sport may not be a disabling factor in another. The Governing Body for each sport determines if an athlete is disabled for that particular sport and each application for funding is assessed on its own merits. The term ‘talented’ generally applies to athletes, whether able bodied or disabled, who demonstrate potential to prepare for and compete in identified international Games/Championships. Ulster-Scots Agency Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (a) if the Ulster-Scots Agency is preparing a business plan; and, if so, (b) when will it be completed. (AQW 2786/01) Mr McGimpsey: Tha Boord o Ulstér-Scotch is currently preparing a business plan and it hopes to have a draft ready by the end of April for presentation to the Board. The draft Business Plan also requires the approval of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and it will be considered at a meeting of NSMC in due course. CURNS Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he has taken to promote the Ulster-Scots speaking groups 'CURNS'. (AQW 2787/01) Mr McGimpsey: My Department, along with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (DAHGI) funds the North/South Language Implementation Body which incorporates Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch. Tha Boord is responsible for promoting greater awareness and use of Ullans and Ulster-Scots cultural issues. I understand that Tha Boord has not received any applications for assistance from Ulster-Scots ‘CURNS’. I am, however, sure that Tha Boord would welcome contact from ‘CURNS’. I will make sure that Mr George Holmes of Tha Boord o Ulstèr Scotch is aware of your interest in this matter. EDUCATION Grammar Schools : Disadvantaged Areas Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 1012/01, to detail the index used to ascertain the statistic that only 8% of school children from disadvantaged areas attend grammar schools. (AQW 2687/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): The 8% figure refers to the proportion of children enrolled at grammar schools who are entitled to free school meals. 11+ Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 1012/01, to detail, by Council area, in the last 5 years (a) the number of school children who had the opportunity to sit the 11+; (b) the number and grades of school children who sat the 11+; and (c) the number of school children from each grade who attended grammar schools. (AQW 2688/01) Mr McGuinness: As the information requested is extensive, I will arrange to have it placed in the Assembly Library. I enclose a copy for your personal use. 11+ Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 1012/01, to detail by Council area in the last 5 years, the number of (a) school children from disadvantaged areas who had the opportunity to sit the 11+; (b) the number of children from disadvantaged areas who sat the 11+; (c) the grades achieved by school children from disadvantaged areas; and (d) the number of school children from disadvantaged areas from each grade who attended grammar schools. (AQW 2711/01) Mr McGuinness: As the information requested is extensive, I will arrange to have it placed in the Assembly Library. I enclose a copy for your personal use. This relates to parts (a) – (c) of the question. Since information on the number of pupils from each primary school who went on to grammar school is not held centrally, figures are not available for part (d) in respect of the pupils in parts (a) – (c) of the answer. 11+ Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the percentage of boys and girls, by grade, who sat the 11+ and subsequently attended a grammar school over the past 5 years; and (b) how this percentage compares with other areas of similar socio-economic conditions. (AQW 2712/01) Mr McGuinness: (a) The information requested is not available by grade for males and females separately. Percentage of pupils who entered grammar school, by grade achieved in the Transfer Test
The numbers of boys and girls who entered grammar schools in each of the last five years expressed as a percentage of those who sat the test, are as follows:
(b) In other academically selective areas the Transfer Procedure is operated in a different way and direct comparison with our situation is not possible. Andrews Memorial Primary School Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 2346/01, to outline which of the four factors resulted in Mr George Forester not being re-appointed. (AQW 2713/01) Mr McGuinness: I am advised by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board that the Management of Schools Sub-committee considered the current composition of Board Representatives, the expressed interest of SEELB members, application forms for Governorship from members of the public and the need to improve gender balance. They decided to recommend the appointment of a newly elected local Councillor, who had expressed an interest, as the SEELB representative for Andrews Memorial Primary School. The Committee for the Management of Schools agreed the recommendation of the Sub-committee. Educational Psychologist Consultation Mr Ivan Davis asked the Minister of Education to detail, by Board area, (a) the number of children who are waiting for an Educational Psychologist consultation (Stage 3 referral); and (b) the level of resources available for educational psychology for primary school children over the last 3 years. (AQW 2800/01) Mr McGuinness: [holding answer 11 April 2002]: The number of children who are waiting for an Educational Psychologist consultation (Stage 3 referral) is as follows:-
* The WELB operates a "time management" system, whereby schools are allocated a quantity of educational psychology time according to the school population and other factors such as free school meals. The level of resources for educational psychology for primary school children cannot be identified separately. The overall figures for the cost of the psychology service, for the last 3 years, are as follows:-
Sign Language Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister of Education if he has any plans to introduce sign language into the school curriculum. (AQW 2806/01) Mr McGuinness: There are no proposals to introduce sign language into the present statutory school curriculum. It is a matter for individual schools to decide what options they wish to make available to pupils as part of the broader curriculum, taking account of factors such as the level of demand from pupils and parents. The curriculum is currently under review by the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment who will consider any proposals put to them about the inclusion of particular subjects. Joint Concern Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Education what meetings has he had with the Minister for Employment and Learning to discuss areas of joint concern. (AQW 2841/01) Mr McGuinness: Both Departments co-operate and work closely on areas of joint concern. My first meeting to take forward these issues has been arranged for 30 April. Rathcoole, Abbot's Cross and Whitehouse Primary Schools Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to his announcement on 27 March 2002, to ensure that funding will be awarded to Rathcoole, Abbot's Cross and Whitehouse Primary Schools. (AQW 2945/01) Mr McGuinness: The funding announced on 27th March extended the assistance provided under the education element of the Executive Support Package for North Belfast, announced on 17th December 2001, to the remaining primary schools in the area. This package provided financial support to primary schools suffering from the effects of widespread disturbances in North Belfast and the backwash from the protest at Holy Cross Girl’s Primary School. Rathcoole, Abbot’s Cross and Whitehouse Primary Schools fall outside the defined geographical area and are not eligible for funding under this initiative. EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING Mesothelioma Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action she will take to help sufferers from mesothelioma who, as a result of the recent judgement by the Court of Appeal in Great Britain in the Fairchild case, are unable to obtain compensation from their former employers through the Courts. (AQW 2942/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): This is a dreadful disease and I do not think it would be right if employees, former employees or their dependants were left without recourse to some level of compensation as a result of this judgement. As an interim measure therefore I am extending the compensation scheme administered by my Department under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Order 1979 to cover the making of payments to qualifying sufferers from mesothelioma who are affected by the judgement in the Fairchild case. ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Genesis Business Park : Aldergrove Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the employment opportunities to be created as a result of the development of the Genesis Business Park at Aldergrove. (AQW 2714/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): This private sector venture when fully developed has the potential to create large-scale employment opportunities and lead to a substantial strengthening of the local economy. The development which envisages a mix of commercial activities is still at a relatively early stage and it is difficult to predict with any accuracy the number of potential new jobs. Genesis Business Park : Aldergrove Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how he will assist economic development at the newly proposed Genesis Business Park at Aldergrove. (AQW 2716/01) Sir Reg Empey: This is a mixed use private sector development proposal put forward by TBI plc, the company which owns Belfast International Airport. The development will not receive public funding but Invest NI will be prepared to assist with the marketing of any business space which would be suitable for inward investment or other projects supported by Invest NI. Tourism : Sperrins Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 615/01, to provide an update on the steps he is taking to promote tourism and support the tourist industry in the Sperrins. (AQW 2746/01) Sir Reg Empey: In November 2001, I stated that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) supports walking, cycling and angling promotions for the area and markets the Sperrins banner on its web-site and in its Northern Ireland regional guide. With NITB support a public / private sector partnership covering the Council areas of Strabane, Omagh, Magherafelt and Cookstown was set up. This body will play a major role in the future development and promotion of tourism in the area and is also working with the neighbouring Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau producing a regional angling guide for the whole Foyle System. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is in receipt of bids to support these activities under the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme. Sperrins Tourism Limited has recently been approved as an intermediary funding body for the Natural Rural Resource Tourism Initiative (NRRTI – a joint initiative between NITB/DARD/EHS) in the Sperrins region. The group is currently preparing a Sustainable Tourism Strategy for this Initiative which will be completed by mid June. Invest Northern Ireland Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what incentives have been and are available for firms to locate in the Strangford constituency. (AQW 2747/01) Sir Reg Empey: Invest NI provides an attractive range of financial and non-financial support services to companies wishing to locate in, and throughout Northern Ireland providing they are or have the potential to trade externally. There are no specific incentives for the Strangford area. This support ranges from financial grants, equity, business development, product development and company development programmes. Invest NI Executives are also able to provide advisory, information and appraisal services to firms. In addition to this direct support, within the Strangford constituency Invest NI, in partnership with Ards, Castlereagh and Down Councils, provides indirect support to local start up businesses through the Business Start Up Programme. This partnership also provides funding for a number of programmes delivered through the Ards Business Centre, Castlereagh Enterprise and the Down Business Centre which also focus on local businesses. Relocating : Strangford Constituency Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the number of firms who have expressed an interest in relocating in the Strangford constituency in the last 3 years; and (b) the number who have relocated in other parts of the Province. (AQW 2748/01) Sir Reg Empey: Neither the Department nor its Agencies maintain records on firms interested in particular areas or relocating to areas – as this is often a decision of the company alone. I can confirm however that, prior to the establishment of Invest Northern Ireland, 94 LEDU-sponsored local businesses established in the Strangford constituency in the last 2 years. In the same period the constituency has benefited from IDB-backed investments by Korean-owned firm Humax which employs 150 people in the manufacture of digital set top boxes and ICS Computing which will eventually employ around 144 people. Due to how the information is collated, it is not possible to provide figures for a three year period. Over the same period 2,610 LEDU-sponsored businesses were established throughout Northern Ireland, whilst there were 49 announcements by IDB client companies to locate/expand within Northern Ireland. Companies will decide where to locate based on a number of factors such as skilled labour availability, proximity to universities, airports, suppliers etc. LEDU Budget Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the value of the LEDU budget that the successful applicant for the post of Financial Director for Invest Northern Ireland was responsible for in his previous post. (AQW 2782/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Finance Director was responsible for the total LEDU budget, which in the last financial year, 2001/02, amounted to £32.65 millions including, European Peace and Recollection funds Invest Northern Ireland : Financial Director Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline (a) the recruitment procedures used to appoint the Financial Director for Invest Northern Ireland; and (b) the budget for this post. (AQW 2783/01) Sir Reg Empey: On 1 April 2002 all LEDU staff were transferred to Invest NI under the provisions of the Industrial Development Act (Northern Ireland) 2002. Those provisions align with the requirements of the Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment legislation and guarantee staff no lesser terms and conditions of service. The LEDU Corporate Services Director (who for a period was acting Chief Executive), on transfer, was placed in the Finance Director post in Invest NI. The Finance Director is responsible for the total Invest NI’s budget of £181.4 million in the current financial year, 2002/03. Atwell/Gribben Case (LEDU) Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline (a) any action taken against the official connected with the Artwell/Griben fraud case (LEDU); and (b) if they are still in post or have been promoted. (AQW 2785/01) Sir Reg Empey: In both cases Atwell and Gribben were dismissed, successfully prosecuted and jailed. In both cases control weaknesses were the major factor. The immediate supervisor in the Gribben case took early retirement in April 1999. NITB Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the position held by Mr Roy Bailie in the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) in the financial years 1992-93 to 2000-01; and (b) the total value of contracts awarded to W & G Baird Ltd by NITB in each of those years. (AQW 2788/01) Sir Reg Empey: Mr Roy Bailie was appointed to the Board of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on the 1 September 1994, in November 1995 he was appointed Deputy Chairman and on 1 July 1996 he was appointed Chairman. The total value of contracts awarded for the financial years 1992-93 to 2001-01 to W&G Baird Limited and associated companies, were as noted in the table below.
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