CONSOLIDATED LIST OF QUESTIONS
ON MONDAY 06 OCTOBER 2008
FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2008
TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2008
THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2008
FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2008
MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2008
WEDNESDAY 01 OCTOBER 2008
THURSDAY 02 OCTOBER 2008
FRIDAY 03 OCTOBER 2008
MONDAY 06 OCTOBER 2008
TUESDAY 07 OCTOBER 2008
WEDNESDAY 08 OCTOBER 2008
THURSDAY 09 OCTOBER 2008
FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 2008
MONDAY 13 OCTOBER 2008
TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2008
WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER 2008
THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2008
FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER 2008
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2008
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Burns (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what plans Translink has to expand Metro bus services in the Mallusk area, including services to Hollybrook, Mayfield, Alderly and Aylesbury; and to confirm the start date of any new services.
(AQW 185/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Finance and Personnel
1. Mr Boylan (Newry and Armagh):
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he is aware of the shortfall in rates revenue being experienced by Armagh City and District Council; and if he will discuss remedial options, such as transitional relief, with council officials.
(AQW 462/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education what grants are available through her Department for after school sports events.
(AQW 340/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his Department's response to the business case submitted for a new purpose built facility to meet the primary care demand and GP contractual requirements in Ballycastle.
(AQW 707/09)
2. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why there was a delay in the response of an emergency ambulance called to Main Street, Waterfoot, on 21 September 2008.
(AQW 708/09)
3. Mr Newton (East Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many dental services are directly employed by a Health and Social Services Board, broken down by board area.
(AQW 721/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2008
Questions to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
1. Mr Cree (North Down):
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what percentage of the £1.8 bn capital investment budget for 2008/09 has been committed and to which contracts.
(AQO 295/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Mr Burns (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps she intends to take to safeguard jobs at HBOS following the takeover by Lloyds TSB.
(AQW 809/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON WEDNESDAY 01 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure
1. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure on leisure facilities and provision per person, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and how these calculations are made.
(AQW 542/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr D Bradley (Newry and Armagh):
To ask the Minister of Education for a breakdown by school of the £217 million backlog of maintenance work to be carried out on schools, highlighting work that has health and safety implications.
(AQW 548/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment why the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has reduced funding to the regional tourism partnerships.
(AQW 747/09)
2. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the impact that the reduction of funding from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to regional tourism partnerships will have on the targets set out in the Programme for Government, which is to increase the number of visitors to Northern Ireland by 25% and increase visitor spend by 40% by 2011.
(AQW 748/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON THURSDAY 02 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of the Environment if he is aware of concerns on a planning application which could have a negative impact on the Perfecseal plant in Derry/Londonderry; and to detail what steps he is taking to address these concerns and safeguard the plant.
(AQW 834/09)
2. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what meetings and correspondence he has had with management of Perfecseal in the last year; and to outline the key areas raised in these engagements.
(AQW 835/09)
Questions to the Minister of Finance and Personnel
1. Mr Hamilton (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what the present level of uptake is for Lone Pensioners Allowance in (i) Northern Ireland; and (ii) each local council area, detailing the number of recipients and the total monetary value; and how these figures compare to his Department's original estimate of the level of uptake for (a) Northern Ireland; and (b) each local council area.
(AQW 615/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON FRIDAY 03 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr T Clarke (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education why a teacher who has been vetted under the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order 2003 and has worked for an Education and Library Board, is required to pass through a similar check when moving to teach in another board area.
(AQW 1018/09)
2. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Education, given the uncertainty over the 11-plus test, what measures are being put in place to ensure effective delivery of the Revised Curriculum.
(AQW 641/09)
3. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Education what criteria will be used by secondary schools to determine admission in a fair and equitable manner for all children.
(AQW 642/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what his Department's scientific and technical position is in relation to the causes of climate change.
(AQW 644/09)
2. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail all policy advice given by his Department to other departments in relation to the causes of, and most appropriate policy response, to climate change.
(AQW 645/09)
3. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to give details (i) of the costs to date associated with development of the Epic Project; and (ii) changes to the original specification for the project.
(AQW 858/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people are currently employed in the Central Services Agency.
(AQW 635/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Armstrong (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of the adequacy of the water supply in the School Lane area, Coalisland, particularly in relation to the water pressure; and if he is satisfied that it is sufficient should the Fire and Rescue Service be called to attend an emergency in the area.
(AQW 628/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Mr Doherty (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister for Social Development how many people are waiting to be included in the Warm Homes Scheme, broken down by Housing Executive district area.
(AQW 954/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON MONDAY 06 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
1. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether the Strategic Investment Board has considered specialist advice from the Department of the Environment in relation to the causes of climate change as part of its assessment of infrastructure needs and design; and if so, to detail (i) the nature of that advice; and (ii) whether the Minister of the Environment's analysis of the causes of climate change has impacted on the Strategic Investment Board's decision-making.
(AQW 680/09)
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr T Clarke (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide (i) the number of applications received for the new entrants scheme; (ii) the breakdown of applications by parliamentary constituency; (iii) what plans she has to hold discussions with the European Commission on possible future funding schemes to encourage young people to enter the agriculture industry.
(AQW 1019/09)
2. Mr Elliott (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much compensation was paid out to farmers whose cattle tested positive for bovine tuberculosis, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 685/09)
3. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the progress of a flood risk management plan for (i) Northern Ireland; and (ii) Belfast; and to detail the climate change science this plan is based upon.
(AQW 689/09)
4. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she has given to increasing the penalties that can be imposed for animal cruelty, in light of recent high profile cases.
(AQW 648/09)
5. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of animal welfare legislation in Germany, where a 3 year prison sentence can be imposed for the killing of a vertebrate as a result of cruelty; and what consideration she has given to the introduction of similar legislation.
(AQW 649/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Education when she will circulate a Policy Memorandum to Ministers on the future post-primary transfer arrangements from next year.
(AQW 906/09)
Questions to the Minister for Employment and Learning
1. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) if he is aware of student numbers on some part-time courses offered by the North West Regional College being reduced to a limit of 25 people; (ii) his assessment of the impact of this on the number of people in the North West who are able to access third-level education; and (iii) if the Department has been informed of any reason why this limit may have been imposed.
(AQW 870/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what educational groups are funded by his Department in the North Down area.
(AQW 660/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans she has to feature significant GAA games on the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's consumer website.
(AQW 655/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail the (i) scientific; and (ii) policy, differences between the approach adopted by his Department in relation to the causes of climate change and those adopted by (a) the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs; and (b) the Scottish Government.
(AQW 677/09)
2. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment for an update on the progress of a flood risk management plan for (i) Northern Ireland; and (ii) Belfast; and to detail the climate change science upon which this plan is based.
(AQW 678/09)
3. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to his answer to AQW 323/09, to detail how this legislation is applied to applicants who are not resident in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 679/09)
4. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail the guidance given to Planning Service staff following the change in the definition of Brownfield land outlined in the Review of the Regional Development Strategy.
(AQW 654/09)
5. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment for an update of the Belfast Metropolitan area urban and rural windfall figures, in relation to the statistics provided to the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan inquiry in January 2007, which only covered the period 1 April 2003 to 31 April 2006.
(AQW 688/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Burns (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cases of alcohol related brain damage have been recorded in each of the last 10 years.
(AQW 668/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to sell land owned by his Department in the North Down area.
(AQW 662/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to use the drug Embril to treat people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
(AQW 664/09)
4. Mr Elliott (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cases of meningitis were diagnosed in the last 12 months; and what action his Department is taking to increase awareness of the symptoms of the illness.
(AQW 684/09)
5. Mr Gallagher (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide the number of (i) consultant cardiologists; and (ii) gastroenterologists, based at (a) Altnagelvin Hospital; (b) Enniskillen Hospital; and (c) Omagh Hospital, for each of the years 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/8.
(AQW 989/09)
6. Mr McElduff (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people per year, who have been examined using the CT scanner at the Tyrone County Hospital, since its installation.
(AQW 1031/09)
7. Mr McElduff (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the actions taken by the Western Health and Social Care Trust to (i) raise the profile of the CT scanner; and (ii) maximise the use of the CT scanner, at the Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh.
(AQW 1032/09)
8. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the provision of a new fire station in Cushendall.
(AQW 647/09)
9. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why people who have served in the armed forces are deemed to have broken their Health Service agreement with their dentist.
(AQW 657/09)
10. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how people retiring from the armed forces and returning to civilian life can avail of Health Service dental treatment.
(AQW 658/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Simpson (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether any legislative change to enable the authorisation of a limited range of bi-lingual road signs would be subject to (i) a vote of the Executive; and (ii) a vote of the Assembly.
(AQW 674/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Social Development if the proposed housing scheme at Church Road, Rasharkin, will be going ahead in this financial year; and to detail any problems the scheme is facing.
(AQW 646/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON TUESDAY 07 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
1. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what Neighbourhood Renewal posts and services it will fund from March 2009.
(AQW 713/09)
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr P J Bradley (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to finance the reinstatement of agricultural lands in the Hilltown area that were washed into the River Bann as a result of the floods on 16 and 17 August 2008.
(AQW 780/09)
2. Mr Bresland (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what role the Environmentally Sensitive Areas scheme will have within the new Countryside Management scheme.
(AQW 768/09)
3. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to decrease the beef price differential between Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom.
(AQW 734/09)
4. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development who currently owns the existing lake sluices at the Shrigley end of the Clay Lakes, Killyleagh.
(AQW 756/09)
5. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what proportion of eggs produced originate from (i) battery cages; (ii) barn production systems; and (iii) free range.
(AQW 702/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr D Bradley (Newry and Armagh):
To ask the Minister of Education how the management of voluntary grammar schools will change under the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 759/09)
2. Mr Elliott (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Education how many teachers (i) were suspended (a) with pay; and (b) without pay, in the 2007-08 academic year; and (ii) are currently suspended.
(AQW 691/09)
3. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education what plans she has to improve educational facilities in the East Antrim constituency.
(AQW 735/09)
Questions to the Minister for Employment and Learning
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what the budget is for the Southern Regional College this financial year.
(AQW 723/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what the budget is for the Belfast Regional College this financial year.
(AQW 724/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what the budget is for the South Eastern Regional College this financial year.
(AQW 725/09)
4. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what education groups the South Eastern Regional College funds in the North Down Area.
(AQW 726/09)
5. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what Neighbourhood Renewal posts and services his Department will fund from March 2009.
(AQW 710/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6561/08, when the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland research project will be completed; and (i) how; and (ii) when, it will be made available to the public.
(AQW 967/09)
2. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to the answer to AQW 166/08, to detail (i) each item of expense; (ii) the cost of each item; and (iii) the number and identity of officials who submitted expense claims on 25 and 26 November 2006, in relation to Invest NI activity in Shanghai.
(AQW 969/09)
3. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to identify the names of the Permanent Secretaries or Deputy Permanent Secretaries of his Department or its predecessor, the Department for Economic Development, who were serving board members of Dunloe Ewart plc when the Public Private Partnerships accommodation contract for Invest NI's new headquarters was processed by invited application in July 2003 and awarded to McAleer and Rushe Ltd and Dunloe Ewart Ltd (MRDE) Accommodation Services in April 2004.
(AQW 970/09)
4. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the precise terms and conditions of the Public Private Partnership accommodation contract; and (ii) the amount paid to date, for Invest NI's new headquarters at Bedford Street, Belfast, which was processed by invited application in July 2003, and awarded to McAleer and Rushe Ltd and Dunloe Ewart Ltd (MRDE) Accommodation Services.
(AQW 971/09)
5. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm the identities of any former (i) Chief Executives; (ii) Deputy Chief Executives; and (iii) Board Members, of either (a) Invest NI; (b) the Industrial Development Board; and (c) LEDU, who were serving as Board Members of Dunloe Ewart plc. when the Public Private Partnership accommodation contract for Invest NIs new headquarters at Bedford Street, Belfast, was processed by invited application in July 2003 and awarded to McAleer and Rushe Ltd and Dunloe Ewart Ltd (MRDE) Accommodation Services in April 2004.
(AQW 973/09)
6. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the levels of growth in the (i) Hotel; (ii) Bed & Breakfast; and (iii) Self Catering sectors in terms of visitors numbers.
(AQW 980/09)
7. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the level of marketing support given to the (i) Hotel; (ii) Bed & Breakfast; and (iii) Self Catering sectors by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
(AQW 982/09)
8. Mr Spratt (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many cruise ships have visited Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.
(AQW 775/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment (i) to identify what measures have been taken to prevent further pollution incidents in the Quoile River, Downpatrick; and (ii) to outline the recommendations made by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and its predecessor the Environment and Heritage Service to resolve this matter.
(AQW 977/09)
2. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment (i) if the Northern Ireland Environment Agency investigated reasons for low oxygen levels in the Quoile River, Downpatrick; and (ii) to detail the outcome of that investigation.
(AQW 979/09)
3. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of the Environment why the Presbyterian Church on the Cliftonville Road, North Belfast, was not spot-listed or protected.
(AQW 1100/09)
4. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what Neighbourhood Renewal posts and services his Department will fund from March 2009.
(AQW 711/09)
5. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment (i) how many enforcement officers are currently employed in each Divisional Planning Office; (ii) the average number of cases being dealt with by each officer; and (iii) for his assessment of the caseload compared with other parts of the United Kingdom.
(AQW 699/09)
6. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail all prosecutions for damage to Areas of Special Scientific Interest since 1 April 2001.
(AQW 700/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what services are provided by his Department for older people in the Lagan Valley constituency.
(AQW 730/09)
2. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average (i) age; and (ii) mileage, of ambulances.
(AQW 731/09)
3. Mrs Long (East Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how much additional funding was given to each Health and Social Care Trust this year for the implementation of the Bamford recommendations; (ii) how that money has been invested; and (iii) which new community services have been developed.
(AQW 761/09)
4. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what procedures are in place for the maintenance and regular assessment of ambulances to ensure they are fit for purpose.
(AQW 744/09)
5. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the year of manufacture of each ambulance in the Western Health and Social Services Board area.
(AQW 745/09)
6. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to replace ambulances that are older than the recommended age.
(AQW 746/09)
7. Mr I McCrea (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Ambulance Service staff reside in (i) Cookstown; and (ii) Magherafelt District Council areas.
(AQW 763/09)
8. Mr I McCrea (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many consultants are currently employed in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area; and how this compares with figures for each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 764/09)
9. Mr O'Loan (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what obligations are placed on premises owned by his Department and health agencies by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005; and how his Department is performing in relation to these obligations.
(AQW 766/09)
10. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much has been invested in new ambulances in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 717/09)
11. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if funding is being diverted from the purchase of new ambulances to the purchase of rapid response vehicles in the next 5 years; and if so, how much.
(AQW 718/09)
12. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many times ambulances have broken down while on call, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 719/09)
13. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, following the proposal to remove the second fire engine from 12 Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service stations, to confirm if Portstewart is now the only station that will lose its second fire engine.
(AQW 915/09)
14. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how much the removal of the second fire engine in Portstewart will save the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service; and (ii) what percentage this represents of the overall savings the service is trying to achieve.
(AQW 916/09)
15. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if there will be any job losses due to withdrawal of the second fire appliance in Portstewart.
(AQW 959/09)
16. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will detail the reasons (i) for the proposed withdrawal of the second fire appliance in Portstewart: and (ii) all other stations in the original proposal have been withdrawn from the new proposal.
(AQW 961/09)
17. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the research evidence that demonstrates the value of the ketogenic diet used to treat some forms of epilepsy in children, what provision is currently available to children suffering from such conditions.
(AQW 776/09)
18. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what diagnostic tools are used to assess the presence of intractable epilepsy in children.
(AQW 777/09)
19. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cases of intractable epilepsy have been diagnosed in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 778/09)
20. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what services are in place to treat infants suffering from intractable epilepsy.
(AQW 779/09)
21. Mr Spratt (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people had to wait in excess of 3 hours to receive treatment at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Belfast City Hospital, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 693/09)
22. Mr Spratt (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many admissions there have been to the Accident and Emergency Unit of Belfast City Hospital, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 694/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Bresland (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how many blue badges have been issued to disabled drivers, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 743/09)
2. Mr McLaughlin (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he has given to allowing (i) public and private taxis carrying paying passengers; and (ii) private cars with 2 or more passengers, to use bus lanes.
(AQW 736/09)
3. Mr O'Loan (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development for his assessment of unreported damage to road culverts by Northern Ireland Water and its contractors; and what steps he is taking to ensure this action will cease, in light of its contribution to flooding incidents.
(AQW 695/09)
4. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to introduce 20 mph speed limit zones in the East Antrim constituency.
(AQW 714/09)
5. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development if he has been lobbied to introduce 20 mph zones in the East Antrim constituency.
(AQW 715/09)
6. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what criteria must be met for the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit zone.
(AQW 716/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Social Development what preparations her Department has made for the transfer of Neighbourhood Renewal with the Chief Executive of each council; and what discussions her Department has had with each council on this issue.
(AQW 709/09)
2. Mr Poots (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister for Social Development what proportion of funding has been allocated to (i) Belfast; (ii) Derry/Londonderry; and (iii) other towns and cities, in (a) 2005-06; (b) 2006-07; and (c) 2007-08.
(AQW 772/09)
Questions to the Assembly Commission
1. Mr O'Loan (North Antrim):
To ask the Assembly Commission what plans it has to upgrade the IT system for Assembly Members in Parliament Buildings, to address the slow speed of the current system.
(AQW 696/09)
2. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Assembly Commission what plans it has to change the Official Report (Hansard) recording system to enable those attending committee meetings to receive text messages and emails on mobile phones while the proceedings are being recorded.
(AQW 698/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON WEDNESDAY 08 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr Bresland (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is the proposed timetable for issuing letters of offer to each of the 7 local action groups bidding to deliver part of the Rural Development Programme.
(AQW 782/09)
2. Mr Elliott (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what guidance her Department has issued to farmers and landowners about bio-security.
(AQW 686/09)
3. Mr Simpson (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what provision has been made for farmers who suffered financial loss as a result of the flooding that occurred in August 2008; and how many applications for assistance have been successful.
(AQW 833/09)
Questions to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure
1. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to protect and safeguard people who have the right to fish using fixed bag nets on the North coast.
(AQW 784/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr Newton (East Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Education how many pupils were in receipt of free school meals in each (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary school, in the East Belfast constituency, for each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 821/09)
2. Mr Newton (East Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils who left school with no qualifications, as a percentage of the total number of school leavers, in the East Belfast constituency, for each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 825/09)
Questions to the Minister for Employment and Learning
1. Mr Attwood (West Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning if any organisations that were awarded contracts under the tender process for Steps to Work, were granted time extensions to comply with tender/contract requirements in the period up to and after 28 September 2008; if TWL have been granted any extension beyond 28 September 2008 in relation to its tender/contract obligations; and if TWL (i) was open for business; (ii) were able to accept Steps to Work referrals; and (iii) had staff in place in operational premises on 28 September 2008.
(AQW 1171/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning the number of Irish medium colleges.
(AQW 816/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning the budget for St Mary's University College in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 818/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr Ford (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to the answer to AQW 181/09, whether the view expressed is in line with his Department's assessment of the link between human activity and climate change.
(AQW 827/09)
2. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what action he is taking to ensure that building does not occur on flood plains; and where building does take place, that adequate drainage is provided.
(AQW 800/09)
3. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment for an update on his Department's performance in relation to the targets set out in the Roads Safety Strategy 2002-2012.
(AQW 801/09)
4. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail the total amount of money paid in emergency relief payments as a result of the recent floods, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 810/09)
5. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail the total amount of money paid in emergency relief payments as a result of the flooding that occurred in June 2007, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 812/09)
6. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many claims for emergency relief payments (i) were made; and (ii) were successful, in relation to the flooding that occurred in June 2007, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 813/09)
7. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many claims for emergency relief payments (i) were made; and (ii) were successful, in relation to the recent flooding, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 814/09)
8. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment why Planning Service does not routinely check buildings to ensure that the completed structure complies with all the conditions outlined in the planning approval.
(AQW 789/09)
9. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many (i) planning office meetings; and (ii) site meetings, were held in the period 1 April 2007 to 31 July 2008, broken down by council area.
(AQW 791/09)
10. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many applications for single dwellings in the countryside, submitted in the Down District Council area before (i) 1 February 2005; and (ii) 16 March 2006, have yet to be determined.
(AQW 792/09)
11. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many enforcement case files (i) have been opened since April 2001; and (ii) have arisen as a result of (a) detection by Planning Service staff; (b) a complaint by a member of the public; and (c) a complaint by a public representative.
(AQW 793/09)
Questions to the Minister of Finance and Personnel
1. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel the take up of the Lone Pensioner Allowance in the last 12 months, broken down by constituency.
(AQW 840/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Buchanan (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to (i) provide an update on the new acute hospital in Enniskillen; and (ii) confirm if works are on target and within budget.
(AQW 985/09)
2. Mr Buchanan (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to confirm if the Rheumatology Consultant at Altnagelvin Hospital is due to retire in April 2009; and (ii) if so, what action his Department and the Western Health and Social Care Trust are taking to ensure a new consultant is in place, prior to his retirement.
(AQW 986/09)
3. Mr Buchanan (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many patients were seen at the Accident and Emergency departments in (i) Altnagelvin Hospital; (ii) Enniskillen Hospital; and (iii) the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre at Tyrone County Hospital, in each of the first nine months of 2008.
(AQW 987/09)
4. Mr Buchanan (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm the costs associated with Medinet consultants being flown to Tyrone County Hospital on 27 and 28 September 2008 to attend neurology clinics.
(AQW 988/09)
5. Ms Lo (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provisions his Department plans to put in place for elderly care following the closure of the Elderly Care Units in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital.
(AQW 817/09)
6. Ms Lo (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to allow children to receive NHS dental care regardless of where their parents or guardians are registered.
(AQW 820/09)
7. Ms Lo (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the new women's and children's hospital on the Royal Victoria Hospital site.
(AQW 822/09)
8. Ms Lo (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans will be made to accommodate respite care for adults with learning difficulties outside of their Health and Social Care Trust area if provision is unavailable within their own locality.
(AQW 823/09)
9. Ms Lo (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the circumstances under which senior citizens are involved in clinical drug trials whilst in the care of hospital or care centre facilities; and how consent for these trials is obtained.
(AQW 824/09)
10. Lord Morrow (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the tender process for the construction of the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen.
(AQW 802/09)
11. Lord Morrow (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the names and addresses of the firms that submitted a tender; and (ii) the amounts tendered, for the construction of the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen.
(AQW 803/09)
12. Lord Morrow (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the criteria used for shortlisting; and (ii) the firms shortlisted, for the construction of the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen.
(AQW 804/09)
13. Lord Morrow (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the criteria used to select the successful tender from the shortlist; and (ii) the weighting system used in the scoring matrix, for the construction of the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen.
(AQW 805/09)
14. Lord Morrow (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) the additional community benefit included in each shortlisted tender and (ii) the extent to which this influenced the outcome of the tendering process, for the construction of the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen.
(AQW 806/09)
15. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people are on supported living in the Magherafelt District Council area.
(AQW 828/09)
16. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many vulnerable adults are currently waiting on a supported living placement in the Magherafelt District Council area; and what is the average waiting time.
(AQW 831/09)
17. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to address the shortage of supported living places for vulnerable adults in the Magherafelt District Council area.
(AQW 832/09)
18. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration was given to advice provided by the Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee when changes were made to the conditions of the Minor Ailments Service.
(AQW 785/09)
19. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will rural proof any decision his Department takes that affects staff employed by the Northern Health and Social Services Board.
(AQW 787/09)
20. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to ensure that people currently living and working in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area still have jobs that are accessible to them once the Review of Public Administration is completed.
(AQW 788/09)
21. Mr Newton (East Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) skills shortages; and (ii) hard to fill vacancies, currently within his Department, broken down by job category; and what action he is taking to address this problem.
(AQW 819/09)
22. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many alcohol related violent attacks have been recorded in accident and emergency units over the last 12 months.
(AQW 799/09)
23. Mr Storey (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his Department's policy on health centres that do not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and continue to wait for capital investment through Developing Better Services, in order to meet legislative requirements.
(AQW 794/09)
24. Mr Storey (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the development of a replacement building for Ballycastle Health Centre has been delayed; and whether the centre's inability to offer adequate disability access to patients makes it suitable for development under the Developing Better Services capital investment programme.
(AQW 795/09)
25. Mr Storey (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much his Department has spent on building developments through the Notional Rent scheme in the North Antrim constituency between January 2007 and July 2008.
(AQW 796/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Bresland (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what road schemes are planned for the period 1 October 2008 to 31 December 2010 in the West Tyrone constituency.
(AQW 783/09)
2. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he has given to introducing 20 mph speed limit zones in residential areas that have problems with speeding drivers, but do not qualify for traffic calming measures.
(AQW 786/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Ms J McCann (West Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Social Development for a breakdown of all groups that were categorised as groups 1 and 2 in (i) Belfast; and (ii) the rest of Northern Ireland, in relation to the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
(AQW 1187/09)
2. Ms J McCann (West Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Social Development to detail the letters of offer that were issued to organisations categorised as groups 1 and 2 in the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, broken down by neighbourhood renewal area.
(AQW 1188/09)
3. Ms J McCann (West Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Social Development for the timescale in which all organisations categorised as groups 1 and 2 in the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme will be given letters offering funding.
(AQW 1189/09)
4. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Social Development how many applications for housing benefit there have been for (i) Ards Borough Council; and (ii) Strangford Borough Council, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 841/09)
5. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Social Development the average length of time it takes the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Division to process a child maintenance application; and how this compares with figures for the last 3 years.
(AQW 842/09)
Questions to the Assembly Commission
1. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Assembly Commission what proportion of food supplied for (i) Committee meetings; and (ii) functions at Parliament Buildings, is wasted.
(AQW 790/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON THURSDAY 09 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will carry out research into the composting of agri-green waste and poultry waste, being carried out at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute Environment and Renewable Energy Centre, through the process of in vessel composting.
(AQW 1056/09)
2. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the likely areas of co-operation with the Republic of Ireland in the December meeting of the Fishing Council; and what discussions she has held on this matter with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland.
(AQW 1060/09)
3. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the meetings she has had with the 3 MEPs over the past 12 months; and (ii) the purpose of these meetings.
(AQW 849/09)
4. Mr Savage (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the standards of quality assurance in relation to the production of milk powder.
(AQW 857/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage, of primary school pupils educated in the (i) maintained sector; (ii) controlled sector; (iii) integrated sector; (iv) gaelscoileanna (Irish medium) sector; (v) other.
(AQW 853/09)
2. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage, of post-primary school pupils educated in the (i) maintained sector; (ii) controlled sector; (iii) integrated sector; (iv) gaelscoileanna (Irish medium) sector; (v) other
(AQW 854/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much public money has been invested by Invest NI in Perfecseal; and what measures are in place to safeguard the public investment made in this company’s operations in the North West.
(AQW 855/09)
2. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many meetings Invest NI has had with Perfecseal during the last 12 months; and what action it is taking, in conjunction with the company (i) to secure existing employment; and (ii) to facilitate new investment and employment at its existing plant.
(AQW 856/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to his answer to AQW 749/09, what legislation exists to list streets in their totality.
(AQW 1057/09)
2. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the introduction of environmental taxes.
(AQW 846/09)
3. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many enforcement cases have been discontinued since 2001 as a result of Planning Service staff failing to serve an enforcement notice before the (i) 4 year; and (ii) 10 year, rule came into force.
(AQW 852/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the proposals for the future of the Minor Ailments service, given the comments made by the Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee in its press release of 4 August 2008, stating that the proposals are so unreasonable and unfair that pharmacies are finding it impossible to continue the service.
(AQW 845/09)
2. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Northern Health and Social Services Board workers have resigned in each of the last 5 years, broken down by (i) gender; and (ii) full-time and part-time staff.
(AQW 850/09)
3. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to replace old ambulance stock; and to detail the timetable.
(AQW 847/09)
4. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many domiciliary packages have been provided in the Ards and Strangford area in the last year.
(AQW 863/09)
5. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if there is legislation in place or proposed that will restrict the recruitment of overseas workers into the Health Service.
(AQW 866/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister for Social Development what progress is being made on the implementation of Article 40 on developers' contributions.
(AQW 1059/09)
2. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Social Development how many applications to the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Division were received (i) between 12 to 24 months ago; (ii) between 24 to 36 months ago; (iii) between 36 to 48 months ago; and (iv) more that 48 months ago, and have yet to be cleared.
(AQW 862/09)
3. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Social Development what discussions she has had with (i) Housing Associations; and (ii) the Housing Executive, in relation to supported living units; and what encouragement she is providing to (a) developers; and (b) applicants.
(AQW 867/09)
Questions to the Assembly Commission
1. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Assembly Commission what plans it has to install motion sensitive light switches in rooms on the basement level of Parliament Buildings, in order to reduce electricity consumption.
(AQW 851/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr Bresland (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the role; (ii) the membership; and (iii) the appointment process, in relation to the Independent Panel.
(AQW 910/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr D Bradley (Newry and Armagh):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail by grade how many pupils transferred to each post-primary school in the (a) Newry and Mourne District Council; and (b) Armagh City and District Council areas.
(AQW 878/09)
2. Mr D Bradley (Newry and Armagh):
To ask the Minister of Education how many pupils transferred to each post-primary school without sitting the transfer test, in the (i) Newry and Mourne District Council; and (ii) Armagh City and District Council areas.
(AQW 880/09)
3. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Education to provide details of the neighbourhood renewal posts and services that her Department will fund from March 2009.
(AQW 887/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps she will take to secure the 93 jobs under threat in the NACCO plant in Craigavon.
(AQW 893/09)
2. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the tourist potential that the development of a Lough Neagh Authority might have for the region around the Lough.
(AQW 894/09)
3. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the current level of unemployment in the Carrickfergus area.
(AQW 873/09)
4. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide details of the neighbourhood renewal posts and services that her Department will fund from March 2009.
(AQW 885/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what measures have been taken to reduce the risk to the public from poor sewerage infrastructure in Ballynahinch.
(AQW 1097/09)
2. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what recommendations the Northern Ireland Environment Agency have made in relation to poor sewerage infrastructure in Ballynahinch.
(AQW 1098/09)
3. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many prosecutions for noise nuisance there have been in Carrickfergus Borough Council in the last 5 years.
(AQW 871/09)
4. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) how many planning enforcement notices have been served for the breach of planning regulations in the Carrickfergus area; and (ii) how many have been enforced, from January 2007 to August 2008.
(AQW 872/09)
5. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) all the private operators who currently offer public transport services; and (ii) what routes they operate.
(AQW 877/09)
Questions to the Minister of Finance and Personnel
1. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide details of the neighbourhood renewal posts and services that his Department will fund from March 2009.
(AQW 886/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) membership; and (ii) functions, of the proposed Patient Client Council.
(AQW 899/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the framework document for the new functions under the Health and Social Care reforms will be completed.
(AQW 900/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what functions will be transferred from Health and Social Care Trusts to the new Regional Support Services Organisation.
(AQW 901/09)
4. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the Commissioning Groups will have a free role to make decisions.
(AQW 902/09)
5. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many members will be on the Commissioning Groups.
(AQW 903/09)
6. Mr Paisley Jnr (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the provision of a Minor Ailments Service by pharmacies will commence.
(AQW 907/09)
7. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Health Service dentists are available in the East Antrim constituency.
(AQW 876/09)
8. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide the average waiting time for people to see a doctor or nurse, in each hospital's A&E unit, for each month in the past year.
(AQW 882/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how many incidents of (i) blocked sewers; (ii) fractured sewers; and (iii) sewage overflows, have been reported in the Ballynahinch district over the past 5 years.
(AQW 1093/09)
2. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development (i) how many times Northern Ireland Water hired local conatractors; and (ii) the work they carried out in the past 5 years in the Ballynahinch area.
(AQW 1094/09)
3. Mr W Clarke (South Down):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development (i) why the Drainage Area Study for Ballynahinch has not been commissioned; and (ii) when this process can begin.
(AQW 1096/09)
4. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development (i) if the Section 75 equality legislation was given the appropriate consideration; and (ii) was an Equality Impact Assessment carried out when awarding the traffic enforcement contract to NCP.
(AQW 1130/09)
5. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what criteria are applied by Ulsterbus when deciding whether to extend a bus service; and what steps Ulsterbus takes to obtain relevant information to apply such criteria in any given case.
(AQW 883/09)
6. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development if he has made an assessment of the costs associated with providing an underpass or an overpass to overcome the problems caused to town centre development by the level crossing at William St, Lurgan.
(AQW 895/09)
7. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what steps he has taken to improve the security of the urban centre of Portadown against flooding.
(AQW 896/09)
8. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of the impact of Craigavon City centre development on the town centres of Lurgan and Portadown.
(AQW 897/09)
9. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to provide details of the neighbourhood renewal posts and services that his Department will fund from March 2009.
(AQW 888/09)
10. Mr Paisley Jnr (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to introduce a 20 mph speed restriction on the Liminary Road, Kells, where the Kells and Connor Primary School is located.
(AQW 909/09)
11. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development why Northern Ireland Water employees were not offered the option of putting their pension money into a plan of their own choice.
(AQW 911/09)
12. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost that will be incurred by Northern Ireland Water as a result of the recently announced redundancies.
(AQW 912/09)
13. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development if the redundancies announced by Northern Ireland Water will include staff at all levels, including senior management.
(AQW 913/09)
14. Mr G Robinson (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development, given the uncertainty over the security of employment for Northern Ireland Water employees, why staff are being asked to make decisions about pension schemes.
(AQW 914/09)
15. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what research was conducted to determine a need for a non-English section for visitors to his Department's website.
(AQW 879/09)
16. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development for the cost to design and launch his Department's multi-lingual website.
(AQW 884/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Mr Paisley Jnr (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of Neighbourhood Renewal expenditure in Ballykeel, Ballymena; and in particular the use of £40,000 to clear overgrown communal space.
(AQW 908/09)
2. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Social Development what action she is taking to have the underspend of other Departments re-allocated to her Department to fund (i) social housing and (ii) co-ownership housing schemes.
(AQW 889/09)
3. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Social Development what money her Department returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel in March 2008.
(AQW 890/09)
4. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Social Development how many applications to the Warm Home Scheme submitted in (i) 2007; and (ii) 2008, are still outstanding; and what action she is taking to address these delays.
(AQW 891/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON MONDAY 13 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
1. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline what plans the Department has in relation to securing the transfer of former military sites from the Government.
(AQW 965/09)
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that areas that suffered as a result of the recent flooding will have measures put in place to prevent future flooding.
(AQW 978/09)
2. Mr T Clarke (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans her Department has to improve the drainage on Hollybank Road, Templepatrick, to prevent a recurrence of flooding to property.
(AQO 565/09)
3. Mr T Clarke (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps the Rivers Agency is taking to prevent future flooding of (i) Masareene Street, Antrim; and (ii) the Meadowlands area, Toomebridge.
(AQW 953/09)
4. Mr T Clarke (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to prevent a recurrence of the flooding in Antrim town.
(AQW 962/09)
5. Dr Farry (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if her Department plans to amend the Animals Welfare Act to make it illegal for people to keep animals in a poor condition instead of having to prove the animals are being mistreated.
(AQW 972/09)
6. Dr Farry (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how often her officials visit open farms to check on animal welfare.
(AQW 974/09)
7. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she will take to ensure that agricultural businesses will be fully considered within the Review of Public Administration and economic development in councils.
(AQW 956/09)
8. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much money her Department returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel on 31 March 2008.
(AQW 957/09)
9. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with mussel fishermen in relation to the closure of fishing grounds in Belfast Lough, from Greys Point to Blackhead.
(AQW 958/09)
10. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with her counterparts in (i) the Republic of Ireland and (ii) other regions of the United Kingdom, in relation to badger culls and their use in preventing the spread of tuberculosis.
(AQW 960/09)
Questions to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what grants are available from his Department to assist with transport costs for after school sports activities.
(AQW 983/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education what post-primary schools in the North Down constituency cater for special needs children.
(AQW 933/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education what grants are available from her Department to assist with transport costs for after school sports activities.
(AQW 941/09)
3. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Education how many pupils have attended Irish medium (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary schools, in each of the last 10 years, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 938/09)
4. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education what plans she has to improve educational facilities in the North Down constituency.
(AQW 934/09)
5. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education the number of vacancies in the headquarters of each of the 5 Education and Library Boards.
(AQW 936/09)
6. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education how many people have been employed at the headquarters of each Education and Library Board, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 939/09)
7. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education what proportion of pupils left post-primary education with no qualifications in each of the last 5 years; and how do these figures compare with those for (i) England; (ii) Scotland; and (iii) Wales.
(AQW 940/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans she has to (i) review the make-up of the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation board; and (ii) appoint local representatives to the board.
(AQW 946/09)
2. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps she has taken to ensure that projects that have sought match funding from her Department, or its agencies under the European Social Fund, will be informed of the outcome of any requests for funding at the earliest opportunity.
(AQW 950/09)
3. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide details of (i) the number of estate agents; (ii) how many have joined the new approved complaints scheme; and (iii) what plans the Minister has to ensure that all estate agents have joined the scheme when it comes into force on 1 October 2008.
(AQW 951/09)
4. Ms Ní Chuilín (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the steps she is taking to promote investment from the United States of America.
(AQO 640/09)
5. Mr P Ramsey (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether the Department has made an assessment of the lifetime cost difference between electricity produced by wind and the average cost of electricity produced by fossil fuels, given the recently announced electricity price rises.
(AQW 945/09)
6. Mr P Ramsey (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in relation to the all-island Single Electricity Market, how many megawatt hours of renewable energy have been traded from (i) Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland; and (ii) the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, over the last year; and what is the expected number to be traded between north and south from now until 2012.
(AQW 947/09)
7. Mr P Ramsey (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) to give the year on year target for the percentage of electricity to be produced by renewable energy between now and 2012; and (ii) what is the current proportion of energy produced by renewables.
(AQW 948/09)
8. Mr P Ramsey (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the energy targets apportioned to Northern Ireland following the meeting of the EU Energy Council in spring 2007; and given that the burden of renewable energy will not be borne equally by the various consumption sectors, what percentage of electricity will need to be produced by renewable sources in order to meet the overall 2020 targets.
(AQW 949/09)
9. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the number of individuals employed in all aspects of the construction industry who have registered as unemployed since 1 July 2007.
(AQW 917/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr Bresland (West Tyrone):
To ask the Minister of the Environment if he will investigate the number of heavy goods vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland and operating from Northern Ireland based companies.
(AQW 944/09)
2. Mr McGlone (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment, in light of his recent statements on the appointment of people residing in the Republic of Ireland to serve on advisory councils, what advice he sought from, and was given by, his Department prior to making such public statements.
(AQW 981/09)
3. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many (i) rat; (ii) mice; and (iii) insect infestations have affected businesses selling food to the public in each of the last 3 years, broken down by (a) council area; and (b) parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 931/09)
4. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to (i) explain the delay in the publication of the Ards & Down area plan; and (ii) confirm when it will be published.
(AQW 918/09)
5. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to; (i) outline the current status of the Lecale area of outstanding natural beauty; and (ii) what plans he has to review the status of the area.
(AQW 920/09)
6. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to introduce custodial sentences as part of the review of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order of 1985.
(AQW 922/09)
Questions to the Minister of Finance and Personnel
1. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the unclaimed asset scheme.
(AQW 966/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many patients are currently living at Muckamore Hospital.
(AQW 932/09)
2. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the differences in salaries between education welfare officers and qualified social workers.
(AQW 919/09)
3. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to increase public awareness of the dangers of eating junk food on a regular basis.
(AQW 921/09)
4. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what percentage of the recent intake of whole-time firefighters are from; (i) Catholic community; (ii) Protestant community; (iii) other religions.
(AQW 924/09)
5. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what percentage of interviewees from each of the 3 interview panels, were successful in the recent intake of whole-time firefighters.
(AQW 925/09)
6. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the maximum time that successful candidates for positions of whole-time firefighters can be held on a waiting list, before the list becomes invalid.
(AQW 926/09)
7. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) attacks on Fire and Rescue Service crews; and (ii) officers injured in these attacks, in each of the last 12 months, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 928/09)
8. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) emergency calls; and (ii) hoax calls, received by the Fire and Rescue Service in the last year, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 929/09)
9. Mr Wells (South Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) type; (ii) year of manufacture; (iii) mileage; and (iv) base location of each front line fire engine and special fire appliances.
(AQW 923/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what action he is taking to ensure that areas that suffered as a result of the recent flooding will have measures put in place to prevent future flooding.
(AQW 976/09)
2. Mr McQuillan (East Londonderry):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development if he plans to decentralise any Northern Ireland Water jobs from Belfast.
(AQW 942/09)
3. Mr Savage (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail how, when and where the sludge from the flooding of the Westlink underpass on Saturday 16 August 2008 was disposed.
(AQW 943/09)
4. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how much money his Department returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel on 31 March 2008.
(AQW 740/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister for Social Development to outline the successful projects her Department has completed in the last 12 months in the Lagan Valley constituency.
(AQW 963/09)
2. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister for Social Development what money her Department has spent on town centre regeneration in Lagan Valley in each of the last 10 years.
(AQW 964/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Social Development if there are any watchdogs or government standards that Housing Associations have to abide by.
(AQW 937/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure
1. Mr I McCrea (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the Irish language groups that have been funded by his Department; and (ii) the amount of funding provided to Irish language groups in the Mid-Ulster constituency over the last 3 years.
(AQW 994/09)
2. Mr I McCrea (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the Ulster Scots groups funded by his Department; and (ii) the amount of funding provided to Ulster-Scots groups in the Mid-Ulster constituency over the past 3 years.
(AQW 995/09)
3. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what grants are available to (i) create; and (ii) improve sports grounds, in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.
(AQW 1034/09)
4. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what grants are available to sports clubs associated with the 2012 Olympics.
(AQW 1035/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Education what processes are in place to decide which functions currently undertaken in (i) Rathgael House; and (ii) Waterside House; will be transferred to the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 1015/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education to name all schools in the North Down area that need work to replace asbestos structures.
(AQW 1003/09)
3. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education to provide an update on her consideration of replacing temporary buildings at Slemish College with a permanent building.
(AQW 1004/09)
4. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on providing a sports hall at Slemish College, Ballymena.
(AQW 1005/09)
5. Mr McNarry (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Education how many pupils (i) there are in each constituency; and (ii) travel to schools outside the constituency where they live.
(AQW 1027/09)
6. Mr Storey (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education (i) how many incidences of unauthorised absence were recorded in each Education and Library Board area in each of the last 4 years; and (ii) what advice was provided by her Department to schools for dealing with persistent cases.
(AQW 1025/09)
7. Mr B Wilson (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education if she will increase the enrolment figures for Bangor Academy and St Columbanus College, to prevent a recurrence of the inability of secondary schools in Bangor to provide places for all year 8 pupils.
(AQW 1029/09)
Questions to the Minister for Employment and Learning
1. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6891/08, if he will (i) give an update on the review by the University of Ulster on the number of computer training officers; (ii) indicate whether redundancies of computer training officers are being considered at any location.
(AQW 1013/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) to detail the progress to date of her Department's involvement in the Rose Energy's proposals for an incinerator plant in Glenavy; and (ii) how much public money her Department is considering offering for this project.
(AQW 1017/09)
2. Mr Ford (South Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment when she expects the report on the 'Economic research on business opportunities and challenges presented by carbon emission targets' to be published.
(AQW 993/09)
3. Dr McDonnell (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment her Department has made of the anticipated reduction in electricity and gas consumption which will occur in a 12 month period as a result of the increase in prices this year.
(AQW 990/09)
4. Dr McDonnell (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to state (i) which measures the Department is taking to reduce the consumption of electricity; (ii) the estimated (a) annual; and (b) lifetime saving each measure will contribute; (iii) the total cost of each measure; (iv) the proportion of cost that will be borne by the public purse; (v) the proportion of cost borne by consumers; and (vi) the average and total savings to householders.
(AQW 991/09)
5. Dr McDonnell (South Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment given the Department's target of reducing electricity consumption by 1% below trend, to state (i) the number of megawatt hours of electricity which must be saved to meet this target; and (ii) if this 1% reduction below trend is based on a rebasing of the trend line as a result of successful saving in the previous year.
(AQW 992/09)
6. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to list all grants paid to hotels in North Antrim.
(AQW 1006/09)
7. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, given the volume of tourists that visit North Antrim, what assessment she has made of the need for further overnight accommodation and hotel development in the Ballymoney area.
(AQW 1007/09)
8. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) what financial assistance Invest NI has paid to hotels; (ii) to list each hotel that has received financial assistance; and (iii) the amount of money offered to each hotel.
(AQW 1008/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of the Environment if Article 31 has been applied to the Rose Energy planning application for an incinerator in Glenavy.
(AQW 1016/09)
2. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to provide the number of complaints his Department has received about Glenfarm Holdings' incinerator plant at Glenavy in the last 6 months.
(AQW 998/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to outline what by-laws exist to stop motorbikes and quad bikes being used on public beaches.
(AQW 1000/09)
4. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what steps he will take to deal with the infestation of rats at Woburn Bay, Millisle.
(AQW 999/09)
5. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what potential negative impact the failure to reinstate the representative of the Irish government onto the Advisory Committees of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, will have on the protection and monitoring of migratory birds.
(AQW 1037/09)
6. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what potential negative impact the failure to reinstate the representative of the Irish government onto the Advisory Committees of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, will have on the protection and monitoring of native birds on the island of Ireland.
(AQW 1038/09)
7. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what potential negative impact the failure to reinstate the representative of the Irish government onto the Advisory Committees of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, will have on the pollution of streams and rivers that flow in both jurisdictions.
(AQW 1039/09)
8. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what potential negative impact the failure to reinstate the representative of the Irish government onto the Advisory Committees of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, will have on the protection of birds, animals and insects under threat.
(AQW 1040/09)
9. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what potential negative impact the failure to reinstate the representative of the Irish government onto the Advisory Committees of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, will have on the prevention of fly tipping in rural areas.
(AQW 1041/09)
10. Mr I McCrea (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail any funding available from his Department for the repair and restoration of historic church buildings.
(AQW 996/09)
11. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of the Environment (i) what steps are being taken to address the decline in the number of bumble bees; and (ii) what assessment he has made of the impact of disease on the numbers of bumble bees.
(AQW 1020/09)
12. Mr B Wilson (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail the source of his claim in the supplementary answer to AQO 325/09, that '44% of climate scientists disagree with the statement that climate change is mostly the result of man made causes'.
(AQW 1030/09)
Questions to the Minister of Finance and Personnel
1. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the number of births in each parliamentary constituency, broken down by the mother's country of birth.
(AQW 975/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in respect of the Foyleville nursing home, (i) the total number of permanent and respite beds; (ii) the occupancy levels of permanent and respite beds; and (iii) if there is a waiting list for older people to obtain a permanent or respite bed.
(AQW 1012/09)
2. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) for a breakdown of (a) adults; and (b) children, with epilepsy in each parliamentary constituency; and (ii) what services are available to these individuals in each Health and Social Care Trust area.
(AQW 1014/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide the size of the fire engine fleet for the last 5 years.
(AQW 1001/09)
4. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide the size of the ambulance fleet for the last 5 years.
(AQW 1002/09)
5. Mr I McCrea (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) age; and (ii) mileage, of each ambulance in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
(AQW 1010/09)
6. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many consultants have been employed in each of the Health and Social Care Trust areas, in each of the last 5 years.
(AQW 1036/09)
7. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to reduce waiting lists for (i) appointments with specialists; (ii) hearing aid fittings; and (iii) operations, in relation to people with hearing difficulties.
(AQW 1042/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development (i) to give the number of bus shelters in the Foyle constituency that have advertising facilities; and (ii) to outline any protocols relating to products which can be advertised in them.
(AQW 1011/09)
2. Mr I McCrea (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development for an update on plans for the Cookstown bypass.
(AQW 1009/09)
3. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to give the number of applications for safety measures for primary schools to provide flashing warning lights, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 1021/09)
4. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how much funding was available for safety measures for primary schools to provide flashing warning lights in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 1022/09)
5. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how long Greyabbey Primary School has been on the waiting list for flashing warning lights to improve road safety.
(AQW 1023/09)
6. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development for an update on plans to introduce 20 mph speed limits around schools in the North Down constituency.
(AQW 1033/09)
7. Mr B Wilson (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what measures the Roads Service is taking to promote car clubs.
(AQW 1028/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Mr Butler (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the number of Housing Executive tenants in rent arrears in the (a) Dairyfarm District; and (b) the Lisburn District; and (ii) the amount of arrears owed to the Housing Executive in the (a) Dairyfarm District; and (b) the Lisburn District.
(AQW 997/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
1. Mr McCausland (North Belfast):
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the attendance record of each member at meetings of the Civic Forum.
(AQW 1089/09)
2. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many page views its Departmental website received each month, for the last 12 months.
(AQW 1073/09)
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (i) what were the full details of the agreement that allowed the present owner to obtain lake rights for the Clay Lakes at Shrigley; and (ii) if there was a separate agreement with the private business owners.
(AQW 1082/09)
2. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for the details of any agreement made with United Chrome Tanners in Shrigley about the Clay Lakes.
(AQW 1083/09)
Questions to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure
1. Mr McCausland (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the (i) revenue; and (ii) project funding, awarded to the An Gaeláras Centre in Derry/Londonderry, in each of the last 3 years.
(AQW 1090/09)
2. Mr McCausland (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the funding provided for the new An Gaeláras building in Derry/Londonderry; (ii) the sources of the funding; and (iii) the total cost of the project.
(AQW 1092/09)
3. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many page views his Department's website received each month, for the last 12 months.
(AQW 1074/09)
4. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money his Department returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel on 31 March 2008.
(AQW 1079/09)
5. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what grants are available from the Sports Council for new and existing football and other sports grounds,.
(AQW 1088/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Education what action she is taking to ensure that children from rural areas are not disadvantaged by schools' admissions criteria.
(AQW 1068/09)
2. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Education for her assessment of the additional administrative costs incurred by operating a wide range of school types.
(AQW 1069/09)
3. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the (i) educationalists; (ii) interest groups and individuals; and (iii) political parties, with whom she has consulted on education issues in the Upper Bann constituency, since taking up office.
(AQW 1070/09)
4. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail how her current proposals on post-primary transfer will impact upon schools operating under the Dickson Plan in North Armagh.
(AQW 1071/09)
5. Mr Gardiner (Upper Bann):
To ask the Minister of Education what proposals for school amalgamations she is (i) involved in; and (ii) aware of.
(AQW 1072/09)
6. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education what plans she has to provide funding to the Dalriada Sure Start programme to extend it to include the Glens of Antrim.
(AQW 1061/09)
7. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the charge levied by Hochtief for (i) cleaning up a lemonade spill; and (ii) replacement of an internal ceiling tile at Bangor Academy/ Nendrum College.
(AQW 1043/09)
8. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount allocated by her Department to (i) the Irish medium primary school sector; and (ii) the Irish medium post-primary school sector, each year for the last 10 years, broken down by parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 1044/09)
9. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Education what action her Department is taking to remove asbestos from schools.
(AQW 1084/09)
Questions to the Minister for Employment and Learning
1. Mr McCausland (North Belfast):
the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to his answer to AQO 150/09, to detail the downturn in performance by the Belfast Metropolitan College in 2007-08; and the reasons for this.
(AQW 1058/09)
2. Mr McCausland (North Belfast):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the centres at which the Belfast Metropolitan College provides full-time courses in the (i) West Belfast constituency area; and (ii) North Belfast constituency area.
(AQW 1091/09)
3. Mr Storey (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning for his Department's assessment (i) of the possible replication of qualifications that might occur following the removal of the externality rule; and (ii) of the recognition of organisations offering training as proposed in the Department for Employment and Learning consultation on vocational qualifications; and how his Department would avoid the replication of qualifications following the removal of the externality rule.
(AQW 1026/09)
Questions to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
1. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the current level of unemployment in the Larne area.
(AQW 1066/09)
2. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to (i) list how much money Invest NI gave to businesses each year from 2004-2008; and (ii) give a breakdown of those figures by category or type of business.
(AQW 1054/09)
3. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many grants or offers of financial assistance were given by Invest NI to hotels with (i) 0-20 bedrooms; (ii) 20-30 bedrooms; (iii) 30-40 bedrooms; (iv) 40-50 bedrooms; (v) 50-60 bedrooms; and (vi) 60 plus bedrooms, in the last financial year.
(AQW 1055/09)
Questions to the Minister of the Environment
1. Mr Armstrong (Mid Ulster):
To ask the Minister of the Environment (i) what assessment he has given to any potential conflict of interest that may arise from his membership of Belfast City Council and his role as Minister in charge of local government; and (ii) what action he will take to address potential conflicts of interest.
(AQW 1053/09)
2. Mr Beggs (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment if the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is aware that a proposal from Northern Ireland Water to pump waste/water from Whitehead and Ballystrudder to Ballycarry will include secondary treatment of this waste.
(AQW 1050/09)
3. Mr Beggs (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment (i) if the sewage and waste/water treatment at Mullaghboy, Islandmagee, complies with Northern Ireland Environment Agency consent standards for discharges into the North Channel; and (ii) what is the level of treatment currently provided.
(AQW 1051/09)
4. Mr Beggs (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what decisions have been made in response to the 'Review of Identification of Northern Ireland Bathing Waters' report published in April 2006.
(AQW 1052/09)
5. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how many prosecutions there have been for noise nuisance in the Larne Borough Council area over the last 5 years.
(AQW 1065/09)
6. Mr Hilditch (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) how many planning enforcement notices have been served for the breach of planning regulations in the Larne area; and (ii) how many have been enforced, from January 2007 to August 2008.
(AQW 1067/09)
7. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of the Environment how much money his Department returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel on 31 March 2008.
(AQW 1080/09)
8. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of the Environment what opportunities are available to Councils to institute bye-laws prohibiting the use of quad bikes on Council property, such as beaches.
(AQW 1085/09)
Questions to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people are diagnosed with lymphoedema.
(AQW 1062/09)
2. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what measures he is taking to ensure that defibrillators are placed in all public buildings.
(AQW 1063/09)
3. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what impact the change in the capitation formula will have on the community.
(AQW 1064/09)
4. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) those hospitals whose car parking service is provided by outside operators; (ii) the names of the operators; and (iii) the conditions attached to each car parking operation.
(AQW 1046/09)
5. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the money generated by car parking fees at each hospital, over the past 3 years.
(AQW 1047/09)
6. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many page views his Department's website received each month, for the last 12 months.
(AQW 1077/09)
Questions to the Minister for Regional Development
1. Mr Beggs (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what estimate has been made of the cost of providing secondary treatment for effluent from the combined Whitehead, Ballycarry, and Ballystrudder areas.
(AQW 1048/09)
2. Mr Beggs (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what estimate has been made of the cost of Northern Ireland Water's proposal to combine flows of waste water and sewage from Whitehead, Ballystrudder and Ballycarry, for discharge into the sea, via a new marine outfall at Cloghfin Bay, Islandmagee.
(AQW 1049/09)
3. Mrs I Robinson (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number of parking tickets issued by NCP each month, since taking over responsibility for parking enforcement; and (ii) the amount of revenue generated as a result, broken down by constituency.
(AQW 1045/09)
4. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how many page views his Department's website received on average each month, for the last 12 months.
(AQW 1076/09)
5. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how many (i) safety schemes have been completed for primary schools in each of the last 3 years; and (ii) have flashing warning lights included in the schemes.
(AQW 1078/09)
6. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what action is being taken by Northern Ireland Water to prevent discharge of chemicals and pollutants from the water system onto the beach at Ballywater Road, in Millisle.
(AQW 1086/09)
7. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to improve water and sewerage facilities at Drumfad Road in Millisle.
(AQW 1087/09)
Questions to the Minister for Social Development
1. Mr Easton (North Down):
To ask the Minister for Social Development why the supporting people revenue fund is static for the next 3 years, in light of the fact that residents discharged from Muckamore Abbey are waiting to be re-housed.
(AQW 1081/09)
2. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister for Social Development how many page views her Department's website received each month, for the last 12 months.
(AQW 1075/09)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ON THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2008
Questions to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
1. Ms Anderson (Foyle):
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how it is performing against its Programme for Government targets; and how this performance is measured.
(AQW 1143/09)
Questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide details of houses that have been built on flood plains in (i) Lagan Valley; and (ii) Northern Ireland; and what plans her Department has to redress this situation in the event of future flooding.
(AQW 1024/09)
2. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she intends to bring forward a Fisheries Bill.
(AQW 1148/09)
3. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the progress made by the Interdepartmental Steering Group on developing the policy and legislative framework for the Marine Bill.
(AQW 1149/09)
4. Mr Durkan (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consultation has been carried out with fishing stakeholders on the Marine Bill.
(AQW 1150/09)
5. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why the decision to replace the sluice gates at the Clea lakes, Shrigley, was postponed.
(AQW 1122/09)
6. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why the water level at the Clea lakes in Shrigley were not maintained at the agreed level of 66 inches above sea level; and why checks on the water level were not completed.
(AQW 1146/09)
7. Mr Shannon (Strangford):
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development who is responsible for controlling and maintaining the water levels at the Clea lakes in Shrigley.
(AQW 1147/09)
Questions to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure
1. Mr McCartney (Foyle):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) what engagements he had with Professor Bain in relation to the review of the location of public sector jobs; and (ii) any offers he made to relocate jobs in his Department.
(AQW 1138/09)
2. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if records are kept of carbon usage; and what plans the Department has to purchase carbon offsets each time a long distance journey is undertaken.
(AQW 1106/09)
3. Mr Weir (North Down):
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what support is available from his Department for midnight soccer initiatives.
(AQW 1099/09)
Questions to the Minister of Education
1. Mr Craig (Lagan Valley):
To ask the Minister of Education (i) how many pupils have attended St. Coleman's primary school, Moira; and (ii) how many teaching and non-teaching staff the school employed, in each of the last 5 years, including the current academic year.
(AQW 1128/09)
2. Mr McKay (North Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education if records are kept of carbon usage; and what plans the Department has to purchase carbon offsets each time a long distance journey is undertaken.
(AQW 1108/09)
3. Mr Ross (East Antrim):
To ask the Minister of Education how many page views her Department's website received each month, for the last 12 months.
(AQW