This publication contains the written answers to questions tabled by Members. The content of the responses is as received at the time from the relevant Minister or representative of the Assembly Commission and has not been subject to the official reporting process or changed in any way.

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY

Friday 08 June 2007

Written Answers to Questions

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

Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Commissioner for Older People

Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans it has to create an Older People's Commissioner.

(AQW 147/07)

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness): Ministers fully recognise the distinctive needs of older people. Ministers will continue to focus on the needs of older people and will discuss at an early stage how the commitments in "Ageing in an Inclusive Society" will be taken forward.

A key issue for Ministers is how best to champion and take forward older people’s issues. No final decision has yet been reached on this issue but is currently being addressed. Junior Ministers have been given particular responsibility for older people which has been unanimously endorsed by the Executive.

Victims' Commissioner

Mrs Dolores Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister when it will announce the appointment of the Victims' Commissioner.

(AQW 195/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We hope to make an announcement before the summer recess.

Default Retirement Age

Mr David Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will consider abolishing the default retirement age for people in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 220/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (NI) 2006 provide for a default retirement age of 65. The effectiveness of the default retirement age is being monitored, and will be reviewed in 2011 and if the evidence shows that it is no longer necessary, it will be removed.

English Classes for Non-English Speakers

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to advise what funds are committed by (a) OFMDFM and (b) the Community Relations Council towards the provision of English classes for non-English speakers during 2006/07 and 2007/08.

(AQW 221/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Neither the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister nor the Community Relations Council has committed funding for the provision of English classes for non-English speakers during 2006/07 and 2007/08. Funding from both the department and the council is focused more on supporting interventions at local level to develop good relations between people of different community and ethnic backgrounds.

Office Cost Allowances

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what discussions have taken place with Northern Ireland Office officials in respect of recently proposed increases to office cost allowances.

(AQW 242/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Discussions between officials of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and officials from the Information Service of NIO took place during the period 8 – 11 May 2007. The purpose of these discussions was to provide clarification, following press inquiries, of the terms of the increase to Office Cost Allowances, applied by the Secretary of State before the restoration of devolution on 8 May.

Energy Efficiency Measures

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans are in place to offset the environmental impact of travel by Ministers, departmental officials and civil servants, and what renewable energy alternatives are currently used by the department.

(AQW 245/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister will be considering offsetting schemes as a potential adjunct to energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in the delivery of the Sustainable Development Strategy target to make the Government estate carbon neutral by 2015.
In common with other departments, the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has been sourcing a proportion of its energy requirements from renewable sources since 2000. Latest figures indicate that government as a whole is on track to meet the current target of 10% by March 2008. In addition, plans for a wood-chip fuelled boiler to provide heat and power for the Stormont estate are being progressed under the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund programme.

Staffing in OFMDFM

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many civil servants are employed within the department; and what is the total number of press officers and special advisers currently employed within the department.

(AQW 246/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: At 25 May 2007, there were 405 full-time and part-time civil servants employed within the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
That figure includes 8 Press Officers who provide support to the First Minister, deputy First Minister, Junior Ministers and corporate media support to departments across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
In addition, while the appointment process has not yet been completed, there are 6 Special Advisers currently employed in the Department

Section 75 Northern Ireland Act 1998

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what assessment it has made of the impact of section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 373/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has a statutory responsibility under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to keep under review the effectiveness of the duties imposed by Section 75 of the same Act. The Commission has just published its’ review of the effectiveness of Section 75. This review included a focus on the impact that the legislation has had on individuals within the nine categories covered by the legislation, and on the impact that the legislation has had on the development and implementation of public policy. Further information on the review, the research underpinning it and the full report can be accessed on the Commission’s website at www.equalityni.org

Agriculture and Rural Development

Compensation for Alpha-nortestosterone

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if compensation will be paid to cattle farmers who did not receive payments due to positive test results for alpha-nortestosterone, in cases where the hormone was not found to have been administered illegally.

(AQW 228/07)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): The Department is required by law to remove any animal which tests positive for alpha-nortestosterone from the food chain, regardless of whether or not evidence of illegal administration has been found and is permitted to do so without incurring legal liability to pay compensation. Therefore, compensation cannot be paid to farmers in these cases. However, I have decided that all farmers who have had an on farm emergency slaughter male animal condemned due to a positive alpha-nortestosterone test will receive a goodwill payment equal to the value of the animal at the time of slaughter. This payment is in recognition of the fact that affected farmers have suffered financially through no fault of their own.

I have also met with affected farmers and apologised for the disturbance and indignation caused by on-farm searches, particularly at the outset, when the level of follow-up action was greater, before the emerging evidence prompted a progressively reduced and less intrusive approach.

Furthermore, I have undertaken to initiate a review of the handling of the alpha-nortestosterone issue and to see what lessons could be learned. The outcome of this review will be made public.

Agri-Food Business

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will give her views on Wales becoming sustainable and producing all its own food; and what plans she has to consider this approach for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 230/07)

Ms Gildernew: It is my understanding that this is not a policy which has been adopted by the Welsh Assembly Government.

However, our agri-food business is heavily export orientated: approximately 38% of production is sold on the local market; and 62% is exported.

Forestry Grants

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (a) what forestry grants were paid out for tree planting in south Tyrone over the past three years; (b) what stipulations were laid down before payment of these grants; (c) what was the number of trees planted and their species; and (d) what is the location of all grant-aided tree planting schemes.

(AQW 312/07)

Ms Gildernew: In total, 31 forestry grants were paid out in South Tyrone in the last three years: 28 Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) Establishment Grants to support establishment of new woodlands, all of which were in receipt of Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS) annual premia payments. Two WGS Restocking Grants were paid to support replanting of woodland areas which had previously been clearfelled. In addition, one area of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) was established under the SRC Challenge Fund grant.

The total value of grant aid paid to date is £ 117 000. This does not include second stage WGS payments (payable at the end of five years), ongoing commitments relating to FWPS annual premia payments and a final instalment payment for establishment of SRC under the Challenge Fund.

All WGS grants were paid as part of an agreement under which the owner undertakes to maintain the woodlands in accordance with good forestry practice, encompassed within the UK Forestry Standard and associated guidelines, for a minimum of 30 years in the case of predominantly broadleaved woodlands and 20 years in the case of predominantly conifer or fast growing broadleaved woodlands.

FWPS annual payments are made for 10 or 15 years, depending upon the trees planted and how they will be managed. To receive annual payments over 15 years, more than 50% of the area of the wood must be planted with broadleaved trees. The wood must not be felled within 30 years following the first annual payment. Woodlands with 50% or more of the area of the wood planted with conifers, or fast growing broadleaves to be felled in less than 30 years (e.g.Poplar), receive annual payments for 10 years. They must not be felled within 20 years of the first annual payment. Woodlands which are to be felled before 20 years are not eligible for FWPS.

The number of trees planted varied across the applications and was dependent upon the primary management objective of the woodland. Stocking levels varied between 1100 and 2500 stems per hectare for broadleaved woodlands. Conifer woodlands were established at a stocking density of 2250 stems per hectare. SRC was established at a stocking level of 15000 stems per hectare.

The approximate number of trees planted in the three year period was 691,000. This figure was broken down thus: 39,000 conifer (6%); 652,000 broadleaved (94%). The total area planted was 116.0 hectares.

Woodlands were established/replanted in the following townlands: Ballagh, Ballywallon Island, Bockets, Carnagat, Cavanboy, Corcreevy, Cranlome, Crilly, Cronghill, Cullamore, Culrevog, Demesne, Derrycloony, Derrycor, Dromore Lower, Drumderg, Drumgold, Drumlee, Drummond, Drumnamoless, Dungorman, Farriter, Glenroe, Killyfaddy, Killyneill, Kilnahusogue, Lismore, Lowerstown, Moyard, Seyloran, Shantavny Irish, Tattanellan, Tirelugan, Tullyglush.

A location map can be obtained from the Library.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

National Stadium in Belfast

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Supporters' Club regarding the location of the national stadium in Belfast.

(AQW 108/07)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): I am aware that representatives of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs have expressed a preference for international soccer games to be played at a stadium located in Belfast. Representatives of the Amalgamation have recently agreed to a suggestion from me that I meet with them to discuss their views on this issue. A meeting is currently being arranged which I expect will take place in the near future.

National Stadium in Belfast

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has met with Irish Football Association (IFA) officials to consider a new stadium in Belfast, in light of the IFA securing a £10 million sponsorship package with Sky TV.

(AQW 109/07)

Mr Poots: The Irish Football Association (IFA) has already agreed in principle to participate in a proposed Multi-Sports Stadium development at the Maze/Long Kesh. Discussions are on-going with IFA officials in relation to design and business planning issues associated with this proposal. I understand that the IFA have not been in discussions with either Belfast City Council or those bidding to develop a Stadium in Belfast. Neither a new stadium in Belfast nor the IFA’s sponsorship package with Sky TV are being considered as part of these discussions.

Funding for NI Football Clubs

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what financial assistance is available for football clubs in (1) the Premier League; (2) the 1st Division; and (3) the Intermediate League, in the financial year 2007/08.

(AQW 113/07)

Mr Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. There are three funding programmes available to football clubs in (1) the Premier League; (2) the 1^st Division; and (3) the Intermediate League, in the financial year 2007/08. These are as follows:

Building Sport is a Lottery programme which is open to all Premier League, First Division and Intermediate League football clubs.

Stadia Safety and Safety Management programmes are Exchequer programmes which are open to Premier League clubs only.

2012 Olympic Games

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in relation to Northern Ireland's involvement in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

(AQW 193/07)

Mr Poots: I have recently had a discussion, with Lord Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG), regarding Northern Ireland’s involvement in the 2012 Games, and a further meeting is currently being arranged. My Department works in close partnership with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) the lead Government Department for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and with the LOCOG, to ensure Northern Ireland maximises the opportunities available from London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. DCMS have established an Inter-Departmental Group at which the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure is represented at a senior level. DCAL is also represented on a LOCOG, Nations and Regions Group (NRG).

Arts Sector Funding

Mr David McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he and his departmental officials have had regarding increasing per capita spend on the arts sector, to bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 234/07)

Mr Poots: I have held discussions with officials in my Department regarding arts funding in the context of determining priorities for the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.

Development of Swimming Strategy

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if there is a strategy for the development of swimming; and what organisation is responsible for implementing that strategy.

(AQW 292/07)

Mr Poots: At a national level, Swim Ireland has launched a strategy for the sport entitled "A Sport for Life and for All" 2002-2012. At a regional level, Swim Ulster has produced a development plan for the period 2006-2010 which aligns at the strategic goals, as set out by the parent body, Swim Ireland.

Swim Ireland and Swim Ulster are responsible for the implementation of their respective strategies/development plans.

Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if it is his intention that, through 'resolute action', as required by part two of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the Ulster-Scots language will be moved forward to part three status.

(AQW 334/07)

Mr Poots: Proposals have been drafted by the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group as to how Ulster-Scots can be advanced to Part III status of the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The activities and initiatives detailed in a road map which would meet the criteria to progress Ulster Scots to Part III status have been issued for comment to the appropriate government departments. Once received by my Department the collated responses will be forwarded to the Group.

Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is the role of the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group in relation to the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

(AQW 369/07)

Mr Poots: The terms of reference for Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group are:

To oversee and monitor the implementation of the Charter by Government Departments in Northern Ireland
To prepare periodic reports for the Committee of Experts (COMEX) of the Council of Europe Council of Ministers
To develop guidance to Northern Ireland Departments (and Whitehall Departments that operate in Northern Ireland) as necessary
To advise on resource implications

Migration of Salmon and Smolts

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of the impact of water abstraction from the River Camowen at Campsie, Omagh, to facilitate the generation of hydro-electricity, on the upward migration of salmon and the downward migration of smolts.

(AQW 443/07)

Mr Poots: Sections 54, 58 and 59 of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 require any persons abstracting water from a river or lake to put in place fishery protection measures to protect migratory fish and facilitate their passage.

The Department has assessed the impact of the hydro-electric station at Campsie and suitable fishery protection measures have been incorporated in the design of the station. These include provision of gratings to prevent fish entering the abstraction and return channels and the alteration of the existing fish pass to ensure that a compensatory flow of water is maintained in the river at all times to assist salmon and smolt migration

Supporters' Trust

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what contact he has had with Supporters Direct; and what plans he has for the extension of the Supporters' Trust concept to Northern Ireland.

(AQW 453/07)

Mr Poots: I wrote to the Chief Executive of Supporters Direct in Great Britain on 29 May 2007 offering a meeting with DCAL officials to discuss Supporters Direct’s proposals for the extension of the Supporter’s Trust concept to Northern Ireland. Any plans for the extension of the concept to Northern Ireland would be a matter, in the first instance, for Supporters Direct and football supporters in Northern Ireland.

Education

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Minister of Education if she will provide, for each Education and Library Board for the five financial years prior to 31 March 2007, the number of applications for funding of home based Autistic Spectrum Disorders programmes received; the number of those applications approved by each Board; and the number of applications awarded by tribunal.

(AQW 26/07)

The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane):

I am advised by the Chief Executive Officers of the Education and Library Boards as follows;

Financial years 2002/03 - 2006/07	Number of applications	Number approved	Number awarded by tribunal
Belfast	20	8	0
North Eastern	6	2	0*
South Eastern	5	5	0
Southern	3	0	0
Western	11	8	0

*Two appeals are currently at tribunal but have not yet proceeded to hearing.

Glastry College

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education when the new build for Glastry College will commence; and when the new school will be completed.

(AQW 77/07)

Ms Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board have advised that they expect construction work on the new build school for Glastry College should start in May 2008 and estimate that the new school should be completed in April 2010.

New Schools Programme for Newry and Armagh

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education when the new schools programme for the Newry and Armagh constituency, which was announced under direct rule, will commence; and if she will give the dates for completion of the programme on a school by school basis.

(AQW 119/07)

Ms Ruane: Planning is underway for each of the schools which have been allocated funding for major capital building works in the Newry and Armagh constituency. The table below provides the estimated date for construction work to start on site and estimated completion dates for each of the schools. The dates are subject to each stage of the planning and building processes being completed and approved within agreed timescales.

SCHOOL	ESTIMATED START DATE	ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE
St Catherine’s College, Armagh	Dec 2007	Nov 2008
Abbey Christian Brothers G.S. Newry	Sept 2007	Nov 2009
St Colman’s College, Newry	May 2006 (actual start date)	Feb 2009
St Patrick’s G.S. Armagh	April 2008	Sept 2010
Dromintee P.S.	Feb 2008	Feb 2009
St Joseph’s Convent P.S. Newry	June 2008	Jan 2010
St Oliver Plunkett’s P.S. Forkhill	Jan 2008	March 2009
St Clare’s Abbey P.S. Newry	Aug 2007	March 2009
St Peter’s P.S. Cloughreagh	July 2007	July 2009

A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006-2009

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education when she will provide the education authorities with guidance as to the criteria for 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006-2009'.

(AQW 120/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department of Education has set up a working group to take forward the recommendations of ‘A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan 2006 – 2009’. The Department is examining the Triennial Action Plan in the context of the Bain Reports recommendations on sharing and collaboration and will engage with education partners on this in due course.

Procurement for Capital Schemes

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education when she will implement the new procurement arrangements to facilitate the reduction of delays in the delivery of capital schemes.

(AQW 121/07)

Ms Ruane: A review commissioned by the Department in 2004 recommended a radical shift away from how we currently procure capital projects, recommending that we should introduce strategic partnering arrangements. Given that such arrangements would take time to implement, the report recommended that we should develop Interim Framework Arrangements to help us to start delivering on the ground.

Steps are currently being taken to introduce three Framework Agreements covering: Construction Major Works for capital projects of a value greater than £500k; Construction Minor Works for capital projects valued at less than £500k; and a Professional Services Framework to provide client support services including Project Management.

The Major Works framework is being established to deliver capital projects totalling £550m - £650m through the life of the framework (max 4 years). The pre-qualification stage for the Construction Major Works framework closed on Friday 4 May and responses are currently being assessed to provide a shortlist who will be invited to tender as part of a primary competition.

In regard to the Professional Services Framework, a contract notice was placed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on Wednesday 23 May. My officials are also working on the details of the Construction Minor Works framework and hope to issue a contract notice in the OJEU in the near future.

Funded Nursery School Places

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of Education how many funded nursery school places were allocated at the commencement of the 2006/07 school year in south Tyrone; and how this compares with the previous two years.

(AQW 140/07)

Ms Ruane: The number of statutory nursery school places at the commencement of each of the three years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 has remained the same. It is 156 places in statutory nursery schools and 104 in nursery units attached to statutory primary schools.

The number of pre-school places available in statutory nursery schools and nursery units in statutory primary schools is supplemented by places in voluntary and private playgroups and day nurseries that have pre-school places funded under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme. Numbers in respect of voluntary settings are 372 (2004/05), 374 (2005/06) and 433 (006/07).

South Tyrone has been interpreted as Dungannon Council Area – being the only council area within the Southern Education and Library Area that is part of Fermanagh South Tyrone

Nursery School Places in Newtownards

Ms Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education when funding will be made available to address the need for additional nursery school places within the Newtownards town area; and if she will confirm whether a site has been identified for a new unit.

(AQW 144/07)

Ms Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) Pre-School Education Advisory Group (PEAG) has confirmed that in the Newtownards town area the availability of pre-school places equates to 90% provision against the P1 intake to primary schools. This is sufficient to meet the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme (PSEEP) aim of providing a year of good quality pre-school education for every child whose parents wish it.

The SEELB are currently undertaking a review of provision in the Newtownards town area. I look forward to seeing any proposals in relation to pre-school places on completion of the review.

Primary School Teacher Training

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education what measures she will introduce to ensure that sufficient in-service training is available to primary school teachers, to enable them to feel confident when introducing the proposed curriculum changes.

(AQW 150/07)

Ms Ruane:

The revised curriculum is being phased in from 2007/08 to 2009/10 to give schools time to prepare and adjust, with the first year being a transitional one. My Department has allocated £9million to the Partnership Management Board (PMB) over 2 years for a detailed programme of training for principals and teachers, sequenced in line with the phasing in timescales. The training programme is well underway and is being independently evaluated to inform its continuing roll-out. A range of guidance and support materials have been provided to all schools, with more to follow, and the Department has also made 5 school development days available to support schools in their preparation.

Educational Standards

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in addressing the specific problems affecting Protestant working class children, that were highlighted in the recent Westminster inquiry into educational standards in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 151/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department’s response is being directed at low achievement levels in all schools based on objective need throughout the north of Ireland.

The two research projects identified in the response to the Public Accounts Committee report are underway and will be completed shortly.

New policies for school improvement and literacy and numeracy are well advanced and will be consulted on in the Autumn.

The Department is working with the Education and Library Boards and other Departments on a long term, strategic intervention targeted at low performing schools.

Prematurely Retired Teachers

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps she will take to ensure that recently retired teachers who have left the profession as 'prematurely retired' are not re-employed as substitute teachers in schools, thereby reducing the opportunities available to recently qualified teachers.

(AQW 152/07)

Ms Ruane: The recruitment of teachers is the responsibility of teachers’ employers. However, guidance issued by the Department to employers exhorts them to give preference to newly qualified teachers and experienced non-retired teachers who are seeking employment. The Department has also advised employers that retired teachers should only be re-employed to provide short-term cover where newly qualified teachers or experienced non-retired teachers are unavailable. The capping of the levels of the central reimbursement of the costs of substitute cover also provides an incentive for schools to employ newly qualified teachers as substitutes.

Cost of Duplicating Publications in Irish

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education to detail the full breakdown of costs to date for the implementation of the decision of the former Minister of Education to duplicate all publications in Irish.

(AQW 168/07)

Ms Ruane: The former Minister for Education did not require all publications to be translated into Irish. I list below the cost of publications that have been translated into Irish since April 2000.

Financial Year	Cost of Publications (including leaflets/forms) Translated into Irish
2000/2001	£1,497.80
2001/2002	£7,427.00
2002/2003	£1,741.78
2003/2004	£3,970.20
2004/2005	£9,095.18
2005/2006	£4,075.23
2006/2007*	£2,522.58

*Figures for 2006/07 are incomplete as a number of invoices are still outstanding.

Enquiries in Irish

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of enquiries made to her department using the Irish language.

(AQW 169/07)

Ms Ruane: The information requested is not collected by my Department.

Annual Pre - Employment Checks

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm that annual pre-employment checks are completed for all staff employed in schools.

(AQW 176/07)

Ms Ruane: A pre-employment check is carried out on all schools’ staff, whether paid or unpaid, before employment starts. Where a concern occurs over an individual’s conduct during the course of employment, the agency charged with investigating the concern will notify the employer who will take appropriate action.

The current guidance to employers is DE Circular 2006/06, Child Protection: Recruitment of People to work with Children and Young People in Educational Settings (available at www.deni.gov.uk)

Classroom Assistants

Mrs Dolores Kelly asked the Minister of Education when she will initiate job evaluations for classroom assistants in all Education and Library Board areas; if she will indicate the timeframe for completion; and if she will confirm that there will be adequate budgetary provision to meet any necessary commitments.

(AQW 196/07)

Ms Ruane: The job evaluations for classroom assistants in all Board areas have in fact been initiated and completed and significant resources have already been provided by my Department to the five education and library boards. Until recently, the Boards and Trade Union Side (TUS) have been unable to reach final agreement on all related issues. However, I understand that as a result of recent further, extensive negotiations between the Boards and TUS considerable progress has been made and that the Boards are now ready to put a formal final offer to TUS. Before Boards can present proposals to Trade Union Side for final agreement they require Department of Education and Department of Finance and Personnel approval, to ensure that the proposed settlement is both workable and affordable from within the resources that have been made available. That approval was given on 31 May and represents a major step forward and will now, I hope, enable a final settlement to be achieved quickly and which will allow the funding to be released into the pay packets of eligible classroom assistants as soon as possible.

Victoria Primary School

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education if she will consider retaining the old Assembly Hall building at Victoria Primary School in Ballyhalbert for use by the local community, instead of using the whole site as a turning circle.

(AQW 205/07)

Ms Ruane: It is not feasible to retain the old Assembly Hall building at Victoria P.S. Ballyhalbert.

The entire school site, which is the minimum area recommended for a 7 classbase school, will be required for the provision of the new school building along with provision of adequate staff parking and a pupil drop-off zone, which are requirements of the Roads Service . These facilities, together with a new grass play area, will be provided on the site of the existing school building. It has been agreed with Ards Borough Council that the grass play area will be available for community use outside of school hours. The Assembly Hall in the new school building will also be available for community use on application to the Board of Governors of the school.

Teaching and Learning of Irish in Secondary Schools

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to provide teaching and learning resources for the teaching of Irish in post-primary English-medium schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 206/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department is providing resources to the Southern Education and Library Board, on behalf of all boards, to support the development of an Irish language resource for post-primary English medium schools.

In addition, CCEA provides schools with generic guidance for language teaching and commercially produced resources are also available for schools to purchase.

The Department, however, does not prescribe the teaching and learning resources to be used in schools for any part of the curriculum - that is a matter for schools to decide, with advice from their Education and Library Board.

Male Staff Numbers in the Teaching Profession

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to encourage men into the teaching and education profession.

(AQW 211/07)

Ms Ruane: My Department’s focus is on ensuring that there is appointment on merit to all posts in the education sector.

In the teaching profession, the gender balance has traditionally favoured women, particularly within the primary school sector. The providers of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses have been asked by my Department to draw attention to the under-representation of males within their Access Agreements (particularly in the primary sector) and to review their recruitment procedures. As a result, the Higher Education Institutions have sought to encourage males to apply for ITE courses through a range of actions, including: ensuring that males are well represented in publicity materials for their ITE courses; targeting all-male schools and male groups in mixed schools for careers talks and presentations; and, meeting regularly with careers teachers and senior staff to seek their help in encouraging males to apply for ITE courses.

The Education and Library Boards, who are the main employers of non-teaching staff, appoint on merit, in keeping with their Equal Opportunities policy. Advertised posts include a welcoming statement in line with that policy and which welcomes applications from all suitably qualified applicants, irrespective of gender.

Male Secondary School Teachers

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Education what percentage of (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers are male, broken down by Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 213/07)

Ms Ruane:

The following table provides the number of male teachers and the corresponding percentage of all teachers in primary and post-primary schools by Education and Library Board area in Northern Ireland in 2005/06.

ELB area	School Type^1,2	no. of male teachers	percentage of all teachers (%)
Belfast	Primary	254	18.5
Belfast	Post-primary	853	37.7
Western	Primary	275	17.9
Western	Post-primary	722	36.7
North Eastern	Primary	263	13.8
North Eastern	Post-primary	862	36.3
South Eastern	Primary	311	16.1
South Eastern	Post-primary	694	35.5
Southern	Primary	311	15.7
Southern	Post-primary	836	35.6
Total	Primary	1414	16.2
Total	Post-primary	3967	36.4

Primary figures include teachers working in preparatory departments of grammar schools.
Post-primary figures include teachers working in secondary and grammar schools.

Cultural Rights of Children

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education how she monitors the implementation, within the education system, of the cultural rights of children, as set out in Articles 29.1(c) and 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, (a) in the controlled sector; (b) in the maintained sector; (c) in the Irish-medium sector; (d) in the integrated sector; and (e) in the voluntary grammar sector.

(AQW 235/07)

Ms Ruane: The revised statutory curriculum, to be introduced on a phased basis from September 2007, includes a new strand of Citizenship education, where young people will be able to learn about their cultural identity, cultural heritage and cultural diversity within our society.

The Education and Training Inspectorate monitors routinely aspects of provision, including citizenship, across all sectors of the education system.

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education where Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta is based; and how many staff it employs.

(AQW 251/07)

Ms Ruane:

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta is based in:

Teach an Gheata Thiar	Westgate House
4 Sráid na Banríona	4 Queen’s Street
Béal Feirste	Belfast
BT1 6ED	BT1 6ED

It employs 16 staff.

The funding provided to Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta since its establishment is as follows:

2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005//06	2006/07
£	£	£	£	£	£
210,000	282,494	422,700	473,500	533,000	515,000

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta was established in August 2000 to promote for the benefit of the public the development of all aspects of Irish-medium education.

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital, with charitable status, established under the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, and operating under a Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The membership of the Board of the Company is constituted as follows:

3 nominations from Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta
1 Gaeloiliúint
1 Council for Catholic maintained Schools
1 Universities Council for the Education of Teachers
1 Association of Education and Library Boards
2 Department of Education
1 Altram
1 Foras na Gaeilge
1 Pobal
1 Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta
1 Gaeleagras um Shainriachtanas Oideachais
1 Association of Northern Ireland Colleges
4 school principals
1 teacher
1 parent
1 school governor

Comhaírle na Gaelscolaíochta

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education what funding has been given to Comhaírle na Gaelscholaíochta in each year since its formation.

(AQW 252/07)

Ms Ruane:

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta is based in:

Teach an Gheata Thiar	Westgate House
4 Sráid na Banríona	4 Queen’s Street
Béal Feirste	Belfast
BT1 6ED	BT1 6ED

It employs 16 staff.

The funding provided to Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta since its establishment is as follows:

2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005//06	2006/07
£	£	£	£	£	£
210,000	282,494	422,700	473,500	533,000	515,000

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta was established in August 2000 to promote for the benefit of the public the development of all aspects of Irish-medium education.

The membership of the Board of the Company is constituted as follows:

Comhaírle na Gaelscolaíochta

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education when Comhaírle na Gaelscholaíochta was formed; and what is the role of this organisation.

(AQW 253/07)

Ms Ruane:

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta is based in:

Teach an Gheata Thiar	Westgate House
4 Sráid na Banríona	4 Queen’s Street
Béal Feirste	Belfast
BT1 6ED	BT1 6ED

It employs 16 staff.

The funding provided to Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta since its establishment is as follows:

2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005//06	2006/07
£	£	£	£	£	£
210,000	282,494	422,700	473,500	533,000	515,000

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta was established in August 2000 to promote for the benefit of the public the development of all aspects of Irish-medium education.

The membership of the Board of the Company is constituted as follows:

Comhaírle na Gaelscolaíochta

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education how Comhaírle na Gaelscolaíochta is constituted.

(AQW 254/07)

Ms Ruane:

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta is based in:

Teach an Gheata Thiar	Westgate House
4 Sráid na Banríona	4 Queen’s Street
Béal Feirste	Belfast
BT1 6ED	BT1 6ED

It employs 16 staff.

The funding provided to Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta since its establishment is as follows:

2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005//06	2006/07
£	£	£	£	£	£
210,000	282,494	422,700	473,500	533,000	515,000

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta was established in August 2000 to promote for the benefit of the public the development of all aspects of Irish-medium education.

The membership of the Board of the Company is constituted as follows:

Cultural Identity of Children

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education if her department has a strategy or action plan for the implementation, within the education system, for the child to learn about 'his or her own cultural identity', as set out in Articles 29.1(c) and 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

(AQW 255/07)

In addition, my Department is publicly consulting on a draft policy to assist the promotion of equality of opportunity for all children and young people who have English as an Additional Language. Part of this policy will be the promotion of cultural awareness in schools, through the new Ethnic Minority Achievement Service.

Industrial Tribunal Claims - Education and Library Boards

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to detail payments made in settlement of cases brought for industrial tribunal claims in each Education and Library Board over the past two years.

(AQW 256/07)

Ms Ruane: The Education and Library Boards tell me that £146,500 was paid out in settlement of cases brought for industrial tribunal claims during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 financial years. A breakdown of the amount paid out by Board in these two years is provided in the table below:

£
BELB	40,000
NEELB	11,000
SEELB	41,000
SELB	51,000
WELB	3,500

Revised Literacy and Numeracy Strategy

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education what level of resources she will devote to the revised Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.

(AQW 268/07)

Ms Ruane: The revised literacy and numeracy strategy will be available for consultation in early autumn 2007. Funding levels will be dependent on the content of the finalised strategy and the CSR outcome.

Free Pre-School Places

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education if she will make available the necessary resources to ensure that all children who are entitled to a free pre-school place this year will get one.

(AQW 272/07)

Ms Ruane: The aim of the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme is to provide one year of high quality funded pre-school education, in the year before compulsory education, for every child whose parents wish it.

With the additional finance provided by the Children and Young People Funding Package, £800k in respect of the 2007/08 financial year, it is expected that this objective will be attained. However, it should be noted that demand is not geographically exactly matched to supply.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation process. It is hoped that they will be in a position to confirm any shortfall in funded places in their respective areas by mid June.

Movilla High School, Newtownards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to supply figures for enrolment for Movilla High School, Newtownards, for the last 3 years.

(AQW 275/07)

Ms Ruane: The enrolment in Movilla High School over the last three years was as follows:

2004/05 779
2005/06 698
2006/07 652

Physical Education in Schools

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister of Education to confirm the number of hours devoted to sport/games within primary and secondary level education.

(AQW 289/07)

Ms Ruane: Physical Education is compulsory for all pupils from age 4 to 16. The Department does not prescribe the amount of time schools should spend on any part of the curriculum. It is a matter for schools to determine how much time is devoted to PE, but they are encouraged to provide pupils with at least 2 hours of physical activity per week.

Recently I met with the GAA and the IFA to look at ways of providing more opportunities for our young people to get involved in sport and develop their physical literacy skills.

Wind Turbines at Schools

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education what advice her department provides to schools seeking to erect wind turbines within their grounds; and how does her department co-operate with the Department for the Environment to ensure that all risks and impact upon pupils, staff and local residents have been fully assessed.

(AQW 310/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department does not provide specific advice on the installation of wind turbines at schools. The installation of a wind turbine is subject to planning permission.

Suspensions and Expulsions from Secondary Schools

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of Education how many pupils have been (a) expelled, and (b) suspended, from secondary schools in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

(AQW 329/07)

Ms Ruane: The information requested is shown in the following table:

School Year	No of pupils suspended	No of pupils expelled
2000/01	4,477	78
2001/02	4,690	76
2002/03	5,004	67
2003/04	5,194	69
2004/05	5,101	61

The suspension and expulsions statistics for 2005/06 school year are currently being analysed by the Department’s statistics branch and will be placed on the Department of Education website when this has been completed.

Expulsions and Suspensions from Primary Schools

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of Education how many pupils have been (a) expelled, and (b) suspended, from primary schools in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

(AQW 330/07)

Ms Ruane: The information requested is shown in the following table:

School Year	No of pupils suspended	No of pupils expelled
2000/01	263	2
2001/02	361	0
2002/03	278	3
2003/04	290	2
2004/05	313	2

The suspension and expulsions statistics for 2005/06 school year are currently being analysed by the Department’s statistics branch and will be placed on the DE website when this has been completed.

Blind and Partially-Sighted Pupils

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to ensure that blind and partially-sighted pupils have access to school text books.

(AQW 331/07)

Ms Ruane: In early 2007 the Department of Education established a working party to consider the adequacy of the arrangements being made by Education and Library Boards for the provision of suitably adapted materials for pupils with visual impairment. The group has reported and the Department will now consider the recommendations made. The Department will then take this forward to ensure that improved arrangements are put in place to meet the needs identified.

Attacks on Teachers

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of Education how many attacks on teachers have been reported in each of the last five years.

(AQW 332/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department does not collect the information requested.

However, from the 2002/03 school year, statistics on the reasons for suspension have been gathered annually from each education and library board and relate to the number of individual suspensions, not to the number of pupils suspended.

Table 1 details the number of suspensions¹ for physical attacks on staff in the 2002/03 - 2004/05 school years:-

TABLE 1

Year	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05
No. of suspensions for physical attacks on staff	365	320	262

Note:

¹The count of occasions is based on each incidence of suspension, where an incident is defined as a count from the first day a pupil was suspended until the last day suspended. Prior to 2004/05, the count of occasions was based on each record of suspension identified by the education and library boards, and in some instances longer periods of suspension may have had more than one record. This change is due to an improvement in the data collection systems for suspensions in the education and library boards, which has enabled better analysis of the data. As a result, the number of occasions pupils were suspended in 2004/05 has decreased from previous years. However, care should be taken when comparing the number of occasions in 2004/05 with the number of occasions in previous years.

Reasons for expulsion were first collected in 2003/04.

Table 2 below shows the total number of pupils expelled for physical attacks on staff for the 2003/04 and 2004/05 school years:-

TABLE 2

Year	2003/04	2004/05
No. of expulsions for physical attacks on staff	7	7

Kilcooley Primary School

Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Education what assessment she has made of the status of Kilcooley Primary School, in line with the Department of Social Development's 10 year plan for neighbourhood renewal and regeneration for the Kilcooley Estate, Bangor.

(AQW 335/07)

Ms Ruane: Kilcooley Primary School is a controlled school within the remit of the South-Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) and therefore the future planning of the school is a matter for the SEELB in the first instance.

Following a review of controlled primary provision throughout the Bangor area, the SEELB produced a strategic plan that was published by the Board in December 2005. One of the recommendations is for an Economic Appraisal to consider a number of options in relation to Kilcooley PS, with the aim of meeting the needs of the future primary population within a climate of demographic decline.

The SEELB is aware of the Department of Social Development’s (DSD) neighbourhood renewal activities in the Kilcooley estate and has yet to bring forward any proposals to the Department of Education in respect of Kilcooley Primary School.

Conlig Primary School

Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Education what are her plans for Conlig Primary School, in relation to its application for integrated status.

(AQW 336/07)

Ms Ruane:

Whilst I am aware that Conlig Primary School is considering publishing another development proposal to support the transformation of the school to controlled integrated status, a proposal has not yet been brought forward. I cannot therefore comment further.

Teaching of Evolution, Creations and Intelligent Design

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education what (a) discussions; (b) meetings; and (c) correspondence her department has had with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in the last three years about the teaching of (i) evolution; (ii) creationism; and (iii) Intelligent Design, in schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 337/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department of Education has engaged with the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in the context of previous questions and correspondence about the teaching of evolution, creationism and intelligent design. In carrying out its statutory duty to advise on curriculum matters, CCEA has considered the place of evolution, creationism and intelligent design in curricular areas and examination specifications, and has had discussions with interested parties on these issues.

Expenditure on Substitute Teachers

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of Education how much money has been spent on substitute teachers in each Education and Library Board in each of the last five years.

(AQW 351/07)

Ms Ruane:

The information requested is provided in the attached table: -

	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006/07
	£	£	£	£	£
Belfast	6,842,327	7,014,820	6,376,348	6,669,593	7,203,867
North Eastern	9,165,736	9,448,192	8,754,272	10,005,241	8,289,562
South Eastern	7,822,331	8,210,121	7,588,690	8,470,610	10,259,767
Southern	8,883,186	9,406,939	9,446,171	10,773,341	8,515,692
Western	7,095,673	7,526,599	7,413,210	8,069,669	11,019,450
Total	39,809,253	41,606,671	39,578,691	43,988,454	45,288.338

Notes
1. Cover based on hours and days paid via job-costing module at rate at time of payment
2. Cover based on financial years
3. Excludes Voluntary Grammar Schools, FE Colleges, Special and GMI schools.
4. Excludes employers superannuation & national insurance

Pre-School Places in Glenavy/Crumlin Areas

Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of Education what action will be taken to review immediately the provision of pre-school places in the Glenavy/Crumlin areas, in response to demographic changes which have shifted the location and size of demand.

(AQW 361/07)

Ms Ruane:

The Glenavy electoral ward falls within the South Eastern Education and Library Board area. For the 2007/08 school year there are 65 pre-school places available. Using the Primary 1 enrolment number (68) from the school census as a proxy for the pre-school cohort, indicates a level of provision of 96%.

The Crumlin electoral ward falls within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area. For the 2007/08 school year there are 222 pre-school places available. Using the Primary 1 enrolment number (148) from the school census as a proxy for the pre-school cohort, indicates a level of provision of 150%.

The Boards and the Department continue to monitor pre-school provision in the respective areas in order to address any need for additional pre-school places when identified.

Employment and Learning

Vocational Training Provider Contracts

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the reasons why his department only allocates vocational training provider contracts to one provider per council area.

(AQW 157/07)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): Although normal practice, it is not always necessary to use NVQ frameworks in undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship. However, all apprentice frameworks must include a competence based element assembled from the National Occupational Standards set by the employment sector for which the framework is designed and, if required, other employment sectors.

The content of the competence element may be determined by the Sector Skills Councils, Sector Bodies and their employers. Subject to assessment methods designed to test competency, it is not a mandatory requirement to use National Vocational Qualifications. Alternatives may be considered.

Expanded Apprenticeship Courses

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what analysis he has made of the content of expanded apprenticeship courses; and if he will prioritise the views of small and medium-sized enterprises in determining the content of such courses.

(AQW 158/07)

Sir Reg Empey: With the introduction of Training for Success, apprenticeships are being expanded from the current Level 3 apprenticeship provision to include Level 2 Apprenticeships.

All apprentices follow a training framework approved for delivery and developed in conjunction with the relevant industry. To maintain both quality and relevance of content, Sector Skills Councils and Standard Setting Bodies are required to take the views of employers of all sizes into consideration when developing training frameworks for apprenticeships. The Department for Employment and Learning is working with the Skills Councils to develop Sector Skills Agreements and in doing so is encouraging engagement with the full range of employers for that sector, including SMEs.

Vocational Training Report

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what analysis his department has made of the report on vocational training conducted by the Northern Ireland Audit Office; what recommendations his department has made in response to the findings of the report; and what is his assessment of the effectiveness of those recommendations.

(AQW 159/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department, in its Memorandum of Reply, 16 December 2005, responded to the 23 conclusions of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) following on from the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) report on Jobskills. In the response the Department outlined the actions it would take. The two main actions have been the establishment of a new Quality Performance Branch and the creation of a new professional and technical training provision, Training for Success, to commence 3 September 2007.

In January 2007 the Department published ‘Success through Excellence: A Quality Improvement Strategy for the Further Education and Training System’. Implementation of this strategy will have a positive impact. The composition and structure of Training for Success addresses the conclusions and recommendations of PAC. The implementation of Training for Success will be reviewed during its first year.

Leitch Review of Skills

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he accepts the recommendation of the Leitch Review of Skills, to substantially expand apprenticeships by 2020; and what proposals are being brought forward to achieve this.

(AQW 160/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The Leitch Report published in December 2006 contained a recommendation to achieve 500,000 apprentices in the UK by 2020. The Department of Employment and Learning had previously set its own target of 10,000 apprentices in training by 2010.

In Northern Ireland an Interdepartmental Group has been established, chaired by DEL, to develop a response to the Leitch Review of skills. This group is currently drafting an initial Northern Ireland response which will then be consulted on with key stakeholders before going through the Assembly processes.

In respect of Leitch related decisions, the DEL Minister agreed that the appointment of the position of Chair of the new UK-wide Skills Commission. This post was advertised in late February 2007. With that exception no decisions have been taken in relation to the Leitch Review recommendations.

ESOL Courses

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many courses are available on teaching English as a second language.

(AQW 328/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department provided funding for 347 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses in 2005/2006, the most recent period for which figures are available. These figures relate only to ESOL courses funded by the Department in the statutory further education sector. No figures are available for ESOL courses provided by FE colleges outside of the Department’s funding arrangements, or for similar courses provided by non-statutory organisations.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Ballycastle to Campbeltown Ferry

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to provide support for the reinstatement of the Ballycastle-Campbeltown ferry.

(AQW 142/07)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr Dodds): In light of the current Comprehensive Spending review process and public spending priorities that lie ahead there are no current plans to provide financial support for the reinstatement of the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry service. However my Department and its agencies remain committed to enhancing economic opportunities across the North Antrim area and will continue to seek investment and entrepreneurial support to promote economic prosperity in the region.

Tourism Ireland

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will give an assessment of Tourism Ireland's marketing of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination.

(AQW 173/07)

Mr Dodds: Tourism Ireland (TIL) was established in 2000 to promote Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic as a preferred tourist destination in the rest of the United Kingdom and overseas. From 2003, (when the methodology for collating tourism statistics was revised), to 2006, out -of -state visitor spend grew by 31% to £371million. Tourism Ireland operates 19 overseas offices and it is active in 27 markets providing Northern Ireland with unprecedented exposure to potential international visitors. My Department will continue to set stretching targets for the company, and monitor its performance closely to ensure that Northern Ireland receives value for money for its investment. I will be meeting TIL Officials shortly to consider how we might build on their performance.

Employment in Manufacturing

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people were employed in manufacturing in the last year (a) in total; and (b) broken down by constituency.

(AQW 216/07)

Mr Dodds: (a) The most up-to-date estimates of the number of employee jobs in the Manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland are available from the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES). Provisional estimates for December 2006 show there were 85,560 employee jobs in the Manufacturing sector.

(b) Estimates of the number of employee jobs below Northern Ireland level are only available from the Census of Employment on a biennial basis and the most up-to-date figures relate to September 2005. Estimates of the number of employee jobs in Manufacturing at September 2005 for each Parliamentary Constituency Area within Northern Ireland can be found in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Number of employee jobs in Manufacturing at September 2005 for each Parliamentary Constituency Area

Parliamentary Constituency Area	September 2005
Belfast East	6,948
Belfast North	3,945
Belfast South	2,024
Belfast West	1,987
East Antrim	4,010
East Londonderry	4,453
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	7,658
Foyle	4,801
Lagan Valley	6,629
Mid-Ulster	7,576
Newry & Armagh	4,076
North Antrim	7,094
North Down	1,637
South Antrim	5,609
South Down	3,548
Strangford	2,990
Upper Bann	9,514
West Tyrone	3,198
Northern Ireland	87,697

Source: Census of Employment, DETI

Potential Inward Investor Visits to Northern Ireland

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of company visits organised by and/or through Invest NI in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) each of the 26 local government districts; and (ii) each of the 18 Northern Ireland constituencies.

(AQW 236/07)

Mr Dodds: The two tables below show the breakdown of the number of potential investor visits to Northern Ireland District Councils and Parliamentary constituencies since April 2002. It should be noted that a Council area may include more than one Parliamentary constituency and a Parliamentary constituency may cover more than one Council area. Invest NI does not determine locations for visits for a potential investor: this decision is taken by the investor.

Table 1 - Potential Inward Investor Visits per Northern Ireland District Council area:

	02/03	03/04	04/05	05/06	06/07
Antrim	8	6	5	2	1
Ards	3	1	0	2	0
Armagh	4	1	1	1	0
Ballymena	0	1	0	1	0
Ballymoney	1	0	0	0	0
Banbridge	0	0	0	0	0
Belfast	78	79	82	62	67
Carrickfergus	7	4	1	1	1
Castlereagh	0	1	3	1	1
Coleraine	8	2	1	1	0
Cookstown	0	0	0	0	4
Craigavon	3	6	3	1	6
Derry	22	18	6	8	15
Down	3	1	0	0	0
Dungannon	0	1	1	0	0
Fermanagh	2	0	0	1	0
Larne	1	0	3	2	0
Limavady	1	0	0	0	0
Lisburn	4	4	2	0	0
Magherafelt	1	1	0	0	0
Moyle	0	0	0	0	0
Newry & Mourne	7	4	5	9	6
Newtownabbey	20	6	4	8	17
North Down	4	2	2	5	1
Omagh	5	1	0	1	5
Strabane	1	3	2	0	0
TOTAL	183	142	121	106	124

Land Held by Invest NI for Industrial Use

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of land held by Invest NI for industrial use, broken down by (i) each of the 26 local government districts; and (ii) each of the 18 Northern Ireland constituencies.

(AQW 237/07)

Mr Dodds: Invest NI holds 2,793 acres of land across Northern Ireland. Almost 1,945 acres of its estate are already occupied by Clients leaving 848 acres currently available for industrial use.

The two tables below show the breakdown of the 848 available acres by local government district council area (Table 1) and by parliamentary constituency area (Table 2).

Table 1: Invest NI land by District Council Area at May 2007

Council Area	Land Available	Land Holding
	Total Acres	Total Acres
Antrim	27	110
Ards	9	32
Armagh	3	33
Ballymena	34	81
Ballymoney	2	13
Banbridge	0	27
Belfast	9	137
Carrickfergus	22	108
Castlereagh	0	13
Coleraine	50	74
Cookstown	6	38
Craigavon	212	360
Derry	107	419
Down	53	129
Dungannon	59	90
Fermanagh	38	126
Larne	5	36
Limavady	15	51
Lisburn	26	313
Magherafelt	26	72
Moyle	3	6
Newry and Mourne	2	100
Newtownabbey	103	283
North Down	20	63
Omagh	16	47
Strabane	2	29

Total at May 2007	848	2793

Table 2: Invest NI land by Parliamentary Constituency Area at May 2007

Parliamentary Constituency	Land Available	Land Holding
	Total Acres	Total Acres
Belfast East	0	0
Belfast North	3	16
Belfast South	0	7
Belfast West	20	190
East Antrim	27	144
East Londonderry	65	126
Fermanagh and South Tyrone	96	217
Foyle	107	419
Lagan Valley	12	239
Mid Ulster	32	110
Newry and Armagh	3	37
North Antrim	39	100
North Down	20	63
South Antrim	131	394
South Down	55	225
Strangford	9	45
Upper Bann	212	385
West Tyrone	18	76

Total at May 2007	848	2793

Investment by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the total amount of investment made by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) each of the 26 local government districts; and (ii) each of the 18 Northern Ireland constituencies.

(AQW 239/07)

Mr Dodds: The total amount of financial assistance paid to tourism related businesses by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in each of the last five years is broken down in the two tables attached. Table A details the financial assistance paid broken down by each of the 26 local government districts while Table B shows the analysis for each for the 18 Northern Ireland constituencies.

While the investment is shown on a council / constituency basis, the economic and tourism benefits that this brings will have a much wider effect. For example, investment in the five Signature Projects will bring benefits across all of Northern Ireland.

Also, Invest NI have provided £12,094,558 to the hotel sector over the past five years.

TABLE A

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PAID TO ALL TOURISM PROJECTS BY DISTRICT COUNCIL

District Council

2002/2003

2003/2004

2004/2005

2005/2006

2006/2007

TOTAL

Across all Councils
and X Border*

£953,401.82

£2,562,807.68

£1,487,400.89

£1,199,553.76

£4,322,949.52

£10,526,113.67

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY Friday 08 June 2007 Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Agriculture and Rural Development

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Education

Employment and Learning

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY

Friday 08 June 2007

Written Answers to Questions