Friday 29 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
Invitations to Devolution Day
Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide a list of invitations issued by the department to individuals and groups, to attend the Devolution Day event at Parliament Buildings on 8 May 2007. (AQW 244/07) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness):
The following people were invited to attend the Devolution Day event at Parliament Buildings on 8 May 2007.
Dr Ian Adamson |
Maura McDonnell Geraldine McGuinness
|
Child Poverty
Mr Fred Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many children live in severe poverty in Northern Ireland; and what strategies are in place to reduce child poverty. (AQW 317/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: There are no official statistics that reflect a measure of severe poverty. The measurement of child poverty in Northern Ireland, which is consistent with United Kingdom and European measures, is derived from the proportions and numbers of children who live in households whose income is less than 60% of median household income. Government departments already deliver a wide range of initiatives and programmes that positively impact on child exclusion and poverty issues. Some of these policies are reserved matters in relation to financial support through Child Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Childcare Tax Credit and parental employment. Other measures include those set out in the ten year strategy for Children and Young People action plan as well as initiatives in health, education and for lone parents for example. ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ Governments Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy outlines many of the current policies and strategies which will contribute to the reduction of Child Poverty. In the current Comprehensive Spending Review the Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy has been identified as a key cross-cutting priority. This means that Departmental spending plans and resources will be directly linked to the delivery of commitments within an Anti Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy.
A copy of Lifetime Opportunities has been placed in the Assembly Library.
The two Junior Ministers in OFMDFM have a particular responsibility agreed by the Executive for children and young people, and tackling child poverty will be an urgent priority for the Junior Ministers and for the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
Child Poverty
Mr Fred Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister whether Northern Ireland is on target to halve child poverty by 2010. (AQW 320/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Accurate data on child poverty is available only from 2002/03.
The percentage of children in relative income poverty in ;
2002/2003 was approximately 26% (114,000),
2003/2004 was unchanged
The latest available figures for the number of children in relative income poverty for 2004/05 indicate approximately 24% (101,000).
It is not possible, on the basis of the available data to determine reliably if we are on target to half child poverty by 2010. Tackling child poverty is an urgent priority for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Junior Ministers in line with their responsibility for children and young people, will bring an early focus to this issue.
Shared Future Strategy
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to set out the operational responsibilities of the department, arising out of the 'Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan', to ensure that all government departments take into account within future public expenditure plans the content and conclusions of the OFMDFM-commissioned research report, 'Cost of Division - Shared Future Strategy'. (AQW 539/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Good Relations and Reconciliation Division of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister remains responsible for taking forward the policy on A Shared Future.
In regard the research undertaken by Deloitte we made it clear during question time on 11 June that this research is extremely important. We also made the point that how we deal with the issues in the report is even more important.
As we said on 11 June in this House our colleague, the Finance Minister, cautioned against plucking a figure out of the air. The issue is far more complex than simply reducing the research to a figure whatever that figure or range of figures might be. We are starting a journey, a long journey that will take time to overcome all of our problems and consign them to history. It is clear as we have said that division costs us all, socially, economically, physically. The Executive will consider the Cost of Division report carefully and fully along with this House and the Committee for the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister. We will publish the research shortly.
Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland
Ms Martina Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will ensure that resources allocated to the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will help to change the patterns of disadvantage and tackle inequalities; and, in particular, if he will comment on the extent to which the Strategy will address the needs of the ten most deprived wards in Northern Ireland. (AQW 667/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Executive will decide on the allocation of resources in the Investment Strategy in accordance with its agreed priorities, taking account of the Regional Development Strategy, identified need, access to services and statutory obligations. The Strategy will reflect the spending priorities agreed by the Executive in the Programme for Government. It will encompass the levels of investment directed at social transformation, economic development and other areas that the Executive agrees. As a high level strategy, the Investment Strategy will not identify expenditure within individual wards but it will be subject to an Equality Impact Assessment.
Gloria Choir
Mrs Dolores Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it has received an invitation to the Gloria choir concert at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, on Saturday 16 June 2007, and if the Junior Ministers will be in attendance at this event. (AQW 678/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: An invitation to a concert by the Gloria Choir in the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Saturday 16 June 2007 has not been received by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. No ministers from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister are planning to attend this concert.
Victims' Commissioner
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline the process for the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner; and to detail the number of candidates that have applied for the position. (AQW 740/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Article 4 of the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 makes provision for the Commissioner to be appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly. This is a regulated appointment falling within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Northern Ireland (OCPANI). Following public advertisement in January 2007, 46 applications were received. An initial eligibility sift process was applied to all applications to determine if sufficient evidence was provided against each of the essential criteria. As a result of that exercise, 14 applicants were invited for interview by a selection panel, consisting of two senior civil servants and an independent assessor appointed by OCPANI. The interviews were conducted over a three day period in March of this year. Following the interviews the panel prepared a list of candidates, who were considered suitable for appointment. This list was subsequently forwarded to the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their consideration. The complete process was overseen and certificated by the independent assessor. An announcement is expected to be made before the Assembly rises.
Children's Issues
Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail which Minister is responsible for children's issues. (AQW 892/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We would refer the member to the reply given to Mr McGlone, the Member for Mid- Ulster, on 11 June 2007. [Official Report Vol 22, No 10 p374 Col 2].
Salaries Paid to OFMDFM Staff
Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is the total annual amount paid in salaries to (a) full-time employees; (b) part-time employees; and (c) special advisers. (AQW 946/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The total annual amount paid in salaries to OFMDFM staff in 2006/07 was £14.4 million. Data on the total amount paid in salaries split between full-time and part-time staff is currently not held. The calculation of these figures would be a lengthy process and the cost of doing so would be disproportionate. There were no salaries paid to special advisers in the 2006/07 financial year. The total amount paid in salaries to OFMDFM staff in 2005/06 was £14.1 million. This included £61,000 for Special Advisers.
Prioritising Issues of Children, Young and Older People
Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline what steps junior Ministers have taken to prioritise the cross-cutting issues of children and young people, and older people, since their appointment. (AQO 140/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The First Minister set out the roles of the Junior Ministers in the response to the member for Mid-Ulster during question time on Monday 11th June. As well as assisting us they have particular responsibility for liaising with the Assembly on Executive business, for co-ordination of policy for young people and children’s issues, and for older people’s issues. We can assure you of our commitment to the rights and needs of our children and older people and that the co-ordination of issues for children and young people and older people will be a priority matter for both Junior Ministers following their recent appointment. Last week the Junior Ministers accompanied us in meeting the Commissioner for Children and Young People. The Junior Ministers also launched recently the Super Six comic as part of the 10 year strategy for Children and Young People. The Junior Ministers will also take the lead in reviewing and revising as necessary the 10 year strategy for Children and Young People. Finally, promoting the rights of children and young people and older people and addressing their needs will be key issues for both Junior Ministers.
Revitalisation of Omagh
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if Ministers will visit the Community House in Omagh; and if they will meet with local representatives of the community, business and voluntary sectors to discuss the ongoing revitalisation of Omagh. (AQO 171/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The deputy First Minister was in Omagh recently (30 May 2007) for the official opening of Omagh Further Education College with the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey. He saw for himself this significant investment which is a key location for future education and economic confidence. It is one of the important developments which have taken place in Omagh since the tragic bomb. Our colleague, Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development, was in Omagh on 13 June to celebrate the achievements of the Omagh 2010 Task Force and Michael McGimpsey, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety visited the site of the new Omagh hospital on 14 June. We would like to put on record our personal tribute to all those involved in the Omagh Task Force. We have seen at first-hand the remarkable work of this partnership - a partnership between the community, business, elected representatives, local and central government. Their achievements are extremely impressive. They have succeeded in bringing £100m of new investment to Omagh, 500 new jobs created and a doubling of retail floor space. The new college, which the deputy First Minister had the pleasure of opening; the new arts centre and very significant environmental improvements to the town centre are also a fine testament to their exemplary dedication and commitment. We hope to visit Omagh and view all these commendable developments which are revitalising Omagh and building a future for this community.
Study of Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility
Mr Willie Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide an update on the recommendations of the 'Study of Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility'; and to detail the recommendations that have been implemented to date, and those which are outstanding. (AQO 138/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the recommendations of the “Study of Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility.” In particular, work has progressed well on the development of a website, dedicated to providing information on cross border mobility issues and this will be operational in the Autumn. This is a joint project with the Irish Government and is being taken forward in the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). A report on progress will be provided to the next meeting of the NSMC and, following this to the Assembly. We will then write to you providing further details.
Staffing in OFMDFM
Mr Samuel Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many staff are employed within the department; and how this compares with the Office of the Prime Minister; the Office of the First Minister of Scotland; the Office of the First Minister of Wales; the Office of the Taoiseach; and the President of the United States of America. (AQO 149/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: It is important to recognise that, as the responsibilities of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister extend beyond those of the other Offices mentioned, a comparison of the numbers of staff is not appropriate. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is a Department with a wide range of functions, many of them conferred on it by statute. Of the 415 staff currently working in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, 37 work in our joint private offices, providing advice and administrative support us and to our Junior Ministers. Most staff are engaged in other Departmental business areas; indeed, much of our work facilitates the business of the other Ministers and their Departments; for example, through the Office of the Legislative Counsel, the Executive Information Service, the Economic Policy Unit, our offices in Brussels and Washington, and through our support of the work of the Executive including the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council. It is worth pointing out that the number of staff currently working in our Department is very much in line with the number employed under the previous administration.
Lifetime Opportunities
Mr Fra McCann asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will confirm that consideration will be given to the evidence provided by Lifetime Opportunites, taken at meetings of the Committee on the Programme for Government, and if it will give a timescale within which this consideration will be undertaken. (AQO 137/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Executive Committee, in formally considering ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ Government’s Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy will have regard to the Conclusions and Recommendations issued by the Transitional Assembly’s Programme for Government Committee following its assessment of the strategy document. The process to obtain Executive Committee agreement on an anti-poverty strategy has begun. Proposals are currently being cleared at official level, with a view to Executive consideration over the summer period.
Departmental Expenditure on Equality
Ms Martina Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what are the annual expenditure levels currently available to all departments, for equality programmes and measures. (AQO 139/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Equality is mainstreamed through a range of departmental spending programmes including through screening and equality impact assessment of policies. It is, therefore, difficult to identify separate expenditure lines across the range of departmental programmes and measures or to separate out expenditure that is unique to equality from overall programme expenditure. In the case of the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister it is more straightforward as there is a dedicated Equality Directorate with a budget for 2007/2008 of £32,675,000.
Linkages to Third World Countries
Mr John Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline its plans to encourage linkages with third world countries. (AQO 162/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: This is an issue that is being considered by the First Minister and deputy First Minister, as they look at how best to develop the international relations role of their Office.
Victims' Commissioner
Mr David Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what role it will have in the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner. (AQO 195/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The appointment of the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors will be made by us as provided for under Article 4 of the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.
Discussions with First Minister of Scotland
Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what discussions it has had with the First Minister of Scotland. (AQO 131/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We met the First Minister of Scotland on 18 June during his visit to Belfast. Following the meeting we issued a joint statement announcing our commitment to work together to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, to strengthen co-operation between the devolved administrations and to work together in a number of areas, including higher education, tourism and renewable energy.
New-Build Government Offices
Mr Brian Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what proposals it has to maximise sustainable development within new-build government offices. (AQO 172/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We are committed to sustainable development for which we have lead responsibility. The Sustainable Development Strategy includes a target of achieving carbon neutrality on the government estate. The associated Implementation Plan commits Government to achieving a design standard BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating of ‘Excellent’ for new government buildings. The Minister of Finance and Personnel will take the lead on issues in relation to the government estate.
Independent Monitoring Commission
Mr David Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what liaisons it has had with the Independent Monitoring Commission, since the formation of the new Northern Ireland Executive. (AQO 145/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We have had no liaisons with the Independent Monitoring Commission in this period.
Maze / Long Kesh
Mr Tom Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, with reference to statements made by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to this Assembly on 11 June 2007, if it will confirm that it 'would not wish to establish a shrine at the Maze site or support any proposal that would be offensive to victims of the Troubles'. (AQO 185/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We can confirm that there are no proposals to establish a shrine” at the Maze/Long Kesh. This is no part of our intention. The Masterplan proposals for the regeneration of the site envisage a wide range of uses, including a multi sports stadium, an International Centre for Conflict Transformation, as well as provision for employment, leisure and housing – in addition to key transport and other infrastructure. The Masterplan proposals for the International Centre for Conflict Transformation reflected the unanimous recommendations of a multi-party consultation panel. The panel recommended that the Centre should provide a facility for research and education, and create the opportunity to contribute to the management, resolution and transformation of conflict on an international level.
Fair Employment Monitoring
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is its understanding of the terms 'Protestant community' and 'Catholic community', in the context of Fair Employment Monitoring, where they are used in a mutually exclusive way. (AQO 174/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Monitoring under the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998 enables employers to determine whether those who belong to either the Protestant or Roman Catholic community enjoy fair participation in the workforce and is an essential step in implementing equal opportunities practices. The Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (NI) 1999 require employers to determine the community background of their employees by reference to their answer to a direct question. This requires the employee or applicant to state in writing whether they belong to the Protestant or Roman Catholic community or belong to neither. Where persons state they belong to neither community, employers may make a determination of community background for monitoring purposes only. The Regulations set out a number of ways in which community background can be established. This entails consideration of any relevant information which employees or applicants have provided, in writing, about themselves. If the information tends to show that they have a connection with both communities, they are treated as belonging to the community with which, in general, it tends to show they have the stronger connection. Where neither method ascertains the community background, the employer shall treat a person as if the community background to which they belong cannot be determined.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Reintroduction of the Fox Bounty
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will consider reintroducing the 'fox bounty', to control the rise in fox numbers and their impact on wildlife. (AQW 627/07) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): The fox bounty, which ended in the mid-seventies, had been introduced in circumstances which suggested that the culling of the fox population was necessary to reduce the levels of predation by foxes of farm stock. The measure proved to be ineffective in reducing numbers as evidenced in Dr James Fairley’s 1968 Report on the impact of bounty schemes, which noted that there is no case where bounty schemes have successfully controlled fox numbers. During the lifetime of the previous scheme, numbers were maintained at a constant level while in certain counties when the bounty was withdrawn, there was no indication of an increase. The conclusion drawn from the study was that fox mortality attributable to the bounty scheme failed the basic test for the control of any wild animal population in that the activity did not exceed natural mortality and thus was not having any impact on the standing population. It recommended that the bounty scheme be withdrawn. The question of reintroduction of the bounty scheme was raised in 2000. At that time my predecessor considered that she would not be justified in reintroducing a further scheme having considered the necessity, the probable level of effectiveness, the level of payment needed to encourage participation and the cost of resources required to ensure proper monitoring of the operation. Since 2000 the question of rising fox numbers has not been raised, either in the context of farm stock or of wildlife, so I conclude that there is no overriding need to reintroduce the “fox bounty”.
Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances Scheme
Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what steps she is taking to ensure that the aid to hill farmers encourages the adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. (AQW 685/07) Ms Gildernew: The Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances Scheme requires farmers to maintain their land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC). GAEC measures ensure that land is farmed according to good agricultural practices that do not damage the environment. There are six GAEC measures in relation to Soil Management, Supplementary Feeding, Overgrazing, Undergrazing, Field Boundaries, Protection of Habitats (Wildlife Areas), Archaeological Sites and Permanent Pasture. Inspections are undertaken on 5% of applications each year and Breaches of GAEC identified can result in a penalty reduction in the payment.
Flooding Task Force
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will (a) establish a permanent task force to identify flooding hotspots; (b) assess the impact of continuing development upon these areas; and (c) undertake to ensure that proposals regarding surface water run-off from roads are fully consulted upon, with particular reference to the impact on streams and salmonid rivers. (AQW 748/07) Ms Gildernew: a) DARD Rivers Agency already chairs an inter-Agency Flood Liaison Group which is supported by 2 regional Flood Liaison Groups, and includes representatives from Roads Service and NI Water. A main objective of these Groups is to identify flooding hotspots and allocate a lead Agency to investigate the cause and possible solutions to the flooding problem at each location. The lead Agency also takes lead responsibility for dealing with emergency response at each hotspot. b) As part of the overall planning consultation process the Agencies and NI Water assess the impact of continuing development including that impacting on identified flooding hotspots. c) Department of Regional Development, Roads Service consults with, and informs the public, at various stages of the design of major road improvements. This includes an environmental assessment and an Environmental Statement if considered necessary. In relation to all private street developments, Roads Service require developers to seek consent from NI Water for surface run-off into storm drainage systems. Also Department of Environment, Environment and Heritage Service is consulted at the design stage of road schemes in order to ensure pollution prevention.
Watercourse Maintenance
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how often the covering metal grids for water-courses are checked and cleared in (a) Ards Borough, and (b) Strangford. (AQW 819/07) Ms Gildernew: The grid or grille structures at the inlets to designated culverted sections of watercourses in Ards Borough and Strangford Council areas are generally inspected and maintained by DARD Rivers Agency on a weekly or monthly basis depending on their criticality in the context of the risk to life and property in the event of a flood. Grilles are also inspected and cleared if necessary during periods of continuous wet weather or on receipt of heavy rain warnings. Responsibility for clearing inlet grilles on undesignated watercourses rests with riparian landowners.
Farm Map Correction Letters
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of farm map correction letters sent to the farming community, requesting that farmers ensure that any land on which there is a building or other permanent feature is not depicted as a field on maps; and (b) the total cost of sending these letters. (AQW 1046/07) Ms Gildernew: a) The number of correction letters issued was 15,307. b) The cost of sending the letters was £9,006.39
Single Farm Application Packs
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why it was considered necessary to contact members of the farming community to ensure that any land on which there is a building or other permanent feature is not depicted as a field on current maps, given the fact that they were already made aware of this through the Single Farm Application Packs, which were issued in April. (AQW 1047/07) Ms Gildernew: It was necessary to contact those farmers on whose land full planning permission for a dwelling had been approved in the last six years. On the basis of a sample of such approvals, the Department estimated that maps had not been adjusted for a quarter of such dwellings. The response to the forms in the application packs was not sufficient. There was a need to target the relevant cases so as to help reduce the number of mapping variances being found during inspections. My objective in this exercise has been to help farmers reduce queries on their claims and to help speed their payment.
Inspection Process
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to explain the reasoning behind confining inspectors to departmental offices until 27 June 2007 and how this will help expedite the inspection process, given that the inspectors' workload in relation to visits has increased by 50%, but no additional staff have been recruited. (AQW 1048/07)
Ms Gildernew: Providing a farmer corrects his 2007 Single application for an irregularity, before that is identified and advised to him by the Department, no penalty need be applied to his 2007 application. Consequently inspections were held back so that farmers had the opportunity to make such corrections before being exposed to inspection and possible penalty. The Department is mindful of the pressure of increased inspections and is seeking to redeploy resources to meet that challenge.
Integrated Area Control System
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of departmental counter staff that were made available during the period 10-26 June, to assist farmers wishing to seek advice on maps or the 2007 Integrated Area Control System Single Application Form. (AQW 1049/07) Ms Gildernew: In addition to the normal administrative staff working in local offices, 33 Inspectors were available to deal with queries. This period also provided an opportunity for Inspectors to complete pre-inspection checks in relation to forthcoming inspections.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Civil Service Bonuses
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline how many non-pensionable bonuses were paid to staff in his department in each of the last three years; and what steps he has taken to ensure that such bonuses are not used as a cheaper alternative to an appropriate salary increase. (AQW 639/07) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): Non-pensionable bonuses can be paid to staff at all grades to reward performance in two ways: as part of the annual pay round, or under the NICS special bonus scheme. The number of payments made under each scheme in the last three financial years is as follows:
year |
performance-related |
special bonus scheme |
2004/2005 |
225 |
24 |
2005/2006 |
248 |
51 |
2006/2007 |
321 |
47 |
Performance-related bonuses are an important and integral element of the NICS reward strategy and are used as part of the annual pay round to acknowledge and reward higher performing staff. The special bonus scheme is designed to reward members of staff for exceptional performance in particularly demanding tasks. The award of bonuses is therefore regarded as being complementary to, rather than a substitute for, the award of consolidated pay increases. Please note that information can be provided only in relation to staff currently employed by the Department.
Funding for Irish League Football
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to (a) outline when the £8 million fund which was made available for the further development of Irish League football will be distributed, (b) detail how much of this money has been spent to date, (c) list the projects which have benefited from this fund, (d) detail the sums spent on each project, and (e) to detail all other expenditure from this fund. (AQW 679/07)
Mr Poots: The up to £8 million set aside under the Soccer Strategy for the development of football at all levels, including Irish League football, is currently being distributed by the Irish Football Association (IFA) with assistance from Sport Northern Ireland (SNI). Up to 31st March 2007 SNI has provided a total of £2,575,258 to the IFA from Soccer Strategy monies. The projects which have benefited from this fund to date are Governance and Administration, UEFA Under-19 Championship Finals 2005 and Youth Football development. The sums spent on each project and expenditure is as follows:
Project |
Expenditure (£) |
Governance & Administration |
1,098,988 |
Youth Football Development |
866,270 |
UEFA U19 2005 |
610,000 |
|
£2,575,258 |
Promotion of Gaelic Games
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a commitment to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) that he will provide the necessary funding and support for the promotion of gaelic games in the 2008-2009 financial year. (AQW 682/07) Mr Poots: Responsibility for the promotion of Gaelic Games rests with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) which is the governing body of Gaelic sports. Sport NI (SNI), which is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding, has made a commitment to invest £60,142 to assist the GAA promote Gaelic Games in NI in 2008/09. SNI also proposes to carry forward a projected underspend of approximately £249,000 from the £4.5m made available to GAA for the 3-year period 2005-2008.
Promotion of the Irish Language
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of the Irish language in each of the last five years. (AQW 691/07) Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of the Irish language is via organisations and projects such as Foras na Gaeilge, Colmcille and the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund. The amount of funding paid to these organisations by DCAL over the past five years is shown in the table below:
|
2002
|
2003 | 2004 |
2005
|
2006 | Comments
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
£2.64m
|
£2.85m | £3.09m |
£2.97m
|
£3.26m | DCAL payments to Foras na Gaeilge in each calendar year |
|
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
|
Colmcille |
£177k
|
£180k | £180k |
£180k
|
£180k | Colmcille funding is not solely for the promotion of Irish language projects. |
Irish Language Broadcasting Fund |
£63,394*
|
£11,730* | Nil |
£2,999,874
|
£3,057,242 | * Figures shown are for Pilot Broadcasting Training Courses |
Promotion of Non-Language Ulster-Scots Culture
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of non-language Ulster-Scots cultural traditions, including highland dancing and pipe bands, in each of the last five years. (AQW 692/07) Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of Non-Language Ulster-Scots Cultural traditions is via organisations such as the Ulster-Scots Agency, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Events Company. The amount spent by these organisations over the past 5 years is shown in the table below:
|
2003 |
2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | Comments |
Ulster-Scots Agency |
£1.44m
|
£1.67m | £1.81m | £1.94m | £2.23m | DCAL pays to the Agency in each Calendar year |
|
2002-03 |
2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 |
|
Arts Council for N.I |
£914k
|
£650k | £846k | £365k | £357k |
|
Northern Ireland Events Company – For events offered funding as part of the Community Festivals Fund, these are projects which included elements of Ulster Scots entertainment and celebration. Payments made in tranches 1 and 2 equates to £50k (2006-07) and £41k ( 2007-08).
Promotion of Non-Language Irish Culture
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of non-language Irish cultural traditions, including gaelic games and St. Patrick Day celebrations, in each of the last five years. (AQW 693/07) Mr Poots: Tables 1 and 2 below details funding provided by the Northern Ireland Events Company to Irish cultural festivals from the Community Festivals Fund in 2006/07 and 2007/08.
Table 1 – Community Festival Awards – 2006/07
Festival Name |
Amount offered |
Armagh Festival of Traditional and Folk Song 2006 |
£12,000.00 |
Carlingford Lough International Currach Championships |
£2,000.00 |
13th William Kennedy Piping Festival |
£9,000.00 |
Rathlin Airs Annual Traditional Music Festival |
£2,000.00 |
Fiddlers' Green Music and Arts Festival 2006 |
£9,000.00 |
TOTAL |
£34,000.00 |
Table 2 – Community Festival Awards - 2007/08*
Festival Name |
Amount offered |
Fiddlers' Green Music and Arts Festival 2007 |
£11,800.00 |
Belfast Traditional Singing Festival |
£3,000.00 |
TOTAL |
£14,800.00 |
* N.B. This does not include Tranche 3 awards which have not yet been determined – closing date for applications is 22nd June 2007. Tables 3 and 4 below details funding provided by the Northern Ireland Events Company from the Community Festivals Fund to festivals which contained elements of Irish cultural entertainment and celebration.
Table 3 - Community Festival Awards – 2006/07
Festival Name |
Amount offered |
Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil 2006 |
£17,000.00 |
Feile an Phobail 2006 |
£45,000.00 |
Gasyard Wall Feile 2006 |
£8,000.00 |
Golden Link Festival 2006 |
£10,000.00 |
Greater New Lodge Community Festival |
£13,000.00 |
TOTAL |
£93,000.00 |
Table 4 - Community Festival Awards - 2007/08*
Festival Name |
Amount offered |
Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil 2007 |
£25,000.00 |
Chaine Folk and Blues of Larne |
£1,500.00 |
Feile an Phobail 2007 |
£65,000.00 |
Gasyard Wall Feile 2007 |
£10,242.00 |
Greater New Lodge Community Festival |
£10,000.00 |
Heart of the Glens Festival 2207 |
£3,000.00 |
Roe Valley International Folk Festival |
£5,000.00 |
TOTAL |
£119,742.00 |
* N.B. This does not include Tranche 3 awards which have not yet been determined – closing date for applications is 22nd June 2007. Table 5 details funding provided by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure to Irish cultural festivals in each of the last five years.
Table 5 – Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure funding
Festival |
Funding Provided (£) |
||
|
2004/05 2005/06* |
2006/07* |
|
Feile an Phobail |
20,000 20,000 |
75,000 |
|
Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil |
10,000 9,013 |
12,500 |
|
Greater New Lodge Community Festival |
10,000 7,500 |
19,050 |
|
*This may not be the final amounts as the accounts have not yet closed Table 6 details funding provided by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland to Irish cultural projects in each of the last 5 years.
Table 6 – Arts Council funding
Funding Provided (£) |
|
2002/03 |
747,976 |
2003/04 |
1,552,739 |
2004/05 |
811,400 |
2005/06 |
1,219,732 |
2006/07 |
860,825 |
Table 7 details funding provided by Sport Northern Ireland to Gaelic Games in each of the last five years. Table 7 – Sport Northern Ireland funding
Financial Year |
Funding Provided (£) |
2002/03 |
568,559 |
2003/04 |
217,111 |
2004/05 |
140,839 |
2005/06 |
1,004,081 |
2006/07 |
2,701,488 |
Funding for Promotion of Ulster- Scots Language
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of the Ulster-Scots language in each of the last five years. (AQW 694/07)
Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of the Ulster-Scots language is via organisations such as the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group. The amount spent by both these organisations on language promotion over the past 5 years is shown in the table below:
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
Ulster-Scots Agency |
£100k |
£500k |
£103k |
£198k |
£345k |
Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group |
|
|
|
05-06 £134k |
06-07 £392k |
Ulster-Scots Agency
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (a) the members of the Ulster-Scots Agency; (b) when they were appointed; (c) how many meetings have been held since their appointments; and (d) how many meetings attended by each member. (AQW 810/07) Mr Poots: The table below shows the members of the Board of the Ulster-Scots Agency; the dates they were appointed; the number of meetings held since their appointments and how many meetings each member has attended.
Members Name |
Date of Appointment |
Number of Meetings since Appointment | Number of Meetings Attended |
Jim Devenney |
13.12.1999 |
65 | 60 |
Pat Wall |
13.12.1999 |
65 | 54 |
Linde Lunney |
13.12.1999 |
65 | 57 |
Eddie O’Donnell |
07.12.2001 |
50 | 45 |
Alistair Simpson |
13.12.2002 |
38 | 33 |
Ian Adamson |
13.12.2002 |
34 | 30 |
Robert Stoker |
01.09.2003 |
39 | 13 |
Mark Thompson |
20.06.2005 |
19 | 18 |
International Matches at Windsor Park
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he or any of his officials have held discussions with Linfield Football Club or the Irish Football Association regarding the agreement between Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association for the use of Windsor Park for international matches. (AQW 864/07) Mr Poots: My officials, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), are currently facilitating discussions between both Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association (IFA) regarding the agreement between the two organisations for the use of Windsor Park for international matches. These discussions are still on-going.
Upgrading of Sports Venues
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if his Department has carried out an appraisal of the cost of upgrading (1) Windsor Park (2) Ravenhill and (3) Casement Park and if so, what are those costs likely to be. (AQW 866/07) Mr Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has not carried out an appraisal of the cost of upgrading (1) Windsor Park (2) Ravenhill and (3) Casement Park as this is primarily a matter for the owners of the venues, ie Linfield FC/Irish Football Association (IFA), the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)/Ulster Rugby and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) respectively. However, DCAL, together with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) and the Strategic Investment Board (SIB), is currently in discussion with the owners of these stadia about their future facility requirements and the related cost implications.
Potential Investment in Windsor Park
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he or any representative of his department has held discussions with representatives of Linfield Football Club regarding potential investment in Windsor Park and will he make such information available. (AQW 867/07) Mr Poots: To date neither I nor any representative of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has held discussions with Linfield Football Club regarding potential investment in Windsor Park. DCAL officials are, however, currently facilitating discussions between Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, regarding Windsor Park as part of on-going negotiations between the two organisations on the contract for staging international football games at the stadium.
Potential Investment in Windsor Park
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he or any representative of his department held discussions with the Irish Football Association regarding potential investment in Windsor Park and will he make such information available. (AQW 869/07) Mr Poots: To date neither I nor any representative of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has held discussions with the Irish Football Association (IFA) regarding potential investment in Windsor Park. DCAL officials are, however, currently facilitating discussions between the IFA and Linfield Football Club, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, regarding Windsor Park as part of on-going negotiations between the two organisations on the contract for staging international football games at the stadium.
Rally Ireland
Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money his Department (i) offered, and (ii) paid to Rally Ireland for the following years: 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. (AQW 870/07) Mr Poots: No funding was offered or paid to Rally Ireland for 2004, as the initial pilot events in the bid for World Rally Championship status were held in October 2005 and March 2006. The Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC) offered Rally Ireland up to £368,931.13 for its 2005 event and up to £647,953.20 for its 2006 event. NIEC is currently finalising payments to Rally Ireland for 2005 and 2006. To date Rally Ireland has received £321,869.75 for 2005 and £570,004.21 for 2006. No final decision has been made on the level of funding which will be offered for the 2007 World Rally Championship Rally Ireland event. However, the Department has so far made payments to Rally Ireland amounting to £200,000 for the 2007 event.
Rally Ireland
Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if his department is satisfied that both the Rally Headquarters and Rally Service Park for Rally Ireland 2007, is based in the Republic of Ireland, and not Northern Ireland. (AQW 871/07) Mr Poots: It is anticipated that the cross-border 2007 World Rally Championship event will have both its Headquarters and Service Park in Sligo, but that Northern Ireland will host a Super Special Stage in the grounds of Stormont to open the Rally, with significant worldwide television coverage. Rally Ireland has also confirmed its commitment to a 50/50 split of the event either side of the border. A final decision on the amount of government funding to be provided for the 2007 event will be based on the potential benefits to Northern Ireland demonstrated through a fully-costed business case.
Ulster-Scots Academy
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm that, prior to the formal establishment of the Ulster-Scots Academy, the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group will have the role of standardising Ulster-Scots spellings, and that these should be used across the public sector. (AQW 911/07) Mr Poots: The remit given to the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group in 2005 included the resourcing without delay of specified projects within a Language Development Programme, including a spelling standardisation programme. It is intended that this spelling standardisation when completed and agreed should be used across the public sector.
Upgrading Windsor Park
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with Linfield Football Club regarding upgrading Windsor Park, with reference to its use as a national stadium. (AQW 963/07) Mr Poots: To date neither I nor any representative of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has held discussions with Linfield Football Club regarding the upgrading of Windsor Park. DCAL officials are, however, currently facilitating discussions between Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, regarding Windsor Park as part of on-going negotiations between the two organisations on the contract for staging international football games at the stadium.
Funding for Repairs at Windsor Park
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail whether he has been approached to provide financial assistance towards repairing the roof of the north stand at Windsor Park. (AQW 964/07) Mr Poots: To date I have not been approached to provide assistance towards repairing the roof of the north stand at Windsor Park. The Irish Football Association (IFA), however, is currently developing a programme to help improve football grounds in Northern Ireland, including Windsor Park. Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), which is responsible for the development of sport in NI including the distribution of funding, is assisting the IFA with the development of this programme.
Ulster-Scots
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what engagement the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group had with representative organisations, such as the Ulster-Scots Language Society and the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council, in preparing the last periodic report for the Committee of Experts (COMEX) for the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (AQW 969/07) Mr Poots: My Department provided a list of non-governmental organisation contacts to the European Charter Secretariat who issued invitations to all interested parties wishing to meet with the Committee of Experts (COMEX). According to the timetable for the visit both the Ulster Scots Language Society and Ulster Scots Heritage Council were scheduled to meet with COMEX on 5th December 2005.
North-South Committee of the Arts
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure who are the members of the joint North-South committee of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and An Chomhairle Ealaíon; and from which of the two organisations are they nominated. (AQW 970/07) Mr Poots: The members of the joint North-South Committee of the Arts are: Tony Kennedy, Gearóid Ó hEara, Sharon O’Connor, Jaki Irvine, Noelle Campbell Sharpe and Rosaleen Linehan. Tony Kennedy, Gearóid Ó hEara and Sharon O’Connor were nominated by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Jaki Irvine, Noelle Campbell Sharpe and Rosaleen Linehan were nominated by An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
Education
Pre-School Expansion Programme
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education if she will provide details, for each Education and Library Board, of (a) the number of children who have not received a funded place under the pre-school expansion programme; and (b) her plans to address the shortage in funded places. (AQW 415/07) The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): The position is as recorded in my answer to Mr Bradley’s AQW 272/07, answered in the official record on 8th June 2007. 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 to end June. The Early Years Team in the Department is liaising closely with Education and Library Board officers to ensure that any shortfall is identified and appropriate action taken as soon as possible
Saintfield High School
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to address the over-subscription of pupils in 2007 for Saintfield High School. (AQW 419/07) Ms Ruane: There are no plans to increase the admissions and enrolment numbers of Saintfield High School beyond the long-term enrolment number of the school. The Department is in the process of incrementally increasing the school’s enrolment number to the long-term enrolment number of 340. The school’s admissions number of 68 is already in line with this. Saintfield High School is a popular school but there is no shortage of places available at alternative controlled post-primary schools within a reasonable distance of the Saintfield area.
Saintfield High School
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education if she will give an update on plans for a greenfield site to be identified for a new build for Saintfield High School. (AQW 420/07) Ms Ruane: A scheme for Saintfield High School was announced in 2003. In considering the appraisal options at the time, the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) considered a Greenfield site option but no suitable sites were identified. The approved scheme was for the extension and refurbishment of the school building to replace sub-standard permanent accommodation and mobiles. Work is currently on site and is expected to be completed later this year. The SEELB had also submitted an addendum to the appraisal for the provision of a sports hall as part of the overall building project. Several site options were considered for this facility including Greenfield sites. The SEELB are now proposing to build the sports hall on the existing school site and the Department is considering the plans and costs associated with this option.
Conlig Primary School
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what are her plans to meet a delegation of parents from Conlig Primary School to discuss its potential transformation to integrated status, following the recent successful ballot of parents. (AQW 445/07) Ms Ruane: I have received an invitation from the Acting Principal of Conlig Primary School for a meeting with a group representing the school to discuss a proposal to transform to controlled integrated status. I have responded that once a development proposal is published, I would be happy to meet with the group as part of the consultation process, to hear their views.
Integrated Education in North Down
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to address the increased demand for integrated education at primary level within the North Down area. (AQW 446/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education and also to have regard to the general principle that, so far as is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure, pupils shall be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents. Proposals to increase places at integrated schools either through expansion of intakes at existing schools, or the establishment of new schools, are the subject of a statutory development proposal consultation process. Each such proposal is considered on its individual merits.
Donemana Primary School
Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Education if she will detail her plans for the replacement of Donemana Primary School. (AQW 458/07) Ms Ruane: An Economic Appraisal for a replacement for Donemana Primary School was prepared by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) last year. The Department of Education has requested that it be reviewed to confirm that the scheme is required for the area.
Classroom Assistants
Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Education how many classroom assistants are employed in (a) controlled; (b) maintained; (c) integrated; and (d) Irish medium secondary and primary schools in the Western Education and Library Board; and to state the pupil/classroom assistant ratio within each of these sectors. (AQW 475/07) Ms Ruane: The number of classroom assistants in each sector is detailed in the attached table and is based on information provided by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB). It relates to assistants employed by WELB in mainstream schools and therefore excludes those employed in special schools and those employed by the Boards of Governors of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools.
There is no recommended pupil/classroom assistant ratio. The allocation of a classroom assistant to support children with special needs depends on the assessed needs of individual children and can range from a full-time assistant for one child to a part-time assistant providing support to a group of children within a class or school. In addition, the Department’s Making a Good Start Initiative provides funding directly to schools to provide a minimum of 10 hrs classroom support for all P1 classes and for P2 classes in schools with the lowest proportion of their pupils achieving the expected level for their age at Key Stage 2 Assessment. The information provided by WELB also includes details of the total pupil enrolment for each sector, the total number of classroom assistants employed and the full-time equivalent figure.
Sector |
Total Enrolment |
No of Classroom Assistants |
Full Time Equivalents |
Controlled Primary |
9374 |
328 |
205 |
Maintained Primary |
19757 |
625 |
391 |
Controlled Integrated Primary |
43 |
1 |
1 |
Irish Medium Primary |
429 |
13 |
9 |
Controlled Post Primary |
3834 |
60 |
51 |
Maintained Post Primary |
11033 |
162 |
148 |
TOTAL |
44470 |
1189 |
805 |
Magherafelt High School
Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the start date of the new build for Magherafelt High School. (AQW 479/07) Ms Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board have advised that they expect construction work on the proposed new school should start on site in spring 2008.
Rainey Endowed Grammar School, Magherafelt
Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the start date for the new build for Rainey Endowed Grammar School, Magherafelt. (AQW 480/07) Ms Ruane: The Department of Education is currently examining an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the project which will confirm the appropriate procurement route, based on a value for money assessment. Once the outcome of the OBC has been established, planning of the scheme will be taken forward with the school. It is not possible to detail a start date at this stage until the work on the OBC has been completed.
Security and Personal Safety in Schools
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Education what steps will be taken to ensure that teaching and non-teaching staff in schools are adequately protected from, and supported when subject to physical assault and abuse from pupils and parents; and whether consideration has been given to adopting a similar approach and protocols, as are now operational in the health service. (AQW 487/07) Ms Ruane: My Department is currently reviewing existing guidance on security and personal safety in schools and the support available to staff. The Department has received representations from education stakeholders on this issue and, in continuing with this review, intends to examine the protocols of other organisations including those of the health service.
Donaghadee High School
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what discussions have taken place regarding the closure of Donaghadee High School, with (a) teachers and classroom assistants; (b) the Board of Governors; and (c) pupils and their parents; and if she will detail the outcome of these meetings. (AQW 494/07) Ms Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board (the Board) has commenced preliminary consultations with Governors, staff and parents at Donaghadee High School and Movilla High School, Newtownards, in relation to a potential rationalisation between the two schools. The Board advise that pupils were not specifically invited to the meeting with parents but were not excluded if they wished to attend. A formal consultation by the Board is expected to commence during the forthcoming autumn term. The Board has advised that as of 12 June 2007 meetings have taken place as follows:
|
Movilla High School |
Donaghadee High School |
Teachers and Classroom Assistants |
6th June 2007 |
16th May 2007 |
Board of Governors |
15th May 2007 |
15th May 2007 |
Parents |
22nd May 2007 (2 meetings) |
29th May 2007 |
The Board has advised that the meetings raised a variety of issues and that these will be considered fully as part of the consultation process.
Public Private Partnership Scheme
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to extend the Public Private Partnership scheme; and to detail which schools in each of the Education and Library Boards are currently engaged in the scheme. (AQW 496/07) Ms Ruane: In accordance with the requirements of public expenditure decisions, the procurement routes for capital projects are determined on the basis of value for money. Details of schools in each Education and Library Board area currently engaged in a PPP procurement phase are detailed in the table below.
Education and Library Board Area |
School Cluster |
Belfast Education & Library Board |
Ashfield Girls’ High Belfast Boys’ Model Belfast Model School for Girls Grosvenor Grammar Orangefield Primary -at Preferred Bidder Stage |
Western Education & Library Board |
St Cecilia’s College St Mary’s College - at Final Business Case stage |
Western Education & Library Board/Southern Education & Library Board |
Loreto College Holy Trinity College - at Outline Business Case stage |
North Eastern Education & Library Board |
Coleraine College – scheme temporarily on hold following capital review earlier this year |
Ballymoney High School Rainey Endowed School – at Outline Business Case stage |
|
North Eastern Education & Library Board/ South Eastern Education & Library Board |
St Mary’s Primary School, Portglenone Our Lady & St Patrick’s College St Patrick’s Grammar School St Joseph’s Primary School - at Final Business Case stage |
South Eastern Education & Library Board |
Tor Bank School Lagan College - awaiting bids from bidders |
Attacks on Teaching Staff
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to ensure that attacks on teaching staff are stopped. (AQW 505/07) Ms Ruane: My Department is currently reviewing existing guidance on security and personal safety in schools and the support available to staff. The Department has received representations from education stakeholders on this issue and, in continuing with this review, intends to examine the protocols of other organisations including those of the health service.
Review of Irish-Medium Education
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister of Education if there is an indicative timeline for the department's review of Irish-medium education. (AQW 519/07) Ms Ruane: I intend to publish a report and recommendations for consultation in the late autumn of 2007.
Homophobic Bullying
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what percentage of secondary-level schools in Northern Ireland have policies in place to deal with homophobic bullying. (AQW 532/07) Ms Ruane: The Department does not hold the information requested. All grant-aided schools are required by law to have measures in place to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. The Department has issued guidance to schools on measures to address bullying for whatever reason, including homophobic bullying. The effectiveness of an individual school’s discipline policy is monitored through the regular cycle of school inspections undertaken by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Disparity in Funding of Schools
Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of Education to explain the disparity in funding between primary and secondary schools in relation to (a) the controlled sector; (b) the maintained sector; and (c) the integrated sector. (AQW 554/07) Ms Ruane: Under the Local Management of Schools Common Funding Formula, schools with similar needs or characteristics receive similar funding, regardless of their location or management type. Grant-maintained integrated schools, together with voluntary grammar schools, face additional responsibilities and costs which, for controlled and maintained schools, are met centrally by Education and Library Boards. The funding formula therefore includes some factors specifically to meet the needs of those schools. The differential in funding for primary and post-primary schools reflects in large part the additional costs associated with delivery of the post-primary curriculum. I do intend, however, to look further at the opportunities for reducing the scale of the current differential in a way that would allow additional funding to go into primary schools without presenting difficulties for their post-primary counterparts.
Pre-School and Primary School Education in Derry/Londonderry
Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education what future provision is being made for pre-school and primary education in the controlled sector for the Derry/Londonderry City Council area. (AQW 564/07) Ms Ruane: A new-build replacement school for Lisnagelvin Primary School was announced in 2004 and planning is well advanced. New schools to replace New Buildings, Eglinton and Ebrington Primary Schools were announced in 2006. The scheme for Ebrington includes the replacement of the existing nursery unit. A development proposal to establish Learning Support Centres within Foundation Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 at Lisnagelvin Primary School from 1 September 2007 or as soon as possible thereafter was published by the Western Education and Library Board on 25 May 2007. A decision on the proposal will be taken following the statutory 2-month consultation period which ends on 26 July 2007.
Sure Start Children's Centre
Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education what plans are there for securing a SureStart Children's Centre in the Drumahoe area of Derry/Londonderry City Council to respond to local needs. (AQW 565/07) Ms Ruane: Sure Start works with parents and children to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of pre-school children - particularly those who are disadvantaged - to ensure they are well prepared for school and later life. In the North of Ireland, Sure Start currently covers the top 20% most disadvantaged wards. Drumahoe falls within the Altnagelvin ward which is ranked in the top 33% Most Deprived Wards and therefore it falls outside of the catchment area of the nearest Sure Start project in the Waterside.
Middletown Centre for Autism
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in the establishment of the All-Ireland Centre for Excellence for Autism at Middletown, Co. Armagh, announced in 2002 by the two education Ministers, for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 615/07) Ms Ruane: The Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Education and Science, is taking forward the arrangements needed in order to enable the Middletown Centre for Autism to begin offering services later this year. Considerable progress has been made in the last 6 months. A Holding company was set up in 2004 to purchase the property. A second company to operate the Centre, the Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd was incorporated as a company on 16th March 2007. The appointments of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer for the Centre were announced in January 2007 and a recruitment process is currently underway for further senior management posts. An Integrated Design Team led by the two Departments is taking forward the refurbishment project, which includes a new building for the Learning Support Centre. It is planned that services will start to be phased in from late 2007, beginning with the training/advisory and information/research services. The educational assessment and learning support services will come on stream on a longer timescale when building works are complete at the end of 2008.
Primary School Enrolment in Coleraine Borough Council Area
Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils on the roll in each of the primary schools in the Coleraine Borough Council area, in (a) 2001/02; (b)2002/03; (c) 2003/04; (d) 2004/05; (e) 2005/06; and (f) 2006/07. (AQW 619/07)
Ms Ruane: The enrolment at primary schools in the Coleraine Borough Council area from 2001/02 – 2006/07 was as follows:
|
Enrolment in |
|||||||||
School name |
2001/02 |
2002/03 | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 |
||||
BALLYROCK PS |
24 |
20 | 12 | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
||||
PORTRUSH PS |
317 |
315 | 308 | 288 | 268 | 246 |
||||
BALLYTOBER PS |
63 |
56 | 67 | 70 | 75 | 70 |
||||
CARNALRIDGE PS |
215 |
221 | 220 | 209 | 209 | 209 |
||||
CULCROW PS |
41 |
43 | 37 | 34 | 37 | 45 |
||||
CULLYCAPPLE PS |
54 |
42 | 43 | 42 | 44 | 45 |
||||
DAMHEAD PS |
130 |
139 | 143 | 162 | 173 | 167 |
||||
HEZLETT PS |
232 |
243 | 253 | 273 | 272 | 268 |
||||
KILLOWEN PS |
197 |
196 | 200 | 196 | 188 | 169 |
||||
PORTSTEWART PS |
369 |
347 | 326 | 312 | 298 | 295 |
||||
MILLBURN PS |
421 |
415 | 419 | 412 | 420 | 421 |
||||
KILREA PS |
101 |
104 | 101 | 102 | 93 | 93 |
||||
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