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.

Friday 21 September 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

Development of the Maze Site

Mr David McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to advise on the current status of the interest of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) in moving to the proposed Maze development site; and, if the interest is confirmed to be of a positive nature, if he can confirm that the RUAS's intention would be to include in its plans provision for an international competition area for promoting equestrian sports events.

(AQW 1/08)

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness): In March 2007 the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) reaffirmed their interest in moving to the proposed Maze development site, and in particular the possible purchase of the area identified as the rural excellence zone in the Maze/Long Kesh Masterplan. This will be a matter between RUAS and potential Development Partners and OFMDFM cannot at this stage confirm the RUAS’s intentions as regards an international competition area for promoting equestrian sports events.

Northern Ireland Priorities and Budget 2006-08

Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail, broken down by government department, the objectives and targets stated in the Northern Ireland Priorities and Budget 2006-08 that remain incomplete at this stage; to give a timescale for their completion; to identify any which it is envisaged will not be completed by March 2008; and to outline the pressures causing difficulty in completion.

(AQW 26/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: A monitoring report on progress against the objectives and targets stated in the Northern Ireland Priorities and Budget document was carried out by the Department of Finance and Personnel in September 2006. With the restoration of Devolution, responsibility for monitoring progress has now reverted to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. OFMDFM officials are in the process of consulting with Departments to update progress against targets up to September 2007. It is expected that this report will be completed and available before the end of the year.

The Executive will set out its priorities for 2008 and beyond, including its objectives and targets, in its draft Programme for Government document which will be published later in the year.

Single Equality Bill

Mrs Dolores Kellyasked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the cost to the department and its agencies in relation to administration, staffing and consultations on work related to the Single Equality Bill, in each of the last seven years.

(AQW 36/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:

Year	Cost (£‘000s)	Year	Cost (£‘000s)
2000/01	Not available	2004/05	198.4
2001/02	96.1	2005/06	47.0
2002/03	182.3	2006/07	196.3
2003/04	233.9
		Total	954.0

The costs stated relate to expenditure on issues dealing specifically with single equality legislation. It has not been possible to extrapolate the cost of work undertaken by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland on legislative reform (including single equality legislation) as part of its statutory duty. This formed part of more comprehensive work on equality issues. Departmental costs directly associated with the progression of single equality legislation in 2000/01 were included in the Divisional spend and are not available separately.

Northern Ireland Executive

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it proposes to follow the example of the Scottish Executive, and change the name of the Northern Ireland Executive to the Northern Ireland Government.

(AQW 55/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: There are currently no plans to change the name of the Northern Ireland Executive to the Northern Ireland Government.

Attacks on Orange Halls

Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what assessment has been made of the impact of the recent spate of attacks on Orange Halls on the department's strategic objectives of promoting better community relations, a culture of equality and rights, and promoting social inclusion.

(AQW 82/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We totally deplore these acts and condemn utterly those people who carry out such attacks, which are a scourge on our society. We are totally committed to moving society forward; to make a real difference to the lives of all our people. We have already confirmed our commitment to challenging sectarianism and racism. We wish to see a future based on tolerance; equality; mutual respect and respect for the law. A monitoring and evaluation framework has been developed to assess the impact of good relations (including race relations) policies. The framework includes data on attacks on symbolic premises which include churches and chapels, GAA/AOH/Orange Halls and schools.

Efficiency Review Panel

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will commit to the early establishment of an efficiency review panel with the widest possible remit.

(AQO 2/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The establishment of the Efficiency Review Panel to examine efficiency and value for money of aspects of the Strand One institutions is an important issue which needs to be carefully considered.

We have given a commitment to consult with the Assembly and Executive Review Committee on our proposals for the establishment, remit and work programme of the Panel before bringing proposals to the Assembly for approval.

Historic Crime Investigation

Mr David Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to its answer to AQW 86/08, if it will list the times and dates of any interviews that have taken place between Ministers, officials and policy advisers and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, with reference to any historic crime investigation, since the First Minister and deputy First Minister affirmed the Pledge of Office on 8 May 2007.

(AQW 246/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: No such interviews have taken place.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Bovine Tuberculosis.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she will take in relation to her department's policy not to cull new-born or young calves born to cows that have been culled from a herd because they tested positive for bovine tuberculosis.

(AQW 32/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): A recent DARD Veterinary Epidemiology Unit report showed no evidence that the progeny of dams infected with tuberculosis are at a significantly higher risk of becoming infected with Tuberculosis than other cohort calves, unless there are specific risk factors in the herd.

However, if in the opinion of the Veterinary Officer the circumstances pertaining to the herd which has suffered a tuberculosis breakdown are such that the offspring should be classed as a disease risk, they will be removed, culled and compensation paid.

The Department has no legislative powers to pay compensation for the removal of calves for welfare reasons, so these animals must usually remain the responsibility of the herd keeper.

Beef Marketing

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will undertake to have locally-produced beef marketed as 'Irish beef'; and if she will give her assessment of Northern Ireland's attachment to the United Kingdom in relation to beef marketing.

(AQW 34/08)

Ms Gildernew: I believe it is in the best interests of the North’s beef industry to determine how best to position its products in the markets they serve and I will continue to support industry in this respect in order to achieve the best returns possible.

An International Image Group consisting of experienced representatives from export businesses in the North was established by my Department and DETI to oversee research into the image of the North’s food and drink in international markets.

The research found that ‘ Northern Ireland’ was underplayed and unknown but had potential for development. It also suggested that the North may be best served by being marketed as part of the island of Ireland in international markets. However, to gain optimum advantage of its unique position, the Image Group felt that the North’s agri-food industry should utilise all options at its disposal, and, depending on the market and customer, market itself as NI, island of Ireland or UK.

Ultimately however, labelling will be determined by two areas: Legislation and the marketplace.

You will be aware that the EU beef labelling Regulations require the name of the member state or third country (i.e. country outside the EU), where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered, to be recorded on the label. Because of this requirement, all beef from the North is labelled as UK beef and, as this information is compulsory, I have no latitude to deviate from these requirements. However, these Regulations also contain a voluntary scheme which provides scope to have other claims about beef, approved for use on the label. Claims in relation to the region in which the animal was born/reared etc. require approval under this part of the beef labelling rules. This scheme has proved very worthwhile for local processors in marketing beef and more than 50 claims are currently approved.

The Food Strategy Implementation Partnership, currently under the chairmanship of Dan Flinter, past CEO of Enterprise Ireland, have recommended that NI should have a cohesive Food Development entity to represent all food sectors in NI. If this recommendation was implemented (it is currently being considered), then NI would have a single voice that could interact with An Bord Bia on joint development in international markets.

We are fortunate in that products from the North of Ireland are sold in a wide range of markets and, as such, branding is tailored for specific markets in a manner that optimises the benefit of the North’s multiple identity.

Biofuels

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what measures she has introduced to promote the growth of crops for use as biofuels; and if she proposes to introduce any additional measures in the near future.

(AQW 53/08)

Ms Gildernew: Currently, the growth of crops for use as biofuels, is promoted by DARD under the EU Aid for Energy Crops Scheme. Aid of €45 per hectare is payable for all crops used for the production of energy products, with the exception of those grown on set-aside land. Crops eligible under the Scheme, which may be used in the production of biofuels, include oilseed rape, sugar beet and hemp.

The scheme, although modest in terms of its rate of payment, does represent an additional incentive and income stream for those growers contemplating renewable energy crops. There have been a small number of applicants in relation to growing crops specifically for production of biodiesel.

However the farm-gate price for cereals will make the growing of these crops a greater attraction to the arable sector than the growing of energy crops.

There are no plans to introduce additional measures to support the growth of crops for use as biofuels in the near future.

However, College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) are continuing to raise awareness of renewable technologies and efficiencies to the land based sector by way of continued training and technology transfer.

Tree Coverage

Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of tree coverage across Northern Ireland; and to outline how this compares with the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 97/08)

Ms Gildernew: The North of Ireland contributes 86,000 Ha which represents 6.3% of the total surface area. Tree cover for Britain is 2,743,000 Ha which represents 12.0% of the surface area of Britain. This comprises 1,337,000 ha in Scotland (17.1% of surface area of Scotland); 1,121,000 ha in England (8.6% of surface area of England); and 285,000 ha in Wales (13.7% of surface area of Wales).

Proposed Staff Reductions

Mr Trevor Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will advise what financial savings will be made in relation to the proposed staff reductions in each of her department's three Rural Development Offices in Ballymena, Newry and Omagh, to make way for a centralised Rural Development Payments Unit in Dundonald House; and if she will detail the proposed staffing numbers, grades and costs of this new unit.

(AQW 149/08)

Ms Gildernew: Firstly there will be no savings made “to make way for” a centralised Rural Development Payments Unit in Dundonald House.

Financial savings made in relation to the proposed staff reductions in the three Rural Development Offices are:

Omagh Office £250k
Ballymena Office £406k
Newry Office £242k

The staffing numbers, grades and costs of the Payments Unit are

Number	Grade	Cost
1	Staff Officer	£37k
2	EOI	£67k
2.6	EOII	£70k
4.	AO	£98k
9.6		£272k

It is worth noting that the unit has been running since January 2007.

The Department would not be opposed to the dispersal of Civil Service posts and this is something we may look at in the future.

Rural Development Payments Unit

Mr Trevor Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will detail the consultation that took place with rural stakeholders prior to the decision to establish a new centralised Rural Development Payments Unit in Dundonald House, with particular reference to those stakeholders who will be most affected by the new arrangements, e.g. funding beneficiaries.

(AQW 157/08)

Ms Gildernew: Staff were made aware and there has been consultation with the Trade Union NIPSA. Other than this there was no requirement to consult with stakeholders because the decision has no relation to any central policy on decentralisation by government; no jobs are being lost, nor are there any policy changes involved.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Indigenous Artists

Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline any strategies and actions taken by his department to ensure that indigenous artists are able to tender to provide works of art via public procurement, with particular emphasis on the hospital sector.

(AQW 48/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): The Arts Council’s guidance on the commissioning of new artwork for the public realm, including integrated art commissions in healthcare environments, is that an open competition process should be adopted. This guidance is articulated in the Arts Council’s ‘Public Art Handbook’. Competitions are advertised in the main all-Ireland arts journals, websites and e-bulletins. These publications are well known by indigenous practising artists as the main sources for learning about commissioning opportunities.

The Arts Council also financially supports Visual Artists Ireland to perform the role of a support vehicle to enable indigenous artists to develop their practices and keep informed about new opportunities.

Procurement of art works for the hospital sector is a matter for the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. However I am advised that current procedures for the commissioning of artwork for integration into health projects are implemented by the Health and Social Care Trusts in whose areas the project is located.

The Health and Social Services Trusts take advice from the Health Estates Agency, the Centre for Procurement Expertise for capital projects in the Health and Social Services sector.

The process involves public advertisement seeking expressions of interest from artists. Advertisements are usually placed in an arts journal with a wide distribution as recommended by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Creative Media Sector

Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will outline his department's strategies to promote partnership working within the creative media sector in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 117/08)

Mr Poots: My Department leads on the over-arching strategy for Creativity and the Creative Industries and chairs an Inter-departmental Creativity Group in partnership with the Departments of Education, Employment & Learning, Enterprise, Trade & Investment and Invest NI.

A Creative Industries Working Group, comprising representatives from government Departments, Invest NI, Belfast City Council, NESTA and the University of Ulster was set up to enable the industry, government and academia to work in partnership to produce an action based plan to develop and support the creative industries in Northern Ireland. This work is in progress.

My Department is working closely with Invest NI, which is developing a strategy for the growth of the digital content sector in Northern Ireland, which will include the development of networks, partnerships and clusters.

My Department is also supporting work by DETI, Invest NI and the Special EU Programmes Body to develop a creative industries support programme, in which partnerships and creative media will feature.

Creative Media Sector

Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will outline his department's strategies to promote partnership working between the creative media sector in Northern Ireland and the creative industry in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.

(AQW 120/08)

Mr Poots: My Department maintains contact with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on its Creative Economy Programme, which aims to make the UK the world’s leading creative hub.

We are in liaison with the Scottish Executive and Scottish Arts Council on their respective strategies for the creative industries and have met officials from the Dundalk Institute which is working in partnership with the University of Ulster on a project to develop a ‘digital corridor’ for Ireland’s eastern seaboard .

My Department is also supporting work by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Invest NI and the Special EU Programmes Body to develop a creative industries support programme, involving creative businesses in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Western Scotland.

IFA Income

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail Irish Football Association's income from the sale of shirts and other merchandise, for each of the last three years.

(AQW 150/08)

Mr Poots: The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) does not retain information on the Irish Football Association’s income from the sale of shirts and other merchandise. This is a matter for the Irish Football Association.

Shortfall in National Lottery Funding

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what remedial measures are being taken to address the shortfall in funding caused by the National Lottery's decision to transfer £42 million of funding from Northern Ireland to the London Olympics.

(AQW 197/08)

Mr Poots: Policy and legislation in respect of the National Lottery is a reserved matter with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as the lead Department in Whitehall.

I have not made an assessment of potential job losses or projects that are at risk in the community, arts and sport sectors due to the National Lottery’s decision to transfer £42million of funding from Northern Ireland to the London Olympics.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is making bids for funding, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, to support the development of sport and the arts in Northern Ireland. These bids will seek to take account of reductions of funding resulting from prioritisation of lottery spending on the London Olympics.

The Olympics will also provide modest funding opportunities for cultural and arts projects associated with the Cultural Olympiad. I would be keen to see arts organisations make the most of these opportunities when they arise.

In relation to community groups the Big Lottery Fund has made a public commitment that, providing forecasts of Lottery income are maintained, current funding programmes to community groups will not be materially affected by the diversion of funds to the Olympics. The Fund advises that its undertaking to provide 60-70% of its funding to the voluntary and community sector will be unaffected.

DCMS has recently confirmed that an agreement has been reached with the Mayor of London under which DCMS should, in time, be able to refund the £675m additional contribution to the Lottery Distributors throughout the UK. It is hoped that this will come from the proceeds of Olympic Park land sales post-2012.

Shortfall in National Lottery Funding

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what assessment he has made of potential job losses in the community, arts and sport sectors, due to the National Lottery's decision to transfer £42 million of funding from Northern Ireland to the London Olympics.

(AQW 198/08)

Mr Poots: Policy and legislation in respect of the National Lottery is a reserved matter with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as the lead Department in Whitehall.

Shortfall in National Lottery Funding

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what assessment he has made of projects that are at risk in the community, arts and sport sectors due to the National Lottery's decision to transfer £42 million of funding from Northern Ireland to the London Olympics.

(AQW 199/08)

Mr Poots: Policy and legislation in respect of the National Lottery is a reserved matter with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as the lead Department in Whitehall.

World Pipe Band Championships

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answers to AQW 1262/07 and 1264/07, if he would provide an update on efforts by his department to bring the World Pipe Band Championships to Northern Ireland.

(AQW 206/08)

Mr Poots: I met with representatives of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association on 25 th July to discuss the opportunities for hosting the World Pipe Band Championships in Northern Ireland.

Following this, officials are liaising with representatives of the Northern Ireland Events Company, Ulster Scots Agency and Arts Council of Northern Ireland to take this forward.

Irish Football Association Salaries

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the total salaries of the Irish Football Association's Chief Executives and Directors, for each of the last three years.

(AQW 297/08)

Mr Poots: The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) does not retain information on the total salaries of the Irish Football Association’s Chief Executives and Directors for each of the last three years. This is a matter for the Irish Football Association.

Education

All-Island Centre of Excellence for Children with Autism

Mr John McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail whether a business plan was in place when her predecessor announced, in April 2002, the decision to establish an all-island centre of excellence for children with autism at Middletown; and if she will place a copy of this business plan in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 7/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): An Economic Appraisal for a Centre of Excellence for Autism Disorder at Middletown was approved in September 2001 and in place when an announcement was made in April 2002. Copies of this appraisal were placed in the Assembly Library in August 2005.

All-Island Centre of Excellence for Children with Autism

Mr John McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail whether a new or updated business plan was in place in June 2004, when the former St. Joseph's Adolescent Centre in Middletown was purchased by a holding company funded by her department; and if she will place a copy of the business plan in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 10/08)

Ms Ruane: The Economic Appraisal, which was in place for the Middletown Centre for Autism in June 2004 when the Holding Company purchased the former St. Joseph’s Adolescent Centre, was that approved in September 2001. A revised Economic Appraisal was completed and approved in July 2006. This updated Economic Appraisal was placed in the Assembly Library on 12 February 2007.

The Bain Report

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the expenditure of each Education and Library Board in relation to the implementation of the Bain Report.

(AQW 11/08)

Ms Ruane: The Bain Report sets out 61 recommendations covering a wide range of education issues, including funding, strategic planning of the schools estate, and sharing and collaboration. Some of the recommendations require further consideration and detailed work and consultation and it should be possible to progress others as part of the Department’s and education authorities’ existing responsibilities. It is too early at this stage to identify savings and expenditures associated directly with implementation of the Report.

The Bain Report

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools that have been closed, to date, as a direct result of the recommendations of the Bain Report.

(AQW 12/08)

Ms Ruane: The Bain Report was published in December 2006. Since then development proposals have been approved to close nine primary schools, two post-primary schools and one special school. The relevant school authorities had commenced work on each of these proposals in advance of the publication of the report.

The Bain Report

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the savings made as a result of implementation of the recommendations of the Bain Report.

(AQW 13/08)

School Closures

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to list the schools earmarked to close in the current financial year.

(AQW 14/08)

Ms Ruane: The following closures have been approved for the current financial year:

Controlled
	Mount Gilbert Community College closed 31 August 2007.
	Eglish PS, Dungannon and Tullymacarette PS, Dromore closed 31 August 2007.
	Ballyduff PS, Newtownabbey closed 31 August 2007.
	Dungiven PS closed 31 August 2007.

Controlled (Contd)

Groomsport PS, Charley Memorial PS, Drumbo PS, Hillhall PS and Lambeg PS closed 31 August 2007.

Crossgar PS and Drumaghlis PS closed to form a new school on the Crossgar PS site at 1/09/2007

Maintained

St Mary’s PS, Ballygowan and St Joseph’s High School, Plumbridge closed 31 August 2007.

All Saints PS, St Joseph’s PS, St Louis’ PS and St Mary’s PS, Ballymena closed to form 2 new schools at 1/09/2007

St Joseph ’s PS, Poyntzpass and St James’ PS, Tandragee closed to form a new school on the St Joseph’s site at 1/09/2007.

Irish Medium Unit at St Patrick’s Primary School Gortin, closed 31 August 2007.

Special Schools

Lindsay Hospital School, Forster Green Hospital, Belfast closed 31 August 2007.

Beechgrove, Dunfane and Loughan Special Schools, Ballymena closed to form a new school at 1/09/2007 using existing accommodation pending the building of a new school.

Nursery Schools
	Ballycastle Nursery School closed to be replaced by a nursery unit at Ballycastle Primary School at 1/09/2007.

In addition, a development proposal for the amalgamation of St Joseph’s PS, Ahoghill and St Patrick’s PS, Aughtercloney was approved.

Single Education System

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of maintaining different education systems; and of the amount that could be saved by having a single education system for the whole of Northern Ireland.

(AQW 17/08)

Ms Ruane: Information is not available on the estimated costs of maintaining different education systems. The diversity of the education system reflects long established traditions and the principle of parental choice. The Review of Public Administration in education will introduce a common administrative structure for all schools here, but it will not introduce a single education system. Government will continue to support a diverse range of schools giving parents and young people a real choice in the type of education available to best meet their needs.

Unoccupied Desks

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the estimated annual savings associated with reducing the number of unoccupied desks in (i) controlled schools; (ii) maintained schools; (iii) integrated schools; and (iv) Irish language schools, by having one system of education in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 22/08)

Ms Ruane: The information is not available. Given the complexity of factors which impact upon enrolments at schools, and the varying costs of surplus places which can be unique to each school, the overall costs and savings would be difficult to quantify. The Review of Public Administration in education will introduce a common administrative structure for all schools here, but it will not introduce a single education system. Following the Bain Report, the improved planning of the schools’ estate will help to address the issue of surplus capacity.

Unoccupied Desks

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the estimated cost of unoccupied desks in (i) controlled schools; (ii) maintained schools; (iii) integrated schools; and (iv) Irish language schools, in each of the next five years.

(AQW 23/08)

Academic Selection

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the process that will be used to determine how much weight to give to public opinion when determining how pupils transfer from primary to secondary education.

(AQW 25/08)

Ms Ruane: I am continuing the search for a way forward on the issue of new arrangements for transfer from primary to post-primary education. I am not in favour of applying weights to different viewpoints, as I believe that the focus should be on the strength of arguments put forward and the interests of the children affected.

School Meals Contracts

Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last three years, the tendering process for the school meals contracts for catering equipment, including all companies that have tendered for the work; the total budget within the tenders; and the successful contractors, in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 27/08)

Ms Ruane: The information requested is not readily available in the requested format.

Light and heavy school meals catering equipment is purchased from five-Board negotiated contracts. The Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) administers the contracts for heavy equipment and the North-Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) is responsible for light equipment.

The contracts are advertised in the European Journal and the local press. The tenders are assessed by an Inter-Board panel of representatives from the Purchasing and Catering Managers and ratified by the relevant Board.

Since 2004 the following companies were involved in the tendering process:

LIGHT CATERING EQUIPMENT (VARIOUS ITEMS)
Accepted	Non-Accepted
A J Stuart & Co Ltd, Belfast Caterfreeze Products, Castlederg Cater-Quip Ltd, Belfast Chefs & Cooks, Newcastle Frazerton Ltd, Cullybackey, Ballymena Galgorm Hygiene, Ballymena Hygiene Plus Ltd, Mallusk, Newtownabbey McNeill Hotelware Ltd, Belfast P Nugent & Sons Ltd, Lurgan S.O.S. Group, Belfast T McLaughlin Ltd, Armagh	CEE, Ballymena EJ Hilditch, Belfast Eurolec, Dundalk David R Swann, Ballymena Incorporatewear, Birmingham Harfield, Stockport ECC, Belfast

Estimated expenditure in the NEELB area – £95,000

HEAVY CATERING EQUIPMENT
Accepted	Non-Accepted
Anchor Data Systems (NI) Ltd, Belfast Avery Berkel Ltd, Mallusk Catering Equipment Engineers Ltd, Antrim Cater-Quip Ltd, Belfast FF Foods Engineering Ltd, Portadown McKenna Catering, Ballymena Northern Ireland Food Equipment, Hillsborough O’Kane Foodservice, Lisburn P & P Business Equipment (NI) Ltd, Belfast Regent Business Equipment, Newtownards Retail Systems Technology Ltd, Eglington Stephens Catering Equipment Co Ltd, Ballymena The Galgorm Group, T/A McKenna Catering, Ballymena W & G Sissons Ltd, Chesterfield	A J Stuart & Co Ltd, Belfast Anchor Data Systems (NI) Ltd, Belfast Associated Metal (Stainless) Ltd, Glasgow Bunzl McLaughlin, Armagh Burlodge Ltd, Surbiton Catering Connections Limited, Alfreton Catering Equipment Engineers Ltd, Antrim Cater-Quip Ltd, Belfast Ce-Tech (Catering Equipment Technical Services), Ballymena Commercial Kitchen Services, Strabane D H Business Services, Comber DMC Catering Equipment Limited, Ballymena E.C.C (NI) Ltd, Belfast Falcon Foodservice Equipment, Stirling F F Food Engineering Ltd, Portadown Food Service Equipment Ltd, Belfast Harry Dunlop Refrigeration Europe, Ballymena H.R Holfeld ( Belfast) Limited, Lisburn Johnsons Catering Equipment, Mapperley Masser Hammond, Dublin Massey Catering Equipment, Moira McKenna Catering, Ballymena McLaughlin, Armagh Meiko UK Limited, Slough Metcalfe Catering Equipment Ltd, Blaenau Ffestiniog Northern Ireland Food Equipment, Hillsborough Northern Servequip Ltd, Lisburn P Nugent & Sons Ltd T/A Nugents, Lurgan Refrigeration Service, Lisburn Regent Business Equipment, Newtownards Retail Systems Technology Ltd, Eglinton Selecta UK Ltd, Belfast Stephens Catering Equipment Co Ltd, Ballymena Taurus Canopies & Fabrication, Belfast The Galgorm Group T/A McKenna Catering, Ballymena Viscount Catering Ltd, Ecclesfield

Information relating to expenditure on heavy equipment contracts in the NEELB could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Carrick Primary School, Warrenpoint

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the cause of the delay to progress on the construction of the approved primary school at Carrick, Warrenpoint; and what action she will take to have the project started.

(AQW 41/08)

Ms Ruane: I understand that after initial delays, planning for a new school for Carrick Primary School is now well advanced. Final sketch plans and costs were approved by the Department. A submission from the School Trustees setting out the contract document information and costs is now awaited. Once it is received and considered, and all the necessary statutory approvals have been granted, it is anticipated that tenders for the scheme could be sought in the autumn.

Free School Meals

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) primary; and (ii) secondary school children who have been entitled to free school meals, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 60/08)

Ms Ruane: Details on the number of school children entitled to free school meals plus the number taking school meals over the last five years are as follows:

Entitlement to Free School Meals

	Primary	Post-Primary
2002/03	35,672	31,818
2003/04	34,500	30,839
2004/05	32,805	30,399
2005/06	31,558	28,714
2006/07	30,130	27,320

Uptake of School Meals

	Primary	Post-Primary
2002/03	82,996	84,798
2003/04	81,780	84,455
2004/05	80,184	83,558
2005/06	74,295	82,064
2006/07	73,090	80,357

School Meals

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children who have taken school meals in (i) primary; and (ii) secondary schools, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 61/08)

Ms Ruane: Details on the number of school children entitled to free school meals plus the number taking school meals over the last five years are as follows:

Entitlement to Free School Meals

	Primary	Post-Primary
2002/03	35,672	31,818
2003/04	34,500	30,839
2004/05	32,805	30,399
2005/06	31,558	28,714
2006/07	30,130	27,320

Uptake of School Meals

	Primary	Post-Primary
2002/03	82,996	84,798
2003/04	81,780	84,455
2004/05	80,184	83,558
2005/06	74,295	82,064
2006/07	73,090	80,357

Cost of School Repairs

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail the estimated annual savings that having one education system for the whole of Northern Ireland would have on the cost of repairs to school buildings.

(AQW 68/08)

Ms Ruane: Information is not available on the difference it would make to the costs of repairs to buildings if we did not have a multi-sector education system.

School Repairs

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of repairs to school buildings in Northern Ireland (i) in total; and (ii) broken down by sector, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 69/08)

Ms Ruane: The expenditure information available does not distinguish between maintenance and repairs. The total cost of maintenance and repairs, and a breakdown of costs by sector, in each of the last five years is as follows:-

Expenditure on Maintenance and Repairs £’000

SECTOR

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

Controlled

Maintained*

Grant-Maintained
Integrated

Voluntary Grammar Schools

£25,095

£20,486

£391

£5,216

£22,990

£20,541

£586

£5,187

£13,973

£11,188

£546

£4,870

£10,708

£8,016

£642

£4,756

£11,191

£9,058

£598

£5,872

TOTAL

£51,188

£49,304

£30,577

£24,122

£26,719

*Including Irish Medium

Teaching Salaries

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of teachers' wages in Northern Ireland, (i) in total; and (ii) broken down by sector, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 70/08)

Ms Ruane: The cost of teachers’ wages in the North of Ireland, (i) in total; and (ii) broken down by sector, in each of the last five years is detailed in the attached table.

Sector	2002/2003	2003/2004	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007
Controlled	290,560,922.06	304,396,923.68	319,054,498.88	346,485,713.57	344,829,938.44
Controlled Integrated	7,127,882.35	8,064,340.18	8,921,327.56	10,052,753.83	10,187,103.46
Grant Maintained	23,568,034.08	25,708,174.31	27,943,316.42	32,008,979.91	33,934,935.27
Maintained	240,034,534.96	248,695,927.09	258,443,314.11	282,141,152.81	281,149,108.42
Other Maintained	2,512,488.84	2,818,389.17	2,840,231.54	3,150,402.61	3,194,483.56
Irish Medium	5,166,021.80	5,758,244.14	6,175,341.03	7,153,525.24	7,490,447.94
Total	568,969,884.09	595,441,998.57	623,378,029.54	680,992,527.97	680,786,017.09

Single Education System

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail the estimated saving in relation to expenditure on teachers' wages, by having one education system in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 71/08)

Teaching of Theories Other Than Evolution

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 928/07, under the revised curriculum, to detail the teaching materials that will be made available to teachers in Northern Ireland wishing to teach scientific theories of origins other than evolution.

(AQW 73/08)

Ms Ruane: It is up to schools to decide what teaching resources they wish to use to deliver the curriculum, in accordance with the needs of their pupils and the ethos of the school. A range of organisations produce teaching materials that schools can choose to avail of.

Teaching of Theories Other Than Evolution

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 928/07, under GCSE science specifications allowing for the explanation of theories other than evolution to explore the development of life on earth, what resource material will be made available to teachers wishing to explore other such scientific explanations with pupils.

(AQW 74/08)

Teaching of Theories Other Than Evolution

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 928/07, if she will confirm that pupils who answer examination questions outlining (i) creationist; or (ii) intelligent design explanations for the development of life on earth, will not be marked lower than any pupil who answers giving an evolutionist explanation.

(AQW 75/08)

Ms Ruane: I am not involved in the setting or marking of public examinations. I am informed by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment that public examinations are based on specifications which form the basis for teaching and learning throughout the two years of Key Stage 4. These stem from criteria agreed across the Regulatory Authorities. However, not every area of a specification lends itself equally well to an examination question. Therefore every pupil’s examination answers are marked solely in accordance with the awarding body’s Mark Scheme for the relevant question.

The Mark Scheme sets out the range of answers and valid alternatives that pupils have to include in their answer to gain marks for it. The number of marks a pupil receives for any answer will therefore depend on how well their answer matches the Mark Scheme.

Teaching of Theories Other Than Evolution

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 928/07, what training will be given to teachers to help them to explore scientific explanations for the development of life on earth, other than evolution.

(AQW 76/08)

Ms Ruane: Teachers are currently involved in a phased programme of training to support the introduction of the revised curriculum. Any in-service training for teachers follows the requirements of the statutory curriculum and GCSE specifications which do not include any specific reference to alternative explanations of the origins of life. The Education and Library Boards have not received requests from any school or teacher for support on this issue.

Complaints of Child Sexual Abuse

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of complaints of child sexual abuse by teachers that have been made in each education sector, for each year for which there are records; and to detail the number of teachers in each sector against whom these allegations were made.

(AQW 77/08)

Ms Ruane: The Department does not collect this information from schools.

Where a complaint is made about a member of staff and is pursued either as a formal referral to the investigating agencies or under the school’s disciplinary procedures, a short summary must be entered by the Principal on a Record of Child Abuse Complaints. The summary must include:

The date and brief details of the nature of the complaints;
By whom and against whom the complaint is made;
If the complaint was formally referred, to whom it was referred and the date of referral; and
If the complaint was dealt with under the school’s disciplinary procedure.

The school’s Record of Child Abuse Complaints must be made available to the Board of Governors termly but at least annually. The Education and Training Inspectorate will ask to see the Record during inspections.

The Department only becomes involved if the employer decides to make a referral to us following disciplinary action or when the Department is notified that the individual has been convicted of a specified offence, not necessarily of a sexual nature. The Department will then consider whether or not to include the name on its list of persons unsuitable to teach or work with children.

Academic Selection

Mr Basil McCrea asked the Minister of Education what methods she is considering in relation to the transfer arrangements between primary and post-primary schools for the academic year 2009/10; and to indicate when she expects to make an announcement on her final decision.

(AQW 84/08)

Ms Ruane: The current transfer arrangements will still apply for the 2009/10 cohort. For transfer from 2010/11 onwards I intend bringing forward proposals that are capable of attracting widespread support. The ways in which this might be achieved are currently under consideration. I am not prepared to be rushed into making a decision unless it is the right decision for the children affected.

Local Business Needs

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education what priority she has given to ensuring that Northern Ireland's education system meets the needs of local businesses.

(AQW 91/08)

Ms Ruane: The revised curriculum focuses on developing the skills young people need for life and work in the 21st century. Employability, incorporating Entrepreneurship, is also an important part of the revised post-primary curriculum.

In addition, the Entitlement Framework will guarantee all pupils access to a greater range of vocational courses, equipping them with the professional and technical skills that business and industry needs. Pupils will be able to access courses appropriate to their individual needs, interests and aspirations, providing a wider choice at age 14 and an even wider choice at age 16.

To support pupils in making their choices and decisions about their futures, we are working to develop high quality careers education, information advice and guidance.

All of this will be set within a broader strategic framework for 14-19 provision, on which DE and DEL are currently engaged, ensuring that our young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to take their place in an increasingly global workforce.

Educational Welfare Officers

Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Education if she will explain why educational welfare officers with social work qualifications are not paid the same salary as social workers in the health service.

(AQW 95/08)

Ms Ruane: This is an employer matter.

The Education and Libraries Boards, as the employers, have advised that the grading of Education Welfare Officers is largely determined by a national and agreed process of Job Evaluation. This process takes account of a range of factors relating to the job including supervisory responsibility, creativity, contacts, decision making , knowledge and skills (including qualification), and work context and is regarded as much fairer than a determination solely based on qualification.

Staff employed in the Health and Social Services are engaged under different terms and conditions of service from staff in the Education and Library boards, Councils and other NJC employers - (a full list of these employers is contained in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government,etc)(Modification) Order (Northern

Ireland )1999 - and salaries and gradings are agreed through an entirely different negotiating machinery as indeed is the case for teachers .

Children Attending Grammar School in North Down

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children attending a grammar school in the North Down constituency, who were living outside the constituency, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 111/08)

Ms Ruane: The information requested is as follows:

Year	Children attending a grammar school in North Down who lived outside North Down constituency
2002/03	484
2003/04	459*
2004/05	546
2005/06	550
2006/07	560

Note:
* Postcoded data for Bangor Grammar were not available for 2003/04.

Free Transport Expenditure

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the expenditure on providing free transport for grammar school students who resided in the North Down constituency, but attended school outside the constituency, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 112/08)

Ms Ruane: The South-Eastern Education and Library Board has confirmed that the following expenditure was incurred transporting Grammar School pupils out of the North-Down constituency:

Year	Expenditure
2003/04	£228,160
2004/05	£249,944
2005/06	£258,416
2006/07	£277,760

* This information is not available prior to 2003/04

Children from North Down Attending Grammar School Outside North Down

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children living in the North Down constituency, who attended a grammar school outside the constituency, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 113/08)

Ms Ruane: The information requested is as follows:

Year	Children from North Down attending a grammar school outside North Down constituency
2002/03	1,316
2003/04	1,251
2004/05	1,209
2005/06	1,161
2006/07	1,142

Bus Passes

Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of bus passes that were issued to school children in the postcode district of BT29 4XX (Crumlin/Glenavy area) for the forthcoming academic year of 2007/2008; and to detail the total amount that this cost.

(AQW 116/08)

Ms Ruane: The North-Eastern Education and Library Board has confirmed that it has not received any applications for home to school transport assistance for 2007/08 from families residing in the postcode district of BT29 4XX. As such, no expenditure has been incurred in this area.

Expenditure on Business Education

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's expenditure on business education; and to provide a breakdown of the funding received by the various providers.

(AQW 129/08)

Ms Ruane: It is not possible to provide a breakdown of all expenditure on business education as many schools, particularly in the post-primary sector, will use funding from their delegated budgets to support business education. However, my department does hold a specific business education budget and I can advise that, in 2006-07, expenditure from that budget totalled £826,000.

That expenditure represents allocations made in support of a range of business education interventions, including those delivered by external organisations, as follows:

Charter Work Experience	£118,000
Foyle School and Employer Connections	£100,000
Business Education Partnerships	£88,000
Consultancy Study	£20,000
Sentinus	£400,000
CCEA Employability Pilots	£100,000
Total	£826,000

Business Strategy Unit

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education to outline the work that will be done by the Business Strategy Unit in the future; and to detail how this will link with employability and careers education in the curriculum.

(AQW 130/08)

Ms Ruane: The Business Education Strategy Unit will continue to be involved in identifying, implementing and evaluating policy approaches designed to ensure better co-ordination between education and the world of work. It will also be involved in work to ensure a coherent approach to the delivery of the curriculum to young people, especially in the 14-19 age groups, and to ensure that young people leave school equipped with the literacy, numeracy and ICT skills that employers need and ready to play their full part in the local economy.

The unit is already working closely with its colleagues in the Department for Employment and Learning to develop a new strategy for Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) designed to support pupils in making their choices and decisions about their futures. That strategy will reflect the direction of the revised curriculum and will be designed to develop effective career decision makers, leading to increased participation in education, training and employment. It will also ensure that business-related issues such as employability and work related learning are central themes.

Careers Education

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail how her department will work with the Department for Employment and Learning to ensure that there is a coherent strategy for careers education.

(AQW 131/08)

Ms Ruane: My Department already works very closely with the Department for Employment and Learning on a wide range of issues. Our joint work to develop a new strategy for Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is a good example of this.

The overall aim of the proposed CEIAG strategy is to develop young people as effective career decision makers leading to increased participation in education, training and employment.

The joint DE/DEL Strategy will issue for consultation in early October – the Education Committee will receive advance copies for information and will be consulted again once responses have been received and analysed by both DE/DEL.

All of this will be set within a broader strategic framework for 14-19 provision, on which DE and DEL are currently engaged, with the aim of ensuring that our young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to take their place in an increasingly global workforce.

Teaching of Theories of Origins Other Than Evolution

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 928/07, if she will confirm that, under the revised curriculum, teachers wishing to do so may teach theories of origins other than evolution as credible scientific explanations in science class.

(AQW 135/08)

Ms Ruane: The Department of Education does not tell teachers how to teach. The revised curriculum sets out the statutory minimum to be covered and the learning outcomes to be focused on. It provides greater flexibility for teachers to tailor provision for their pupils and greater opportunities for creationist views to be explored, particularly in the context of the exploration of other beliefs and viewpoints. Pupils and parents can inform how the delivery of the curriculum in their school accommodates that exploration through the Board of Governors.

Teaching of Theories of Origins Other Than Evolution

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 928/07, if, under the revised curriculum, (i) pupils may request on behalf of themselves; and (ii) parents may request on behalf of their children, that they are taught theories of origin other than evolution as credible scientific explanations in science classes.

(AQW 136/08)

Hygienic Drinking Water

Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to issuing guidance to individual schools and local education authorities on the availability of hygienic drinking water facilities for pupils.

(AQW 161/08)

Ms Ruane: The Department of Education’s New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches and Other Food in Schools which issued to all grant-aided schools in June 2007 state that pupils should have easy access at all times to free, fresh drinking water. In addition, the Department ensures that fresh water dispensers are located in appropriate circulating areas within a school. Also, as drinking water is no longer permitted in school toilets, water fountains located in these areas are removed.

Newborn Hearing Screening Programme

Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Education if she will give an update on her department's input into the development of an inter-departmental strategy on early years support services for deaf children identified through the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, introduced in 2005.

(AQW 171/08)

Ms Ruane: Under the auspices of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) Steering Group, the Department of Education (DE) commissioned an audit of existing provision in relation to the impact of the NHSP on Educational Services for the Hearing Impaired. The key findings of the DE Audit, which was completed in March 2006, indicate that existing Education and Library Boards Hearing Impaired Services can cope with an increased demand. DE has asked the education and library boards to continue to keep the resources required for the impact of the NHSP under review.

Funding for Sports Coaching in Schools

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education, in light of her recent announcement that the Irish Football Association and the Gaelic Athletic Association are to receive funding for sports coaching in schools, if she will make a statement on co-operation between her department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in this regard.

(AQW 177/08)

Ms Ruane: My Ministerial colleague Edwin Poots and I both know from work within our departments the positive impact a healthy lifestyle can have for young people in many areas, such as their mental health, and their development across the curriculum. It is this curricular benefit which provided the starting point for my sports programme, which will take place within school hours to support the PE curriculum, and tie-in to other curricular areas. Clearly there are wider links which will grow over time and this is why I wrote to Edwin Poots at an early stage about the programme.

Both the curriculum sports programme and the draft Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation recognise the importance of physical literacy skills, especially when developed at a young age. There are exciting opportunities within the Departments of Education and Culture, Arts and Leisure to make a real difference to young people’s lives through sports, and I look forward to seeing the benefits on the ground coming through from the work of both departments.

Academic Selection

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of grammar schools that have indicated to her that they will break away from the main education system rather than accept the ending of academic selection.

(AQW 219/08)

Ms Ruane: I have received no direct communication indicating the number of grammar schools that are considering independent arrangements if agreement can not be reached on new admissions arrangements for the transfer of children from primary to post-primary education from September 2010 onwards.

Academic Selection

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education how many appeals of transfer test results there have been in each of the past five years; and how many of these resulted in legal action.

(AQW 221/08)

Ms Ruane: The number of requests for a re-mark of Transfer Test grades for each of the last five years is recorded in the table below, along with the number of occasions that a grade has been revised upwards. Downward revisions are not permitted. There are no legal actions to report in relation to these figures.

Year	Pupils Sitting The Transfer Test	Requests for a Re-Mark	Up-Grades
2006/07	14,944	1,157	3
2005/06	15,255	1,144	2
2004/05	15,373	1,095	0
2003/04	15,716	1,007	3
2002/03	16,537	1,352	2

Literacy and Numeracy Levels

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to detail her strategy for ensuring that no child leaves primary school with levels of literacy and numeracy that fall below her own targets.

(AQO 9/08)

Ms Ruane: I am determined to improve standards of literacy and numeracy. It is important for me that all children leave school with the appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy. It is the essential basis of their future lives as citizens and as contributors to social and economic progress.

From this September the revised curriculum is being introduced in our schools. I think this is an exciting development, bringing in a more flexible curriculum which is right for our young people and which has literacy and numeracy at its very core. Schools should understand the focus on these skills and use the methods available to them to focus on raising standards in these areas. The revised curriculum provides the opportunity for teachers to focus on skills development as well as on knowledge and understanding.

I intend bringing forward a range of measures in the coming months designed to support schools in bringing about improved outcomes for children. These include a revised school improvement policy; a revised literacy and numeracy strategy; and a targeted intervention programme focused initially on raising achievement levels in low attaining schools in Belfast and Derry.

In addition, the policy proposals emerging from the review of special educational needs and inclusion will be issued for public consultation early next year. They too are intended to support, and be an integral part of, our work to raise standards and to ensure that every child reaches his or her full potential.

In relation to literacy and numeracy targets the targets for 2007 were achieved in 2006. Our targets for 2008 are for 80% of primary school children to be at the expected level in English and 83% in Maths. Targets beyond 2008 and the strategy for achieving them will be set out in the revised Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.

Dickson Plan

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement on the Craigavon-based Dickson Plan for education.

(AQO 85/08)

Ms Ruane: I note that the arrangements currently operating in the Craigavon-based Dickson Plan are well established. Research into the impact of the Dickson Plan published in 1998 produced inconclusive findings.

Bullying

Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister of Education what steps have been taken to tackle the problem of bullying in schools.

(AQO 101/08)

Ms Ruane: Bullying behaviour has no place in our schools and I mean bullying in all its forms – pupil on pupil, staff on staff, pupil on staff and staff on pupil. Its presence is not conducive to a positive learning environment and must be tackled.

In tackling the pupil on pupil aspect of bullying the following specific steps have been taken: -

All schools are required by law to have measures in place to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. The detail of the policy is a matter for each school to determine, in consultation with pupils and parents.

The Department has issued guidance to schools on developing measures to address bullying. Racist, homophobic and sectarian bullying has been specifically identified as forms of behaviour to be tackled.

The effectiveness of a school’s anti-bullying measures is monitored through the regular cycle of school inspections of pastoral care arrangements. The Inspectorate seeks the views of parents and pupils on how effectively school staff deal with bullying as part of these inspections.

The Department published the research report on “The Nature and Extent of Bullying in Schools in the North of Ireland” in June. The findings show little change in the level of bullying behaviour reported by pupils compared to an earlier study completed in 2002. Regardless, the research confirms that although the problem of bullying appears no worse, the problem still remains, and must be tackled.

Following this report, the Department will be carrying out a survey of schools’ anti-bullying policies drawing on the expertise and experience of the local Anti-Bullying Forum and NICCY. The results will be published and used to inform future action.

The elimination of bullying behaviour from all schools is a long term aspiration and requires a sustained programme of co-operative working across all statutory and voluntary agencies to support schools. This is facilitated through the local Anti-bullying Forum. The Forum has also established formal links with similar bodies in the South, England, Wales and Scotland.

The Education and Library Boards have established an Inter-Board Group, which is developing a common approach to tackle bullying in schools. Each Board has a designated officer who works with schools to tackle bullying through assisting in the development of whole school policies and supporting individual pupils who have been victims of bullying.

The Department funds Childline NI to provide a dedicated anti-bullying telephone helpline for pupils and young people.

The independent schools’ counselling service is now available in all grant aided post-primary schools allowing pupils to speak to a trained counsellor about their concerns or fears around bullying.

Substitute Teachers

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in reducing the number of teachers on the substitute teachers' roll, who have not yet been in full-time employment in teaching.

(AQO 17/08)

Ms Ruane: It is important to note that the substitute teachers’ register includes not only young teachers but teachers of all ages who wish to be employed on a substitute teacher basis, together with teachers who no longer wish to be full‑time members of the teaching profession. Figures obtained from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for June 2007 show that 240 job seeker allowance claimants specified teaching as the occupation sought, of which 72 were under age 30.

The Department recognises the impact which demography is having, and will have, on the number of teachers that we need here. We need to get the balance right between having a ready supply of appropriately qualified teachers and ensuring that, as with any career choice, young people have a realistic understanding of the factors affecting teacher recruitment levels. As part of that process, we have also reviewed and reduced approved intake numbers to the initial teacher education institutions by over 20% in the past three years. I will be keeping under review the number of initial teacher education places needed in future years to make sure that, in future, there is a better balance between supply and demand.

Teachers are highly qualified professionals and, as such, have skills that would prepare them for other jobs in related areas. For example, my sports and languages programmes for primary schools offer another means for newly qualified teachers to gain experience of working in a school.

It should also be recognised that teachers trained here have the opportunity to apply for teaching posts in the South of Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, where they are highly regarded.

The recruitment of teachers is the responsibility of teachers’ employers. However, the Department has issued guidance to employers advising them that preference should be given to newly qualified teachers and experienced non-retired teachers seeking employment. Schools have also been advised that they should recruit to vacancies on a permanent rather than a temporary basis unless the vacancy is clearly of a temporary nature. Furthermore, the capping of the levels of the central reimbursement of the costs of substitute cover also provides an incentive to employ newly qualified teachers.

Primary School Sports Coaches

Mr Francis Brolly asked the Minister of Education what the response has been to the scheme, developed in conjunction with the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Irish Football Association, for the provision of forty new posts for primary school sports coaches.

(AQO 93/08)

Ms Ruane: The response to this programme for sports coaches in primary schools has been very positive as people can see the real benefits this can have for our young people.

As you know both the GAA and IFA will be recruiting 20 coaches each to work with teachers in schools. There was a very good response to the GAA recruitment advert recently, and the IFA is also close to placing recruitment adverts. Schools are starting to ask how they get involved.

This programme provides an opportunity for pupils, including our youngest, to develop their physical literacy skills and supports development across the curriculum. It also supports teachers in developing their skills and confidence in delivering the PE curriculum.

Low Educational Attainment

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to address low educational attainment in Protestant inner-city areas of Belfast, and large re-location estate areas in towns surrounding Belfast.

(AQO 30/08)

Ms Ruane: I am determined that we will tackle under-achievement wherever it occurs, and in doing so am anxious that the debate on poverty and disadvantage does not become sectarianised. Our efforts must be targeted on the basis of objective need.

I shall therefore be bringing forward in the coming months a range of measures designed to support schools in bringing about improved outcomes for children. These will include a new school improvement policy; a new literacy and numeracy strategy; and a targeted intervention programme focused initially on raising achievement levels in low attaining schools in Belfast and Derry. I shall wish to consider rolling this out to other areas as evidence of success emerges.

Sustained Education Encouraging Diversity

Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Education what proposals exist to train teachers in the resources available from the Sustained Education Encouraging Diversity programme.

(AQO 62/08)

Ms Ruane: The Department is currently carrying out a ‘Review to Identify Teacher and Youth Worker Training Needs for Delivery of Community Relations in Schools.’ During this review all resources which are currently available will be considered and, on completion of the Review, the Department will be in a better position to determine future proposals.

However, currently schools can determine what resources they feel are appropriate for their teachers to utilise in addressing community relations.

Education Sectoral Meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education if the issues of educational psychology and school transport services will be on the agenda of the next education sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.

(AQO 94/08)

Ms Ruane: The next educational sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council is expected to take place in November 2007 and, while an agenda has yet to be agreed between the two Departments, we expect a wide ranging discussion of issues of mutual interest. The agenda will be advised to the Executive and the Assembly in due course.

Academic Selection

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of Education to indicate what progress has been made on a replacement selection procedure for the 11+; and in what academic year the replacement will be operational.

(AQO 29/08)

Ms Ruane: I am aware of the need to put in place suitable transfer arrangements in time for the cohort transferring from primary to post-primary education in 2010. As members are aware I am not in favour of selection on the basis of ability. I am conscious, however, of the need to engage with those who hold opposing views to determine new post-primary admissions arrangements for this cohort. I would stress that I am not prepared to be rushed into making a decision. The priority must be to make the right decision for the children affected, within a broader view of the shape and nature of post-primary education.

Cross-Border Enrolment

Ms Martina Anderson asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to take a regional cross-border view of the issue of pupil enrolment, whereby children can apply to enrol for the most suitable primary or post-primary school for them in their vicinity, even if it lies within another jurisdiction.

(AQO 100/08)

Ms Ruane: I personally consider that children should be able to attend their nearest suitable school, be that in the North or South of Ireland. That would be very much in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. There are obviously legal considerations, however, which have to be taken into account. The Department is currently subject to a Judicial Review which may include a consideration of this matter. I will reflect on any legal judgement and determine my response in due course.

Grammar Schools

Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Education to acknowledge the major contribution of grammar schools in putting Northern Ireland at the top of the United Kingdom's examinations results tables year after year; and what steps she is taking to identify, safeguard and extend the good educational practices in grammar schools that lie behind these results.

(AQO 31/08)

Ms Ruane: I readily acknowledge good teaching practice at any school, and the good results that have been produced by all types of school. There is no doubt that grammar schools have played their part by producing good results for the children they admit. I am determined to ensure that, over time, all schools are capable of delivering a good standard of education for their pupils, and increased levels of collaboration in support of the Entitlement Framework will add to the opportunities for the sharing of good practice.

Special Schools

Mr Alban Maginness asked the Minister of Education if she will introduce a change in legislation to allow special schools, who may wish to do so, to transform to integrated status.

(AQO 55/08)

Ms Ruane: There are specific reasons why the legislation prohibits Special Schools from attaining Integrated status. The current intake criteria to Special Schools are based on the special educational needs of each individual child. Integrated schools can include community background as an intake criterion in order to have a reasonable mix of children from each community background. This would mean that, if they were to be developed, Integrated Special Schools would allow some children to be admitted, or not, based on their religion rather than their educational needs.

Economic Benefit of Education

Mr Paul Maskey asked the Minister of Education to give her assessment of the role of education in delivering a strong economy.

(AQO 98/08)

Ms Ruane: Education is fundamental to delivering a strong economy and investment in education and skills is vital to achieving economic growth through higher rates of productivity and increased competitiveness. The importance of education to the economy is reflected in the education reforms which represent a fundamental refocusing of the work of schools in support of the economy.

The importance of the role of education has been recognised within the draft Regional Economic Strategy, where skills are identified as one of the four key drivers of productivity.

Priory College, Holywood

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education to report on the proposed new capital build for Priory College, Holywood.

(AQO 76/08)

Ms Ruane: The capital scheme for Priory College is one of six schemes that were put on hold following the review of capital projects, by the previous administration. These schemes are still being assessed by the Department and the position will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Additional Finances

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education what estimate she has made of the additional finances required by her department, in each of the next three years.

(AQO 53/08)

Ms Ruane: Additional finances required by the Department of Education in each of the next three years are estimated to be £401 million, £580 million and £682 million in each year respectively. The additional amounts sought will be considered by the Executive in the forthcoming Budget 2007 exercise.

Employment and Learning

Universities Admissions

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the latest published Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) figures on Northern Ireland student applications to universities in the United Kingdom.

(AQW 2/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): My Department has examined the figures published by UCAS on 19 July 2007 which showed a 5.5% fall in the number of NI domiciled students applying to UK institutions between 2006 and 2007 . This however needs to be set in the context of a decline in the school leaving age population. The latest estimates show that the number of 18 year olds in NI declined by 5.4 % over the last year.

Further provisional figures published by UCAS on 29 August 2007 show that there has been a 0.4% increase in the number of NI domiciled students accepted to UK institutions over the same period. My Department will continue to monitor UCAS figures as further information becomes available.

Higher Education Funding

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, following the restoration of devolution, what consideration he has given to conducting a fully independent review into higher education funding in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 15/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department works closely with the other UK funding bodies in an ongoing process of review and development of all aspects of higher education funding strategy, ensuring parity, where possible and appropriate, for institutions and students alike.

An independent review of the current student finance arrangements is planned to commence in 2008/09. This will inform the future shape of student finance arrangements in Northern Ireland and will be premised on the need to ensure we maintain world class institutions and secure equitable access to higher education for all who are able to benefit.

University Applications

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment he has made of the figures published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) on 19 July 2007, regarding applications by Northern Ireland domiciled students to institutions in the United Kingdom; and what consideration he has given to making changes to the funding package for students, based on the current level of applications.

(AQW 16/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has examined the figures published by UCAS on 19 July 2007 which showed a 5.5% fall in the number of NI domiciled students applying to UK institutions between 2006 and 2007 . This however needs to be set in the context of a decline in the school leaving age population. The latest estimates show that the number of 18 year olds in NI declined by 5.4 % over the last year.

Further provisional figures published on 29 August 2007, show that there has been a 0.4% increase in the number of NI domiciled students accepted to UK institutions over the same period. My Department will continue to monitor UCAS figures as further information becomes available.

A review of variable fees and student support arrangements is planned to commence in Academic Year 2008/2009. The review will take account of participation in higher education since the introduction of variable fees.

Further Education Enrolment

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of people who have been enrolled on courses in each of the Further Education Colleges; and to list the courses that have not met full enrolment capacity.

(AQW 78/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The table below provides the requested data for part 1 of the question for the period 2003/04 to 2005/06, the latest year for which data is currently available. The Department does not hold information pertaining to the courses that have not met full enrolment capacity.

Students enrolled at the Northern Ireland Further Education Colleges, 2003/04 – 2005/06

Academic Year	2003/04
Student Type	Vocational(Assessed provision)	Non-vocational (Non assessed provision)
Armagh College	2,876	1,302
Belfast Institute	19,810	9,137
Castlereagh College	4,361	2,390
Causeway Institute	2,992	1,575
East Antrim Institute	5,729	2,821
East Down Institute	4,891	2,493
East Tyrone College	3,369	5,844
Fermanagh College	7,305	2,489
Limavady College	2,704	1,558
Lisburn Institute	3,939	460
Newry & Kilkeel Institute	7,319	3,844
North Down & Ards Institute	7,831	3,058
North East Institute	5,744	2,769
North West Institute	12,997	3,576
Omagh College	3,628	1,771
Upper Bann Institute	6,308	4,381
Total	101,803	49,468

Academic Year	2004/05
Student Type	Vocational (Assessed provision)	Non-vocational (Non assessed provision)
Armagh College	3,494	1,556
Belfast Institute	20,902	8,050
Castlereagh College	4,556	2,739
Causeway Institute	3,665	1,991
East Antrim Institute	5,625	3,569
East Down Institute	4,684	2,034
East Tyrone College	3,782	6,276
Fermanagh College	6,634	3,189
Limavady College	3,193	1,599
Lisburn Institute	4,045	1,184
Newry & Kilkeel Institute	7,757	3,976
North Down & Ards Institute	8,604	2,464
North East Institute	6,337	3,196
North West Institute	12,319	3,362
Omagh College	4,643	1,635
Upper Bann Institute	6,737	4,365
Total	106,977	51,188

Academic Year	2005/06
Student Type	Vocational (Assessed provision)	Non-vocational (Non assessed provision)
Armagh College	3,379	1,247
Belfast Institute	22,478	9,853
Castlereagh College	4,695	3,010
Causeway Institute	3,884	2,155
East Antrim Institute	5,007	3,064
East Down Institute	4,102	1,826
East Tyrone College	3,126	6,414
Fermanagh College	4,817	2,280
Limavady College	3,322	1,537
Lisburn Institute	3,459	714
Newry & Kilkeel Institute	7,647	4,608
North Down & Ards Institute	7,775	2,387
North East Institute	6,617	2,526
North West Institute	12,217	3,803
Omagh College	5,398	2,347
Upper Bann Institute	6,327	3,459
Total	104,250	51,230

Further Education Colleges

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the financial cost of merging the Further Education Colleges into six bodies; and what financial savings have been achieved through the merger strategy.

(AQW 79/08)

Sir Reg Empey: While the colleges have merged formally from 1 August 2007, the restructuring process has only been completed at senior management levels. The wider re-organisation of the colleges will be implemented during the course of the current academic year. Therefore, a complete analysis of the financial cost and savings is not yet available.

It is anticipated that the costs associated with the college mergers, many of which will be one-off costs - for example IT and other restructuring costs, will be offset by efficiency savings in subsequent years.

Over 65s in Further Education

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the total number of people over the age of 65 who have enrolled on courses in each of the Further Education Colleges.

(AQW 80/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The tables below detail the requested data for the period 2003/04 to 2005/06, the latest year for which data is currently available.

Students aged 65 and over in the Northern Ireland FE Colleges 2003/04

College Reference	Vocational (assessed provision) Students	Non Vocational (Non assessed provision) Students	Total
Armagh College	37	97	134
Belfast Institute	656	2,518	3,174
Castlereagh College	100	618	718
Causeway Institute	77	284	361
East Antrim Institute	66	567	633
East Down Institute	184	437	621
East Tyrone College	34	983	1,017
Fermanagh College	84	246	330
Limavady College	21	278	299
Lisburn Institute	53	59	112
Newry & Kilkeel Institute	63	206	269
North Down & Ards Institute	288	411	699
North East Institute	86	180	266
North West Institute	149	265	414
Omagh College	22	83	105
Upper Bann Institute	166	1,076	1,242
Total	2,086	8,308	10,394

Friday 21 September 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

Development of the Maze Site

Northern Ireland Priorities and Budget 2006-08

Single Equality Bill

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:

Northern Ireland Executive

Attacks on Orange Halls

Efficiency Review Panel

Historic Crime Investigation

Agriculture and Rural Development

Bovine Tuberculosis.

Beef Marketing

Biofuels

Tree Coverage

Proposed Staff Reductions

Rural Development Payments Unit

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Indigenous Artists

Creative Media Sector

Creative Media Sector

IFA Income

Shortfall in National Lottery Funding

Shortfall in National Lottery Funding

Shortfall in National Lottery Funding

World Pipe Band Championships

Irish Football Association Salaries

Education

All-Island Centre of Excellence for Children with Autism

All-Island Centre of Excellence for Children with Autism

The Bain Report

The Bain Report

The Bain Report

School Closures

Single Education System

Unoccupied Desks

Unoccupied Desks

Academic Selection

School Meals Contracts

LIGHT CATERING EQUIPMENT (VARIOUS ITEMS)

Accepted

Non-Accepted

HEAVY CATERING EQUIPMENT

Accepted

Non-Accepted

Carrick Primary School, Warrenpoint

Free School Meals

Primary

Post-Primary

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

Primary

Post-Primary

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

School Meals

Primary

Post-Primary

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

Primary

Post-Primary

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

Cost of School Repairs

School Repairs

SECTOR

Friday 21 September 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

Grant-Maintained
Integrated