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

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY

Friday 12 October 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

Planning Appeals

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline the decision-making process for planning appeals, with specific reference to the role of each individual Commissioner responsible in making decisions on appeals, and the involvement of the Chief Commissioner in reaching such decisions.

(AQW 435/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness): The Planning Appeals Commission is a statutory appellate body established under Article 110 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 to decide a wide range of appeals against decisions of the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service and to report on various matters under planning and other legislation.

Given the independent tribunal status of the Commission, it is appropriate that the Chief Commissioner should provide a response regarding the information being sought and we understand he has written to you as follows.

"I have been asked to provide you with information requested in the above Assembly Question.

The process for determining planning appeals is set out in the Commissions publication, "Procedures for Planning Appeals", which is available on our website under "Publications". Please refer to paragraphs 6 and 46 to 48 of this document, which clearly explains our procedures.

The evidence presented in each appeal is considered by the appointed Commissioner who determines the appeal, if making an individual decision, or who reports to a group of not less than 4 Commissioners, if a collective decision is required. In the latter circumstances the appeal is determined by the majority of the group.

The Chief Commissioner is involved in appeals as an appointed Commissioner to determine appeals and also as a member of the collective decision-making group.

I would be happy to provide any further information you require arising out of this response or to meet with you to discuss the matter if that would be more suitable."

Planning Appeals

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the backlog of planning appeals at the end of August 2007, in (i) the Moyle District Council area; (ii) the Ballymena Borough Council area; and (iii) the Ballymoney Borough Council area; and to detail the number and percentage of these appeals that were successful in the 2006/07 year.

(AQW 480/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a statutory appellate body established under Article 110 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 to decide a wide range of appeals against decisions of the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service and to report on various matters under planning and other legislation.

Given the independent tribunal status of the Commission, we have asked the Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you. We understand the Commissioner has responded to you in the following terms:-

"I have been asked to reply to the above assembly question.

2006/07
Council Area	Backlog at 31 August 2007	No. of Decisions Made	No. Successful	% Successful
Moyle	35	11	3	27.3
Ballymena	145	38	14	36.8
Ballymoney	46	21	7	33.3

I would be happy to provide any further information you require arising out of this response or to meet with you to discuss the matter if that would be more suitable."

Gender Equality Strategy

Ms Jennifer McCann asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to indicate when a date will be set for a meeting between the Gender Equality Unit and the Gender Advisory Panel, in order to further the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy.

(AQW 550/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Unit plans to meet with the Gender Advisory Panel in November 2007 to take forward the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy.

Annual Remembrance Ceremonies

Mr Leslie Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what discussions it has had with the Royal British Legion in regard to this year's Annual Remembrance ceremonies and appeal.

(AQO 359/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has had no discussions with the Royal British Legion in regard to this year's Annual Remembrance ceremonies and appeal.

Inward Investment

Mr Paul Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what steps it is taking to fully realise the potential for inward investment in the improving political climate.

(AQO 345/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We refer the member to the recent answer given to his Assembly Question AQO 164/08 on Monday 24 September which sets out our engagement in a range of major initiatives designed to encourage investment, particularly from the US.

North-South Ministerial Council Meetings

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail arrangements and emerging agenda items for the next meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, and to outline the schedule of North-South Ministerial Council meetings to take place over the coming months.

(AQO 367/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: At the Plenary meeting on 17 July 2007, the Council considered and approved a schedule of North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings to take place over the coming months. A copy of the Schedule has been placed in the Library.

The NSMC Secretariat is working with relevant Departments to agree precise dates for these meetings.

Prior to each NSMC meeting, the Executive and Assembly will be given information on the date, agenda and Ministerial attendance. Following the meeting, a report will be made to the Assembly.

Undocumented Irish

Mr P J Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what steps it will take to assist the 'undocumented Irish' in their desire to attain legal status in America.

(AQO 306/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The issue of undocumented Irish people living in the United States is one that the Northern Ireland Bureau is watching carefully. The term "undocumented" describes the immigration status of people who do not have the federal documentation to show that they are legally entitled to work, visit or live in the US. Some of the undocumented come from Northern Ireland although the numbers are not known.

The Embassy of Ireland has taken the political and diplomatic lead on this issue in Washington DC and keeps the Bureau fully informed of activities.

In June 2007, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill sponsored by Senator Kennedy was debated by the Senate. This Bill would have addressed the status of the undocumented in the United States. The Bill which offered a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and future arrivals was defeated by a procedural vote.

The Bureau maintains contact with organisations in the US looking after the needs of the ‘undocumented’.

Attacks on Orange Halls

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what action it has taken following the debate on attacks on Orange Halls.

(AQO 364/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: On Tuesday 11 September the Assembly debated the motion: ‘that this Assembly condemns all attacks on Orange Halls and calls on all political parties to use their influence to stop such sectarian attacks.’

It was a very good debate and the motion was unanimously supported by all the political parties in the Assembly. Junior Minister Kelly, who responded to the debate, undertook to forward to the Secretary of State the report of the debate for his attention since policing and justice generally, is still a reserved matter.

We wrote to the Secretary of State on 3 October enclosing a copy of the report and reiterating our strong condemnation, and that of the House, to such attacks.

Economic Development

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to confirm that economic development is a key priority for the Executive Committee.

(AQO 387/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Executive is determined to seize this opportunity to deliver a better future for all our people. That future must be built on the foundation of a dynamic and competitive economy if we are to deliver a peaceful, just and prosperous society which benefits all our people. In this context, addressing the economic challenges we face, and providing the conditions for economic growth will be a key priority for the Executive.

European Union Agenda

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what action is being undertaken in Brussels, to ensure that Northern Ireland remains high on the European Union agenda.

(AQO 336/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The visit of the European Commission’s President Barroso on 1 May 2007, demonstrated that there is a reservoir of interest and goodwill in Europe towards Northern Ireland and one of the main challenges facing us is how we can best make use of that goodwill to make Northern Ireland a better place to live, work, study and invest.

Since President Barroso’s visit, the deputy First Minister and both Junior Ministers have visited Brussels and met with senior European Commission officials and the UK and Irish Permanent Representatives. We plan to visit Brussels together later this year to hear at first hand of the progress being made by the European Commission Task Force that was established following President Barroso’s visit.

The Task Force provides a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland to engage with Europe, both in formulation of policy and in accessing the financial assistance that is available to regions with our needs. The European Commission is committed at the highest level to making the work of the Task Force a success and we are committed to ensuring that the Executive responds with equal vigour. Senior officials from each Department have now been asked to work with the Task Force to ensure we maximise the opportunity that has been offered.

In addition to the Task Force work, we are aware that a number of Ministerial colleagues have visited Brussels and met with senior political and official figures on Departmental business. This level of engagement is important in keeping Northern Ireland in the minds of our European colleagues and we cannot emphasise enough the value of personal contact with those people in the European Commission and other bodies who are leading on the matters that are important to us.

We must also mention the work being carried out by the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels, which is an integral part of the OFMDFM. The Office supports visiting Ministers and officials and promotes Northern Ireland’s interests in the EU. As well as working to keep Departments and Ministers advised on European policy matters, the Office takes an active role in engaging with contacts within the European Institutions, other National and regional offices and civic bodies based in Brussels.

As part of this active engagement the Brussels office has managed Northern Ireland’s participation in the Committee of the Regions and European Commission ‘Open Days’ events. Along with partners from Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland and other UK regions, Northern Ireland, through the Department of Social Development and Belfast City Council, is participating in a seminar showcasing the regeneration of Belfast’s former shipbuilding areas. In a separate event, the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Special EU Programmes Body are hosting a seminar on the lessons learned from the EU Peace Programmes.

We have also engaged with Members of the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee in their recent visit to Northern Ireland and Ireland and we would pass our thanks to our colleagues in that House for their work in promoting the visit and ensuring that Northern Ireland remains high on the agenda in that important Institution.

Civic Forum

Mr David Hilditch asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans it has to re-convene a meeting of the Civic Forum.

(AQO 334/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We are agreed on the importance of continuing to seek the views of civic society in developing policy but we recognise that the nature of our society has changed considerably since the original Forum was set up. We have therefore decided to commission a fresh review to examine the structure, membership and role of the Forum.

When this review has been completed we will present our proposals to the Executive.

Development at the Maze Site

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what discussions it has had with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society in regard to development at the Maze site.

(AQO 358/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The multi-party Maze Consultation Panel in their 2005 report recommended a rural excellence and equestrian zone, including an international exhibition centre and showgrounds. The Maze/Long Kesh Masterplan, published in May 2006, built on these proposals which have been subject to discussion with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS). In March 2007 the RUAS reaffirmed their interest in moving to the proposed Maze/Long Kesh development site. It would now be a matter for the RUAS to develop and bring forward their proposals and to work with any development partners who may be appointed to regenerate the Maze/Long Kesh to bring these to fruition.

Victims' Commissioner

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what progress it has made in the past four weeks in relation to the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner.

(AQO 377/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We have decided to extend the appointment process and re-advertise the position. We intend to announce the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors before the end of the year.

Programme for Government

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give a timetable within which a Programme for Government will be published, and to detail how this will guide Executive priorities.

(AQO 328/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Since devolution was restored on 8 May, the Executive has taken forward work to develop and agree a Programme for Government which, in line with the Comprehensive Spending Review settlement, will set our policy and spending priorities and plans for 2008 - 2011.

To ensure a clear alignment between our policy and spending priorities, the Executive is taking a co-ordinated approach to the development of the Programme for Government, the Budget and the Investment Strategy. We are working towards publication of these documents in draft form for consultation by early November. This will enable the Executive to take full account of the outcome of the CSR exercise.

Cost of Division

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how it intends to tackle the cost of division as set out in 'The Cost of Division - A Shared Future Strategy'.

(AQO 373/08)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The cost of division research was commissioned by the previous administration on 29 March 2006 and was conducted and finalised during direct rule.

We believe that by tackling the causes of division in our society, sectarianism and racism, that a reduction of consequential costs will follow.

The report focuses on just one of a range of issues which must be considered. The report itself recognises that arriving at exact costs is not possible and that the timeline for change could be very long.

For that reason we have cautioned against plucking a figure out of the air. The issue is much more complex than simply reducing the research to a figure.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Designated Water Courses

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 819/07, to detail whether or not the Rivers Agency has made approaches to riparian landowners to ensure that grilles for designated water courses are checked and cleared.

(AQW 451/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): Inspection and maintenance of some 830 culvert inlet protection grilles on designated watercourses across Northern Ireland is undertaken by Rivers Agency as part of its works programme and is not deemed to be a riparian landowner responsibility. These grilles are inspected routinely by Rivers Agency's staff, either on weekly basis in vulnerable areas, or monthly in less vulnerable areas, and debris with the potential to cause obstruction to flow is removed. Additional inspections, and any necessary clearance, are undertaken during and after periods of heavy rainfall.

Similar work in respect of undesignated watercourses is a riparian landowner responsibility which can be enforced by Rivers Agency under the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 - Action Groups

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of action groups that will be established to deliver the Quality of Life and Farm Family options measures of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013; (ii) what role the farming and rural community will have in the proposed Action Groups; and (iii) how the Action Groups will be selected.

(AQW 452/08)

Ms Gildernew: (i) I expect the Councils to self define into a number of local action groups although the actual number is still being negotiated with my officials.

(ii) Farmers and Farm Families will have a significant role to play in the Local Action Groups because they must be fully representative of the various programmes Measures (including diversification which is exclusive to farmers) and of the area they serve.

(iii) Local Action Groups will be established following an open and transparent competitive process by the Council Clusters in their respective areas.

Sperrins Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the number of farms participating in the Sperrins Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme; and what efforts are being made to increase participation in the Scheme, within the Sperrins area.

(AQW 454/08)

Ms Gildernew: At April 2007 there were 1351 participants (equating to 62,500 ha of land) in the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme in the Sperrins Region. The ESA Scheme is closed to further applications. The NI Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) is an integral part of the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2007 to 2013. Development of the NICMS is ongoing and it is anticipated that this scheme will be open to applications in late spring/early summer 2008. The opening of the NICMS will be widely promoted via the local media to encourage uptake by potential applicants throughout the North of Ireland.

New Entrants Scheme

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of successful applicants, in the West Tyrone area, who have received funding under the New Entrants Scheme.

(AQW 455/08)

Ms Gildernew: Four people in West Tyrone have been cleared to submit a claim for funding under the New Entrants Scheme. Of these one has been paid, another is pending payment and two have not yet submitted their claims.

Common Fishing Strategy

Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with the Minister with responsibility for fisheries in the Republic of Ireland, regarding the development of a common fishing strategy.

(AQW 517/08)

Ms Gildernew: I believe there is huge potential for greater co-operation between North and South to develop a common fishing strategy for the benefit of all our fishermen. There is already close co-operation between my officials and their southern counterparts on areas such as the Irish Sea Data Enhancement Pilot, seed mussel exploitation and the sharing of information about aquaculture development. I will be meeting Minister Mary Coughlan TD soon to explore ways in which we can further develop this relationship.

Flooding at Tromra Road, Cushendall

Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the progress made by the Rivers Agency and the Roads Service, in relation to addressing flooding at Tromra Road, Cushendall.

(AQW 531/08)

Ms Gildernew: I understand that flooding of the Tromra Road at Cushendall was largely caused by floodwater from the Dall River, exacerbated by overland flows, collecting in a localised hollow at Black’s Bridge just south of the junction with Gault’s Road. Rivers Agency and Roads Service have liaised and will continue to liaise on remedial action. Rivers Agency has undertaken limited emergency maintenance on the watercourse at Tromra Road to remove obstructions to flow, improve flow conditions in the channel and prevent further erosion of banks affecting roadways. While this maintenance will provide improvement in the hydraulic capacity of the river, it is unlikely that it will enable the channel to contain flooding of the severity of the July event. Consequently Rivers Agency is in the process of commissioning a feasibility study of flood defence improvements at the locations on Tromra Road that were affected by flooding. The commission will recommend a holistic approach taking into account not only watercourse related flooding but also flooding from roads and overland flow. Any flood defence improvements will be subject to viability, and availability of resources.

Since the flooding, the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service has also agreed to investigate longer term measures to prevent floodwater building up at this location. However, this is likely to involve extensive reshaping/resurfacing of the existing carriageway and could not be undertaken until the next financial year.

Officials from Roads Service and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Rivers Agency met in August to consider how road drainage in the wider area might be improved to enable large volumes of water to be removed more quickly from the road. Interim low-cost measures, such as creating new or widening existing outlets on Tromra Road and Glenaan Road, were identified and as many of these as possible will be implemented within the current financial year.

Farmers Affected by Flooding

Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of compensation that has been secured for farmers affected by flooding in July 2007, who were not entitled to assistance from the 'Distress Fund' available to householders through district councils.

(AQW 532/08)

Ms Gildernew: The Scheme of emergency Financial Assistance to District Councils was restricted to assisting householders, so if a farmer’s household was affected then he would be eligible, but cover was not extended to any part of the business sector, including the farming industry.

Brown Crab

Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the quantity of brown crab landed in Northern Ireland, in each of the last twelve months.

(AQW 547/08)

Ms Gildernew: Total Brown Crab landed from September 2006 until August 2007

Month	Live wgt (tonnes)	Value (£)
September 06 October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07	139.4263 162.478 76.6857 52.856 30.574 19.4149 16.5526 17.859 23.6386 36.692 64.4802 83.622	108,100.00 136,921.8 68,910.86 46,120.3 25,346.3 16,087.7 14,021.3 14,926.8 17,813.91 ;29,961.2 51,193.12 64,045.55
TOTAL	724.2793	593,448.84

Animal Incinerators

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will provide the addresses of all animal incinerators which are currently operating on farms across Northern Ireland.

(AQW 579/08)

Ms Gildernew: I have provided the addresses of all on-farm incinerators, which are currently approved in accordance with the Animal By-Products Regulations (NI) 2003, in the attached list.

LIST OF APPROVED ON-FARM INCINERATORS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Animal By-Products Regulations (NI) 2003

Approval number	Name	Address
ICN/405/05	Mr Alan McFarland	163 Donaghane Road, Beragh, Co Tyrone, BT79 0XE
ICN/413/05	M S Dougan	97 Redrock Road, Armagh, Co Armagh, BT60 8BN
ICN/414/05	Mr John McMenamin	24 Magherafelt Road, Dromore, Co Tyrone, BT78 3HH
ICN/415/05	Mr Adam Lawson	90 Old Eglish Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 7PG
ICN/418/05	Mr Liam Gerard Collins	Aghamore South, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, BT92 0EB
ICN/420/05	Mr Glenn Allen	19 Garvaghey Road, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone
ICN/421/05	E Patterson	26 Springhill Road, Glenanne, Co Armagh, BT60 2LF
ICN/422/05	John & Ruth Steen	56A Moghan Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT70 3BZ
ICN/423/05	Tintagh Broiler Unit	60 Letteran Road, Moneymore, Co L’Derry, BT45 7UB
ICN/424/05	Mr Gerry Loughran	72 Dunamore, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 9NX
ICN/425/05	Mr Stephen Duff	55 Dergenagh Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT70 1TW
ICN/426/05	Mr Jonathon Ewing	51 Thornhill Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT70 3LP,
ICN/428/05	Mr Raymond Busby	14 Feddan Road, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, BT70 2AP
ICN/430/05	Mr Trevor Leyburn	10 Glassdrummond Road, Middletown, Co Armagh, BT60 3QH
ICN/433/05	Mr Bingsley Bell	5 Glendavagh Road, Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, BT69 6EZ
ICN/434/05	Mr Robert McNeill	131 Caledon Road, Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, BT69 6HZ
ICN/435/05	Mr David Drennan	34 Drumbolg Road, Maghera, Co L’Derry, BT46 5UD
ICN/436/05	Mr John Dennis Knipe	26 Baltarran Road, Armagh,Co Armagh, BT60 4LF
ICN/437/05	Mr Leslie Knipe	10 Maydown Road, Drumsallen, Armagh, BT61 8BU
ICN/438/05	Mr William George Brown	13 Annahauil Road, Newmills, Co Tyrone, BT71 4BU
ICN/444/05	Mr Thomas Newell	360 Newry Road, Kilkeel, Co Down, BT34 4SF
ICN/445/05	Robert Kernaghan	21 Kilkivamurray Road, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9QR
ICN/446/05	Mr Ian Clyde	22 Botera Upper Road, Clanabogan, Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT78 5DG
ICN/452/05	Mr E Jason Browne	99 Peacock Road, Strabane, Co Tyrone, BT82 9NF
ICN/462/05	Mr Ian Forgrave	143 Finvoy Road, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 7JL
ICN/464/05	Yvonne McCrea	60 Drumskea Road, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 7JD
ICN/465/05	Leslie Blakely	57 Bannfield Road, Rathfriland, Co Down, BT34 5HQ
ICN/468/05	John, Philip & Edith Swaile	10 Ballykilly Road, Sandholes, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 9BX
ICN/466/05	Mr P Brown	24 Bog Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT44 4HH
ICN/470/05	Mr William Mark Linton	208 Drumcroone Road, Coleraine, Co L’Derry, BT51 3SQ
ICN/473/05	Mr Thomas Singleton	20 Dergnagh Road, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, BT70 2JY
ICN/474/05	Mr Wayne Acheson	60 Killyclougher Road, Cookstown,Co Tyrone, BT80 8HA
ICN/476/05	Mr Samuel Montgomery	53 Kirk Road, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 8HB
ICN/478/05	Mr John C Wallace	123 Aughentaine Road, Clabby, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, BT75 0RW
ICN/481/05	Mr Mark Adams	9 Peacock Road, Sion Mills, Co Tyrone, BT82 9NN
ICN/482/05	Mr John Adams	67 Kinnyglass Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, Co L’Derry, BT51 4LP
ICN/483/05	Mr Ronald Patterson	Oak Bank, Mount Prospect, Derrylin, Enniskillen, Co Fermangh, BT92 9LS
ICN/484/05	Mr W Kerr	Raceview, 51 Hallaghan Road, Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone, BT79 9DW
ICN/485/05	Mrs M Crozier	149 Seagahan Road, Collone, Co Armagh, BT60 2BT
ICN/486/05	Mr Kevin Grimes	73 Drumduff Road, Beragh,Co Tyrone, BT79 0SD
ICN/487/05	Mr Roger Latimer	131 Carnalea Road, Seskanore, Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT78 2PP
ICN/489/05	Mr Patrick Loughran	70 Loughbranken Road, Pomeroy, Co Tyrone, BT70 2SF
ICN/490/05	Mr David Ramsay	10 Culramoney Road, BallymoneyCo Antrim, BT53 8LL
ICN/492/05	Mr Brian A Hamilton	12 Loughadoo Road, Ardkeen, Kircubbin, Co Down , BT22 1HN
ICN/493/05	Mr George Knipe	151 Battleford Road, Armagh,Co Armagh, BT61 8BT
ICN/495/05	Mr Edward McDonald	6 Doogary Road, Tyan, Co ArmaghBT60 4TE
ICN/496/05	Mr Kate Rodgers	14 Lisheeghan Lane, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 7JZ
ICN/497/05	Mr Lawrence & Shiona Heslip	48 Tullywhinney Road, BallygawleyCo Tyrone, BT70 2NA
ICN/498/05	Mr R Abernethy	64 Drumhubber Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 5EB
ICN/501/05	Mr NR & Mrs J Aiken	59 Dyan Road Caledan,Co Tyrone, BT68 4XA
ICN/502/05	Mr John Foye	25 Derryhirk Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 6NH
ICN/503/05	Mr Mervyn Shaw	7 Legaterriff Road, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 2EY
ICN/504/05	Mr Kenneth Montgomery	42 Toberooney Road, Liscolman, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 8DN
ICN/505/05	Mr Seamus McGirr	36 Errigal Road, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, BT70 2DQ
ICN/506/05	Mr Alistair F. Doran	38 Finulagh Road, Castlecaulfield, Co Tyrone, BT70 3DE
ICN/508/05	Mr Tom Taylor	The Palace Farm, 50 Keady Road, Armagh, Co Armagh, BT60 3NW
ICN/509/05	Mr James & Wesley George	28 Cabragh Road, Armagh, Co Armagh, BT61 8EY
ICN/512/05	A & B Jefferson	1 Tursallagh Road, Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone, BT79 9EA
ICN/511/05	Mr William Jordan	8 Raveagh Road, Eskra, Omagh,Co Tyrone’ BT78 1UZ
ICN/513/05	Mr Oliver Anderson	22 Flushtown Road, Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone, BT79 9DY
ICN/517/06	Mr William Keatley	7 Garrison Road, Magherafelt, Co L’derry, BT45 8RD
ICN/518/06	Mr Eugene Donnelly	55 Lettergesh Road, Dromore, Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT78 3WG
ICN/516/06	Mr Sidney Millar	26 Stillago Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 7QH
ICN/520/06	Mr David Preston	58 Ballymagarney Road, Loughgall, Co Armagh, BT61 8PL
ICN/523/06	Mr Mervyn Boyle	32 Gortnagross Road, Dungiven, Co L’Derry, BT47 4QP
ICN/524/06	Mr Shane Kearney	35 Belmont Road, Kilkeel, Co DownBT34 4LA
ICN/531/06	Nugent Estate	Portaferry House, 6 Coach Road, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1PP
ICN/533/06	Mr Charles Crawford, Erne Eggs Ltd	Manor Waterhouse Farm, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, BT92 0BN
ICN/537/06	Mr Nigel & Jim Irwin	Irwin Bros, 3 Carrowcolman Road, Eglish, Co Tyrone, BT70 1LF
ICN/538/06	Mr Seamus Patterson	80 Main Street, Randalstown, Antrim, Co Antrim, BT41 3BB
ICN/539/06	Mr Stanley Gordon	Shean Church-Hill, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT93 6LL
ICN/541/06	Mr T Kyle	16 Old Tyanee Road, Portglenone, Co Antrim, BT44 8JJ
ICN/548/07	G & A Young	G & A Young, 11 Rosedene Road, Castlederg, Co Tyrone, BT81 7JR
ICN/557/07	Mr Clive Allen	43 Errigal Road, Ballygawley,Co Tyrone, BT70 2DQ
INC/567/07	Mr John McKinley	65 Whitepark Road, BallycastleCo Antrim, BT54 6LP
ICN/568/07	Mr Joe O’Donnell	Caddy Veterinary Practice, 19 Caddy Road, Randalstown, Co Antrim, BT41 3DL
ICN/569/07	Mr Malcolm MacNaghten	MacNaghten Farms Ltd, 20 Dundarave Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim, BT57 8ST
ICN/570/07	Mr David Nicholson	147 Keady Road, Armagh, Co Armagh, BT60 3AE
ICN/571/01	Mr Norman Reid	Aghinure, Maguiresbridge,Co Fermanagh, BT94 4NR
ICN/572/07	Mr John Jackson	26 Carrickfergus Road, Ballynure, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, BT39 9UW
INC/573/07	Mr Aeneas Quinn	27 Kiltyclay Road, Gortavilly, Sandholes, Co Tyrone, BT80 9DA

Animal Incinerators

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of man hours committed to monitoring animal incinerators on farms across Northern Ireland; and (ii) the amount of money allocated to monitoring such facilities, in each of the past three years.

(AQW 580/08)

Ms Gildernew: I have detailed in the table below (i) the numbers of hours committed to, and (ii) the amount of money allocated to, monitoring on-farm incinerators in the past three years.

A greater amount of money was allocated in 2007 because the number of inspection visits was increased and the work was transferred to field Veterinary Officers who are able to bring their local knowledge of the disease situation to bear when carrying out inspections.

	2005	2006	2007 to date
(i) Number of hours	222	266	300
(ii) Amount of money*	£5,147	£6,469	£12,148

* Cost of staff time

Animal Incinerators

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a breakdown of the number of animal incinerators which are currently operating on farms across Northern Ireland by (a) constituency; and (b) district council area.

(AQW 582/08)

Ms Gildernew: I have provided in the attached tables the number of on-farm animal carcase incinerators currently approved under the Animal By-Products Regulations (NI) 2003 by (a) constituency and by (b) District Council area.

Number of Approved On-Farm Incinerators in Northern Ireland
by District Council Area

District council area	Number of on-farm incinerators
Antrim Borough Council	2
Ards Borough Council	2
Armagh City and District Council	12
Ballymena Borough Council	1
Ballymoney Borough Council	5
Banbridge District Council	1
Belfast City Council	0
Carrickfergus Borough Council	0
Castlereagh Borough Council	0
Coleraine Borough Council	2
Cookstown District Council	7
Craigavon Borough Council	0
Derry City Council	0
Down District Council	0
Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council	18
Fermanagh District Council	6
Larne Borough Council	1
Limavady Borough Council	1
Lisburn City Council	1
Magherafelt District Council	3
Moyle District Council	3
Newry and Mourne District Council	3
Newtownabbey Borough Council	0
North Down Borough Council	0
Omagh District Council	10
Strabane District Council	3

Number of Approved On-Farm Incinerators in Northern Ireland
by Constituency

Constituency	Number of on-farm incinerators
Belfast East	0
Belfast North	0
Belfast South	0
Belfast West	0
East Antrim	0
North Antrim	10
South Antrim	2
North Down	0
South Down	4
Fermanagh and South Tyrone	24
Foyle	0
Lagan Valley	1
East Londonderry	3
Mid Ulster	10
Newry and Armagh	12
Strangford	2
West Tyrone	13
Upper Bann	0

Kilkeel Harbour

Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what progress has been made in relation to the funding of improvements to Kilkeel harbour.

(AQW 586/08)

Ms Gildernew: My Department is currently undertaking a number of initiatives aimed at improving Kilkeel harbour. We are currently funding the technical studies recommended in the Wallingford Report which will assess the feasibility of a new breakwater to resolve the safety issues for vessels entering Kilkeel harbour. Progress is on target for completion by May 2008. A decision on the construction of a breakwater will be made following the completion of these studies.

Since 2002, approximately £12.2 million of funding has been committed for the improvement of facilities at Kilkeel Harbour. The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority has recently finalised the tendering process for further improvement works. These will include remedial work to the inner and outer quay walls and construction of a new vessel berthing facility. Award of the contract is imminent and the combined projects are due to be completed by November 2008.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her deparment's policy in the event of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 606/08)

Ms Gildernew: As I said in my Statement to the Assembly on 1 October, my Department will not be found wanting in relation to any necessary steps necessary to maintain our Foot and Mouth Disease free status and protect our local industry. I, together with my officials, are working closely with the South to co-ordinate our actions to protect the whole island from Foot and Mouth Disease.

My policy, in the event of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the South, but not in the North would very much depend on the circumstances of the outbreak in question, including the exact location and the scale of the incident. I would want to take account of our veterinary risk assessment at the time. Nothing would be decided without close liaison with our colleagues in Dublin. Obviously we would also be bound by the EU rules in dealing with any outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Alpha-Nortesterone

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on the investigation into the alpha-nortesterone problems of 2006; and to indicate when political representatives, who were involved with the issue in 2006 and since, will be interviewed as part of this investigation.

(AQW 634/08)

Ms Gildernew: I commissioned Joan Ruddock, an independent member of the DARD Board, to carry out a review of DARD’s handling of the alpha-nortestosterone issue. To ensure that the review was completely independent, the individuals interviewed during the course of the investigation were chosen entirely by Mrs Ruddock. I understand that the report on the review is almost complete and that no further interviews will be taking place.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to initiate a full review of her department's regulation in relation to bluetongue disease.

(AQW 658/08)

Ms Gildernew: The control of Bluetongue is based on an EU legal framework. Our statutory powers for the control of Bluetongue are contained in the Blue Tongue Order (Northern Ireland) 2003, which implements Council Directive 2000/75/EC laying down specific provisions for the control and eradication of Bluetongue.

As part of our contingency planning to deal with the threat of this disease, my Department is currently reviewing the existing legislation to ensure it is up-to-date and consistent with the EU Bluetongue Directive.

On the basis of the new experience that has been gained on Bluetongue disease control following the outbreaks in Northern Europe in 2006 and 2007, on 3 October 2007 the EU Commission adopted a new Commission Regulation on Bluetongue which will apply from 15 November 2007. This Regulation lays down additional measures on the control, monitoring, surveillance and restrictions of movements of susceptible animals in relation to Bluetongue.

My Department is currently assessing the implications of this new Regulation and is seeking legal advice on what legislative changes if any will be needed to implement the Regulation here.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of money her department is seeking from the Comprehensive Spending Review, in order to meet the costs associated with adherence to the Stockholm Convention.

(AQW 700/08)

Ms Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development did not seek any monies in the Comprehensive Spending Review in order to meet the costs associated with adherence to the Stockholm Convention.

Lamb Promotion

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to promote Northern Ireland lamb to markets outside the United Kingdom.

(AQW 745/08)

Ms Gildernew: I am committed to supporting local produce and can advise that my Department is actively involved in work to assist our sheep industry. In 2006 the Department and industry stakeholders formed a Red Meat Task Force to develop a long term strategy for the local beef and sheepmeat industries. The Task Force have recently completed a report which was published on 3 October. While the Report has outlined serious challenges for this important sector, it has also identified models of production that could provide an economic return to farmers. My Department will help those farmers who wish to pursue alternative production models.

Lamb will be included in LMC’s programme of activities at Anuga, the international food and drink exhibition which will take place in Cologne this month, attracting international traders. LMC also facilitate trade missions, carry out lamb promotion activities in Europe and provide pricing and marketing information to help the industry secure the best markets for their products.

Deliberate Introduction of Tuberculosis or Brucellosis to Livestock

Mr David McNarry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of adjudicated cases over the past three years which involved the proven deliberate introduction of tuberculosis or brucellosis to livestock; and to detail how this compares to incidences of the same offence in (a) the rest of the United Kingdom; and (b) the Republic of Ireland.

(AQO 307/08)

Ms Gildernew: My Department and I have zero tolerance to fraud but none of the adjudicated cases over the past three years relate to the deliberate infection of livestock with tuberculosis or brucellosis. DARD does however investigate and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecute herdkeepers that have breached statutory regulations and in doing so have prejudiced the control of disease. The Department will withhold compensation in such cases until investigations are concluded and will then adjudicate on whether or to what extent compensation can be released.

It should be recognised that the vast majority of farmers work hard over many years to build up and improve the health and quality of their herds and would not compromise those efforts by deliberately introducing infection.

Comparable figures are not available for the South or for Britain.

Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

Mr Francis Brolly asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give her assessment of the formation and funding of 'council clusters', given the decision that there should be increased district council involvement in the delivery of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

(AQO 347/08)

Ms Gildernew: Following extensive consultations and lengthy deliberations I have made the decision to give Local Councils a more central and strategic role in delivering measures within the 2007 - 2013 Rural Development Programme. The increased council involvement take the form of Council Clusters and will bring economies of scale, complementarity of strategies, and improved corporate governance and financial arrangements. This will rationalise the number of rural development delivery partnerships and maximise the impact of the Programme for local communities.

The new delivery model will however retain the Leader Methodology of "bottom up" working at its core. Self defining Council Clusters will work in partnership with new Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the ‘Quality of Life and Farm Family Option Measures’ of the 2007- 2013 Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme on a sub-regional basis. Each Council cluster of at least 3 councils will, through a competitive process establish a Local Action Group (LAG) to deliver the measures in the area. Animation funding will be available to enable Council clusters to undertake animation action within their area for the purpose of establishing LAGs and drawing up strategies.

The Council Clusters will have a primary responsibility for accounting and financial governance arrangements for the Axis 1 and Axis 3 budgets allocated to the cluster area. The Local Action Groups will be required to play a full part in implementation of the measures and in particular will be responsible for developing a strategy that meets the needs of the area, and for assessing applications for Grant aid under the measures.

In excess of £100m will be invested in Rural Areas through the ‘Quality of Life and Farm Family Option Measures’ and I place great importance on the development of a strong partnership between each Council Cluster and the Local Action Group.

Common Agricultural Policy

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the preparations her department has made for a Northern Ireland contribution to the European Union's mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy.

(AQO 375/08)

Ms Gildernew: The forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy ‘Health Check’ will be important for Northern Ireland agriculture. While it will not be a radical reform of the CAP, there will be proposals for changes to milk quotas, modulation and the single farm payment scheme that will have significant consequences for our agricultural sector. Consequently, my Department has been very active in preparing for the ‘Health Check’.

In order to inform our position, we have commissioned research on the possible impact on the local agricultural industry of the abolition of milk quotas and increased compulsory modulation, both of which are likely to feature in the Health Check proposals. The research was conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and the Agri–Food Biosciences Institute in conjunction with the Food, Agricultural and Policy Research Institute, University of Missouri. A report of the findings from this research was published in February 2007.

In conjunction with the agriculture departments in England Scotland and Wales, we are also contributing to ongoing research on the impact at local, UK and EU levels of the abolition of milk quotas.

My officials have taken part in numerous meetings with their counterparts across the UK in order to influence the Commission’s thinking before it publishes its preliminary proposals later this year. The Health Check was also discussed at a meeting of UK Agriculture Ministers, which I attended on 19 June, and I will be discussing CAP issues in the forthcoming North South Ministerial Council meeting.

When the Health Check proposals are published, my Department will be conducting a full public consultation with stakeholders in order to establish our position with respect to the upcoming EU negotiations on the issue.

Renewable Energy

Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to co-ordinate their approach on the development of renewable energy.

(AQO 383/08)

Ms Gildernew: My colleague, the Minister for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and I share a common approach to this subject.

We see renewable energy as an important policy to secure future environmental and economic gain.

There are numerous and ongoing contacts between DARD and DETI at official level to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the development of renewable energy across these departments.

Should a joint-Ministerial meeting be required, then I shall be pleased to facilitate this.

Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis

Mr Francie Molloy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to tackle bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis; and to outline what impact this action has had.

(AQO 348/08)

Ms Gildernew: The TB programme is based on the detection of diseased or high risk animals, the compulsory removal of these animals from their herd of origin to slaughter, and the restriction of movements of cattle from infected herds until they are tested clear. Generally individual animals test positive and are removed rather than the whole herd.

Since 2002, there has been clear evidence of a significant decline in the incidence of TB. The herd incidence peaked in 2002 at 9.93% and has now dropped to 5.61% for the first half of this year. The herd incidence is currently at a similar rate in the North and South

The brucellosis control programme is based on the detection of diseased or high risk animals, compulsory removal of these animals for slaughter, removal of all in-contact animals in other words, group or whole herd depopulation, and immediate restriction of all movements from or to infected herds until they are depopulated or tested clear. Generally whole herds are depopulated when infected animals are detected.

Over the last few years, there has been clear evidence of significant decline in the incidence of BR from its peak at the start of 2002 when the herd incidence reached 1.43%. Overall, the trend remained downwards until 2006-07 when specific localised disease clusters halted the decline. This recent rise peaked in October 2006 at 0.6% but has since levelled off. The current herd incidence is now 0.48% and animal incidence is 0.034%.

Agri-Food Matters

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress has been made in promoting increased co-operation in regard to agri-food matters, on an all-island basis.

(AQO 353/08)

Ms Gildernew: Under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council arrangements important steps are being taken which will benefit the agri-food industry throughout the Island of Ireland. These relate to issues concerning animal health and plant health. It is vital to lay a sound foundation for future initiatives. In view of this the development of the All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, including the free movement of animals within the island of Ireland, is amongst my key priorities. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the South given the interest we share in preventing the introduction of serious animal and plant diseases to the island.

I believe it is in the best interests of the North’s agri-food 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. Ultimately, however, promotional activities will be determined by the marketplace. The North is in a unique position in that its products are sold in a wide range of markets. Promotional activities must therefore be tailored for specific markets in a manner that optimises the benefit of the North’s multiple identity.

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 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 North of Ireland, island of Ireland or UK.

In supporting the local agri-food industry, my Department works closely with Invest NI, which has a Memorandum of Understanding with Bord Bia. A strategic alliance now exists to promote Ireland’s food industry overseas. Ongoing and planned joint work includes joint promotion of regional foods, participation in local food festivals, food and tourism initiatives, shared costs at international trade shows, meet the buyer events and collaborative market research.

Rural Diversification

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to support the development of Ulster-Scots projects in rural areas, as a means of rural diversification.

(AQO 361/08)

Ms Gildernew: None. However a key theme within the 2007 – 2013 Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme is ‘improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity’. I would encourage both individuals and organisations with projects suitable and eligible for funding under the ‘quality of life’ measures to take these forward with their Local Action Group when it is in place.

Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the proposed timetable for the delivery of the Rural Development Programme; and what mechanism will be put in place to ensure that farming families can avail of future funding from this programme.

(AQO 304/08)

Ms Gildernew: Legislation will be required for some of the Axis I (competitiveness) measures and I intend to present these to the Agriculture Committee as soon as possible. Delivery structures are being agreed with stakeholders, where appropriate, and I would aim to have measures opened as soon as possible. It is intended that one of the 4 measures (Adding Value to Agriculture and Forestry Products Improving Marketing Capability) will open late in 2007, with the remainder opening as early as possible in 2008 once all tendering and administrative structures have been agreed.

The development of the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS), an integral part of the new programme is ongoing. The estimated opening date of the NICMS will be in late spring/early summer 2008.

As no national legislation was required for the First Afforestation and Forest Environments schemes, they have been carried forward in a similar format from the previous programme.

I have invited local councils to form self-defined Clusters for delivery of the Axis 3 ‘Diversification and Quality of Life and Farm Family Options Measures’ of the new Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme. Following a competitive process, each Cluster will appoint a Local Action Group to bring forward and implement a local development strategy. I anticipate that Local Action Groups will be in place by the Spring of 2008.

In the Programme there are Measures across the three Axis, that are specific to farmers and farm families and also more general Measures that are also open to the farmer and farm family.

Fishing Rights

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her strategy for securing greater fishing rights for local fishermen in the Irish Sea.

(AQO 322/08)

Ms Gildernew: I am committed to ensuring that fishing opportunities for local fishermen are improved and maximised. A key part of that is to make sure there is robust scientific evidence to underpin fish stock assessments. Scientific research carried out on Irish Sea stocks is assessed by ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) which advises the European Commission on annual fishing opportunities. ICES advice is made solely on the basis of scientific evidence and where it believes that there is insufficient data it will take a precautionary approach. It is clear from ICES advice over the last number of years that there are gaps in the knowledge about some stocks that are important to local fishermen, in particular, Cod, Haddock and Herring.

My Department in conjunction with AFBI (Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute) and the industry is constantly looking at ways to improve information to inform decisions about fishing opportunities and fisheries management. There have been some important developments in that area recently, for example the Irish Sea Data Enhancement Pilot project which is gathering data about the extent and reasons for discarding fish and ways to avoid this happening. My Department has also responded to industry calls to extend its survey work of herring in the Irish Sea. This autumn, with the involvement of the local industry, AFBI is collecting data about herring from 4 survey trips (instead of the usual 1).

Improving our knowledge about fish stocks is not something that my Department and its scientific advisors can do alone. It is important that fishermen’s knowledge is factored into our work and also that our scientists get the fullest co-operation from fishermen to allow them to gather data about the size and age of fish from samples of landings and to accommodate them as on-board observers to collect total catch information.

Information Technology in Farming

Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to move towards the use of information technology in farming, including the electronic tagging of livestock.

(AQO 351/08)

Ms Gildernew: I am keen that farmers benefit fully from information and communication technology (ICT) in their businesses. Through the Increasing Access to ICT scheme, 988 farmers are currently using and evaluating innovative technologies for their business. Another scheme, the ICT Grant Scheme, has encouraged food processors to use ICT technology to communicate business information to their farmer suppliers. This scheme is on target to have 1750 farmers benefiting by April 2008.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has delivered training to over 900 farmers in the past two years, developing their confidence and competence to use ICT for their business. Students on Further and Higher Education programmes at CAFRE, in preparation for a career in farming, have the opportunity to develop their ICT skills and to use specialist enterprise and business management software packages.

My Department has also developed a wide range of online services to reduce the administrative burden for farmers and growers and give them the tools to improve business performance. APHIS Online, the Animal and Public Health Information System, was the first real time transactional service offered by any NI Department and currently has 7,300 registered users. More than 1,200 farmers benefit from the use of CAFRE Online Benchmarking services, helping to identify opportunities to improve their business performance. Work is continuing to improve the infrastructure and expand the range of services offered.

DARD is working with industry and colleagues from the South and GB to ensure the benefits of Electronic Identification (EID) are fully exploited. DARD has completed a successful pilot to explore the potential of EID and, more particularly, Electronic Data Transfer in abattoirs to show how this technology can improve the flow of information to meet regulatory requirements and satisfy the needs of consumers for traceability in the supply chain. CAFRE is demonstrating the use of this technology on its own and partner farms. Expertise and facilities are available to provide farmers with sound, practical advice on implementing EID. My officials are also playing an active role in a recently established industry group being led by the Livestock and Meat Commission looking at implementing electronic identification in cattle.

Agricultural Wages Board

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in light of the recommendation of the Ulster Farmers' Union, what steps she will take to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board.

(AQO 355/08)

Ms Gildernew: I have considered the case made by the Ulster Farmers’ Union for the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board and subsequently met with representatives of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers’ Union and the Chairman of the Agricultural Wages Board to discuss the issue. In the absence of an alternative mechanism to protect the rights of agricultural employees I have decided not to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board at this time.

To abolish the Agriculture Wages Board would place agricultural workers in the North of Ireland at a financial disadvantage when compared with agricultural workers in the rest of the United Kingdom. This is particularly important in the context of ensuring the rights and privileges of migrant workers and minority communities here are protected.

Irish Fish Stocks

Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of scientific research into the levels of Irish fish stocks; and what meetings she is planning to have on this matter, during the December meeting of the European Council in Brussels.

(AQO 350/08)

Ms Gildernew: The 2007 scientific advice for the main fish stocks in the Irish Sea will not be published until 12 October. However our scientists believe that the advice coming from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas will be little changed from last year.

On that basis I expect that a rollover in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Area 7 prawns and Irish Sea plaice will be recommended. I expect that the outlook will still be poor for cod and whiting whilst the recommendations for the Irish Sea haddock TAC will be affected by concerns that increasing its TAC may result in a greater by-catch of cod. The scientists have already advised that there should be a small reduction in the Irish Sea herring TAC.

Fishing opportunities will also be affected by changes to the effort control regime and I will fight hard to ensure that our fleet has sufficient fishing days to enable it to catch the available quotas.

As soon as this year’s scientific advice is published I will meet with industry representatives to discuss the implications of the advice and the best way to present our case in Brussels to protect our industry’s interests. I will also have further meetings with the English and Scottish fisheries Ministers in order to secure our priorities within the overall negotiating position and at the Council. Whilst at the Council I will press our case vigorously and keep the industry informed of progress.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to keep bluetongue disease out of Northern Ireland.

(AQO 395/08)

Ms Gildernew: I will continue to do everything possible to try to prevent Bluetongue from spreading here.

As I said in my Statement to the Assembly of 1 October, we have a range of preventive measures in place to minimise the risk of Bluetongue reaching the North.

In light of the heightened risk from Northern Europe, since August 2006 all imports of susceptible animals from Bluetongue restricted areas in EU Member States have been banned. Animals and their vehicles that travel across the restricted areas are sprayed with insecticide. We carry out post import testing of imported cattle and sheep from Europe. These animals are restricted and isolated pending negative test results. All test results to date have proven negative. We have also advised potential importers to request that animals are pre-import tested as an additional precaution.

Due to the Foot and Mouth Disease preventive measures that I reintroduced here on 12 September, our ports remain closed to the import of live animals from Britain, which gives us dual protection for Bluetongue too.

My officials have traced and examined all consignments of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs imported directly from Britain since the beginning of July in response to the FMD outbreaks in Britain. All examinations were negative for signs that could be attributed to either Foot and Mouth Disease or Bluetongue, which has given me some reassurance that Bluetongue has not spread to the North.

Over the past six months, my Department has been working in partnership with key stakeholders here, through the bluetongue working group, on preparedness to deal with the threat of this disease and will continue to do so.

In May, my Department in conjunction with our key stakeholders issued advice to the industry about Bluetongue including information about clinical signs. This leaflet is available on the DARD website, along with other comprehensive information on Bluetongue.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr William Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on the threat posed to Northern Ireland by bluetongue disease.

(AQO 326/08)

Ms Gildernew: I will continue to do everything possible to try to prevent Bluetongue from spreading here.

As I said in my Statement to the Assembly of 1 October, we have a range of preventive measures in place to minimise the risk of Bluetongue reaching the North.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Irish Language Act

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a timescale within which he expects to make an announcement regarding the Irish Language Act.

(AQW 338/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): As indicated during the Assembly’s oral questions session on Monday 10^th September, it is my intention to make a statement on the proposed Irish Language Act to the Assembly in the early Autumn.

Motorcycle Road Racing

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of financial assistance his department has given to motorcycle road racing, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 447/08)

Mr Poots: I apologise for the delay in replying to the member.

Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of financial assistance to sports organisations. SNI has provided the following funding to motorcycle road racing in each of the last 5 financial years: -

2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	TOTAL
£13,000	£12,000	£18,500	£7,420	£50,920

Motorcycle Racing on Circuits

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of financial assistance his department has given to motorcycle racing on circuits, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 448/08)

Mr Poots: I apologise for the delay in replying to the member.

Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of financial assistance to sports organisations. SNI has provided the following funding to motorcycle racing on circuits in each of the last 5 financial years: -

2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	Total
£11,000	£14,000	£18,500	£2,000	£45,500

Equestrian Sports Events

Mr David McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration he has given to the inclusion of an international competition area, for promoting equestrian sports events, in the proposal for a multi-sports stadium at the proposed Maze development site; and if he will meet with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society to discuss this issue.

(AQW 457/08)

Mr Poots: Proposals for the development of a Multi-Sports Stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh site have been focusing exclusively on the future facility requirements of the three major ball sports in Northern Ireland – Soccer, Rugby and Gaelic Games.

Responsibility for the development of equestrian sports in Northern Ireland rests with the governing body, the Northern Ireland Equestrian Sports Committee. I would be happy to meet with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society to discuss their proposals for an international competition area for equestrian sports, provided they have the endorsement of the Northern Ireland Equestrian Sports Committee.

World Pipe Band Championships

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 206/08, to detail the progress that has been made within the Northern Ireland Events Company, the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, regarding opportunities for hosting the World Pipe Band Championships in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 508/08)

Mr Poots: Officials from my department will be meeting with representatives of the Northern Ireland Events Company, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ulster-Scots Agency on 8 October 2007.

The Northern Ireland Events Company has researched the size and scope of the event which will help to determine the way forward.

Derelict Library in Cullybackey

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he will take to demolish the derelict library in Cullybackey, in light of the anti-social behaviour taking place at this site.

(AQW 605/08)

Mr Poots: Responsibility for the former Cullybackey library building rests with the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB). Following the closure of the library, the NEELB is required to trawl the surplus property within the Public Sector, in accordance with the relevant guidance. Some interest has been expressed and NEELB is currently awaiting a decision from the Land and Property Agency as to when the sale of the building can be completed. The Board therefore has no current plans to demolish the building, however it has been secured.

National Stadium

Mr David McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of whether or not the cost of building a different design to that of the original, for the National Stadium at the Maze, will be met; and whether or not this will provide value for money.

(AQO 317/08)

Mr Poots: The work currently ongoing on proposals for a Multi-Sports Stadium – including stadium design, business planning and the development of an outline business case – is intended to help me reach a conclusion on value for money and affordability issues. I expect to be in a position to make an assessment on these issues when that work is completed. As part of this process, DCAL is continuing to work with the 3 sports bodies on developing a suitable design for the Stadium. The Department has no plans to develop any alternative design that does not have the involvement and agreement of the 3 sports.

Work on the development of a suitable design, business plan and outline business case for the Multi-Sports Stadium is well advanced. This work is expected to be completed shortly and I hope to be in a position to make a recommendation to the Executive by the end of this year with a view to making an announcement on the way forward early in the new year.

Gaeltacht Quarter in West Belfast

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the development of the Gaeltacht Quarter in West Belfast.

(AQO 363/08)

Mr Poots: An Ceathrú Gaeltachta Teo – the Gaeltacht Quarter Development Company (Ltd) - became fully operational in July 2007 and the company currently employs two members of staff. The company is funded through the Integrated Development Fund with the funding being administered by my Department. The conditions of funding state that an early task for the company should be the production of a business and marketing plan for the Gaeltacht Quarter, along with an associated baseline study. I am aware that work is already underway on drawing up terms of reference for such plans and I understand that they are scheduled to be completed in the New Year.

Community Festivals Fund

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his plans for the funding of public events through the Community Festivals Fund, over the next three years.

(AQO 313/08)

Mr Poots: I have initiated a review of the Community Festivals Fund. The Northern Ireland Events Company, which currently administers the Fund on the Department’s behalf, commissioned an independent evaluation of the Fund and I will be taking account of this as I determine the way forward.

Public Angling Estate

Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the progress that has been made in developing the public angling estate; and the amount of investment his department has given to this process to date.

(AQO 382/08)

Mr Poots: Considerable progress has been made since 1999 when the Department took over responsibility for the Estate. Six new fisheries have been added including 2 wild salmon and trout fisheries and 4 coarse fisheries. A new website has been developed which provides details of the Estate’s 64 fisheries, licence and permit details, educational information and links with travel and accommodation providers. The website also has on line permit and day ticket purchase facilities. A boat hire facility for anglers is now available at Castlewellan Lake. Considerable infrastructure development has taken place including the provision of 10 car parks, 3 slipways have been built and 117 new fishing stands have been constructed. 5.5 kilometres of new tarmaced roads and paths have been provided to facilitate access. Movanagher Fish Farm which supplies trout for stocking into put and take fisheries has been improved and fish production has been increased by 20%.

The total investment of capital and running cost expenditure from 1999 to 31 March 2007 amounts to £2,620,472. This does not include staff costs. Details of the annual expenditure for the period 2000 to 2005 are contained in the Department’s Salmon and Inland Fisheries Annual Reports which are in the Assembly Library. The 2006 Report will be laid in the Assembly shortly.

Ulster-Scots Curriculum Development

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give an update on the cost and value for money of the Ulster-Scots Curriculum Development project at Stranmillis, which is funded by his department.

(AQO 388/08)

Mr Poots: The Stranmillis Curriculum Development Unit has received to date £1,512,433 in funding the period 2002 to 2007. The projects carried out by the Unit were commissioned and funded by the Ulster-Scots Agency. The Agency ceased to continue funding from 31 August 2007. Funding for two posts is now being provided by the Ulster Scots Academy Implementation Group. The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) conducted an Inspection of the Unit in 2006 and concluded that the quality of the work is good and fulfils the terms of its remit well.

National Stadium

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his timetable of actions before he will be in a position to make an announcement on plans for a new National Sports Stadium.

(AQO 314/08)

Ulster-Scots and Irish Gaelic Spending

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his plans and spending bids for both the Ulster-Scots and Irish Gaelic cultural traditions, over the next 5 years.

(AQO 333/08)

Mr Poots: Spending plans are only agreed over a three year period.

Any plans or bids concerning future spending will be agreed as part of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review for the period 2008/09 – 2010/11. The outcome of the review will determine the levels and amounts of funding to be made available for Ulster-Scots and Irish Cultural projects and events.

Belfast Mela

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the level of support given by his department to the organisers of the Belfast Mela 2007; and whether or not his officials will further engage with the organisers, to ensure that this gathering continues as a successful annual event.

(AQO 381/08)

Mr Poots: ArtsEkta received £5000 funding for the Belfast Mela 2007 from the Community Festival Fund which is administered on DCAL’s behalf by the Northern Ireland Events Company. DCAL does not fund arts organizations directly. ArtsEkta should liaise with officials from the Arts Council and the Northern Ireland Events Company in relation to future funding.

North-South Ministerial Council Sectoral Meetings

Mr Francis Brolly asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his priorities for the forthcoming North-South Ministerial Council sectoral meetings, in regard to Waterways Ireland and The Language Body.

(AQO 354/08)

Mr Poots: My priorities for the Waterways Ireland and North South Language Body Sectoral meetings are to review the progress that has been made to date and to consider both organizations’ plans for the future.

Following the Sectoral meetings on the 17th and 26th October 2007 joint communiqués will be issued to the press and published on the North South Ministerial Council website outlining the topics discussed.

Cost of Translations

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the guidance his department has given to other Government departments, with regard to ensuring that value for money is received for all translations from English into other languages.

(AQO 393/08)

Mr Poots: My Department is responsible for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) Irish Language Translation Service. The current panel of translators was selected in 2004 in accordance with Government’s Central Procurement Division guidance, which includes a value for money criteria. An agreement was reached between all departments in 2003 that this service must be used in respect of all Irish language translations. As part of the arrangement a Quality Assurance procedure was established.

Sign Language

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he will take to promote sign language in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 321/08)

Mr Poots: My Department continues to work in partnership with organisations representing the Deaf community to promote sign languages and to educate and inform the wider community. My Department additionally chairs a Sign Language Partnership Group bringing together representatives from Government Departments and the Deaf community to consider ways to improve access to public services for users of sign languages. I have made a bid for additional funding in the Comprehensive Spending Review. I have also been liaising with the Minister for the Department for Employment and Learning in relation to the provision of more training to increase the supply of sign language tutors and interpreters.

Education

Staff Team Building

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail the total cost of (i) staff away days; and (ii) staff team building exercises carried out by her department, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 335/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): The total cost of staff away days and staff team building days, in the last three financial years is as follows:

YEAR	Away Days/Team Building Days	Cost
2004/05	√	£33, 346.16
2005/06	√	£29, 996.00
2006/07	√	£42, 124.11
Total Cost		£105, 466.27

The above are all costs associated with staff away days/team building days. These include costs for the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) which provides inspection services for the Department of Education (DE), the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).

Away days in the main are used for Business Planning. As an Investor in People there is a requirement to involve people when developing the organisation’s business plan and when agreeing team and individual objectives. It is not possible to show separately the costs for away days (business planning) and team building exercises. In the Department of Education, however, teambuilding days are generally arranged through Employer Supported Volunteering with Voluntary Service Bureau at nil cost.

Curriculum Reserve Support

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of Curriculum Reserve Support monies paid out to schools in the (i) controlled; (ii) maintained; (iii) integrated; and (iv) Irish language sectors, in order to improve their financial bottom line, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 336/08)

Ms Ruane: Monies from the Curriculum Reserve Support Fund are not issued in order to improve schools’ financial positions but rather to provide for additional teaching/curriculum support in set circumstances. I understand from the Chief Executives of the five Education and Library Boards that the amount of Curriculum Reserve Support Monies paid to schools in each of the last five years is as follows:

Schools	2002/03 £000s	2003/04 £000s	2004/05 £000s	2005/06 £000s	2006/07 £000s
Controlled	1,152	1,124	979	917	474
Maintained	1,146	1,099	1,194	1,035	600
Controlled Integrated	24	8	15	11	0
Irish Medium	0	0	0	15	30

Chinese Language School

Mr Jimmy Spratt asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated to the Chinese Language School Northern Ireland, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 353/08)

Ms Ruane: I have been advised that payment was made to the Chinese Language School for each of the last five years was as follows:

Funding Provider	Financial Year	Payment Date	Amount
BELB	2001-02	May-01	£6,000
BELB	2002-03	May-02	£10,000
BELB	2003-04	May-03	£10,000
BELB	2004-05	May-04	£11,000

Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what action she will take regarding the recommendation in the report of the Strategic Review of Education that the methodology used to distribute resources to schools through the Common Funding Formula should be reviewed, in order to ensure that delegations under the formula reflect the costs of the main needs of the school.

(AQW 427/08)

Ms Ruane: Following the Bain Report, a draft policy document on Sustainable Schools was published for consultation by the direct rule administration on 23 January 2007. The responses to the consultation are being analysed by the Department. I am considering carefully the issues which have been raised and how best to move forward in ensuring that children get a good educational experience in strong viable schools. I intend to set out the position by the end of the year.

Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what action she will take regarding the recommendation in the report of the Strategic Review of Education that the rationale for funding prepatory departments in grammar schools should be reviewed.

(AQW 428/08)

Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what action she will take regarding the recommendation of the report of the Strategic Review of Education that the policy for sustainable schools in Northern Ireland should ensure that all schools are sustainable, in terms of quality of the educational experience of children; enrolment trends; financial position; school leadership and management; accessibility; and the strength of their links to the community.

(AQW 429/08)

Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the criteria that is used to determine whether a school's quality and breadth of education is satisfactory, as referred to in recommendation 7 of the report of the Strategic Review of Education.

(AQW 430/08)

Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education, in light of the recommendation in the report of the Strategic Review of Education that the minimum (not optimal) enrolments for new primary schools, and for Years 8-12 in new post-primary schools should be (i) Primary: 140 pupils in urban areas, and 105 pupils in rural areas; and (ii) Post-primary: 500 pupils, what is her assessment of whether or not the future of an existing school should be reviewed when enrolment falls below the relevant level.

(AQW 431/08)

Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking in regard to the recommendation in the Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education that, in addition to a delegated budget, schools should receive financial and other incentives to share resources and deliver improved provision in collaboration with other schools.

(AQW 440/08)

Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking in regard to the recommendation in the Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education to maximise the degree to which schools have control of their own budgets, and what appropriate arrangements for accountability she intends to put in place.

(AQW 441/08)

Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking in regard to the recommendation in the Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education that the budgets delegated to schools should continue to include resources for teachers' salaries and other staff costs.

(AQW 442/08)

School Repairs

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 69/08, to detail the amount and percentage of expenditure on school repairs in the maintained sector that was spent on Irish-medium schools, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 482/08)

Ms Ruane: The information provided by the Education and Library Boards is as follows:-

Expenditure on Maintenance and Repairs in Irish-medium Schools

	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY

Friday 12 October 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

Planning Appeals

Planning Appeals

Gender Equality Strategy

Annual Remembrance Ceremonies

Inward Investment

North-South Ministerial Council Meetings

Undocumented Irish

Attacks on Orange Halls

Economic Development

European Union Agenda

Civic Forum

Development at the Maze Site

Victims' Commissioner

Programme for Government

Cost of Division

Agriculture and Rural Development

Designated Water Courses

Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 - Action Groups

Sperrins Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme

New Entrants Scheme

Common Fishing Strategy

Flooding at Tromra Road, Cushendall

Farmers Affected by Flooding

Brown Crab

Animal Incinerators

Animal Incinerators

Animal Incinerators

Number of Approved On-Farm Incinerators in Northern Ireland by District Council Area

Number of Approved On-Farm Incinerators in Northern Ireland by Constituency

Kilkeel Harbour

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Alpha-Nortesterone

Bluetongue Disease

Comprehensive Spending Review

Lamb Promotion

Deliberate Introduction of Tuberculosis or Brucellosis to Livestock

Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

Common Agricultural Policy

Renewable Energy

Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis

Agri-Food Matters

Rural Diversification

Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

Fishing Rights

Information Technology in Farming

Agricultural Wages Board

Irish Fish Stocks

Bluetongue Disease

Bluetongue Disease

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Irish Language Act

Motorcycle Road Racing

Motorcycle Racing on Circuits

Equestrian Sports Events

World Pipe Band Championships

Derelict Library in Cullybackey

National Stadium

Gaeltacht Quarter in West Belfast

Community Festivals Fund

Public Angling Estate

Ulster-Scots Curriculum Development

National Stadium

Ulster-Scots and Irish Gaelic Spending

Belfast Mela

North-South Ministerial Council Sectoral Meetings

Cost of Translations

Sign Language

Education

Staff Team Building

Curriculum Reserve Support

Chinese Language School

Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education

Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education

Strategic Review of Education

Strategic Review of Education

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

Number of Approved On-Farm Incinerators in Northern Ireland
by District Council Area

Number of Approved On-Farm Incinerators in Northern Ireland
by Constituency