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 19 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
Assembly Commission
Corrigenda
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Orange Halls
Mr B Armstrong asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what representations have been made by the department, to ensure that the recent attacks on Orange Halls are being treated as sectarian hate crimes by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
(AQW 81/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (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.
To this end, the First Minister has made numerous representations to the police in relation to attacks on Orange Halls.
Royal Ulster Constabulary Reservists
Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the further clarification it is seeking from the Secretary of State with regard to pension/gratuity payments to Royal Ulster Constabulary reservists; and to indicate when it will be in a position to release the information obtained in relation to this issue.
(AQW 588/08)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We have asked for further information about aspects of the Northern Ireland Office’s assessment of the economic viability of a pension scheme for Royal Ulster Constabulary Part-time Reservists. We will provide a full response when this additional information has been received.
Investment Strategy
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how it will ensure that the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland covers all of Northern Ireland, and, in particular, the Strangford area.
(AQW 756/08)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: A draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will be published shortly for consultation, setting out a range of programmes and projects to develop public infrastructure over the period 2008-2018 in line with the Executive’s strategic priorities. In developing the draft Investment Strategy, the Strategic Investment Board has engaged with a wide cross-section of society across the region in order to inform better its advice to the Executive on prioritisation of future infrastructure development.
The Investment Strategy will be based on objective assessment of needs and priorities across all areas and will include developments both of regional and local significance.
Office of the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Complaints
Mr D McClarty asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what consideration it has given to initiating the review of the Offices of the Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints, which was due to commence upon restoration of the Assembly.
(AQW 764/08)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: A review of the Offices of the Assembly Ombudsman and Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints was undertaken in the 2003/04 financial year, and a report was submitted to OFMDFM for consideration in March 2004. In considering the report, the former Secretary of State, Paul Murphy MP, decided that consultation on the report findings, and subsequent policy development, should await the return of the Assembly.
We are now considering the report to determine the continued relevance of its scope and findings in light of the time that has elapsed since it was originally submitted to OFMDFM. This will allow us to map out what action is required in relation to the report, and the timetable for taking forward its findings as appropriate. We will advise the Assembly of our intentions in due course.
Victims' Commissioner
Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, with reference to the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner, and on the basis that the recruitment process was initiated under direct rule, to detail the implications that the delay in making this appointment will have on the reports being produced by (i) the Strategic Review of Parades Group; and (ii) the Consultative Group on the Past (Eames/Bradley).
(AQW 894/08)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The work of the Strategic Review of Parades Group and the Consultative Group on the Past are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office. We understand that the former intend to report in Spring 2008 and the latter by Summer 2008.
At this stage we do not anticipate any implications for the two reports arising from the timescale for Appointment of the Victims’ Commissioner as announced on 8 October 2007.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Cost of Animal Feed
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to offset the threat to the pig, poultry and cattle industries, as a result of the increasing cost of feed.
(AQW 630/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): I have recently met senior management at Grampian Country Park to hear at first hand the real economic challenges facing the pigmeat sector. I am also aware of the difficulties facing the poultry sector. I am fully engaged with the Red Meat Task Force and will be working with them and other stakeholders to consider their findings and recommendations and the way forward.
The extent of the problem varies with individual farm situation and it is essential each farmer accurately assesses their own costs of production. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, CAFRE, offers Benchmarking programmes to pig producers and livestock farmers to help them assess their own costs of production and identify solutions to address any inefficiencies identified. The College is also working with stakeholders to develop training programmes for pig producers. A programme of written communications and workshops is planned this winter for the ruminant sectors in response to the current feed situation. We have also put the set-aside rate at 0% for the coming year, which will release land for cereal production. I hope this will go some way to helping the pig, poultry and cattle industries at this time.
I have highlighted to the major retailers here how difficult the situation is for our local supply base. I have also written to every supermarket in the North about the rising costs for producers because of feed prices. Whilst I would like to encourage supermarkets to consider better terms for local produce, unfortunately, this is a reserved matter and I have no direct influence over prices.
Livestock Identity Tags
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to explain the reasons for the decision to retain the United Kingdom logo on the new 14 digit livestock identity tags.
(AQW 632/08)
Ms Gildernew: Two-letter country codes must be printed on cattle eartags under EU legislation. The purpose of this is to allow the animal’s Member State of origin to be identified. Commission Regulation (EC) No. 911/2004 specifies that the country code for the United Kingdom is UK. We are bound by this Commission Regulation to retain this on the tags.
Sluicing Gates
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the decisions taken in relation to putting in place new and improved sluicing gates at the Clay Lakes, Shrigley, following the meeting on 18 June 2007 between her officials, Environment and Heritage Service officials, and local residents.
(AQW 687/08)
Ms Gildernew: DARD Rivers Agency currently has no responsibility for control structures on the Clay Lakes. Following a meeting in June 2007 between representatives of Rivers Agency, DOE, Environment and Heritage, and the current controllers of the water levels, a further meeting took place on 19 July to discuss future control arrangements and the possible transfer of responsibility to Rivers Agency. Any decisions to provide new and improved control structures are subject to the formal agreement of the current controllers to transfer responsibility which has not yet been confirmed.
Animal Incinerators
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the consultation requirements, in relation to building an animal incinerator on a farm.
(AQW 694/08)
Ms Gildernew: Animal carcase incinerators must be approved in accordance with the Animal By-Products Regulations (NI) 2003. This requires incinerators to be operated in such a way as to minimise risks to public or animal health.
Under the Regulations, my Department must grant an approval if it is satisfied that the premises will be operated in compliance with the legislation. The legislation does not make provision for consultation. There is therefore no requirement for consultation in the approval process.
Organics Sector
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what incentives her department has introduced to develop the organics sector.
(AQW 722/08)
Ms Gildernew: Under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, which was approved by the European Commission in late July 2007, I hope to offer a new Organic Farming Scheme to assist farmers who wish to convert from conventional to organic production.
The new Scheme should offer increased levels of support for the organic livestock sector, with additional support for the organic cereal and horticulture sectors. DARD proposes to pay the following amounts to farmers to cover the first five years of conversion to organic production:
Horticulture (including top fruit) - £670
Arable - £570
Other Improved Land - £470
These payments are on a ‘per hectare’ basis, and will be apportioned over the five years.
I also hope to offer an ongoing post-conversion payment of £30 per hectare per year for such land, which is certified organic, under the proposed Organic Option in the new Countryside Management Scheme.
In addition to this, CAFRE (Greenmount Campus) continues to provide education, advice and ongoing support in relation to organic farming. It also develops and tests new technologies appropriate to the local organic sector.
Genetically Modified Crops
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, in relation to the debate on genetically modified crops.
(AQW 723/08)
Ms Gildernew: To date, there have been no such discussions with Mary Coughlan, my counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, on this matter.
While such discussions will be scheduled if and when required, it should be pointed out that locally the Department of Environment, not DARD, have the statutory responsibility for the licensing of any GM trials.
However, I must stress that no GM crops are being grown here, either on farms or in research establishments.
Lamb Production
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the tonnage of lamb produced in Northern Ireland in (a) 2004; (b) 2005; (c) 2006; and (d) 2007, to date.
(AQW 743/08)
Ms Gildernew: The tonnage of lamb produced from the domestic breeding flock, including that from lambs slaughtered locally and lambs shipped or exported live, is estimated to be the following:-
tonnes dressed carcase weight
(a) 2004 17,878
(b) 2005 17,790
(c) 2006 18,940 (provisional)
(d) 2007 (to end of September) 11,855 (preliminary estimate)
I hope you find this helpful.
Beef Production
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the tonnage of beef produced in Northern Ireland in (a) 2004; (b) 2005; (c) 2006; and (d) 2007, to date.
(AQW 744/08)
Ms Gildernew: The tonnage of beef produced locally, including that from animals slaughtered here and all cattle shipped or exported live, is estimated to be the following:-
tonnes dressed carcase weight1
(a) 2004 138,174
(b) 2005 132,244
(c) 2006 139,693 (provisional)
(d) 2007 (to end of September) 113,325 (preliminary estimate)
1. This excludes meat from animals slaughtered under the Over Thirty Months Scheme and the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme. This meat does not enter the human food chain.
I hope you find this helpful.
Circus Animals
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's policy in relation to the presence of circuses involving the use of animals.
(AQW 771/08)
Ms Gildernew: DARD’s role in circuses is currently very limited. Part III of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972 allows for the protection of all animals, as it is an offence under the Act to fail to exercise reasonable care and supervision so as to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal. There are, however, no specific provisions on the welfare of animals in circuses. Furthermore the Department has no powers of entry to circuses. If a welfare complaint is received regarding a circus animal, only the PSNI has powers of entry under the Act.
The Department did, however, consult on proposals for new animal welfare legislation in 2006, including on the need for regulation of circuses. I have asked my officials to finalise a paper summarising the responses to this consultation, after which I will decide what new legislation is required.
As many of the circuses that operate here are based in the South, it is important that I take note of the position in the South during my consideration of this issue. Therefore I have asked my officials to raise the issue in their discussions about new animal welfare legislation in the South, with their counterparts in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, when they next meet at a forthcoming Animal Welfare North South Working Group.
Circus Animals
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to regulate the use of animals in circuses within Northern Ireland; and what consideration she has given to a ban on such circuses.
(AQW 772/08)
Ms Gildernew: DARD’s role in circuses is currently very limited. Part III of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972 allows for the protection of all animals, as it is an offence under the Act to fail to exercise reasonable care and supervision so as to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal. There are, however, no specific provisions on the welfare of animals in circuses. Furthermore the Department has no powers of entry to circuses. If a welfare complaint is received regarding a circus animal, only the PSNI has powers of entry under the Act.
The Department did, however, consult on proposals for new animal welfare legislation in 2006, including on the need for regulation of circuses. I have asked my officials to finalise a paper summarising the responses to this consultation, after which I will decide what new legislation is required.
As many of the circuses that operate here are based in the South, it is important that I take note of the position in the South during my consideration of this issue. Therefore I have asked my officials to raise the issue in their discussions about new animal welfare legislation in the South, with their counterparts in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, when they next meet at a forthcoming Animal Welfare North South Working Group.
Suckler Beef and Hill Sheep Farmers
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she will take to support the long-term sustainability of Northern Ireland's suckler beef and hill sheep farmers, in response to the findings of the Northern Ireland Red Meat Taskforce.
(AQW 799/08)
Ms Gildernew: I am committed to supporting local produce and can advise that my Department is actively involved in work aimed at assisting our beef and sheep industries. The Task Force Report clearly shows the serious challenges facing these sectors and gives a clear view on the choices that have to be made by each individual farmer.
My Department will target research and investment to production models that are considered, by the Report, as having the greatest potential to deliver results and offer sustainable businesses to farmers. We will support those farmers who choose to stay in the sector and look at alternative production systems and help those who wish to change direction and take up other opportunities.
The Single Farm Payment, available up to 2013, represents substantial transitional support and gives producers options, while maintaining current levels of income, to be able to change direction while trying to implement logical business decisions. Additionally, the Rural Development Plan that I announced in early summer, contains many programmes and measures that will also assist in the transition, for example, adding value via better Processing and Marketing, Farm Modernisation and Supply Chain Programmes.
Beef and Lamb were included in LMC’s programme of activities at Anuga, the international food and drink exhibition that took place in Cologne earlier this month. LMC also facilitate trade missions, carry out beef and lamb promotion activities in Europe and provide pricing and marketing information to help the industry secure the best markets for their products.
Part-Time Farmers
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will give a detailed report on her department's progress towards accommodating part-time farmers, within the farm viability criteria that are presently applied to meet planning policy.
(AQW 813/08)
Ms Gildernew: I understand the concerns which exist about the relevance of the current farm viability test given that an increasing proportion of farms are being operated on a part time basis. The assessment of farm viability is one of a number of issues that is being considered by the Ministerial Interdepartmental Rural Planning Group, of which I am a member. This group will report its conclusions to the Executive.
Surplus Young Cattle
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of whether or not surplus young cattle are always disposed of in a humane manner.
(AQW 865/08)
Ms Gildernew: There is no evidence to suggest inhumane disposal of young cattle. The majority of these surplus young cattle are humanely destroyed by private vets though some may be shot by the farmers themselves. If the welfare of animals was being contravened the Department would expect to be made aware through complaints from neighbours and farm visitors. The Department gives high priority to the welfare of cattle and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements. Any breaches are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.
Surplus Young Cattle
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to introduce incentives in relation to the rearing of surplus young cattle, taking into account the current global food shortage.
(AQW 866/08)
Ms Gildernew: The recently published Red Meat Task Force Report highlights the serious challenges facing the sector and gives a clear view on the choices that have to be made by each individual farmer. My Department will assist in whatever way it can but the current structure of the red meat industry is not viable and we need to secure change. I will ensure that Government resources are focused and targeted on those production options which are viable. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, CAFRE, and Supply Chain Development Branch will also continue to work with producers to develop new production systems for cattle with a view to satisfying the demands of, or need for, new market opportunities.
The Single Farm Payment, which will be available up to 2013 at least, represents substantial transitional support to underpin the red meat sector, giving producers the opportunity to change the direction of their business whilst maintaining current levels of income. The question would appear to indicate that the time is right to look at other options including diversification. Further subsidy, even in the short term, would simply mask the issues and put off addressing the need for change. Introducing an incentive scheme or something similar is neither realistic nor practical as, even if State Aid approval were to be granted, resources are extremely limited.
Early Retirement Scheme for Farmers
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she will give to an early retirement scheme for farmers, similar to that which exists in the Republic of Ireland.
(AQW 867/08)
Ms Gildernew: Independent research commissioned by DARD and carried out in 2002 by The Queen’s University of Belfast considered the viability of an Early Retirement Scheme, as well as a New Entrants Scheme. The research estimated that the payment for actions which would have occurred anyway in the absence of the Scheme would be relatively high and, therefore, it offered poor value for money.
Since then, decoupling of support and the introduction of the Single Farm Payment Scheme (SFPS) provides an extremely flexible means by which farmers can scale back their farming enterprises and retain a significant support payment. This offers a practical and readily available means for farmers to move to retirement at any stage and with minimum bureaucracy.
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make public the details of the business case that has been used as the basis for her decision to sell the facilities owned by her department at Crossnacreevy; and to detail what other options, as an alternative to this sale, were considered.
(AQW 914/08)
Ms Gildernew: The proposed disposal of the Crossnacreevy site is about Government’s obligations to make best use of its capital assets and about the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute’s (AFBI) future strategic needs.
Prior to my announcement on 12 June, DARD and AFBI jointly had already begun a review of AFBI’s needs and utilisation of the estate it occupies. The initial scoping study for this review concluded that the relocation of the activities and facilities at Crossnacreevy to another site was feasible. This conclusion opened up the possibility that the current site could be sold without any adverse impact on AFBI’s activities.
The AFBI estate review has now moved on to the next phase. This includes the preparation of business cases that will address the options for the relocation of the facilities and work carried out at and disposal of the Crossnacreevy site. Once the business cases are finalised I will be very happy to make the details available.
EU Agriculture and Fisheries Meeting
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what benefits were secured for the agricultural community in Northern Ireland, at the meeting of EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in Porto, from 16-18 September 2007.
(AQW 1051/08)
Ms Gildernew: The meeting of EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in Porto was an informal meeting of the EU Agriculture Council hosted by the Portuguese Presidency. The hosting of an informal Council meeting is normal practice at the start of each new six month Presidency. A Presidency paper entitled ‘Importance of agri-food sector to the sustainable development of rural territories’ was the subject of debate.
Informal meetings of the EU Council have no legal status. Consequently, no decisions are taken at such meetings and so there are no direct benefits for the agricultural community in the North that could accrue from the recent informal meeting in Porto.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Motorcycle Road Races
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration has been given to permitting organisers of motorcycle road races to charge entry to their events.
(AQW 698/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): I am aware that, currently, legislation only provides for charging into the Dundrod circuit during the Ulster Grand Prix. Officials within my Department are in ongoing discussions with the umbrella body for motorsport, the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited, about the wider implications this may have for organisers of other motorsports events and how issues in relation to charging at those events might be addressed.
Dundrod Circuit (Admission Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of the impact of the Dundrod Circuit (Admission Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.
(AQW 701/08)
Mr Poots: The Dundrod Circuit (Admission Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 provides for the organisers of the Ulster Grand Prix to levy an admission charge on spectators attending this event. The umbrella body for motorsport, the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited (2&4 Wheel MSG), has raised concerns with DCAL about the implications of these Regulations on investment opportunities for other motorsport events. DCAL officials are in on-going discussions with 2&4 Wheel MSG on this issue and how it might be addressed.
Library Services
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an estimate of the number of administration and management staff that will be required in the various grades of library service, following the establishment of the proposed new Library Authority.
(AQW 734/08)
Mr Poots: The Chief Executive (designate) of the proposed Library Authority is considering the staffing structure of the Library Authority as part of the work she is undertaking on organisational design with senior library staff in the Education and Library Boards.
Once I have had an opportunity to consider her proposals I will advise the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee.
Library Services
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will provide assurances that the core library services will be free to the general public at the point of use, following the establishment of the proposed Library Authority.
(AQW 735/08)
Mr Poots: Yes. The Libraries Bill as drafted is designed to reflect current practice in charging the public for certain library services. The Department’s policy guidelines, Delivering Tomorrow’s Libraries, state that "the public library service exists to make available to all, free at the point of use, books and information which provide opportunities for learning, knowledge and inspiration".
Library Services
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of administration and management staff within the Northern Ireland Library Service, broken down by grade.
(AQW 738/08)
Mr Poots: A table detailing the information requested is attached.
ANNEX
GRADE |
IN POST |
|---|---|
| Second Tier | 5 |
| Assistant Senior Education Officer | 1 |
| Education Officer | 2 |
| Senior Principal Officer | 5 |
| Principal Officer | 3 |
| Assistant Principal Officer | 2 |
| Senior Administration Officer | 5 |
| Administration Officer | 13 |
| Senior Executive Officer | 12 |
| Executive Officer | 22 |
| Senior Clerical Officer | 22 |
| Clerical Officer | 6 |
| TOTAL | 98 |
Library Services
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of the land and property requirements of the new Library Authority and related administration; and to detail (a) whether there will be a requirement for additional or new accommodation; (b) the estimated cost of new accommodation; and (c) the value of any surplus land and property.
(AQW 739/08)
Mr Poots: The existing public libraries and library administration buildings will transfer from the Education and Library Boards to the Library Authority in a scheme for the transfer of assets. In considering the organisational design of the Library Authority, an assessment will be made of the continuing need for the existing administration buildings. The value of any that are surplus will be calculated at that point.
The only new accommodation foreseen is for the headquarters of the Library Authority. Negotiations are underway for temporary premises in Lisburn which will cost around £30,000 per year in rent, rates and service charge. A permanent location for the Library Authority has not yet been considered.
Sporting Facilities
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what support his department is giving to provide additional sporting facilities, throughout all of the rural areas in North Antrim.
(AQW 752/08)
Mr Poots: Article 10 of The Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 states that each District Council has statutory responsibility for the provision of leisure and recreation facilities within its area. Therefore the responsibility to provide additional sporting facilities throughout all of the rural areas in North Antrim falls to the District Councils in that area. This would therefore be a matter for Ballymena, Ballymoney, and Moyle, Borough Councils.
1911 Census of Ireland Microfilm
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to explain the reasons why the 1911 census of Ireland microfilm is still not available in the Public Record Office in Northern Ireland, when his department promised in 2002 that that it would be copied and placed on public record; and what is the timetable for this to be made available.
(AQW 753/08)
Mr Poots: It was the intention of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) to purchase microfilm copies of the 1911 census but because of technical difficulties in duplicating the films these plans were delayed. In the meantime PRONI was aware that the National Archives of Ireland in Dublin were keen to index and digitise both the 1901 and 1911 census in which case it would have been wasteful of public funding for PRONI to acquire microfilm copies.
In the autumn of 2005 the government in the Republic of Ireland announced that funding would be made available for the digitisation of both the 1901 and 1911 census returns for the whole island of Ireland. These will be available online without charge. This is being implemented as a joint project between the National Archives of Ireland and Library and Archives Canada. Phase one to make the 1911 census for Dublin available will be launched shortly. Cos Antrim and Down, including Belfast, will be in phase two which is to be launched in the Spring of 2008. It will therefore be unnecessary for PRONI to obtain microfilm copies of the 1911 census for Northern Ireland.
Cost of Translations
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the total cost of translating all Northern Ireland Government departments' official documents and papers into non-English language mediums, broken down by language.
(AQW 800/08)
Mr Poots: Detailed breakdowns of translation costs for each Government Department for each of the last five years are provided in the following tables:
| BREAKDOWN OF TRANSLATIONS 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BREAKDOWN FOR 2002/03 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | TOTAL 2002/03 | Irish | Ulster Scots | * Ethnic | Sign | ** Other |
| DHSSPS | £95,620.11 | £89,152.86 | £0.00 | £6,467.25 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| NIO | £123,150.11 | £679.36 | £413.00 | £121,790.75 | £85.00 | £182.00 |
| DE | £98,993.67 | £35,521.79 | £0.00 | £58,497.63 | £599.70 | £4,374.55 |
| DETI | £987.68 | £176.02 | £0.00 | £811.66 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DEL | £4,726.86 | £655.00 | £0.00 | £719.90 | £3,351.96 | £0.00 |
| OFMDFM | £43,176.87 | £26,208.99 | £7,415.50 | £2,522.00 | £1,528.00 | £5,502.38 |
| DOE | £296.50 | £154.50 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £142.00 | £0.00 |
| DSD | £18,183.86 | £57.50 | £0.00 | £16,836.02 | £1,290.34 | £0.00 |
| DFP | £177.17 | £177.17 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DCAL | £39,718.86 | £38,061.61 | £149.85 | £495.00 | £1,012.40 | £0.00 |
| DARD | £981.49 | £310.89 | £0.00 | £670.60 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DRD | NIL RETURN | |||||
|
TOTAL |
£426,013.18 |
£191,155.69 |
£7,978.35 |
£208,810.81 |
£8,009.40 |
£10,058.93 |
| BREAKDOWN 2003/04 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DEPARTMENT |
TOTAL 2003/04 |
IRISH |
ULSTER SCOTS |
* ETHNIC |
SIGN |
** OTHER |
NIO |
£115,001.83 |
£687.38 |
£0.00 |
£111,583.79 |
£2,730.66 |
£0.00 |
DE |
£119,929.38 |
£22,963.22 |
£69.95 |
£96,780.01 |
£104.20 |
£12.00 |
DARD |
£1,305.36 |
£76.59 |
£0.00 |
£1,175.78 |
£0.00 |
£52.99 |
DEL |
£11,039.00 |
£0.00 |
£1,028.00 |
£9,028.70 |
£104.20 |
£878.10 |
DETI |
£3,697.68 |
£2,075.93 |
£0.00 |
£523.93 |
£120.11 |
£977.71 |
DFP |
£1,898.45 |
£1,060.13 |
£0.00 |
£838.32 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
DHSSPS |
£31,466.55 |
£29,305.80 |
£0.00 |
£2,160.75 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
DOE |
£74.95 |
£74.95 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
DRD |
£539.04 |
£195.00 |
£134.04 |
£210.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
DSD |
£53,913.74 |
£482.50 |
£0.00 |
£52,556.86 |
£874.38 |
£0.00 |
OFMDFM |
£22,505.61 |
£4,764.15 |
£354.00 |
£1,375.51 |
£15,734.65 |
£277.30 |
DCAL |
£53,652.58 |
£51,593.12 |
£444.50 |
£1,350.00 |
£264.96 |
£0.00 |
TOTAL |
£415,024.17 |
£113,278.77 |
£2,030.49 |
£277,583.65 |
£19,933.16 |
£2,198.10 |
| BREAKDOWN 2004/05 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEPARTMENT | TOTAL 2004/05 | IRISH | ULSTER SCOTS | * ETHNIC | SIGN | ** OTHER |
| NIO | £257,878.70 | £2,058.69 | £558.06 | £158,670.32 | £4,161.52 | £92,430.11 |
| DE | £37,416.37 | £24,554.49 | £0.00 | £9,800.30 | £3,061.58 | £0.00 |
| DARD | £1,370.98 | £311.90 | £0.00 | £1,059.08 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DEL | £12,557.82 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £50.00 | £2,654.63 | £9,853.19 |
| DETI | £3,603.36 | £309.97 | £45.50 | £1,740.01 | £1,507.88 | £0.00 |
| DFP | £1,958.86 | £625.06 | £295.54 | £715.11 | £102.34 | £220.81 |
| DHSSPS | £13,515.01 | £9,592.76 | £0.00 | £152.75 | £0.00 | £3,769.50 |
| DOE | £724.02 | £109.02 | £225.00 | £390.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DRD | £3,798.99 | £338.24 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £3,108.24 | £352.51 |
| DSD | £112,612.59 | £251.39 | £0.00 | £98,092.67 | £3,154.70 | £11,113.83 |
| OFMDFM | £1,695.36 | £494.36 | £0.00 | £1,195.00 | £0.00 | £6.00 |
| DCAL | £37,403.23 | £28,575.59 | £568.71 | £5,425.00 | £2,833.93 | £0.00 |
| TOTAL | £484,535.29 | £67,221.47 | £1,692.81 | £277,290.24 | £20,584.82 | £117,745.95 |
| BREAKDOWN 2005/06 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEPARTMENT | TOTAL 2005/06 | IRISH | ULSTER SCOTS | * ETHNIC | SIGN | ** OTHER |
| NIO | £527,454.57 | £480.76 | £0.00 | £510,893.87 | £16,079.94 | £0.00 |
| DE | £37,827.10 | £19,349.27 | £0.00 | £14,094.27 | £3,559.65 | £823.91 |
| DARD | £5,076.85 | £3,192.16 | £95.89 | £1,590.00 | £0.00 | £198.80 |
| DEL | £232,064.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £230,841.00 | £1,223.00 | £0.00 |
| DETI | £7,510.19 | £390.89 | £0.00 | £5,430.59 | £1,611.17 | £77.54 |
| DFP | £1,498.03 | £899.73 | £0.00 | £180.00 | £356.50 | £61.80 |
| DHSSPS | £27,262.66 | £8,974.00 | £0.00 | £17,545.66 | £0.00 | £743.00 |
| DOE | £16,330.78 | £7,290.06 | £7,931.62 | £309.10 | £800.00 | £0.00 |
| DRD | £546.04 | £436.04 | £0.00 | £110.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DSD | £309,871.19 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £308,602.40 | £561.00 | £707.79 |
| OFMDFM | £24,081.60 | £2,740.77 | £515.36 | £15,210.47 | £4,291.60 | £1,323.40 |
| DCAL | £25,183.92 | £20,801.17 | £783.40 | £1,535.90 | £532.30 | £1,531.15 |
| TOTAL | £1,214,706.93 | £64,554.85 | £9,326.27 | £1,106,343.26 | £29,015.16 | £5,467.39 |
| BREAKDOWN 2006/07 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEPARTMENT | TOTAL 2006/07 | IRISH | ULSTER SCOTS | ETHNIC* | SIGN | OTHER** |
| NIO | £359,775.00 | £1,963.00 | £193.00 | £337,935.00 | £19,070.00 | £614.00 |
| DE | £235,520.11 | £19,371.88 | £50.61 | £212,177.62 | £3,590.00 | £330.00 |
| DARD | £8,723.20 | £2,087.49 | £489.77 | £6,145.94 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DEL | £118,987.71 | £2,375.06 | £630.00 | £35,795.65 | £80,187.00 | £0.00 |
| DETI | £12,482.65 | £223.75 | £0.00 | £11,622.02 | £113.00 | £523.88 |
| DFP | £14,040.03 | £9,971.29 | £0.00 | £174.36 | £3,763.88 | £130.50 |
| DHSSPS | £14,786.46 | £14,046.45 | £0.00 | £740.01 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| DOE | £22,246.57 | £20,145.87 | £1,060.50 | £508.20 | £532.00 | £0.00 |
| DRD | £5,042.51 | £410.67 | £175.00 | £1,547.34 | £2,593.00 | £316.50 |
| DSD | £262,630.97 | £1,932.88 | £0.00 | £257,924.33 | £990.95 | £1,782.81 |
| OFMDFM | £14,926.86 | £3,891.97 | £499.60 | £7,815.46 | £2,111.40 | £608.43 |
| DCAL | £44,918.38 | £40,667.70 | £0.00 | £2,191.31 | £0.00 | £2,059.37 |
| TOTAL | £1,114,080.45 | £117,088.01 | £3,098.48 | £874,577.24 | £112,951.23 | £6,365.49 |
* Ethnic refers to translations other than English, Irish and Ulster-Scots
** Other refers to braille and interpretation costs
Comprehensive Spending Review
Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within his department's approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.
(AQW 824/08)
Mr Poots: My Department is committed to ensuring that it fulfils its duties under both Section 75(1) and (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in relation to the promotion of equality of opportunity and the desirability of promoting good relations. Promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations is an important part of departmental policy development, legislative activities and operational programmers. For each of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 spending and efficiency proposals put forward by the Department a High Level Equality Impact Assessment (HLIA), agreed by the Equality Commission for the Comprehensive Spending Review process, has been completed showing how each proposal has been considered against both duties.
The report ‘The Cost of Division –A Shared Future Strategy ‘was a piece of independent research commissioned by the previous administration and represents the views of Deloitte Touche. Therefore my department did not consider this report during the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.
Irish Language Community
Mr F Brolly asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he has taken to liaise with the Irish language community, since he took up office.
(AQW 874/08)
Mr Poots: I have recently met with representatives from the Irish language community to discuss Irish language legislation, the recommendations of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Regional or Minority Languages duty to adopt a strategy to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language.
Arts Council
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide a breakdown of the number of staff within the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, per head of population, compared to the Arts Councils of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
(AQW 888/08)
Mr Poots: The information requested is shown in the table below.
Arts Council |
No. of Staff |
Population |
Population per member of staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 700 | 50,762,900 | 72,518 |
| Scotland | 90 | 5,116,900 | 56,854 |
| Wales | 124 | 2,965,900 | 23,919 |
| Republic of Ireland | 105 | 4,109,086 | 39,134 |
| Northern Ireland | 56 | 1,710,300 | 30,541 |
The Arts Council staff total includes 5 temporary staff and 2 university student placements.
Arts Council
Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide a breakdown of Annual Support for Organisations Programme contributions allocated by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to the Grand Opera House, Belfast, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 889/08)
Mr Poots: Annual Support for Organisations Programme contributions allocated by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to the Grand Opera House in each of the last three years are shown below:
Financial year |
Amount allocated (£) |
|---|---|
| 2007/08 | 492,921 |
| 2006/07 | 492,921 |
| 2005/06 | 485,000 |
Ulster-Scots
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what progress has been made in preparing to move the Ulster-Scots language from part 2 to part 3 of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
(AQW 946/08)
Mr Poots: A draft road map has been developed by the Ulster Scots Academy Implementation Group Partnership Board outlining how the criteria could be met for Ulster-Scots to attain Part III status. This was done at the request of an Ulster Scots Future Search Group convened by my Department. Government Departments have considered the document and responded to the Partnership Board who in turn submitted a revised document for further consideration by the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group (ICIG). ICIG agreed to take on board both the Partnership Board’s and Departments’ comments and prepare a revised road map for discussion at its next meeting.
Education
Transfer Test
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the breakdown of costs and the number of personnel involved in devising, trialling and administering the transfer test each year.
(AQW 220/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): The Transfer Test is estimated to cost the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in excess of £500,000 to devise, trial and administer. Around 50% of the total cost is accounted for by the development and trialling of test papers, with around 30% accounted for by the marking and re-marking of test papers. The remaining 20% of costs relate to printing, postage, processing of entries and information management. This estimate reflects the fact that a number of CCEA staff engaged in these activities also undertake other functions within the organisation, so an exact head count is not appropriate, but staffing costs are factored into the overall estimate. The figure excludes the cost of invigilation, ongoing support for schools and the issue of results to schools and parents, all of which are more difficult to accurately estimate as they involve organisations other than CCEA.
Bunschoil an Chaistil
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale for Bunschoil an Chaistil to (i) receive an upgrade of its C2K service; (ii) receive lunch facilities; and to detail how the Club Bank Scheme is progressing towards a new school in Ballycastle, and whether her department has settled upon a design for this new school.
(AQW 280/08)
Ms Ruane: (i) Bunscoil an Chaistil is using standalone ICT equipment supplied by Classroom 2000 (C2k) because its current temporary accommodation does not have the cabling necessary to enable it to have a fully networked internal system. The Department is currently working with the North Eastern Education and Library Board and C2k to ensure that Bunscoil an Chaistil will be fully equipped and connected to the C2k network, thus ensuring that they can take full advantage of the benefits of ICT, as well as meeting their responsibilities under the new curricular and assessment arrangements. The solution for the school has still to be determined but it is expected that the work will be completed in the next few months.
(ii) The North Eastern Education and Library Board is currently providing school meals for 7 to 8 pupils at Bunscoil an Chaistil. These pupils are entitled to free school meals and the meals are delivered daily to the school from St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s High School and eaten in the nursery classroom. Due to the small numbers involved the Board has not provided a separate school meal servery.
(iii) Arrangements for a Club Bank scheme are currently the subject of consideration between the Department and Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. The Department has not yet agreed a design for the school.
Dyslexia
Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Education to detail the earliest age at which her department can make provision for children with dyslexia in the Ards peninsula.
(AQW 437/08)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education does not make special education provision. Under special education legislation Education and Library Boards (ELBs) are responsible for identifying, assessing and, in appropriate cases, making special educational provision for children in their areas.
This provision, which includes provision for children with dyslexia, is matched to individual needs and for which no age limit has been prescribed by the Department.
All-Island Autism Centre
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made on an all-island autism centre.
(AQO 294/08)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education in partnership with the Department of Education and Science is taking forward the arrangements needed to enable the Middletown Centre for Autism to begin offering services.
Following the purchase of the property in June 2004 and the approval of a comprehensive revised economic appraisal in July 2006 considerable progress has been made in the establishment of the Centre.
The appointment of the Board of Directors by the two Departments is now complete and the Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd was incorporated as a company on 16th March 2007.
The Chief Executive Officer for the Centre commenced employment in April 2007, with two Heads of Division taking up their posts in September and October. They will be taking forward the work required to commence service delivery. The recruitment of the Head of Corporate Services is also underway.
An Integrated Design Team led by the two Departments is taking forward the refurbishment and building project, which is being planned to facilitate the phasing of services until the completion of the building works. Consultations with stakeholders took place in August and September to help inform the design of the Centre.
The Board and Senior Management Team intend to undertake an extensive consultation exercise during the Autumn/Winter 2007 period with all those involved with children and young people with autism. The purpose of this consultation is to inform and invite comments regarding the proposed services to be delivered from the Centre.
Teaching Salaries
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 70/08, to detail the number of teachers whose salaries were included in the figures that she provided, broken down by sector, for each of the last five years.
(AQW 481/08)
Ms Ruane: The number of teachers whose salaries were included in the figures provided in AQW 70/08, broken down by sector, for each of the last five years is detailed in the attached table.
| Sector |
2002/2003 |
2003/2004 |
2004/2005 |
2005/2006 |
2006/2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled | 8,763 | 8,842 | 8,853 | 8,686 | 8,510 |
| Controlled Integrated | 226 | 255 | 270 | 270 | 263 |
| Grant Maintained | 775 | 794 | 841 | 876 | 903 |
| Maintained | 7,020 | 7,014 | 6,939 | 6,824 | 6,669 |
| Other Maintained | 78 | 81 | 79 | 81 | 81 |
| Irish Medium | 168 | 180 | 187 | 194 | 196 |
| Total | 17,030 | 17,166 | 17,169 | 16,931 | 16,622 |
After-School Clubs
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to introduce after-school clubs in rural areas in the next year; and, if so, what will be the locations of such clubs.
(AQW 493/08)
Ms Ruane: Just under a quarter of the 494 schools currently in the extended school programme are classified as rural. The programme is targeted at socially disadvantaged schools across all areas and I have no plans to introduce a specific strand of the programme targeted solely at rural areas.
St. Aloysius High School, Cushendall
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail the current situation regarding the proposals to close St. Aloysius High School in Cushendall.
(AQW 494/08)
Ms Ruane: The Trustees and CCMS are examining possible rationalisation of post-primary provision in the Glens and East Antrim area involving three schools, including St Aloysius High School. CCMS are working on an economic appraisal which covers options for rationalising provision, and which will be presented on completion to the Department of Education. Any proposal for rationalisation which CCMS and the Trustees bring forward in due course will require the publication of a statutory development proposal, which will be the subject of consultation.
Academic Selection
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail what progress has been made on the proposals to end academic selection; and to give a timescale within which her proposals will be fully implemented.
(AQW 495/08)
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 and will be bringing forward proposals as soon as possible. It is well known that I am not in favour of selection on the basis of ability, but I am also conscious of the need to engage with those who hold opposing views to determine new post-primary admissions arrangements for this cohort. Rather than imposing artificial deadlines, 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.
Pupils in Irish Language Schools
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of Irish language schools in Northern Ireland, broken down by constituency; and (ii) the number of pupils that are enrolled in each of these schools.
(AQW 505/08)
Ms Ruane: The latest available school enrolment information relates to the 2006/07 academic year. There were 21 grant-aided Irish language primary and post-primary schools in the North of Ireland in 2006/07. They had a total enrolment of 2,530 pupils. In addition, there were two independent Irish language schools, with a combined enrolment of 24 pupils.
Local Business Needs
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 91/08, what meetings she has had with Northern Ireland business leaders, to ascertain how the education system can develop the skills of young people for life and work in the 21st century; and what emphasis was placed upon employability and entrepreneurship in these meetings.
(AQW 507/08)
Ms Ruane: Since taking up the post of Minister for Education I have met representatives of the following groups on the dates specified:
Irish Association of Social, Cultural & Economic Relations: 03 July 2007
Confederation of British Industry: 25 July 2007
Ulster Farmers Union: 25 July 2007
Institute of Directors: 08 August 2007
Business in the Community 06 September 2007
These meetings have provided an opportunity for very useful engagement on the contribution that education can and does make to employment, enterprise and wider economic development.
Raising educational standards and ensuring young people have the necessary skills to progress into employment is crucial for our long-term economic success. It is for that reason that the revised curriculum now includes a specific focus, as part of Learning for Life and Work, on employability and entrepreneurship. That focus is complemented by other work to strengthen links between business and education, including in relation to improving careers education, advice and guidance.
Young Peoples' Skills
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 91/07, to detail what priority her department places upon developing the skills of young people, so that they make a greater contribution to improving Northern Ireland's economic competitiveness.
(AQW 509/08)
Ms Ruane: Developing the skills and potential of our young people is one of my key priorities for education and I have taken account of the views of employers and business leaders on the skills our young people need.
The revised curriculum, being phased in from this school year, will help to develop highly skilled, confident, creative and articulate young people, crucial to improving our economic competitiveness. Skills are an integral part of the statutory revised curriculum. Pupils will develop the cross-curricular skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT through the curriculum Areas of Learning, along with the other skills and personal capabilities sought by employers, including Working With Others, Self-Management, Managing Information, Problem-Solving and Being Creative.
Pupils will also be assessed each year in their progress in developing skills as well as knowledge and understanding. This will therefore provide a clear pathway to ensure pupils leave school with the skills they need for their future, and to contribute to our economic competitiveness.
Bus Passes
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of bus passes that were issued to school children in Crumlin and Glenavy for the academic year 2007/08; and to detail the total cost incurred by her department in respect of this issue.
(AQW 521/08)
Ms Ruane: The North-Eastern and South-Eastern Education and Library Boards have advised that a total of 1,388 Translink bus passes have been issued to pupils travelling to school from the Crumlin/Glenavy area for the 2007/08 academic year, at a total cost of £804,953.
School Amalgamations
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement on the amalgamation of St Patrick's Primary School, Cloney, and St Joseph's Primary School, Ahoghill, with specific reference to the transfer of pupils affected by the process.
(AQW 528/08)
Ms Ruane: Earlier this year I approved a proposal brought forward by the Trustees and the CCMS to amalgamate the two schools. The amalgamation is planned to take effect in January and would involve the transfer of pupils to St Joseph’s Primary School. I understand that with the start of term a significant number of pupils at St Patrick’s have transferred to other schools and the Department is therefore asking CCMS to review the position regarding the proposed amalgamation.
St Aloysius High School, Cushendall
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement on the possible closure of St Aloysius Secondary School in Cushendall.
(AQW 529/08)
Ms Ruane: The Trustees and the CCMS are examining possible rationalisation of post-primary provision in the Glens and East Antrim area involving three schools, including St Aloysius High School. CCMS are working on an economic appraisal which covers options for rationalising provision and which will be presented on completion to the Department of Education. Any proposal for rationalisation which CCMS and the Trustees bring forward in due course will require the publication of a statutory development proposal, which will be the subject of consultation.
Transport For Students
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education what consideration she will give to the provision of paid transport to all pupils travelling from the Glenariff, Cushendall and Cushendun areas to Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle, in light of the fact that the nearest secondary school to these areas, St Aloysius, has been earmarked for closure, and has not had any pupils enrolling for Year 11 in this academic year.
(AQW 530/08)
Ms Ruane: Following the provision of an economic appraisal examining options for rationalising post-primary school provision in the Glens and East Antrim area, the Department has requested that further work is undertaken on the appraisal. However, consideration of this issue is at an early stage and no decision has yet been taken about the future of St Aloysius High School. Any change in existing provision would require the publication of a statutory development proposal to be preceded by consultation with the Boards of Governors, staff and parents of the schools involved.
Until such times as a decision has been taken regarding the future of St Aloysius High School, the normal home to school transport arrangements apply. Accordingly, under those arrangements, pupils must apply to, and be turned down by, St Aloysius High School, and any other maintained post-primary school within three miles of their homes, before being eligible to receive transport assistance to Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle.
School Buses
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of pupils; and (ii) the number and capacity of buses, travelling from Glenariff, Cushendall and Cushendun to Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle, since the beginning of September 2007.
(AQW 533/08)
Ms Ruane: Translink has advised that from Glenariff, Cushendall and Cushendun it currently transports 88 pupils to Cross and Passion College using two buses, 1 x 53 seater and 1 x 51 seater. I should advise, however, that of these 88 pupils only 37 are in receipt of home to school transport assistance.
School Amalgamations
Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Education to give an update on the development proposal on the amalgamation of St. John the Baptist Boys' Primary School and St. John the Baptist Girls' Primary School on Finaghy Road, Belfast.
(AQW 546/08)
Ms Ruane: The Department is aware that the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) has discussed with the Trustees, Boards of Governors, staff and parents, the possible amalgamation of St John the Baptist Boys’ Primary School and St John the Baptist Girls’ Primary School, Belfast.
The CCMS have advised that there may be a requirement for a capital scheme to facilitate the amalgamation and the future long-term needs of the schools and have requested approval from the department for a feasibility study to be carried out, prior to the publication of a development proposal, to determine the recommended option for addressing both schools’ future accommodation needs,. This request is currently being considered.
Primary School Pupils in the Ards Peninsula Area
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the current pupil figures for each primary school in the Ards peninsula area.
(AQW 559/08)
Ms Ruane: The latest available school enrolment information relates to the 2006/07 academic year.
Enrolment figures for primary schools in the Ards District Council area
School Name |
Total pupils |
|---|---|
| Abbey Primary School | 623 |
| Alexander Dickson Primary School | 153 |
| Andrews Memorial Primary School | 366 |
| Ballykeigle Primary School | 59 |
| Ballyvester Primary School | 73 |
| Ballywalter Primary School | 175 |
| Carrickmannon Primary School | 87 |
| Carrowdore Primary school | 141 |
| Castle Gardens Primary School | 344 |
| Comber Primary School | 369 |
| Donaghadee Primary School | 417 |
| Greyabbey Primary School | 76 |
| Killinchy Primary School | 309 |
| Kircubbin Primary School | 104 |
| Kirkistown Primary School | 101 |
| Londonderry Primary School | 313 |
| Loughries Primary School | 72 |
| Millisle Primary School | 143 |
| Newtownards Model Primary School | 375 |
| Portaferry Integrated Primary School | 83 |
| Portavogie Primary School | 197 |
| Regent House School Preparatory Department | 137 |
| St. Anne’s Primary School | 34 |
| St. Finian’s Primary School | 126 |
| St. Mary’s Primary School, Ballygowan | 3 |
| St. Mary’s Primary School, Comber | 37 |
| St. Mary’s Primary School, Kircubbin | 122 |
| St. Mary’s Primary School, Portaferry | 236 |
| St. Patrick’s Primary School | 89 |
| Victoria Primary School | 556 |
| Victoria Primary School, Ballyhalbert | 136 |
| West Winds Primary School | 156 |
Source: NI School Census.
Note:
- Figures for primary schools include children in nursery, reception and Year 1 – 7 classes.
- Schools in the Ards District Council area have been used as representative of those located in the Ards peninsula.
Donaghadee High School
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the current pupil figures for Donaghadee High School, broken down by form year, and the special needs section.
(AQW 560/08)
Ms Ruane: The latest available school enrolment information relates to the 2006/07 academic year. The information requested is as follows:
The latest available school enrolment information relates to the 2006/07 academic year. The information requested is as follows:
| Year Group | Pupils attending mainstream classes | Pupils in a special unit | Total |
| 8 | 19 | 13 | 32 |
| 9 | 38 | 25 | 63 |
| 10 | 27 | 18 | 45 |
| 11 | 55 | 0 | 55 |
| 12 | 53 | 0 | 53 |
| total | 192 | 56 | 248 |
Source: NI School Census
Retired Teachers
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of retired teachers who have returned to, or are currently in, paid employment in non-teaching positions in (i) her department; (ii) Education and Library Boards; (iii) Regional Training Unit; (iv) the Catholic Council for Maintained Schools; and (v) other bodies that fall within her department's sresponsibility, on a temporary and permanent basis, for the last year for which statistics are available.
(AQW 573/08)
Ms Ruane: This information requested is not routinely collected by the Department of Education or the sponsor bodies which fall within its area of responsibility. However the Regional Training Unit has advised the Department that currently there are nineteen retired head teachers / school leaders in temporary employment with them, NICIE has advised that it employs one retired teacher in its core staff and CnaG has advised that it employs one teacher who took voluntary redundancy but who is in receipt of a teachers pension.
Creationism
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 215/08, to detail the recommendations and advice given to her department by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, in relation to meetings it has had with interested parties in relation to the teaching of (i) evolution; (ii) creationism; and (iii) Intelligent Design, in schools in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 633/08)
Ms Ruane: CCEA has a statutory duty to advise me on school curriculum issues. In formulating advice, CCEA tells me that account is taken of the views of relevant interested parties. On this matter, CCEA has on occasion met with interested parties over recent years and listened carefully to their views. CCEA’s advice to the Department remains that, while the revised curriculum provides greater flexibility for teachers to tailor provision for their pupils and greater opportunity for alternative views to evolution to be explored, there must be a distinction between teaching an evidence based approach to scientific theories and knowledge and exploring other beliefs about how the world came into existence.
Creationism
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 208/08, to clarify whether or not, under the revised curriculum, (i) parents, on behalf of their children; and (ii) pupils, on their own behalf, may request that other explanations of the origin and development of life be taught as scientific explanations in science class, and not restricted to Religious Education; and to confirm that teachers may do so, if such a request is granted by the headmaster or Board of Governors of the school.
(AQW 635/08)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education does not tell teachers how to teach; that is a matter for their professional judgement and the revised curriculum provides greater flexibility for teachers to tailor their provision to best meet the needs and interests of their pupils.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has a statutory duty to advise me on the school curriculum. Its professional advice is that it is important to distinguish between teaching an evidence based approach to scientific theories and knowledge in science lessons, and exploring other beliefs about how the world came into existence, which could take place in other subjects such as RE.
Fair Employment Practices
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Education to detail the fair employment practices within the Western Education and Library Board; and to provide a breakdown of the number of staff employed at each grade, and their religious background.
(AQW 642/08)
Ms Ruane: The Western Education and Library Board (the Board) has advised that it is committed to fair employment practices and positively promotes equality of opportunity in accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Board is opposed to all forms of unlawful discrimination, direct or indirect, against any person in the recruitment and selection process, in training, or in any other way. All staff involved in the recruitment and selection process are trained in accordance with agreed procedures on recruitment and selection, including equal opportunities awareness training. The Board also ensures that advertisements do not indicate or appear to indicate an intention to discriminate in the recruitment or selection and it includes an equal opportunities statement in all its advertisements.
In compliance with the Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (NI) 1999 the Board undertakes to submit an annual monitoring return to the Equality Commission in respect of all its applicants, employees, appointees, promotees and leavers. It also undertakes, for presentation to the Equality Commission, a triennial review of its staff detailing any affirmative action which is required to be taken arising from an analysis of same.
The information in the attached table relates to non-teaching headquarter/centre-based staff only, i.e. school-based staff are excluded.
Western Education and Library Board: Religious Background of Non-teaching headquarter/centre-based staff
Salary Band (see note below) |
Protestant |
Catholic |
Neither Protestant or Catholic |
Non Determined |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 39 | 83 | 2 | 2 | 126 |
| 2 | 46 | 84 | 2 | 0 | 132 |
| 3 | 23 | 52 | 3 | 2 | 80 |
| 4 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Total | 113 | 226 | 7 | 4 | 350 |
The table shows the perceived religious background of these staff as at 1 January 2007 broken down by salary band. The information is not available for publication by grade.
Note
Salary Band 1: Clerical Officer to Senior Clerical Officer
Salary Band 2: Executive Officer to Administrative Officer
Salary Band 3: Senior Administrative to Education Officer
Salary Band 4: Assistant Senior Education Officer to Chief Executive
School Amalgamations
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to the use of the land available at Killyleagh High School, as a suitable site for the amalgamation of Down Academy and Rowallane Integrated High School.
(AQW 656/08)
Ms Ruane: Development proposals have been published seeking the closure of Down Academy Controlled Integrated High School and the establishment of a new Grant maintained Integrated school, Blackwater Integrated College, which would incorporate the pupils from Down Academy and the independent school, Rowallane Integrated College.
The interim Board of Governors of the proposed new school have been taking forward a feasibility study for the proposed new college and this will consider site options for a new school. They have indicated in their published development proposal a preference for the new school to be sited in the greater Crossgar area.
The interim Board of Governors have not as yet proposed any specific site to the department.
School Amalgamations
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to the use of a greenfield site at Crossgar, as a suitable site for the amalgamation of Down Academy and Rowallane Integrated High School.
(AQW 657/08)
Ms Ruane: Development proposals have been published seeking the closure of Down Academy Controlled Integrated High School and the establishment of a new Grant maintained Integrated school, Blackwater Integrated College, which would incorporate the pupils from Down Academy and the independent school, Rowallane Integrated College.
The interim Board of Governors of the proposed new school have been taking forward a feasibility study for the proposed new college and this will consider site options for a new school. They have indicated in their published development proposal a preference for the new school to be sited in the greater Crossgar area.
The interim Board of Governors have not as yet proposed any specific site to the department.
Education Welfare Officers
Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of whether or not it is appropriate to evaluate Education Welfare Officers' posts using the NJC job evaluation scheme; and of whether or not this adequately reflects the knowledge, skills and roles performed by Education Welfare Officers in the context in which they work.
(AQW 669/08)
Ms Ruane: The Education and Libraries Boards, as employers, are responsible for the arrangements used to evaluate positions and determine pay. The Boards 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. It is for the Boards to decide if this is no longer appropriate.
School Budgets
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to specify the exact date upon which the alteration to the funding arrangements for allocating budgets for equipment and fixtures for new schools took effect, in all Education and Library Board areas.
(AQW 672/08)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education reviewed the methodology for allocating budgets for furniture & equipment in 2003 with the new methodology being introduced in December 2003. The revised methodology is based on approved schedules of accommodation and standard furniture and equipment lists and has been applied to all new major capital projects announced since 2004. Prior to this the budgets were allocated as a percentage of the estimated construction costs.
School Budgets
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to advise whether or not budgets are set for equipment and fixtures for new primary schools, based on the actual capital costs of the building of the school, or on the original estimated capital costs.
(AQW 673/08)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education reviewed the methodology for allocating budgets for furniture & equipment in 2003 with the new methodology being introduced in December 2003. The revised methodology is based on approved schedules of accommodation and standard furniture and equipment lists and has been applied to all new major capital projects announced since 2004. Prior to this the budgets were allocated as a percentage of the estimated construction costs.
After-School Facilities
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail the current and future provision for after-school facilities for children with special needs in the North Antrim area.
(AQW 675/08)
Ms Ruane: Almost 500 (40%) of our schools are currently being funded as Extended Schools under The Children and Young People Funding Package to support activities before and after the traditional school day, based on each schools’ particular circumstances. 73 of these schools, all of whom have registered pupils with special needs are located within the NEELB area of which 18 (25%) are located within the North Antrim constituency. Each of these schools offer a varied range of after school programmes which includes activities aimed at raising attainment levels (homework clubs, ICT skills, languages, science clubs, specialist clubs) and fostering the health and well-being of the children (healthy eating, first aid, health and fitness, sports skills, drama and dance clubs, art craft and design). Schools which are not funded through the Extended Schools programme can also offer these services on a voluntary basis whilst others may have secured external funding from various sources such as Neighbourhood Renewal or the Lottery.
The outcome of the CSR will impact on the future provision of these activities.
Legal Proceedings Involving Education and Library Boards
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of compensation paid in respect of legal proceedings involving Education and Library Boards, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 680/08)
Ms Ruane: The information detailed in the table below has been provided by each Education and Library Board:
| Amount of Compensation Paid in respect of legal proceedings involving Education and Library Boards in each of the last 5 years: | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YEAR | BELB | NEELB | SEELB | SELB | WELB | TOTAL |
| 2002/03 | £189,182.14 | £148,437.82 | £170,138.46 | £122,337.09 | £65,760.00 | |
| 2003/04 | £224,397.10 | £214,095.90 | £210,350.00 | £85,592.80 | £26,445.58 | |
| 2004/05 | £132,104.89 | £159,257.00 | £266,750.00 | £231,025.00 | £118,950.00 | |
| 2005/06 | £258,712.66 | £81,176.00 | £197,743.99 | £162,373.37 | £69,250.00 | |
| 2006/07 | £291,576.08 | £164,650.00 | £180,864.00 | £198,300.00 | £185,857.35 | |
Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the current trustees of Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta; (ii) how each trustee was appointed; (iii) the date of appointment of each trustee; and (iv) the duration of such appointments.
(AQW 705/08)
Ms Ruane: (i) The membership of the trustees is as follows:
Board Member |
Representing |
|---|---|
| Seán Mag Uidhir (Chair) | DE |
| Dónall Ó Baoill | DE |
| Seán Ó Coinn | Comhairle |
| Séamus de Napier | Comhairle |
| Seán Mac Goill | Co-optee |
| Muireann Ní Mhóráin | DE |
| Roise Ní Bhaoill | DE |
(ii) The trustees were appointed under the terms of the trust deed.
(iii) The date of appointment for each trustee is as follows:
Board Member |
Date Appointed |
|---|---|
| Seán Mag Uidhir (Chair) | 20 February 2001 |
| Dónall Ó Baoill | 20 February 2001 |
| Seán Ó Coinn | 01 April 2007 |
| Séamus de Napier | 20 February 2001 |
| Seán Mac Goill | 20 February 2002 |
| Muireann Ní Mhóráin | 17 January 2002 |
| Roise Ní Bhaoill | 17 January 2002 |
(v) Under the terms of Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta’s Declaration of Trust, a term of office lasts for 4 years and each trustee can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.
Enrolment Numbers
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils on the roll in each of the primary schools in the Moyle District Council area, in (a) 2001/02; (b) 2002/03; (c) 2003/04; (d) 2004/05; (e) 2005/06; and (f) 2006/07.
(AQW 728/08)
Ms Ruane: The information requested is as follows:
Pupils enrolled at primary schools in the Moyle District Council area
2001/02
School name |
Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ARMOY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 68 |
| BALLYCASTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 110 |
| BARNISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 75 |
| BUSHMILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 161 |
| DUNSEVERICK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 110 |
| GLENANN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 57 |
| MOSSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 17 |
| ST CIARAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 79 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 5 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, GLENARIFF | 219 |
| ST OLCAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 70 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 512 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 105 |
| STRAIDBILLY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 61 |
2002/03
School name |
Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ARMOY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 62 |
| BALLYCASTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 97 |
| BARNISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 84 |
| BUSHMILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 145 |
| DUNSEVERICK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 110 |
| GLENANN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 54 |
| ST CIARAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 76 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 7 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, GLENARIFF | 216 |
| ST OLCAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 62 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 491 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 117 |
| STRAIDBILLY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 62 |
2003/04
School name |
Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ARMOY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 61 |
| BALLYCASTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 89 |
| BARNISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 89 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHASTIL | 35 |
| BUSHMILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 138 |
| DUNSEVERICK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 113 |
| GLENANN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 50 |
| ST CIARAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 78 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 4 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, GLENARIFF | 205 |
| ST OLCAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 62 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 473 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 130 |
| STRAIDBILLY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 66 |
2004/05
School name |
Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ARMOY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 61 |
| BALLYCASTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 82 |
| BARNISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 86 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHASTIL | 43 |
| BUSHMILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 131 |
| DUNSEVERICK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 114 |
| GLENANN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 53 |
| ST CIARAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 77 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 3 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, GLENARIFF | 211 |
| ST OLCAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 65 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 441 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 121 |
| STRAIDBILLY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 78 |
2005/06
School name |
Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ARMOY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 59 |
| BALLYCASTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 72 |
| BARNISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 94 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHASTIL | 61 |
| BUSHMILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 118 |
| DUNSEVERICK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 129 |
| GLENANN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 46 |
| ST CIARAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 69 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 4 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, GLENARIFF | 208 |
| ST OLCAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 62 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 447 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 130 |
| STRAIDBILLY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 74 |
2006/07
| School name | Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ARMOY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 57 |
| BALLYCASTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 100 |
| BARNISH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 89 |
| BUNSCOIL AN CHASTIL | 71 |
| BUSHMILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 120 |
| DUNSEVERICK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 128 |
| GLENANN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 48 |
| ST CIARAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 69 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 4 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, GLENARIFF | 208 |
| ST OLCAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 55 |
| ST PATRICK'S & ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 410 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | 125 |
| STRAIDBILLY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 78 |
Source: NI school census.
Note:
- Figures include children in nursery, reception and Year 1 – Year 7 classes.
Enrolment Numbers
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils on the roll in each of the primary schools in the Ballymena Borough Council area, in (a) 2001/02; (b) 2002/03; (c) 2003/04; (d) 2004/05; (e) 2005/06; and (f) 2006/07.
(AQW 729/08)
Ms Ruane: The information requested is as follows:
Pupils enrolled at primary schools in the Ballymena Borough Council area
2001/02
| School name | Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ALL SAINTS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 214 |
| BALLEE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 101 |
| BALLYKEEL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 317 |
| BALLYMENA PRIMARY SCHOOL | 334 |
| BRAID PRIMARY SCHOOL | 29 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL | 292 |
| BROUGHSHANE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 325 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 351 |
| CAMPHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 337 |
| CARNAGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 104 |
| CARNINY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 275 |
| CLOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 105 |
| DUNCLUG PRIMARY SCHOOL | 210 |
| FOURTOWNS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 240 |
| GLENRAVEL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 101 |
| GRACEHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 398 |
| HARRYVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 143 |
| HAZELBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 92 |
| KELLS & CONNOR PRIMARY SCHOOL | 203 |
| KIRKINRIOLA PRIMARY SCHOOL | 55 |
| LISNAMURRICAN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 37 |
| LONGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 38 |
| MILLQUARTER PRIMARY SCHOOL | 84 |
| MOORFIELDS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 186 |
| PORTGLENONE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 179 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, AHOGHILL | 24 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, BALLYMENA | 107 |
| ST LOUIS' CONVENT PRIMARY SCHOOL | 236 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, PORTGLENONE | 218 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, BALLYMENA | 76 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL GLENRAVEL | 83 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL AUGHTERCLONEY | 25 |
| THE DIAMOND PRIMARY SCHOOL | 110 |
| TILDARG PRIMARY SCHOOL | 75 |
2002/03
School name |
Enrolment |
|---|---|
| ALL SAINTS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 218 |
| BALLEE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 103 |
| BALLYKEEL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 309 |
| BALLYMENA PRIMARY SCHOOL | 320 |
| BRAID PRIMARY SCHOOL | 33 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL | 317 |
| BROUGHSHANE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 304 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 368 |
| CAMPHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 334 |
| CARNAGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 116 |
| CARNINY PRIMARY SCHOOL | 257 |
| CLOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL | 113 |
| DUNCLUG PRIMARY SCHOOL | 207 |
| FOURTOWNS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 252 |
| GLENRAVEL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 104 |
| GRACEHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 416 |
| HARRYVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 143 |
| HAZELBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL | 103 |
| KELLS & CONNOR PRIMARY SCHOOL | 206 |
| KIRKINRIOLA PRIMARY SCHOOL | 59 |
| LISNAMURRICAN PRIMARY SCHOOL | 34 |
| LONGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 41 |
| MILLQUARTER PRIMARY SCHOOL | 85 |
| MOORFIELDS PRIMARY SCHOOL | 190 |
| PORTGLENONE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 178 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, AHOGHILL | 20 |
| ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, BALLYMENA | 106 |
| ST LOUIS' CONVENT PRIMARY SCHOOL | 251 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, PORTGLENONE | 201 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, BALLYMENA | 71 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL GLENRAVEL | 90 |
| ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY SCHOOL AUGHTERCLONEY | 23 |
| THE DIAMOND PRIMARY SCHOOL | 108 |
| TILDARG PRIMARY SCHOOL | 78 |
2003/04
School name |
Enrolment |
|---|---|
ALL SAINTS PRIMARY SCHOOL |
220 |
| BALLEE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 88 |
| BALLYKEEL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 307 |
| BALLYMENA PRIMARY SCHOOL | 348 |
| BRAID PRIMARY SCHOOL | 27 |
| BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL | 338 |
| BROUGHSHANE PRIMARY SCHOOL | 293 |
| BUICK MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 394 |
| CAMPHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL | 328 |
| CARNAGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL |