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 09 November 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
CORRIGENDUM
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Public Private Partnerships
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment it has made of the success of Public Private Partnerships, in relation to creating a positive attitude to projects within the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.
(AQW 757/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): In taking forward the Investment Strategy, our priority must be the delivery of high quality, well maintained assets and facilities which can provide effective services for the public, support positive social change and enhance our environment. People using our services must be our priority and understandably they want the timely delivery of investment projects at the least overall cost to the taxpayer. Public Private Partnerships offer one route to deliver these benefits.
A number of major projects are planned to be taken forward as Public Private Partnerships under the Investment Strategy including:
- a new college for Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education;
- the Alpha drinking water project;
- the Omega waste water project;
- the new hospital project for the South West;
- Road improvements between Beech Hill and Cloughogue which completes dualling of the A1 between Belfast and the border;
- the up-grading of the M1/Westlink; and:
- the Belfast Schools Project.
The financial commitments entered in to in a Public Private Partnership provide a physical asset and a guaranteed service to specified performance levels during the life of the contract. Under conventional procurement the public sector would still have to meet the costs of maintaining the asset and providing the service. The key consideration in deciding how to procure new capital investment in the Investment Strategy is value for money, positive social outcomes and enhancing our environment. Decisions on individual projects are taken on this basis.
Carbon Footprint
Mr W Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not it has commissioned research on the carbon footprint of those on low incomes, compared to those on high incomes.
(AQW 1185/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: OFMDFM has not commissioned research on the carbon footprint of those on low incomes, compared to those on high incomes. Literature reviews relating to behavioural change have been carried out within the department during 2007, and a recent study, Northern Limits (2004) suggests that the Ecological Footprint of Northern Ireland residents is approximately 11% below the UK average, with 43% of the footprint being generated through materials and waste.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Fishing Licences
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she will give to the inclusion of blue-fin tuna in fishing licences.
(AQW 1143/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): There is no participation in the targeted fishery for blue-fin tuna by the UK fleet although all UK vessels are permitted to retain a small by-catch of 2 fish per month when the fishery is open. Blue-fin tuna is mainly of interest to the EU countries that border the Mediterranean who between them share some 57 % of the total allowable catch. Stocks of blue-fin tuna are managed by an organisation called the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The European Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU Member States in ICCAT.
Compensatory Allowances for Tuberculosis and Brucellosis
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that compensatory allowances for tuberculosis and brucellosis remain in line with the increasing cost to farmers in purchasing dairy cows and replacement stock.
(AQW 1161/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Under the Tuberculosis Control Order ( Northern Ireland) 1999 and the Brucellosis Control Order ( Northern Ireland) 2004, where my Department slaughters or causes an animal to be slaughtered the compensation payable by the Department for the animal shall be the market value of the animal.
The market value of the animal means the price which might have reasonably have been obtained for it at the time of valuation from a purchaser in a market if it had been free from disease. The valuation is not intended to be a replacement value for the animal.
Currently compensation for Brucellosis reactors is paid at either 75% of the DARD valuation or a ceiling value which is based on market reports, whichever is lower. For pedigree animals, the DARD valuation is based on a market value for commercial, non pedigree cattle and the ceiling value based on market reports is increased by £300. For all other animals removed and slaughtered for Tuberculosis or Brucellosis they are paid at an amount equal to their market value as determined by the DARD valuer.
My Department’s Livestock Valuation Officers regularly attend livestock sales to record prices and assessment of the quality of the animals passing through these sales. These sales can be locally in the North, or in the South of Ireland or in Britain and this enables a broad spectrum of livestock to be assessed and the market price recorded.
This ongoing updating of knowledge of current market values combined with the Valuation Officers expertise in the field is used to determine a market value for each animal inspected.
Milk Production
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the percentage of milk produced in Northern Ireland that is processed in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1162/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The percentage of raw milk produced here and processed locally (including that processed for the liquid market) in 2006 was 68%. The percentage of raw milk produced which was processed here for the liquid market was 14% while that for manufactured products was 54%.
Locally Produced Food
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to hold discussions with representatives of the Northern Ireland food industry, in relation to the design and wording of labels on locally produced food for display on supermarket shelves.
(AQW 1166/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I understand your desire to have locally produced food clearly labelled in supermarkets. However, my Department is only responsible for the labelling of beef and has no influence over the labelling of other food products. DARD inspectors, working with local authority Environmental Health Officers, ensure that all beef on sale is labelled with compulsory country of origin and traceability information. Other terms, such as, “Product of Northern Ireland” or “Northern Irish Reared” may be used voluntarily when labelling beef, provided they have been verified and approved by DARD.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for general food labelling. Under current legislation, food products do not have to be labelled with the place of origin, unless failure to do so would mislead the customer. The FSA is currently consulting with industry on its revised country of origin labelling guidance which is aimed at helping manufacturers, producers, retailers and caterers to comply with the law and to encourage them to give more voluntary origin information in a helpful and informative way.
fundamental review of EU labelling legislation is currently taking place which will consider changes to the existing legal requirements for mandatory origin declarations and the controls on how mandatory and voluntary declarations are made. When the European Commission produces its proposals the FSA will consult widely with industry stakeholders. My officials are always available to provide advice to industry about compliance with the Beef Labelling Regulations. Advice on other labelling legislation is available from the Food Standards Agency.
Chemical Sprays
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the impact of the prohibition of the use of chemical sprays on farmland; and what consideration she has given to whether or not this ban is in keeping with good farming practice.
(AQW 1169/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I am not aware of any general prohibition on the use of chemical sprays on farmland. However participants in DARD’s agri-environment schemes are not permitted to use pesticides on particular habitats to maintain the biodiversity value of these.
Energy Production
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make available her department's assessment of the potential for energy production from farm waste and energy crops.
(AQW 1193/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department has outlined the assessment of the potential for energy production from farm waste and energy crops in the DARD Renewable Energy Action Plan. The focus of this plan has been to shape a coherent support framework that will enable the land based and rural sectors to realise the potential that renewable energy production presents.
The Department recognise that renewable energy technologies will create opportunities for livestock farmers as assessed and reported by the Expert Group on Alternative Use of Manures (EGAUM) in March 2006.
Work is currently underway to establish a Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence at the AFBI site in Hillsborough. This demonstration and research facility will further identify the potential for energy production from waste and energy crops.
Energy Production
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make available her department's analysis of the most appropriate business models for farm based technologies in relation to energy production from farm waste and energy crops.
(AQW 1196/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Currently, my Department is establishing a Renewable Energy Centre of scientific excellence within the Agri Food and BioSciences Institute at Hillsborough.
This demonstration and research facility, will provide a unique opportunity to obtain an appropriate research and knowledge base in relation to renewable energy technologies. Once established we can then assess the most favourable business models for farm based technologies in relation to energy production from farm waste and energy crops within Northern Ireland.
Focussed on research findings CAFRE will continue to deliver a tailored technology transfer programme, seeking to increase awareness and knowledge of renewable energy deployment.
Energy Production
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that farmers are provided with the necessary information, training and financial, and non-financial, support for diversification into energy production.
(AQW 1197/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department provides information and support for farmers wishing to diversify into energy production through the College of Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and under the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP). Information is also provided on the DARD website.
CAFRE deliver tailored education, training and technology transfer programmes to those entering and within the industry in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment
These programmes are focused on increasing awareness and knowledge of renewable energy issues among the farming and broader rural communities to enhance their capacity to exploit current and future opportunities.
AFBI has a key role to play in the development of a Renewable Energy Centre of scientific excellence at AFBI Hillsborough. The programme of research will support the continued development of renewable energy options appropriate to the land-based sector in the North.
Axes 1 and 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2007 -2013 include measures aimed at supporting renewable energy products and energy efficient technologies. Detailed information on these measures is currently being developed.
DARD supports the growth of crops for energy under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. Aid of €45 per hectare is payable for all crops used for the production of energy products, with the exception of those grown on set-aside land.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1212/08)
Ms M Gildernew: During the last financial year my Department spent £703,788 on consultancy in the following categories.
Category |
Amount |
Policy appraisal and review |
137,732.80 |
Strategic management |
10,480.00 |
Organisational development |
47,182.00 |
Economic appraisal |
33,709.52 |
Feasibility study |
8,291.41 |
Projects |
450,475.54 |
Surveys |
8,500.00 |
Marketing |
2,368.00 |
Other |
5,049.15 |
Motor Homes in Forest Parks
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's strategy to better promote, and provide enhanced facilities for, motor homes in forest parks.
(AQW 1230/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department, through the Forest Service, is currently reviewing its recreational provision in Forest Parks, including the provision of facilities for motor homes. This will include the preparation of a Recreational Strategy, which will examine a range of issues relating to recreation and will propose options for recreational provision into the future. I hope to agree and publish a Strategy in the next business year. In addition, my Department, in partnership with the Strategic Investment Board, commissioned a feasibility study to identify specific options for recreational development. This study focused on the two most popular forest parks, Tollymore and Castlewellan and was completed in May 2007. My officials are considering the recommendations of this study with a view to securing partnership agreements to develop recreational facilities over the next few years, within the context of the proposed recreational strategy.
All-Ireland Animal Health Strategy
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will confirm that her department plans to ease restrictions in relation to trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the beef industry, as part of the proposed all-Ireland animal health strategy.
(AQW 1236/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As I have already announced, the All-island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy is one of my key priorities. I believe that full co-operation on animal health issues on the Island of Ireland can help facilitate trade and secure a level playing field for trade North and South .
The ultimate objective of the Strategy will be the free movement of animals on the island. This will be achieved by the alignment of policies and controls.
I will be discussing the Strategy with my Ministerial colleague in Dublin, Mary Coughlan TD, at the North South Ministerial Council Agriculture Sectoral meeting, which will take place on 9 November.
Organic Farming Industry
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps her department is taking to support the organic farming industry in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1237/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, which was approved by the European Commission in 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 provide 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.
Energy Savings
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's assessment of the potential for energy saving and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from farming and land use; and to make a statement on her department's planned actions and budget allocations in relation to energy and greenhouse gas savings.
(AQW 1247/08)
Ms M Gildernew: To date, my Department has not formally assessed the potential for energy saving and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from farming and land use. Instead, my Department has focused on exploiting opportunities that renewable energy presents for the land based sector, as outlined in its Renewable Energy Action Plan.
These various activities in relation to renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency initiatives will have a positive impact on energy saving and reduction of greenhouse gases within the agricultural community.
A funding package of £4.2 million has been secured for renewable energy initiatives which include a renewable energy centre of excellence at AFBI Hillsborough and a technology transfer programme through CAFRE. Subject to EU approval, DARD also proposes to introduce an Energy from Agri-Food Waste Challenge fund, providing grant support of £10m for renewable energy projects.
In addition, research by AFBI into pro-active and innovative ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions from farming continues.
Equality Impact Assessment
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any equality impact assessment or rural proofing that has been carried out in relation to proposals to close her department's local offices.
(AQW 1262/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department proposes to establish a network of 10 DARD Direct ‘one stop shops’ across the province, which will increase accessibility to our services and help to standardise the service we provide to our customers by improving the efficiency of transactions.
The Department is just about to initiate a pre-consultation exercise with key stakeholders, which will inform a full EQIA/subsequent consultation exercise.
Job Losses
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the location of her department's local offices that are currently being assessed for potential closure; and what is her assessment of any associated job losses.
(AQW 1263/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Currently no decisions have been taken on the location of DARD Direct offices across the North, with the exception of Inishkeen House, Enniskillen as it has already been modified to test the DARD Direct service delivery model. It is proposed to have 10 DARD Direct offices strategically located across the North so that the vast majority (90%) of farm businesses are within 16 miles of a ‘one stop shop’. My Department will be carrying out a full EQIA/consultation on the proposal. I will make decisions on office locations after I have had time to consider responses to this.
As part of the Budget process all departments, including DARD, will have to make reductions in expenditure on administration and absorb the cost of pay settlements. It is likely that any job reductions which have to be made as part of this process will fall across most areas of my department. However, no decisions about potential job cuts in DARD have been made yet.
Forestry Land
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to convert limited areas of forestry land for the growing of environmentally friendly and cash producing crops, such as willow.
(AQW 1269/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I have no plans to convert areas of forestry land to Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow. My Department’s main strategic objective is to expand conventional forestry, through funding provided under the NI Rural Development Programme, to increase the area of land under woodland. However, expansion of more specialist types of plantation, such as SRC willow used to generate renewable energy, will also be eligible for assistance under the Woodland Grant Scheme.
Badger Culling
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to introduce badger culling to control bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1281/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Badger Stakeholder Group has now agreed to the commissioning of a survey of the badger population in the North. The protocol for the badger population survey is designed to establish their numbers and distribution in the North. It was drawn up in close consultation with EHS officials. It is necessary to collect this information about badger populations to inform any future decisions relating to badgers. The survey field work is commencing this month and the report of the work will be completed by May 2008.
Both Britain and the South are progressing work on developing a vaccine against TB for use in badgers, as a long term strategy, and this is something that we will also need to consider as a long-term option. However, Any agreement to remove or vaccinate badgers in the North would need to be based on science and supported by economic appraisal, and would require the agreement of officials in DOE/EHS, Ministers of both Departments, DARD and DOE Assembly Committees, and possibly also the Executive, as the badger is a protected species.
My Department is current assessing and considering the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, Sir David King’s report, published on the 22 October 2007 which was commissioned by UK Ministers to review the Independent Scientific Group report on Cattle TB.
Farmers have played a crucial role in TB control in the North and have contributed significantly to its decline over the past 4-5 years. They will continue to play a pivotal role in the reduction in cattle-to-cattle transmission. It is also important that they take all reasonable precautions to protect their herds from possible infection by badgers. Herdkeepers are currently advised to take practical steps to reduce badger and cattle contact, for instance by preventing the access of badgers to cattle sheds and feed stores over the winter.
Newtownards Canal
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail which organisation has responsibility for the Newtownards canal, in particular the upkeep of the canal banks; and what responsibility the Rivers Agency has in relation to the cleaning of the canal.
(AQW 1282/08)
Ms M Gildernew: A major section of the Newtownards Canal between its outlet at Strangford Lough and a grille just upstream of the Belfast Road is designated within the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973. As such it is maintained by Rivers Agency as necessary to ensure free flow in the channel. While the upkeep of the bank is the responsibility of adjacent landowners, Rivers Agency removes overhanging trees, and vegetation from the banks if these are causing, or are likely to cause, obstruction to flows in the channel.
Nitrates Directive
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what assistance, financial or otherwise, her department will provide to allow farmers to meet Nitrates Directive targets by 2009.
(AQW 1310/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department is providing financial assistance through the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme to help farmers invest in improved slurry storage facilities and to meet Nitrates Directive targets by 2009. Budget provision has been secured to fund all valid scheme applications at a grant rate of 60%.
DARD has been highly proactive in its provision of advice and support to farmers. A Guidance booklet and summary A3 poster on the Nitrates Action Programme has been issued to all farm businesses. Numerous meetings have been held with organisations and farming representatives. A significant number of telephone queries have been answered and over 2,700 farmers attended a series of 150 information meetings organised by CAFRE. Since April 2005 Countryside Management Branch have released 43 press articles relating to the Nitrates Directive and a series of press articles on the main elements of the Action Programme is ongoing. Advice on the Nitrates Directive has been and will continue to be a key feature of the DARD display at events such as the Balmoral Show and Winter Fair.
To help farmers comply with the manure storage and nitrogen loading measures of the Action Programme, two calculators are available on the RuralNI website. Three additional nutrient management calculators will be available in early 2008 and CAFRE’s ongoing programme of environmental workshops is being extended to include nutrient management planning.
EU approval has been secured for a derogation for individual grassland cattle farms. This will help many intensive dairy farms comply with the Nitrates Directive, by enabling them to maintain higher stocking rates, subject to certain additional nutrient management conditions and an annual application. A programme of CAFRE workshops, a guidance booklet and comprehensive press coverage will be provided to assist farmers who want to avail of the derogation.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Sports Council
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the projects in West Tyrone that have been funded by the Northern Ireland Sports Council in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(AQW 268/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on the 1 st of October 2007 and I apologise to the Member for the delay.
During the financial years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) has provided the following exchequer and lottery funding to projects in West Tyrone:
Exchequer Funding
Year |
Applicant Organisation |
Project title |
Grant Amount (£) |
2004/05 |
Omagh District Council, c/o Omagh Leisure Complex, Old Mountfield Road Omagh BT79 7EG |
Employment of a Community Sports Development Officer (Year 2 of a 3-year programme) |
8,636 |
2005/06 |
Omagh District Council, The Grange, Mountjoy Road, Omagh Co Tyrone, BT79 7BL |
Employment of a Community Sports Development Officer (Year 3 of a 3-year programme) |
9,142 |
In addition to this, in April 2006, SNI made a three-year commitment to 34 identified Governing Bodies of Sport totalling just under £4.4m for the period April 2006 to 31 March 2009. The investment was made in relation to SNI recognised Governing Bodies of Sport who will have either a Northern Ireland or Ulster remit.
SNI also distributes funding on behalf of DCAL to the Ulster Council Gaelic Athletic Association. Details of funding are as follows:
Year |
Award Amount (£) |
2005-06 |
200,000 |
2006-07 |
600,000 |
2007-08 |
600,000 |
TOTAL |
1,400,000 |
This funding is in relation to the appointment of 29 new posts, seven of which will be dedicated to improving the governance and administration of the sport (Business Development Manager and six County Administrative Managers – including County Tyrone) with the remaining 22 dedicated to games development at a provincial and county level.
A further grant of £8,284 has been paid to Tyrone GAA County Board in respect of Safety Management.
Lottery Funding
Year |
Applicant Organisation |
Project title |
Grant Amount (£) |
2005/06 |
Mna Na Deirge, Castlederg |
Provision of equipment and coaching for Castlederg Ladies GFC |
2,085 |
2005/06 |
Dergview Football Club Limited, Castlederg |
Development of new junior football team through fun week and year long programme. |
4,592 |
2005/06 |
Donemana Cricket Club |
Development of a plan to develop a community facility in the area. |
5,000 |
2005/06 |
Omagh District Council |
Community Multi-Sport Programme |
92,589 |
2005/06 |
Youth Sport Omagh Ltd |
Funding for a Community Programmes Manager |
66,063 |
2006/07 |
Strabane Sigersons GAA |
Funding for summer coaching camp |
2,000 |
2006/07 |
Dergview Juniors, Castlederg |
Funding to host a multi-sports fun week and attend first aid and child protection course. |
3,986 |
2006/07 |
Omagh Special Olympics Club |
Funding for provision of weekly sessions in football and swimming |
1,500 |
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1168/08)
Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure incurred expenditure of £1,208,111.24 on consultancy in the financial year 2006/07.A breakdown of this expenditure by category of consultancy is detailed on the following page.
Category |
Amount |
1. policy appraisal and review |
£38,248.06 |
2. strategic management |
£4,000.00 |
3. organisational development |
£26,400.20 |
4. performance management |
NIL |
5. accountancy |
NIL |
6. audit |
NIL |
7. economic appraisal |
NIL |
8. internal audit |
£17,939.29 |
9. feasibility study |
NIL |
10. quality accreditation |
£3,046.14 |
11. investment appraisal |
£93,067.70 |
12. corporate governance |
£99,822.50 |
13. projects |
£851,636.45 |
14. surveys |
NIL |
15. marketing |
NIL |
16. market research |
NIL |
OTHER |
£73,950.90 |
TOTAL |
£1,208,111.24 |
Appointment of the Chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the proposed timetable for the appointment of the chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1205/08)
Mr E Poots: The competition to appoint the Chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland is ongoing. Subject to a successful outcome to the competition the appointment of the Chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland will be made by 1 January 2008.
Irish League Club Grounds
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he will take to encourage Irish League football clubs to share grounds, in order reduce both capital and revenue spend and to help such grounds to meet UEFA standards.
(AQW 1207/08)
Mr E Poots: Decisions about Irish League football clubs sharing grounds is a matter for the ground owners and clubs, as is responsibility for ensuring such venues meet UEFA standards. However, Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) which is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding, runs a number of programmes to which any Irish League clubs, with proposals for ground sharing, can apply for assistance. In addition, I have already advised both the Irish Football Association (IFA) and Irish League clubs that, in my view, ground sharing is an option which some clubs may need to consider in order to help them meet UEFA standards.
Fisheries
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the protection given to fisheries in Fermanagh, taking into account that only one Fisheries Conservancy Board officer is employed to cover Co. Fermanagh.
(AQW 1216/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) currently deploys one Conservation and Protection Officer to protect fisheries in Fermanagh. The officer has support and assistance of two FCB Conservation and Protection Officers from Co Tyrone, and the Department’s Fisheries Staff stationed at Riversdale, Co Fermanagh have provided additional support during 2007 on request from FCB.
The FCB advise me that in the period 1 January 2007 to 30 September 2007 they conducted the following fisheries conservation and protection work in Fermanagh:-
- 188 man hours on EHS agency work including river sampling, pollutions investigation and pollution prosecutions;
- 98.5 man hours on input to various agencies on planning and work proposals, EHS Consent to Discharge and consultation documents in relation to fisheries protection impacts;
- 283 man hours on shore bailiffing patrols / surveillance on an agency basis on DCAL fisheries;
- 399 man hours on shore bailiffing patrols / surveillance on on non-DCAL fisheries; and
- 339.5 man hours on boat bailiffing patrols / surveillance.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will confirm the sea-worthiness of boats owned by the Fisheries Conservancy Board that are currently in commission.
(AQW 1217/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) has confirmed the following vessels are sea-worthy:
- 2 x 11 metre rib
- Cygnus Tornado
- 6.1 metre rib
- 2 x Dell Quay Dory
- Dromidair 16 foot fibre glass dinghy
- Pioneer 12 foot PVC
- 2 x 4 metre Honda Inflatable
The FCB have considered that sea-worthy in this case has been taken to mean - fit to operate in the intended environment (which may not necessarily be the marine environment).
The FCB have confirmed the following vessels are not considered sea-worthy:
- Tornado 6 metre rib (Repair to fuel line required)
- Bayliner Trophy (Inspection pending to determine cost-effectiveness of continued operation)
- Orkney 590 TT (Not in commission)
- 14 foot Dory (Not in commission)
- 18 foot Ernecraft (Not in commission)
The following vessels are notionally owned by the FCB but maintained, insured and operated by Clogher & District Angling Club:
- 2 x 19 foot Sheelin GRP boats (acquired under the EU INTERREG funding programme)
The FCB is to be abolished under the Review of Public Administration and its staff, assets and liabilities transferred to DCAL. The Department has commissioned FCB accountants to perform a physical audit check of all assets. Once this has been performed DCAL fisheries officers will ascertain the sea-worthiness of all FCB boats on behalf of the Department.
Junior Soccer
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he is taking to ensure that junior soccer is not neglected, generally, and in Comber and Ballygowan, in particular.
(AQW 1218/08)
Mr E Poots: Responsibility for ensuring that junior soccer is not neglected, both generally and in Comber and Ballygown in particular, rests with the governing body for football, the Irish Football Association (IFA). To ensure junior soccer is not neglected, Junior Leagues have been established together with a Committee to oversee these leagues which is affiliated to the IFA.
Ulster-Scots Academy
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail when he intends to revisit the reinstatement of funding to the Ulster-Scots Academy, which was surrendered recently.
(AQW 1219/08)
Mr E Poots: All Departmental budgets, including that of the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group, will be reviewed in the December monitoring round.
MLA Meetings
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of meeting requests received from MLAs; the number of these that were declined; the number that were accepted; and the party affiliation of those MLAs whose meeting requests were declined.
(AQW 1241/08)
Mr E Poots: A total of 17 meeting requests have been received from MLAs to date; 4 were declined and 13 were accepted. Of those requests that were declined, 2 were from Sinn Fein MLAs and 2 were from DUP MLAs.
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the availability of the good practice guidance for civil servants about obligations relating to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
(AQW 1255/08)
Mr E Poots: The “European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Guidance on meeting the UK Commitments in Respect of Irish and Ulster Scots” as revised in August 2005 is available to the public on the DCAL website (http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/index/languages/charter_guidance_2.htm) in English, Irish or Ulster Scots. Guidance is also available to civil servants on Departmental intranet sites and hard copies may be obtained by contacting Departments
Audiovisual Productions in Irish
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what funding is made available by his department for audiovisual productions in Irish.
(AQW 1256/08)
Mr E Poots: Northern Ireland Screen on behalf of my Department administers an Irish Language Broadcast Fund which in the current financial year has a budget of £3 million. A number of funding streams in the arts and other areas would also be able to consider applications for audiovisual productions in Irish in competition with other proposals.
Irish Language Provision
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what arrangements are in place for district councils and public bodies to (i) accept submissions from the public in Irish; (ii) to answer correspondence in Irish; and (iii) to encourage the public to submit applications in Irish.
(AQW 1258/08)
Mr E Poots: The Government has ratified provisions under Article 10 of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages which require local and regional authorities to ensure that users of Irish are able, and/or are encouraged to submit oral or written applications in this language. There is no obligation under this Charter on bodies to respond in Irish.
Decisions on the practical implications of the Charter are a matter for each district council and public body in its own right, including arrangements to facilitate the obligations above.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of the seaworthiness of the Fisheries Conservancy Board boat, which was sent to help patrol the east coast in relation to netting problems.
(AQW 1283/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) advises me that a Tornado 6 metre rib was despatched for use if required in the Newcastle / Kilkeel areas but it was found upon inspection to require repair and is not currently seaworthy.
They also advise me that the local Fishery Conservation Officer, who has extensive knowledge and experience of the area, has been conducting extensive mobile patrols in the area and that he is satisfied that these mobile patrols are effective and that boat patrols are not currently required.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, following his meeting with the Ulster Angling Federation on 4 September 2007, what action he is taking in relation to problems faced by Lough Neagh fish dealers; and if he will confirm whether or not the Fisheries Conservancy Board has visited fish dealers around Lough Neagh to check stocks of fish being sold.
(AQW 1285/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) functions include enforcement of statutory provisions with respect to salmon and inland fisheries including inland commercial fishing and the sale and movement of fish in Northern Ireland.
The FCB advise me that in the current year officers have conducted surveillance, quay checks, inspection of dealers’ premises and dealers’ registers to deter and apprehend those involved in the illegal sale of and movement of Lough Neagh fish.
During these operations they apprehended poachers on Lough Neagh, seized illegal nets close to a fish dealer’s quay in the Lough Neagh area, confiscated trout nets from a supplier to a fish dealer, seized 1,000 yards of nets from a boat of a supplier to a fish dealer, seized 500 yards of illegal nets which are believed to be associated with a Lough Neagh fish dealer and lifted nets from a river mouth on Lough Neagh.
Legal proceedings have been instigated in respect of a net seizure on Lough Neagh.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will explain the reasons why the Fisheries Conservancy Board is holding funds of approximately £150,000, which could be made available to angling clubs to compensate them for lost fish stocks.
(AQW 1303/08)
Mr E Poots: There are a variety of reasons why court awards made to the FCB in respect of pollution incidents have not been implemented. The FCB has advised that the complexity of re-stocking/reinstatement programmes and staff pressures had combined to delay implementation. The necessary technical expertise to progress this work is not currently available within the Board. My Department has sought details of all court awards since 1999 (and any outstanding before this date) from FCB including full explanations regarding any delays/non-implementation. The Department is working closely with the Board to second vital expertise to assist in this work. The Board has been asked for a plan of action on how it intends to prioritise outstanding re-stocking/reinstatement work and to consider a consultancy tender exercise as an alternative means of managing this work.
For clarification the balance in the FCB restocking/reinstatement account stood at £110,590.60 at 29 October 2007.
Education
Middletown Centre for Autism
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to outline whether the directors for the Middletown Centre for Autism (Holding) Company Ltd proportionally represent the religious composition of the Northern Ireland community; and to detail the religious composition of, and the selection and appointment procedures for, the directors.
(AQW 9/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department of Education appointed two directors to the Middletown Centre for Autism (Holdings) Limited on 26 May 2004. Nominees for potential candidates for the two DE posts were canvassed from within the Department and set against criteria to consider those with relevant and specific experience in finance, autism and capital building projects. Those appointed were selected from the list available because they best met the necessary criteria.
The Department of Education is not able to disclose the religious denominations of its directors individually.
Autism
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Education to outline the services that are currently offered by the Western Education and Library Board for autistic children living in the Western Board Area; and what steps are being taken to support autistic children and their families in West Tyrone.
(AQW 271/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am advised by the Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) of the current position and steps being taken in relation to services for children with autism living in the WELB area. This includes the provision for children with autism and their families living in West Tyrone.
The WELB has established an Autism Advice and Intervention Service and has expanded the number of staff in recent months. This team has specialist ASD Teachers, 2 Autism Intervention Officers and 1 Senior Educational Psychologist. The Board is currently recruiting a Head of Autism Service.
The WELB autism service accepts referrals from the Board’s Educational Psychology Service, which is involved in the assessment of children who may have autism, and from multi-disciplinary assessment clinics. It provides:
- advice and support to individual teachers and assistants,
- individual interventions with individual children and young people,
- advice to parents in relation to pre-school children who are not yet accessing pre-school provision, as well as parental advice in relation to children who are of compulsory school age.
- in-service training for teachers and assistants that is both centre-based and school based. This is planned and delivered in accordance with the need of schools and is available in pre-school, nursery, primary, post-primary and special school settings.
The WELB provides autism-specific classes in 5 of its special schools, namely: Foyleview School, Derry; Belmont School, Derry; Knockavoe School, Strabane; Elmbrook School, Enniskillen and Arvalee School, Omagh.
Children with autism and their families in West Tyrone access the support services and provision that have been established throughout the Board area. In addition, children and their families in West Tyrone should be able to benefit from proposed autism specific provision attached to mainstream schools.
Nursery Units
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why the original proposals for nursery units at St Brigid's Primary School and St Colmcille's Primary School, Ballymena, are not going ahead; and the basis on which this decision was made.
(AQW 641/08)
Ms C Ruane: The development proposal to establish single nursery units at each of the two new maintained primary schools in Ballymena, St Brigid’s Primary School and St Colmcille’s Primary School, was turned down in January 2007. I understand that this decision was taken on the grounds that there was already existing, adequate pre-school provision in the area.
Teaching Staff
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of people employed as teachers in (i) Gaelscoil na Daroige, Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin; and (iii) Gaelscoil Éanna, Glengormley, who do not hold professional teaching qualifications.
(AQW 849/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not currently hold information on the teaching staff at the three schools as they are not yet in receipt of funding.
School Funding
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding given by her department to (i) Gaelscoil na Daroige, Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin; and (iii) Gaelscoil Éanna, Glengormley.
(AQW 850/08)
Ms C Ruane: Approval for funding is conditional on minimum year 1 intakes being achieved and confirmation that school accommodation and sites are suitable. The processes for checking that conditions are met have not yet been completed and therefore my Department has not provided any funding to these schools to date.
Teaching Staff
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teaching staff employed in (i) Gaelscoil na Daroige, Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin; and (iii) Gaelscoil Éanna, Glengormley.
(AQW 851/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not currently hold information on the teaching staff at the three schools as they are not yet in receipt of funding.
Wi-Fi
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of primary schools in which wi-fi units have been installed; and what plans she has to install this technology in other schools.
(AQW 907/08)
Ms C Ruane: Wireless connectivity has been provided to all primary schools as part of the rollout of laptops which will support the use of computer-based assessment for P5 pupils in the autumn term.
It is planned that all nursery, post-primary and special schools will also have wireless connectivity by the end of the school year, although any school has the option of declining a WiFi connection if it wishes.
Classroom Assistants
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to ensure that educational services continue at Riverside Special School in Ballyclare, in the event that the classroom assistants' dispute continues indefinitely, and in light of the fact that some children have already been told to stop attending the school.
(AQW 910/08)
Ms C Ruane: I assume the member is referring to Riverside Special School in Antrim. The non-availability of classroom assistants to support children with special educational needs in Riverside Special School, Antrim, and indeed all children with special educational needs, whether in a special school or mainstream setting, is regrettable and an obvious cause of concern to parents and schools.
The interest of children with special educational needs must be paramount and during industrial action the arrangements for those children most affected by the strike action must be carefully considered. The education and library boards (ELBs) have advised the Department of a range of contingency measures that they put in place to assess whether or not special schools can remain open and whether or not the needs of individual children can be met in the absence of classroom assistance. In order to make these decisions ELBs have undertaken a risk assessment exercise to ensure that the child’s safety is fully taken into account. Where an assessment of risk carried out by the school determines that a child’s safety cannot be assured, then that child’s attendance at school would not be appropriate.
Governors of Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the governors of Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir in Derry/Londonderry.
(AQW 948/08)
Ms C Ruane: The members of the Board of Governors of the Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir are:
Representing the School Trustees
Ms L Kelly
Roibeard Mac an Bheatha
Donncha MacNiallais
thaigh Dhu ire Ros Ui Ma
Representing the Western Education and Library Board
Mr T Doherty
An tUas Deaglan O Cearnaigh
Representing Parents
Ms S McFeely
Representing Teachers
Ms Maura Armstrong
The Acting Principal as an ex officio member
id Mr R Mac Daibhe
Members Co-opted
Ms P McCartney
Ms A Crilly
Review of the Planning and Management of the Education Workforce in Schools
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) when the fundamental review of the planning and management of the education workforce in schools will take place; and (ii) the length of time the review is expected to take.
(AQW 1015/08)
Ms C Ruane: This will be an important and wide-ranging review, and it is right that I give careful consideration to its scope, its terms of reference and its methodology. Work on these issues is under way in my Department and I will make an announcement in due course, to include details of the proposed timeframe for the review, which will look at the all the main groups of staff in schools, including the roles of teachers and classroom assistants .
Equality Impact Assessment
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not her department carried out an equality impact assessment prior to the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of Public Administration, and the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 1053/08)
Ms C Ruane: The implementation of the Review of Public Administration in education will require two Acts of the Assembly, and a programme of organisational change over a number of years. At each stage of implementation, proposals will be subject to equality impact assessments. Preliminary screening of the proposals to be included in the first Bill has been completed, and the results will be published for public consultation in the near future.
Classroom Assistants
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm what qualifications will be recognised when classroom assistants are allocated their pay bands.
(AQW 1055/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Management Side of the Education and Library Boards, i.e. the employer, has advised that f ollowing the implementation of the job evaluation process, qualifications will no longer determine the grade that a classroom assistant is placed on; qualifications will continue to be considered in the process of recruitment and appointment.
Classroom Assistants
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm that an NVQ Level III is used as the minimum qualification required, in current advertisements for the recruitment of classroom assistants.
(AQW 1056/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Management Side of the Education and Library Boards, i.e. the employer, has advised that NVQ Level III (or equivalent qualification as recognised by the Education and Library Boards) is not used as the minimum qualification required in current advertisements for the recruitment of classroom assistants. It is used by Boards as necessary for short-listing purposes in cases where the candidate pool is so large that the school must introduce a higher level of qualification in order to affect a manageable short-list. Advertisements regularly ask for experience or a qualification, this qualification is normally NVQII or above.
Classroom Assistants
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm which body will grade classroom assistants under the new system; and to detail what criteria this will be based upon.
(AQW 1057/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Management Side of the Education and Library Boards, i.e. the employer, has advised that the job evaluation process has determined that there are three grades of classroom assistant; classroom assistant (general); classroom assistant (special needs), and classroom assistant (additional special needs). It will be for each school principal in consultation with each individual classroom assistant to determine which is the most appropriate grade in the circumstances pertaining in that school. For classroom assistants carrying out duties associated with the care of pupils with special needs verification will be sought from the Head of Special Education Branch in the relevant Board. The criteria used in the evaluation of these posts were those contained within the Greater London Whitley Job Evaluation Scheme as used by the Boards.
Garryduff Primary School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the timetable for the commencement of works at Garryduff Primary School.
(AQW 1095/08)
Ms C Ruane: The works to provide a semi-permanent extension and car parking facilities at Garryduff Primary Scholl are being taken forward by the North Eastern Education and Library Board. The Board has advised that additional land is required to facilitate this new provision however difficulties in purchasing the land means that the scheme cannot proceed at present. The Board understand that a planning application for the new provision will be progressed for consideration by Ballymoney Council at the end of November 2007.
Ballycastle High School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement on the provision of a new building for Ballycastle High School.
(AQW 1096/08)
Ms C Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board are undertaking an economic appraisal for a new building for Ballycastle High School. The economic appraisal is expected to be forwarded to the Department for consideration shortly.
New School for St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's Primary School, Ballycastle
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the timetable for the commencement of the new school for St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's Primary School, Ballycastle.
(AQW 1097/08)
Ms C Ruane: Planning of the proposed new school for St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballycastle is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that construction work will start on site early in the new year.
Straid Billy Primary School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail when suitable car parking arrangements will be provided at Straid Billy Primary School.
(AQW 1099/08)
Ms C Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board sought to negotiate the acquisition of land adjacent to Staid Billy Primary School to provide additional car parking though it has not been possible to reach agreement with the land owner. The North Eastern Education and Library Board are therefore not able to progress the scheme at the present time.
School Crossing Patrols
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school crossing patrols in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, broken down by Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 1105/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Education and library boards advised that they have provided the following number of school crossing patrols in 2005, 2006 and 2007:
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
BELB |
129 |
125 |
114 |
NEELB |
156 |
155 |
153 |
SEELB |
111 |
126 |
119 |
SELB |
183 |
158 |
162 |
WELB |
182 |
146 |
140 |
TOTAL |
761 |
710 |
688 |
School Crossing Patrols
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to outline the Education and Library Boards' policy in relation to the provision of crossing patrols at primary schools; and if she will arrange for this policy to be reviewed, in conjunction with the Minister for Regional Development, with a view to introducing a new policy for the provision of school crossing patrols, or pedestrian crossings near to schools.
(AQW 1106/08)
Ms C Ruane: The legislative power regarding the road safety of pupils is contained in paragraph (6) of Article 52 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 as amended by Article 23 of the Education (NI) Order 1997, and states that “With a view to assisting in the prevention of accidents, a board may carry into effect such measures as may be set out in a scheme framed by the board and approved by the Department”.
Education and library boards use jointly agreed criteria to assess a location for the provision of a school crossing patrol. The criteria are based closely upon those developed by the Local Authorities Road Safety Officers’ Association and in use, at present, in England, Scotland and Wales. The criteria include measuring the volume of traffic, investigating sight lines, and counting the number of children crossing a road unaccompanied by an adult. Following a request for an assessment, boards will only provide patrols where sites exceed the thresholds set out in the criteria. Boards may also remove crossing patrols from locations where it can be demonstrated that the danger has abated to levels that fall below thresholds.
The policy was last reviewed in 2005, and there are no plans to revise it in the immediate future.
Final Report of the Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service Inquiry
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail what progress has been made in implementing Part Two of the Final Report of the Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service Inquiry.
(AQW 1148/08)
Ms C Ruane: I would refer the Member to the reply I gave his colleague the Member for Mid Ulster on 17 September 2007.
(Official Report Volume 23 No. 7, page 321 Column 2 and page 322 Column 1)
Sustainable Schools Policy
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she will publish her department's Sustainable Schools Policy.
(AQW 1150/08)
Ms C Ruane: I intend to bring forward proposals towards the end of the year for the consideration of the Education Committee, before the policy would be published.
New Transfer Process
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the progress made to date on formulating the new transfer process.
(AQW 1151/08)
Ms C Ruane: Since coming into office I have listened to as many views as possible on the merits of different forms of transfer. As a result of this I am convinced of the need for a system which matches pupils to provision and not to types of school, which places the child at the centre of the transfer process, and which recognises that 14 is an age when children are ready to choose a path that best meets their needs and abilities, be that an academic path, professional and technical path, or combination of both. I will bring forward proposals when the time is right and when I am sure I have the right solution.
Teaching of Modern Languages
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to introduce modern languages into primary schools.
(AQW 1152/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am keen for young people to have the opportunity to benefit from learning a second language from an early age and here we can learn from existing good practice. The Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has been running a modern languages pilot in primary schools. We can also draw on good practice from the Irish medium sector.
I am now putting a programme in place to provide peripatetic support for those primary schools who wish to introduce a second language during this school year, focussing mainly on Spanish and Irish. Officials are working with the Education and Library Boards to finalise arrangements for the programme, to begin in January 2008.
I am also awaiting recommendations, expected in March 2008, from the joint University of Ulster-Queen’s University Belfast Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies which will inform a strategic approach to languages, including modern languages in primary schools.
Legal Proceedings Involving Education and Library Boards
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 680/08, to detail the nature of the disputes that resulted in the payment of compensation.
(AQW 1171/08)
Ms C Ruane: The disputes that resulted in the payment of compensation amounts, as provided by each Education and Library Board in answer to AQW 680/08, fall into four main categories as follows:
- Public Liability claims, e.g. when pupils or other third parties have been injured and have instigated legal proceedings which have resulted in a compensation payment;
- Employer Liability claims, e.g. when an employee has been injured and has instigated legal proceedings which has resulted in a compensation payment;
- Employment Cases, e.g. cases which relate to employment disputes which fall within the jurisdiction of the Industrial or Fair Employment Tribunal, by way of example unfair dismissal, sex discrimination, religious discrimination, equal pay and Disability Discrimination claims;
- Other Litigation claims which fall outside the ambit of paras 1-3 above by way of example contract disputes, (building/ procurement) property disputes.
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of pupils in Northern Ireland who gained five GCSE's at grades A*-C, including English and Maths, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1187/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of pupils in Northern Ireland who gained five GCSE's at grades A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1188/08)
Ms C Ruane:
The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of boys in Northern Ireland who failed to earn five GCSE's at grades A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1189/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of boys who failed to earn a single GCSE at grade A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1190/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils in Northern Ireland who failed to gain a single GCSE at grade A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1191/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
Early Childhood Studies
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to awarding early years specialist status to graduates of the foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.
(AQW 1192/08)
Ms C Ruane: This qualification is currently not listed by the Department of Education among those recognised as suitable for persons who are not qualified teachers and who provide support and advice to the staff of funded pre-school centres through the role of early years specialist. However as it is equivalent to NVQ level 4, the Department will consider whether it would be suitable for inclusion in the list of qualifications currently recognised by the Department.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1211/08)
Ms C Ruane: The department spent £905,600.57 on external consultants in the 2006-07 financial year and breakdown of the expenditure is contained in the following table.
DEPARTMENT: Education |
|
|---|---|
Category |
Amount |
1. policy appraisal and review |
£274,522.65 |
2. strategic management |
£404,479.08 |
3. organisational development |
£84,335.00 |
4. performance management |
£12,250.00 |
5. accountancy |
£2,146.00 |
6. audit |
£28,206.35 |
7. economic appraisal |
£15,623.41 |
8. internal audit |
£0 |
9. feasibility study |
£0 |
10. quality accreditation |
£42,446.37 |
11. investment appraisal |
£0 |
12. corporate governance |
£20,190.36 |
13. projects |
£7,271.35 |
14. surveys |
£9,800.00 |
15. marketing |
£4,330.00 |
16. market research |
£0 |
Other |
£0 |
TOTAL |
£905,600.57 |
Draft Sports Development Strategy
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education, in view of the recent launch of the Draft Sports Development Strategy, what steps she is taking to ensure that all pupils attending grammar schools are offered the same opportunity to play soccer as any other sport.
(AQW 1215/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am keen for more young people to take part in physical activity because I recognise the benefits it can have for their health and well-being, their self-confidence and their academic achievement. That is why I have been working with the IFA and GAA to put a Curriculum Sports Programme in place to provide greater opportunities for our youngest pupils to develop their physical literacy skills and an enjoyment for sports through taking part in soccer or Gaelic games.
In recognition of the importance of physical activity, the revised curriculum includes PE as an Area of Learning in its own right, and includes games. It remains a matter for schools to decide on the specific games and extra-curricular activities they provide. I am aware that the IFA offers a range of soccer programmes and opportunities which post-primary schools, including grammar schools, can participate in and I understand that there are currently 43 grammar schools involved.
I await the outcome of the consultation and the final version of the Draft Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation with interest. My officials will be considering the issues relating to education and will continue to liaise with DCAL as appropriate.
Downs Syndrome
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail how the education system is meeting the needs of children with Downs Syndrome.
(AQW 1232/08)
Ms C Ruane: Under the Education ( Northern Ireland) Order 1996, the statutory responsibility for securing provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rests with the Boards of Governors of schools Education and Library Boards (ELBs). The statutory duties which arise in regard to children with SEN relate to the individual needs of the child and are not dependant on a particular diagnosis.
I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the ELBs that children with Downs Syndrome are normally assessed by health professionals before they start school and referred to the appropriate ELB Educational Psychologist (EP) for assessment. They may subsequently be referred by the EP for pre - school provision such as the ELB’s Home Teaching Service, a special school nursery placement, a mainstream nursery placement with additional adult support or Toy Libraries attached to special schools.
In primary school settings a number of Downs Syndrome children are placed in mainstream schools with appropriate individual adult support. Other Downs Syndrome children may be educated in special education units or Learning Support Centres (LSCs) attached to mainstream schools or in special schools according to their assessed need. Within LSCs the pupils have a favourable pupil staff ratio and can work at a level commensurate with their need. In all cases the type of support provided will be entirely determined by the individual needs of the child taking into account all the advice received during the course of the statutory assessment and any parental preference.
Children with Downs Syndrome who have statements of special educational need have their progress reviewed annually via the annual review process. From the age of 14 as part of their transition arrangements they may also have access to Life Skills Programmes to facilitate their progressive independence in relation to adult services, training employment and further education as appropriate.
School Meals
Mr M Storey as