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 30 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
CORRIGENDA
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Equality Provision
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 192/08, what steps it will take to establish how other regions of the European Union have assessed (i) the need for; (ii) the wording of; (iii) the scope of; and (iv) the exceptions to, any harassment clause included in equality proposals stemming from EU Directives.
(AQW 612/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Each Member State has its own obligation under EU law to implement European Directives and to determine how best to do so in a way which both complies with the requirements of the Directives but also addresses the specific needs of the Member State. Given therefore that implementation of Directives is a matter for the Member State, how other Member States comply with Directives, whilst of interest, is not directly pertinent. We do not therefore normally contact other Member States.
Policy consideration on the appropriate transposition of EU Directives into domestic law includes consideration of the degree of flexibility available to the Member State and the devolved administration. In doing so, we are also required to meet our statutory equality obligations and comply with the Human Rights Act 1998.
Given that equality is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of this administration to consider how the requirements of equality Directives impact on Northern Ireland and to bring forward legislation specific to Northern Ireland to implement those Directives.
However, European law does demand that Directives are implemented within a specified timeframe. The provisions of the Directive must be adequately transposed into domestic law. If this does not happen the Member State will be deemed to have failed to implement and would be liable to infraction proceedings which could result in daily fines; and the Government could also be vulnerable to individual legal challenge . Therefore, it may be the case in the transposition of certain directives into domestic law there is a limited discretion in relation to certain provisions .
Equality Provision
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 192/08, what steps it will take to examine how other regions of the European Union have protected freedom of speech, in relation to equality proposals stemming from EU Directives.
(AQW 613/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Each Member State has its own obligation under EU law to implement European Directives and to determine how best to do so in a way which both complies with the requirements of the Directives but also addresses the specific needs of the Member State. Given therefore that implementation of Directives is a matter for the Member State, how other Member States comply with Directives, whilst of interest, is not directly pertinent. We do not therefore normally contact other Member States.
Policy consideration on the appropriate transposition of EU Directives into domestic law includes consideration of the degree of flexibility available to the Member State and the devolved administration. In doing so, we are also required to meet our statutory equality obligations and comply with the Human Rights Act 1998.
Given that equality is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of this administration to consider how the requirements of equality Directives impact on Northern Ireland and to bring forward legislation specific to Northern Ireland to implement those Directives.
However, European law does demand that Directives are implemented within a specified timeframe. The provisions of the Directive must be adequately transposed into domestic law. If this does not happen the Member State will be deemed to have failed to implement and would be liable to infraction proceedings which could result in daily fines; and the Government could also be vulnerable to individual legal challenge . Therefore, it may be the case in the transposition of certain directives into domestic law there is a limited discretion in relation to certain provisions .
Equality Provision
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 192/08, to detail the method used to assess (i) the need for; (ii) the wording of; (iii) the scope of; and (iv) exceptions to, any harassment clause included in equality proposals.
(AQW 614/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Each Member State has its own obligation under EU law to implement European Directives and to determine how best to do so in a way which both complies with the requirements of the Directives but also addresses the specific needs of the Member State. Given therefore that implementation of Directives is a matter for the Member State, how other Member States comply with Directives, whilst of interest, is not directly pertinent. We do not therefore normally contact other Member States.
Policy consideration on the appropriate transposition of EU Directives into domestic law includes consideration of the degree of flexibility available to the Member State and the devolved administration. In doing so, we are also required to meet our statutory equality obligations and comply with the Human Rights Act 1998.
Given that equality is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of this administration to consider how the requirements of equality Directives impact on Northern Ireland and to bring forward legislation specific to Northern Ireland to implement those Directives.
However, European law does demand that Directives are implemented within a specified timeframe. The provisions of the Directive must be adequately transposed into domestic law. If this does not happen the Member State will be deemed to have failed to implement and would be liable to infraction proceedings which could result in daily fines; and the Government could also be vulnerable to individual legal challenge . Therefore, it may be the case in the transposition of certain directives into domestic law there is a limited discretion in relation to certain provisions .
Equality Provision
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 192/08, what steps it will take to guarantee the right of freedom of speech when considering equality proposals.
(AQW 615/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Each Member State has its own obligation under EU law to implement European Directives and to determine how best to do so in a way which both complies with the requirements of the Directives but also addresses the specific needs of the Member State. Given therefore that implementation of Directives is a matter for the Member State, how other Member States comply with Directives, whilst of interest, is not directly pertinent. We do not therefore normally contact other Member States.
Policy consideration on the appropriate transposition of EU Directives into domestic law includes consideration of the degree of flexibility available to the Member State and the devolved administration. In doing so, we are also required to meet our statutory equality obligations and comply with the Human Rights Act 1998.
Given that equality is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of this administration to consider how the requirements of equality Directives impact on Northern Ireland and to bring forward legislation specific to Northern Ireland to implement those Directives.
However, European law does demand that Directives are implemented within a specified timeframe. The provisions of the Directive must be adequately transposed into domestic law. If this does not happen the Member State will be deemed to have failed to implement and would be liable to infraction proceedings which could result in daily fines; and the Government could also be vulnerable to individual legal challenge . Therefore, it may be the case in the transposition of certain directives into domestic law there is a limited discretion in relation to certain provisions .
Equality Provision
Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 192/08, what priority it will give to ensuring that all equality legislation and initiatives recognise the distinctiveness of Northern Ireland's society.
(AQW 616/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Each Member State has its own obligation under EU law to implement European Directives and to determine how best to do so in a way which both complies with the requirements of the Directives but also addresses the specific needs of the Member State. Given therefore that implementation of Directives is a matter for the Member State, how other Member States comply with Directives, whilst of interest, is not directly pertinent. We do not therefore normally contact other Member States.
Policy consideration on the appropriate transposition of EU Directives into domestic law includes consideration of the degree of flexibility available to the Member State and the devolved administration. In doing so, we are also required to meet our statutory equality obligations and comply with the Human Rights Act 1998.
Given that equality is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of this administration to consider how the requirements of equality Directives impact on Northern Ireland and to bring forward legislation specific to Northern Ireland to implement those Directives.
However, European law does demand that Directives are implemented within a specified timeframe. The provisions of the Directive must be adequately transposed into domestic law. If this does not happen the Member State will be deemed to have failed to implement and would be liable to infraction proceedings which could result in daily fines; and the Government could also be vulnerable to individual legal challenge . Therefore, it may be the case in the transposition of certain directives into domestic law there is a limited discretion in relation to certain provisions .
EU Directives on Equality
Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 137/08, to detail the means through which consultation documents issued by the department contribute to the implementation of EU Directives on equality.
(AQW 810/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Although EU Directives lay down specific requirements which must be reflected in domestic law, there may still be options for how these are to be implemented. The main purpose of public consultation is to give interested parties an opportunity to express an opinion on the options and proposals for implementation. An analysis of the responses to the consultation can then be taken into account when policy decisions are taken.
The consultation documents also serve to inform those affected about the requirements of EU Directives, so that they are better prepared for any changes in their rights and obligations.
However, European law does demand that Directives are implemented within a specified timeframe. The provisions of the Directive must be adequately transposed into domestic law. If this does not happen the Member State will be deemed to have failed to implement and would be liable to infraction proceedings which could result in daily fines. Therefore it can be the case that there is a limited discretion on particular provisions.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within its approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.
(AQW 820/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The research report was conducted and finalised during direct rule. We have made clear that it does not form an agreed basis for future policy development, as such it is not a material consideration, in our approach to the Comprehensive Spending Review (Priorities and Budget 2007). However, an assessment of the equality, good relations, poverty/social inclusion, and sustainable development impacts of all financial proposals has been undertaken as part of the spending review. OFMDFM are committed to breaking down all barriers and working towards a shared and better future for all.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and to report on what degree of funding has been allocated against them in the draft Budget 2008/11.
(AQW 1447/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Draft Budget 2007, as announced by the Minister of Finance on 25 October 2007, allocated an additional £6.8 million (2008/09)/£13.5 million (2009/10)/£18.4 million (2010/11) to OFMDFM.
The table below details the bids that were submitted in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review (Budget 07) by officials from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and Ministers’ decisions regarding the allocation of the additional funding made available in the Draft Budget to these spending priorities.
The additional funding allocations proposed in the Draft Budget 07 represents an average growth of 5.9% in spending power for OFMDFM over the three-year budget period.
Comparison of Original OFMDFM Budget Bids (June 07) with Draft Budget Allocations (October 07)
|
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
|||
Area of Spend |
Original Bid |
Allocation |
Original Bid |
Allocation |
Original Bid |
Allocation |
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
Sustainable Development |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
International Relations |
0.0 |
0.5 |
0.0 |
0.5 |
0.0 |
0.5 |
Victims and survivors |
9.7 |
1.6 |
9.7 |
5.0 |
9.7 |
7.1 |
Older People |
2.0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
0.8 |
2.0 |
1.8 |
Children and Young People |
1.0 |
0.0 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
1.0 |
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anti-poverty & Good Relations |
4.0 |
1.1 |
4.0 |
3.1 |
5.0 |
3.6 |
Equality |
0.5 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
0.1 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
Restoration (incl NSMC) |
2.7 |
2.5 |
2.7 |
2.5 |
3.3 |
2.5 |
PAC/WAC |
0.2 |
0.6 |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.3 |
0.7 |
Strategic Futures |
0.1 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
TOTAL |
20.3 |
6.8 |
20.4 |
13.5 |
22.0 |
18.4 |
Budget
Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the percentage increase in its proposed departmental budget since the last period of devolution; (ii) those areas in which the proposed draft budget will receive increases above inflationary increases, between the 2001/02 budget and the 2008/09 budget; and (iii) the percentage increase in each of these areas.
(AQW 1457/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: (i) Since the last period of devolution the budget of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has increased by £54.3m (£48.7m in 2007-08 real prices). The Department has assumed responsibility for a number of functions since 2001-02 such as the:
- regeneration of Reinvestment & Reform sites - £14.9m budget in 2008-09;
- Strategic Investment Board (SIB) - £9m budget in 2008-09;
- Planning Appeals Commission and Water Appeals Commission (PACWAC) - £2.4m budget in 2008-09; and
- North Belfast Community Action Unit and the redevelopment of the Crumlin Road Gaol - £6.7m budget in 2008-09.
An additional £6.6m has also been allocated to Victims and Survivors in 2008-09.
These areas alone account for £39.6m of the £48.7m budget increase since 2001-02.
In the last financial year of the previous period of devolution (2001-02) the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister had an annual budget allocation of £32.0 million (£37.6m in 2007-08 real prices). The proposed budget allocation for 2008-09 will be £86.3m. This represents a real increase since 2001-02 of £48.7m (129%).
The Treasury published GDP inflator has been used to inflate 2001-02 figures to 2007-08 prices to enable a like for like comparison of budget allocations.
(ii) The Draft Budget 07 proposes an additional allocation to OFMDFM of £6.8 million in 2008/09, £13.5 million in 2009/10, and £18.4 million in 2010/11. The table below details those areas within the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister that have received increases above inflationary increases between the 2001/02 budget and the 2008/09 budget and the percentage increase in each of these areas.
(iii): Areas of Expenditure within OFMDFM receiving increases above inflation between 2001/02 Budget and 2008/09 Budget |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2001-02 |
2001-02 |
2008-09 |
Change |
% Change |
|
Budget |
NPV |
|
NPV terms |
NPV terms |
|
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
% |
EQUALITY |
17,473 |
20,539 |
34,503 |
13,964 |
68 |
STRATEGY & REGENERATION |
1,535 |
1,804 |
26,727 |
24,923 |
1,381 |
RESOURCES, RPA & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS |
4,166 |
4,897 |
9,532 |
4,635 |
95 |
SUPPORT FOR THE EXECUTIVE |
6,051 |
7,112 |
8,051 |
939 |
13 |
Transferred Functions / non cash budgets / in year pressures / EU funding |
2,807 |
3,300 |
7,484 |
4,184 |
127 |
Total Budget Allocations |
32,032 |
37,652 |
86,297 |
48,645 |
129 |
|
Note 1 |
Note 2 |
Note 3 |
|
|
Note 1 Source Northern Ireland Main Estimates 2001-02 and OFMDFM internal allocation sheets |
|
|
|
||
Note 2 Inflated using the GDP deflator of 1.175453 to reflect 2007-08 prices |
|
|
|
|
|
Note 3 Source OFMDFM Committee Paper on Budget Allocations : Comparison of Draft Budget Allocations with previous 2 years |
|
||||
Maze/Long Kesh Site
Ms J McCann asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will confirm that there are two major projects proposed for the Maze/Long Kesh site, the multi sports stadium and the International Centre for Conflict Transformation.
(AQW 1722/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The multi-party consultation panel recommended unanimously that the development of the site should be based upon a multi-sport stadium and an International Centre for Conflict Transformation based on the listed prison buildings and scheduled World War II aircraft hangars together with supporting transport infrastructure. Proposals for the regeneration of the former prison and army base are currently being considered by us on that basis.
Community Relations Council
Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will make a statement on the budget allocated to the Community Relations Council.
(AQO 982/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Community Relations Unit (CRU) of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister provides funding to Community Relations Council (CRC) on the basis of three-year agreements which are reviewed annually during the agreement period. The grant in aid from CRU this year (2007/08) amounts to £3.289 million.
This grant does not include fees earned by CRC as the implementing body for both European Union Peace II Programmes and Victims Core Funding and Development Grant Scheme.
Eradicating Poverty
Mr D McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will identify the funds within the draft Budget 2008-2011 that will be directed towards the objective of eradicating poverty.
(AQO 997/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Tackling poverty will require co-ordinated actions across a range of departmental programmes including employment, education, health and social development. It is expected therefore that Departments will, in line with previous practice, continue to skew efforts and resources towards those in greatest objective need.
This will ensure that tackling poverty will be prioritised and mainstreamed within the departmental public expenditure planning process.
European Union Economic Taskforce
Mr M McLaughlin asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the progress of the European Union Economic Taskforce.
(AQO 966/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: President Barroso has presented us with a unique opportunity as this is the first time there has been a specific taskforce for a single region in the EU. We want to make the most of the European Union and facilitate the development of a sustainable and mutually productive long-term relationship. In particular, it helps us achieve the Executive’s aim of a vibrant, competitive economy for the good of all our people.
We have made good progress to date. Our 2007-13 Rural Development, Fisheries and Competitiveness and Employment Programmes are all now agreed with the Commission. Several Minsters have visited Brussels to continue the process of building relationships. We organised a successful EU ‘Open Days’ event in Brussels on PEACE funding with over 140 participants from different regions.
We will be stepping up our engagement with the Barroso Taskforce over the coming weeks and months. Our objective is to optimise the opportunities and support being offered to us. The Commission is preparing a report on our participation in the available EU initiatives most relevant to our needs and we expect it to be ready by the end of January. The Commission are keen to hear our ideas to help develop their thinking. The Taskforce will, at our invitation, be coming to Northern Ireland on 11 December. This visit and the information collected during it will influence the forthcoming report. The Commission’s report must not only detail opportunities, but map out how the Taskforce will assist us over the long-term.
Although this is a European Commission Taskforce, our departments have nominated counterparts for each Commission member. To help further structure our engagement and to demonstrate our commitment, Junior Ministers Ian Paisley Jnr and Gerry Kelly chaired a meeting of Departmental lead officials on Tuesday 13 th November and followed this up by leading a delegation of senior officials from across Departments to Brussels last week. They completed a series of some 30 meetings over a 2-day period including 2 key meetings between the Junior Ministers and Catherine Day, (European Commission Secretary General) and Dirk Ahner (Director General of Regional Policy.)
These meetings were very focused and productive. Having completed the necessary stocktaking, the process is focusing in on the most effective assistance which can be provided from the taskforce in the short term and beyond.
Junior Ministers also discussed arrangements for us to visit Brussels in early January to meet President Barroso, Danuta Hübner and other Commissioners.
Child Protection Issues
Ms J McCann asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in light of the recent debates in the Assembly, to detail whether or not it intends to place child protection issues on the agendas of the next plenary meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council.
(AQO 943/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Child protection is a crucial matter for the Executive, and collaboration and co-operation across the administration and with other jurisdictions is essential.
Following the recent debate on sex offenders in the House, we have advised the Secretariats of the North/South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council of the Assembly’s wish for meetings of NSMC and BIC to consider this issue.
While the issue of child protection is not within the existing work programmes for either BIC or NSMC, we would wish to raise the matter at the next NSMC Plenary and BIC Summit meetings, subject to agreement from the other participating administrations.
Equality
Mr R McCartney asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will identify the funds within the draft Budget 2008-2011 that will be directed towards the objective of making a more equal society.
(AQO 998/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Promoting fairness, inclusion and equality, including gender equality, are themes that are included in our priorities in the draft Programme for Government. Equality considerations are, and will continue to be, mainstreamed into the planning, resourcing and delivery of all programmes with the aim of making people’s lives better. This is in line with our statutory duty. Equality considerations will also be applied at a strategic level to the PfG, the budget and ISNI.
Public Service Agreements for the period 2008 to 2011 have been included specifically to tackle poverty and reduce inequality and disadvantage.
OFMDFM Equality Directorate will have available to it £26.9m to deliver equality policy, legislation and sponsorship of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The Equality Commission has a wide remit to monitor and promote equality across both the public and private sector.
Funding for OFMDFM Equality Directorate will be used, amongst other things, towards achieving specific targets on gender equality.
Economic Policy Unit
Mr L Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the measures it has put in place to assess the customer responsiveness of its Economic Policy Unit.
(AQO 938/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Economic Policy Unit (EPU) consults and works closely with key stakeholders in taking forward its responsibilities across a diverse range of areas. The Unit is responsible for a number of discrete areas, involving customers both within and outside OFMDFM.
Its Policy Innovation Unit provides a facility for customer feedback through the ‘Policy link’ website and Policy link bulletins. In addition, the Unit organises seminars for the purpose of discussing and disseminating good practice and to obtain feedback from policy practitioners. Audits of policy making capacity and customer surveys have also been undertaken.
Over the past year, as part of its work on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy, the Sustainable Development Unit has worked closely with the stakeholder group and has carried out work to determine how best that engagement might be taken forward in future.
Finally, in relation to the Programme for Government process which is currently underway, EPU will undertake a full evaluation of how the Unit worked with Ministers and engaged key stakeholders in the development of the Programme for Government for the period 2008 to 2011.
Draft Programme for Government
Mr A Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps it is taking to ensure full community consultation on the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland and the draft Programme for Government.
(AQO 964/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Recognising the close relations between the Programme for Government, Investment Strategy and Budget, the Executive is undertaking a joint consultation exercise on those documents and all have been published on the same website for easy reference.
We are determined that this will be a genuine consultation process that engages as many people as possible and that influences our final decisions. To ensure an open and transparent process in this regard, a number of public consultation events have been organised.
In addition to these events, meetings will be held with the Equality Commission and the Equality Coalition, representing key stakeholders within each of the nine section 75 groups. OFMDFM and DFP officials will also participate in a series of public events organised by Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action.
Gender Equality
Mr P Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will identify funds in the draft Budget 2008-2011 that will be directly targeted towards achieving gender equality.
(AQO 996/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Promoting fairness, inclusion and equality, including gender equality, are themes that are included in our priorities in the draft Programme for Government. Equality considerations are, and will continue to be, mainstreamed into the planning, resourcing and delivery of all programmes with the aim of making people’s lives better. This is in line with our statutory duty. Equality considerations will also be applied at a strategic level to the PfG, the budget and ISNI.
Public Service Agreements for the period 2008 to 2011 have been included specifically to tackle poverty and reduce inequality and disadvantage.
OFMDFM Equality Directorate will have available to it £26.9m to deliver equality policy, legislation and sponsorship of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The Equality Commission has a wide remit to monitor and promote equality across both the public and private sector.
Funding for OFMDFM Equality Directorate will be used, amongst other things, towards achieving specific targets on gender equality.
Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2
Ms M Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail whether or not it intends to include measures to address regional disparities, as a sub-pillar of the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2.
(AQO 961/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Promoting regional balance is one key element in the cross-cutting strategic objectives that were set at the outset of developing the Investment Strategy over the last year. As such, it is currently reflected across the Strategy, rather than concentrated in an individual sub-pillar.
As you are aware, the Investment Strategy is currently out for public consultation and we await the completion of this process.
With infrastructure investment of over £18bn envisaged over the period 2008-2018, of which £5.6bn will be over the next three years, the Investment Strategy will seek to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society. Our investment will be in infrastructure to accelerate economic growth and improve competitiveness; to promote equality of opportunity; to promote regional balance in future development, to tackle social disadvantage and to protect and enhance our environment.
Good examples of major projects that will help to promote regional balance include increasing broadband take-up rates outside Belfast, developing tourism in both rural and urban areas and proposed new and upgraded roads that will improve access for all, but particularly for communities in the North West. Investment in healthcare, with a developing network of health and care centres across the region, and new hospital facilities in the South West are other examples. Schools too will receive a boost, benefiting communities across the region.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Mr F Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the contact it has had with the United Kingdom Government, in light of the recent decision not to curtail the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and what views it has previously expressed to the United Kingdom Government in relation to this issue.
(AQO 977/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We have had no specific contact with the United Kingdom government following the announcement on 25 October 2007 that there would be no changes to the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004. OFMDFM officials continue to liaise regularly with officials from the Ministry of Justice, the lead Whitehall Department on Freedom of Information, on related policy matters.
New Ethnic Minority Communities
Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will provide a definition for 'New Ethnic Minority Communities', as referred to in the draft Programme for Government 2008-2011.
(AQO 963/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government 2008-2011 sets out the objective (under PSA 7, objective 2) to “Take forward co-ordinated strategic action to promote social inclusion for New Minority Ethnic Communities”. In this the Executive signals its proposal to address the significant challenges raised by the arrival in recent years of substantial numbers of migrants from, in particular, the eight countries that acceded to the European Union in May 2004. This will complement the work already being undertaken on racial equality and good relations mentioned in objective 5 under the same PSA.
An Analysis of Public Expenditure on Children in Northern Ireland
Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it is taking in relation to the findings of the report 'An Analysis of Public Expenditure on Children in Northern Ireland'.
(AQO 924/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The report was copied to Ministerial colleagues in advance of the Budget 2007 exercise to inform their decisions. We also strongly made the case for significant funding for children’s services in pre-budget discussions and are very pleased that an allocation of £26million has been made to DE, DHSSPS and DCAL to facilitate the continuation of projects previously funded by the Children and Young People’s Funding Package in addition to a range of mainstream programmes.
The report will also be an important consideration in informing the development of action plans to deliver on the 10-year strategy for children and young people and we are currently taking forward plans to establish a Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children. The Committee will co-ordinate existing and developing policies and budgets relevant to children and young people and ensure that they remain high on Ministers’ agendas.
It must also be remembered that funding for many other services, not specifically set aside for children and young people, can help to improve their lives and achieve the outcomes of the strategy – for example funding for health services.
A Shared Future
Mr P McGlone asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail whether or not it endorses the policy document 'A Shared Future'.
(AQO 908/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Assembly had a very good debate on A Shared Future on 4 June. We agreed that we would review progress so far on the implementation of the policy and bring forward proposals for the Executive consistent with the ministerial pledge of office, to promote the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared future and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society.
We intend to bring the proposals for discussion to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Assembly in the next few months.
Single Equality Bill
Ms A Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will make a statement on a Single Equality Bill, in relation to the draft Programme for Government.
(AQO 960/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Since 8 May we have been examining current equality legislation, identifying in particular, inconsistencies and considering where and to what extent the existing laws should and could be amended, harmonised or extended. This is a complex task involving a consideration of around 30 years of anti-discrimination legislation. Any proposals for legislative change will be a matter for consultation with the relevant Departmental Committees and will be brought before the Assembly in due course.
Departmental Efficiency
Mr D Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to reduce costs and to improve the efficiency of the department.
(AQO 939/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We intend to deliver £11.1 million of efficiency savings in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister across the three years of Budget 07, 2008/09 to 2010/11. £9.1 million of these savings relates to resource expenditure efficiencies and £2 million to administrative efficiencies.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Tree Coverage
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail whether or not North Down will receive an increase in tree coverage, as stated in the draft Budget; and the locations in which trees will be planted within the constituency.
(AQW 1622/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): My Department’s Forest Service will continue to encourage an increase in tree cover primarily through the Woodland Grant Scheme which is funded under the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The Scheme is available to landowners throughout the North, including those in North Down and provides an additional supplement of £1,000 per hectare to landowners wishing to create new wood close to urban areas and who provide public access for informal recreation.
New woodland creation will enhance and conserve the rural environment and new planting supported by the Woodland Grant Scheme will only take place on suitable sites and will have regard for the environmental value of the site in terms of existing habitats, landscape value, archaeological and historic features. To assist landowners to find forestry solutions consistent with sustainable land management, the Forest Service will publish indicative maps showing where new woodland is to be encouraged.
Tree Coverage
Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the types of trees that will be planted to increase tree coverage across Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1645/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The expansion of tree cover across Northern Ireland will be achieved primarily through encouraging farmers and private land owners to establish new woodland by support made available under the Rural Development Programme through the mechanism of the Forest Service’s Woodland Grant Scheme.
My Department will encourage a wide range of types of forest. It will favour those that complement other objectives of government policy by improving the environment, by promoting rural development, and those which support renewable energy policy.
The woodlands created will consist of conventional conifer and broadleaf species, and will include creation of new native woodland made up of tree species which are locally native. Support will also be available for short rotation coppice willow for an energy end use. The tree species used must also be suited to the site and fulfil the objectives of the owner.
Freedom of Information Requests
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost to her department of dealing with Freedom of Information requests, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1737/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department has been responding to requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 since the Act came into operation on 1 January 2005.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in common with all other NI Departments, does not calculate or record information on the cost of individual requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and does not hold the information you have sought. This position corresponds to that of the Whitehall Departments.
Office of the Northern Ireland Executive
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what contact she has had with the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels over the past month.
(AQW 1751/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I personally used the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels (ONIEB) for a debriefing session after meeting with Commissioner Borg as part of the UK delegation. In addition, my Department has a permanent representative posted in ONIEB to assist the Department’s contribution to EU policy development and implementation on agri-food, veterinary, fisheries and rural development issues. During the period referred to the following contacts were made:
- Arrangements for the Ministerial visit to Brussels for the UK delegation meeting with Fisheries Commissioner Borg on 16 October.
- Liaison with the Commission with regard to the NI Nitrates derogation application.( Approved at the Nitrates Committee meeting on 15 October)
- Information regarding the forthcoming CAP Healthcheck and developments with regard to the forthcoming TACs and Quotas regulation and December Fisheries Council.
- Correspondence and information with regard to a state aid application for the Salmon Hardship Fund.
- Information with regard to planning for and the proceedings of the Special Committee for Agriculture on the 5, 12 and 19 November, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 22 and 23 October and 26 and 27 November. This included issues of cross compliance and the position on Herculex maize.
- Information regarding developments in Standing Committee for food chain and Animal Health on 6 November relating to Foot and Mouth, Avian Influenza and Bluetongue disease.
- Arrangements and information regarding the Commission meeting on 14 November regarding LFA redesignation.
- Arrangements for meetings for DARD official with UKREP, DG AGRI and DG Environment covering state aids, agriculture promotion, GM Feed, redmeat taskforce report , milk quotas and the nitrates directive and derogation.
- Communication on Commission adoption of scheme for private aids to storage for pigmeat
Agri-Food Industry
Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of people employed in the agri-food industry in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1820/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The following numbers of people (also expressed in full time equivalents) were engaged in farming during the years 2002 – 2006.
Table 1. Farm Employment
Total Agricultural Labour Force: |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
- Number of persons |
54,273 |
54,486 |
53,332 |
51,073 |
49,952 |
- Full time equivalents |
31,925 |
31,641 |
30,595 |
30,002 |
29,622 |
Source: Statistical Review of NI Agriculture
The employment in the food and drinks processing and input supply sectors (expressed in full time equivalents) during the years 2001 – 2005 was as follows.
Table 2. Food Processing and Other Ancillary Employment
full-time equivalents
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 (1) |
Processing Sector |
18,774 |
18,733 |
18,693 |
18,391 |
18,565 |
Supply Sector |
4,400 |
4,390 |
4,150 |
4,060 |
4,040 |
Total ancillary employment |
23,174 |
23,123 |
22,843 |
22,451 |
22,605 |
Source: Statistical Review of NI Agriculture
(1) Provisional figures
For a further breakdown of the above totals see the DARD publication ‘Statistical Review of NI Agriculture’ online at the following link:
http://www.dardni.gov.uk/statistical_review_of_ni_agriculture_2006.pdf
Brazilian Beef
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in light of the recent report by the European Union Food and Veterinary Office, what consideration will she give to banning the importation of Brazilian beef.
(AQW 1924/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I do not have the statutory authority to ban imports of Brazilian beef.
The EU Commission determines which animals and animal products can be imported into the EU from countries such as Brazil and requires that these decisions are applied uniformly throughout the EU. As part of the EU, we cannot unilaterally prohibit imports of Brazilian beef that comply with current EU import controls.
The EU will take decisive action where the exporting country poses an increased risk to the animal health status of the EU. Indeed, following the outbreak of FMD in three regions of Brazil in 2005, the Commission took the decision to ban imports from these regions. This ban is still in place. The EU requires also requires meat from the FMD-free regions of Brazil to be de-boned and matured, a process which destroys any FMD virus should it be present in the beef for any reason.
A Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) Mission to Brazil in March 2007 indicated that there were certain practical difficulties in the general implementation of the system of animal identification and the control of animal movements. This has prompted a further FVO Mission this month to examine the controls surrounding red meat. The Brazilian authorities have been advised that if they do not address the remaining deficiencies by the end of 2007, the EU will reconsider authorising imports of beef.
I will continue to work closely with Ministers in Britain and the South to ensure that the EU Commission applies pressure on the Brazilian government to address the FVO concerns that have been raised. In this context I have already written to Lord Rooker expressing my concern about imports of Brazilian beef and to encourage consideration of the recent report of the March 2007 FVO mission to Brazil by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).
We must await the outcome of the follow-up FVO mission to Brazil to consider what response is appropriate. I wish to see early publication of the follow-up report.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Irish Language Broadcasting Fund
Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has in relation to the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund; and to confirm whether or not he will consult with the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, before taking a final position on this matter.
(AQW 1755/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): £12 million was made available to the Irish Language Broadcast Fund over a four year period commencing in 2005. This funding is due to end in March 2009 and I was unable to secure further funding in the draft budget agreed by the Executive.
In light of this I am considering what options are available to me to promote Irish language broadcasting within the wider promotion of the Irish language and my anticipated budget and will bring forward any proposals to this House and the CAL Committee in due course.
Draft Budget 2008-2011
Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will make a statement on funding of the arts within the draft Budget 2008-2011.
(AQO 993/08)
Mr E Poots: The Draft Budget 2008-2011 sets out indicative allocations for arts & creativity funding for the 3 years covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review. The allocations include an increase of £6.75m over the 2007/08 baseline for arts & creativity revenue funding over the 3 years of the CSR period.
This comprises an uplift of £1m in year 1, an uplift of £1.5m in year 2 and an uplift of £4.25m in year 3. The significant increase in year 3 will enable the Department to make good progress in closing the per capita funding gap with the other UK regions and the Republic of Ireland.
The Draft Budget also sets out the Department’s capital allocations in the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland. The allocation for arts & cultural infrastructure from 2008/09 to 2010/11 is £32.5m which is a significant sum.
2012 Olympic Games
Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, further to the recent visit to Stormont by Lord Coe, to indicate whether or not Northern Ireland will host any events in the 2012 Olympic Games, and to provide details of these events.
(AQW 1799/08)
Mr E Poots: As set out in London 2012's Candidate File, if Northern Ireland builds its planned national stadium, this venue will be considered as a location for rounds of the Olympic football competition. The torch relay and other events as part of the Cultural Olympiad are planned to take place in Northern Ireland.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail when in 1991 the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum became aware that Ian Patrick Magill had been arrested and charged with taking indecent photographs of young girls, and what action was taken by the board of the Museum between then and the date of his conviction.
(AQW 1921/08)
Mr E Poots: I will answer these two questions together. Mr Magill’s first court appearance in connection with the charge of taking indecent photographs and the distribution of an indecent video was on 7 th August 1991. As far as can be ascertained from the records this is the first time the Museum had any knowledge of the alleged offence. Legal advice was sought and provided to the Board. Legal advice was that no action be taken until the outcome of the case was known.
The date of Mr Magill’s conviction relating to the above offences was 23 rd October 1991. The Board then sought legal advice in respect of Mr Magill’s continuing employment with the Museum. The legal advice, including that of Counsel, informed the Board that there were insufficient grounds to dismiss Mr Magill at that time.
The Chairman of the Board and the Director of the Museum met with Mr Magill and issued him with a warning that he would be dismissed if there was any repetition of similar conduct. Mr Magill was also forbidden from using any image capturing device on museum premises.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what action was taken by the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum after Ian Patrick Magill's conviction in 1991 for taking indecent photographs of young girls and what was the date of that conviction.
(AQW 1922/08)
Mr E Poots: I will answer these two questions together. Mr Magill’s first court appearance in connection with the charge of taking indecent photographs and the distribution of an indecent video was on 7 th August 1991. As far as can be ascertained from the records this is the first time the Museum had any knowledge of the alleged offence. Legal advice was sought and provided to the Board. Legal advice was that no action be taken until the outcome of the case was known.
The date of Mr Magill’s conviction relating to the above offences was 23 rd October 1991. The Board then sought legal advice in respect of Mr Magill’s continuing employment with the Museum. The legal advice, including that of Counsel, informed the Board that there were insufficient grounds to dismiss Mr Magill at that time.
The Chairman of the Board and the Director of the Museum met with Mr Magill and issued him with a warning that he would be dismissed if there was any repetition of similar conduct. Mr Magill was also forbidden from using any image capturing device on museum premises.
Education
Gaelscoil Enrolment Numbers
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to provide the exact enrolment figures of primary years 1, 2 and 3 at (i) Gaelscoil Na Daroige in Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Crumlin; and (iii) Gaelscoil Éanna in Glengormley.
(AQW 1220/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Information provided by the schools listed, in relation to the 2007/08 school year, is as follows.
School Name |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Gaelscoil Éanna |
12 |
0 |
0 |
Gaelscoil Na Daroige |
10 |
6 |
9 |
Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach |
12 |
1 |
4 |
Response to Correspondence
Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the longest period of time her department has taken to provide a full response to a letter received from (i) a Member of Parliament; (ii) a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly; (iii) a Councillor; and (iv) a member of the public, since March 2007.
(AQW 1330/08)
Ms C Ruane: The longest numbers of working days taken to respond to letters are as follows:
(i) MP - 84 days*; (ii) MLA - 84 days*; (iii) Councillor - 84 days*; (iv) member of the public - 62 days.
* This relates to correspondence from an MP who is also an MLA and a Councillor.
Integrated Schools
Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to review the viability criteria for integrated schools, in particular to take into account those children with 'other' identities or who are the product of mixed relationships, in relation to minority grouping for individual integrated schools.
(AQW 1338/08)
Ms C Ruane: The viability criteria for all schools, together with a range of other factors, are being considered in the development of a Sustainable Schools policy.
Children and Young People's Package
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail, broken down by constituency, the expenditure previously committed by her department under the Children and Young People's package.[R]
(AQW 1424/08)
Ms C Ruane: Money allocated to the Children and Young Peoples Funding Package was not intended to be distributed on a constituency basis and therefore cannot be detailed as such. Two broad complementary approaches to targeting of resources were agreed:
- area-based , drawing on Neighborhood renewal areas, but recognizing that there are disadvantaged areas beyond these, including the needs of deprived rural areas; and
- client-based as is necessary for some elements of the package such as looked-after children and child protection issues, children with special needs and disabilities, some services, and for some allocations to schools which will reflect the proportions of pupils entitled to Free School Meals.
When introduced in March 2006, the Children and Young Peoples Funding Package committed more than £61 million over a two year period, £28.4 million in 2006-07 and £33.3 million in 2007-08.
Children and Young People's Package
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail, broken down by constituency, the projects under the Children and Young People's package that will (i) continue to receive funding under the draft budget proposals for 2008/09, and the amount of funding that each will receive; (ii) not continue to receive funding beyond 2008/09; and (iii) not receive funding beyond this financial year.[R]
(AQW 1425/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am currently considering the implications for Education budgets of the Draft Budget proposals for Education. Final decisions on the budgets for services, including Education, will not be taken until after the public consultation period, which ends on 4 th January.
Legal Expenditure
Mr D Burnside asked the Minister of Education to detail the expenditure of (i) her department; and (ii) each Education and Library Board, on legal advice and legal services due to legal action taken against them, in 2006/07.
(AQW 1431/08)
Ms C Ruane: The information requested has been provided by each Education and Library Board and the Department of Education and is set out in the table below.
2006-07 Expenditure on Legal Advice and Legal Services:
BELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
WELB |
Department of Education |
Total |
£56,935.56 |
£50,274.80 |
£93,446.00 |
£64,787.77 |
£48,226.80 |
£24,514.50 |
£338,185.43 |
The information provided relates to defence costs. Payments to Plaintiffs/Applicants solicitors, in respect of their legal costs, have not been included.
Figures reported are net of VAT.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and to report on what degree of funding has been allocated against them in the draft Budget 2008/11.
(AQW 1448/08)
Ms C Ruane: The list below sets out the bids in relation to current expenditure submitted by my department to the Department of Finance and Personnel as part of the Budget 2007 process. The additional funding proposed for Education in the Draft Budget was:
| £m | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Expenditure | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
| 143.8 | 292.3 | 421.0 |
I am currently considering the detailed implications for Education services of these proposed allocations.
Capital investment requirements were considered as part of the process of formulating the Draft Investment Strategy. The proposed allocations for Education amount to:
| £m | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Expenditure | 213.6 | 252.3 | 200.1 |
It is intended that this will enable already announced major projects to be taken forward at over 100 schools during the period.
BUDGET 2007 – DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BIDS SET AGAINST PRIORITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
£000s |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
TITLE |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
|||||||
|
Res |
Admin |
Res |
Admin |
Res |
Admin |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Sustaining Existing Services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Children and Young People Funding Package - Restoration of Existing Provision |
23,174 |
|
23,800 |
|
24,443 |
|
||||
Departmental Administration - Review of Public Administration/ Reforms |
|
2,078 |
|
2,531 |
|
2,640 |
||||
Education Administration Reform |
3,000 |
|
38,400 |
|
13,405 |
|
||||
Education Services: Maintenance of Expenditure Levels (MEL) (Excl Schools' Aggregated School Budgets) |
23,956 |
|
47,436 |
|
72,222 |
|
||||
EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in the North of Ireland |
512 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
||||
and the Border Region of Ireland - Measure 2.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Developing Children and Young People |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Healthy Schools |
250 |
|
3,250 |
|
3,750 |
|
||||
Integrated Development Fund (including Renewing Communities) - Continuation of Existing Provision |
5,299 |
|
5,442 |
|
5,589 |
|
||||
Improving the Professional Development of Teachers |
5,000 |
|
7,200 |
|
7,200 |
|
||||
Maintenance of Schools Estate |
7,419 |
|
10,534 |
|
16,000 |
|
||||
Pre-Employment Checks of Teaching/Non-Teaching Staff |
942 |
|
1,161 |
|
1,161 |
|
||||
Preparation for the introduction of new arrangements for the |
1,000 |
|
500 |
|
500 |
|
||||
transfer of pupils from primary to post-primary education |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
School Transport - Safety |
4,580 |
|
4,640 |
|
4,695 |
|
||||
School Budgets - Guaranteed Per Pupil Uplift |
114,660 |
|
192,327 |
|
262,251 |
|
||||
Strengthening Governance |
750 |
|
1,750 |
|
3,000 |
|
||||
Sustainable Living Schools |
3,750 |
|
5,250 |
|
6,500 |
|
||||
Supporting The Economy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Curriculum, Assessment & ICT |
25,567 |
|
23,725 |
|
22,952 |
|
||||
Early Years - Begin with Quality |
27,070 |
|
27,810 |
|
28,570 |
|
||||
Employability, Careers and Business Education |
6,000 |
|
6,500 |
|
7,000 |
|
||||
Enhance Science Technology Engineering & |
3,629 |
|
6,124 |
|
6,124 |
|
||||
Mathematics (STEM) Education & Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Supply of STEM Skills |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Entitlement Framework Support |
17,667 |
500 |
21,464 |
510 |
21,239 |
520 |
||||
School Improvement Fund including Measures |
12,950 |
500 |
13,600 |
510 |
14,000 |
520 |
||||
to Promote Literacy and Numeracy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Extension of Specialist Schools Programme |
3,273 |
|
4,976 |
|
6,792 |
|
||||
Implementation of a Languages Strategy for the North of Ireland |
9,130 |
|
9,222 |
|
9,419 |
|
||||
PPP and Infrastructure Procurement |
8,000 |
|
25,555 |
|
39,960 |
|
||||
Support for Foundation Stage Statutory Curriculum |
20,200 |
|
17,200 |
|
17,200 |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Equality and Inclusion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Children affected by Educational Disadvantage |
3,897 |
|
4,214 |
|
4,223 |
|
||||
Connecting Schools to their Communities |
30,784 |
|
32,290 |
|
33,935 |
|
||||
High Quality Youth Service |
7,334 |
|
9,164 |
|
13,494 |
|
||||
Irish-Medium Education |
3,270 |
|
2,305 |
|
2,325 |
|
||||
Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion - Early Years/Early Intervention Package |
15,697 |
|
16,835 |
|
14,782 |
|
||||
SEN and Inclusion - Development of School Based Integrated |
7,320 |
500 |
12,241 |
510 |
14,126 |
520 |
||||
Capacity building |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
SEN and Inclusion - Enhanced Support |
1,297 |
|
1,469 |
|
1,503 |
|
||||
TOTALS |
397,377 |
3,578 |
576,384 |
4,061 |
678,360 |
4,200 |
||||
Transfer Test
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail, in relation to the transfer test, the cost of (i) invigilation; (ii) her departmental staff involved in operating the test; (iii) Education and Library Board staff involved in operating the test; and (iv) issuing the results to schools and parents.
(AQW 1533/08)
Ms C Ruane: 2006/07 – SCHOOL YEAR
Cost of Invigilation: £ 84,814
Cost of Departmental Staff £ nil
Cost of Education and Library Board Staff £ not available
Cost of issuing results to schools and parents £ not available
The Department has overall responsibility for the transfer procedure policy but no staff are involved in operating the test.
The Education and Library Boards do not record separately costs in respect of Board Staff involved in the operation of the transfer tests or the cost of issuing results to schools and parents.
School Travel Plan
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to introduce a legal requirement for schools to have a School Travel plan as required to be in place in England by 2010.
(AQW 1548/08)
Ms C Ruane: I understand the development of School Travel Plans is not a legal requirement in England. I have no plans at present to introduce a legal requirement for schools here to have a School Travel Plan.
A number of schools are involved in Safer Routes to Schools, and a joint initiative between the Departments of Regional Development and Education. The initiative aims to encourage young people to walk, cycle, and use public transport in their journeys to and from school.
Education Other Than At School Service
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of cases involving staff of the Southern Education and Library Board's Education Other Than At School Service have been lodged with the office of the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal since September 2003.
(AQW 1582/08)
Ms C Ruane: There were 5 cases involving staff of the Southern Education & Library Board lodged with the Office of the Industrial Tribunal since September 2003 by 4 employees within the Education Other Than at School Service. No cases were lodged with the Fair Employment Tribunal.
Education Other Than At School Service
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money spent in staff time by the Southern Education and Library Board in the settlement of disputes between teachers from the Education Other Than At School Service and the Board since September 2003.
(AQW 1583/08)
Ms C Ruane: This information is not held.
Education Other Than At School Service
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money that has been spent by the Southern Education and Library Board on legal fees in settlement of disputes between teachers from the Education Other Than At School Service and the Board since September 2003.
(AQW 1584/08)
Ms C Ruane: The amount of legal fees spent by the Southern Education & Library Board in settlement of disputes between teachers from Education Other Than at School Service and the Board since September 2003 was £9,752.50.
Teachers' Grievance Procedure
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not the established Teachers' Grievance Procedure in accordance with Teachers' Agreed Terms and Conditions of Employment has been available to teachers employed in the Education Other Than At School Service of the Southern Education and Library Board since September 2003.
(AQW 1585/08)
Ms C Ruane: There are separate procedures for dealing with grievance matters for employees directly employed by the Education and Library Board and those employees directly under the control of Boards of Governors.
The procedure for schools requires grievances and conduct issues to be managed by the School Principal and Board of Governors and therefore is inappropriate to non-schools environments. The procedures for staff employed in Education and Library Board Headquarters and other non-school settings allows for such issues to be managed in a similar way but through the appropriate line management structure.
Post-Primary School Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of secondary school teachers who have a criminal record for serious offences, resulting in their imprisonment or the imposition of a suspended sentence, in (i) the controlled sector; (ii) the voluntary maintained sector; (iii) the integrated sector; and (iv) the Irish-medium sector.
(AQW 1661/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department does not employ teachers and therefore would not hold this information. The Education and Library Boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools who employ teachers have advised that they have a record of 5 post primary school teachers who have a record which has resulted in their imprisonment or a suspended sentence.
Primary School Teachers
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of primary school teachers who have a criminal record for serious offences, resulting in their imprisonment or the imposition of a suspended sentence, in (i) the controlled sector; (ii) the voluntary maintained sector; (iii) the integrated sector; and (iv) the Irish-medium sector.
(AQW 1662/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department does not employ teachers and therefore would not hold this information. The Education and Library Boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools who employ teachers have advised that they have a record of 1 primary school teacher who has a record which has resulted in their imprisonment or a suspended sentence.
Teachers Convicted of Criminal Offences
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's policy on the employment of teachers who have been convicted of criminal offences.
(AQW 1663/08)
Ms C Ruane: Under the Teachers’ (Eligibility) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 1997, the Department may prohibit or restrict the employment or further employment of a person eligible to teach on the grounds of misconduct whether or not evidenced by the conviction of a criminal offence.
The decision on whether to employ a person rests with the employer in the light of full consideration of all the information available. However, employment in an educational setting may not be offered under any circumstances to any person listed on the DHSSPS or DE Lists as unsuitable to work with children or who has a disqualification order from the courts. Nor may a person on List 99 be offered employment as a teacher.
Creationism
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 633/08, to detail whether or not the occurrence of polystrate fossils spanning more than one layer of strata, and the implications of this on Darwinian evolutionary thought, is considered by (i) her department; and (ii) the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, as presenting (a) evidence-based; or (b) belief-based data to school children in science classes.
(AQW 1670/08)
Ms C Ruane: I would refer you back to my response to your previous Questions (AQWs 1472/08, 1477/08 and 1479/08), published in the Official Record on 23 November 2007, where I clearly set out the position.
My focus is not on joining debates that continue within the science and religious communities on such matters but on supporting the education of all our young people across all areas of the curriculum.
Creationism
Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 633/08, to detail whether or not outlining the methods of Ernst Haeckel in support of the evolutionary assertion that 'ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny' is regarded by (i) her department; and (ii) the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment as presenting (a) evidence-based; or (b) belief-based data to pupils in science classes.
(AQW 1671/08)
Ms C Ruane: I would refer you back to my response to your previous Questions (AQWs 1472/08, 1477/08 and 1479/08), published in the Official Record on 23 November 2007, where I clearly set out the position.
My focus is not on joining debates that continue within the science and religious communities on such matters but on supporting the education of all our young people across all areas of the curriculum.
Internet Monitoring
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education what action is being taken to protect children within the education sector in Northern Ireland from exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material on the internet.
(AQW 1676/08)
Ms C Ruane: Schools access the Internet through their connection to the Classroom 2000 (C2k) network which is rigorously filtered and fully monitored, with the list of allowed and disallowed websites updated several times daily.
Schools must also have in place policies on the safe and effective use of the Internet. My Department works closely with key agencies involved in child protection to identify the most effective and appropriate sources of guidance on the issues that schools should consider when drawing up and updating their acceptable use policies. That guidance is available on the DE website and is regularly updated. Additionally, a circular issued to all schools in June 2007 to make them aware of this and training has been provided through Education and
Library Boards on Internet safety. The approach taken by schools to keeping pupils safe online is monitored by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Post-Primary Education in Glenavy/Crumlin
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education if she will carry out a review of the provision of post-primary education in the Glenavy/Crumlin area, in view of the fact that the majority of children living in this area attend schools in Belfast.
(AQW 1702/08)
Ms C Ruane: Responsibility for initiating a review of post-primary provision would normally rest with the appropriate education authority in the first instance. As children already have places in existing schools any such review should also take account of the potential implications for those schools.
Draft Sport Strategy
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the educational benefits of the draft sport strategy; and to make a statement outlining what priority she will give this matter, in order to ensure its delivery.
(AQW 1712/08)
Ms C Ruane: I welcome the draft Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation and the fact that it includes targets which will require action from my Department. I have asked my officials to consider all related targets so that we can provide a comprehensive and positive response to the DCAL consultation on the draft Strategy.
I do want to stress my belief that, if we can get young people engaged in physical activity, linked to other areas of the curriculum and build their enjoyment and confidence this can impact positively on all aspects of their lives. Sport and physical activity can also improve a young person’s concentration and motivation to learn, and therefore help to raise their performance in school.
That rationale was behind my Curriculum Sports Programme, launched on 12 November, which will see GAA and IFA coaches working in primary schools to help children improve their physical literacy and develop a love for sport.
Educational Psychologists
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of initial assessments of new cases that have been undertaken by educational psychologists in the last 12 months, broken down by each Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 1714/08)
Ms C Ruane: The number of initial assessments of new cases of children with special educational needs undertaken by educational psychologists, broken down by Education and Library Board, is as follows;
Belfast 695
North Eastern 983
South Eastern 773
Southern 1151
Western 1179
These figures are for the period 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2007, which is the last 12 months for which figures are available. They do not include pupils seen by an educational psychologist as part of transfer/enrolment procedures or for support for examination arrangements.
Building New Schools
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail the contracts in relation to building new schools in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area in (i) 2003; (ii) 2004; (iii) 2005; (iv) 2006; and (v) 2007; and the companies to which these contracts have been awarded.
(AQW 1717/08)
Ms C Ruane: The information requested is detailed in the table below.
SCHOOL |
PROJECT |
TENDER APPROVAL DATE |
CONTRACTOR |
Loanends P.S. Crumlin Millquarter P.S. Toomebridge Hillcroft Special School, Newtownabbey Roddensvale Special School , Larne Sperrin Integrated College, Magherafelt Creggan P.S. Randalstown Leaney P.S. Ballymoney Camphill P.S. Ballymena Mossley P.S. Newtownabbey St Colmcille’s P.S. & St Brigid’s P.S. Ballymena Fourtowns P.S. Ahoghill Carnalridge P.S. Portrush Moorfields P.S. Ballymena |
New school New school
New school New school
New school New school |
June 2003 May 2003
June 2005 July 2005
December 2006 April 2007 |
O’Neill & Brady Ltd JFM Construction Ltd
FB McKee Ltd
O’Neill & Brady Ltd O’Hare & McGovern
FB McKee Ltd |
Catering Contracts
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail the catering contracts awarded in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area in (i) 2003; (ii) 2004; (iii) 2005; (iv) 2006; and (v) 2007; and the companies to which these contracts have been awarded.
(AQW 1719/08)
Ms C Ruane: The North-Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that in 2003 to 2007 the catering contracts awarded by it and the companies involved were as follows:
CONTRACT |
SUPPLIER |
YEAR AWARDED |
Catering Hygiene System and Cleaning Materials for School Meals Kitchens |
Galgorm Hygiene; |
2003 |
Catering Hygiene System and Cleaning Materials for School Meals Kitchens |
Arco Industrial Supply; |
2005 |
Catering Equipment School Meals (Small) |
A J Stuart & Co; |
2004 |
Catering Equipment School Meals (Small) |
A J Stuart & Co; |
2007 |
Supply and Delivery of Confectionery and Potato Crisps |
Courtney & Nelson; |
2003 |
Supply and Delivery of Confectionery and Potato Crisps |
Courtney & Nelson; |
2004 |
Supply and Delivery of Confectionery and Potato Crisps |
Courtney & Nelson; |
2006 |
Supply & Delivery of Confectionery and Potato Crisps |
Courtney & Nelson; |
2007 |
Supply and Delivery of Fish |
Keenan Seafood Ltd; |
2003 |
Supply and Delivery of Fish |
Keenan Seafood Ltd; |
2004 |
Supply and Delivery of Fish |
Byrne Fish; |
2005 |
Supply and Delivery of Fish |
Byrne Fish; |
2006 |
Supply and Delivery of Fish |
Byrne Fish; |
2007 |
Supply and Delivery of Fresh Yoghurt |
Holmes Catering Services. |
2003 |
Supply and Delivery of Fresh Yoghurt |
Holmes Catering Services. |
2004 |
Supply and Delivery of Fresh Yoghurt |
Henderson Foodservice; |
2005 |
Supply and Delivery of Fresh Yoghurt |
Henderson Foodservice; |
2006 |
Supply and Delivery of Fresh Yoghurt |
Henderson Foodservice; |
2007 |
Supply and Delivery of Ice‑Cream |
Lynas Frozen Foods. |
2003 |
Supply and Delivery of Ice‑Cream |
Lynas Frozen Foods. |
2004 |
Supply and Delivery of Ice‑Cream |
Lynas Frozen Foods. |
2005 |
Supply and Delivery of Ice‑Cream |
Lynas Frozen Foods. |
2006 |
Supply and Delivery of In-Cup Drinks and Dispensing Facility |
NI-Vend Vending Services. |
2003 |
Supply and Delivery of In-Cup Drinks and Dispensing Facility |
NI-Vend Vending Services. |
2004 |
Supply and Delivery of In-Cup Drinks and Dispensing Facility |
NI-Vend Vending Services. |
2006 |
Supply and Delivery of In-Cup Drinks and Dispensing Facility |
NI-Vend Vending Services. |
2007 |
Supply and Delivery of Pasteurised Milk |
Dale Farm Ltd; |