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 14 December 2007

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise , Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Response to Correspondence

Mrs I Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the longest period of time it 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 1605/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): In the period since March 2007, during preparations for devolution and following the restoration of institutions, the longest period of time it has taken for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide a full response to a letter received is set out below;

a Member of Parliament, 43 working days;
a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, 60 working days;
a Councillor, 61 working days; and
a member of the public, 66 working days.

The period of days is calculated from the date the letter was received by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to the date when a final response was issued.

Freedom of Information Requests

Mr G Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the cost to the department of dealing with Freedom of Information requests, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1666/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The right to request information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 came into effect on 1 January 2005. The information requested is not currently held.

EU Directives

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answers to AQW 624/08, AQW 626/08 and AQW 631/08, for its assessment of whether or not the degree of flexibility available to (i) member states; and (ii) devolved assemblies, allows for any changes to be made to proposals included in public consultations on European Union directives.

(AQW 1826/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The basic principle for implementing EC Directives is that effect must be given to what they require. Sometimes the Directive will expressly, or by implication, leave a margin of discretion to Member States for legislation matters within their competence. In other cases it will be apparent that a uniform result is intended and there is very little scope for discretion.

A public consultation alerts interested parties to proposals for implementing EU Directives. It also provides interested parties with an opportunity to express an opinion on the implementation of a Directive and consultation responses can be taken into account when policy decisions are being finalised, within the margins permissible in the Directive.

UN Climate Change Conference

Mr B Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in the light of the recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, in which experts have declared climate change as unequivocal and stated that it may bring abrupt and irreversible impacts on the world community, to advise whether or not the First and deputy First Minister will attend the UN global climate talks in Bali in December 2007.

(AQW 1846/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We do not intend to travel to the UN Climate Change Conference.

Community Relations Council

Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the amount of (i) core; and (ii) project, funding awarded by the Community Relations Council in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2244/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Community Relations Council awards core and project funding from monies provided by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and by the European Union’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II). The detail of the funding awarded from these sources is shown below.

(i) In each of the last five years the Community Relations Council has awarded the followingcore funding:

(A) Community Relations Core Funding

Community Relations Core Funding
2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
£1,315,835	£1,250,289	£1,318,109	£1,330,446	£1,391,000

(B) Victims/Survivors Core Funding

Core Funding for Victims and Survivors
2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
£334,313	£1,059,653	£1,813,195	£1,933,673	£2,057,733

(ii) In each of the last five years the Community Relations Council has awarded the followingproject funding:

(A) Project Funding for Community Relations

Project Funding for Community Relations
2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
£638,246	£785,314	£781,246	£745,702	£810,571

(B) Project Funding for Victims/Survivors

Project Funding for Victims/Survivors
2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
£43,275	£340,645	£614,372	£653,807	£866,554

Project Funding under Peace II
2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
£7,896,409	£8,747,089	£9,017,407	£9,239,876	£6,551,399

The information provided above excludes funding awarded by the Community Relations Council under the International Fund for Ireland’s Community Bridges Programme.

Freedom of Information Act

Mr M Durkan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in relation to the review of the Freedom of Information Act, announced by the First Minister in the Assembly on 8 October 2007, to detail (i) what work has been carried out to date on this review; (ii) a timescale within which it will be concluded; and (iii) whether or not this report will be published.

(AQW 2376/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The First Minister did not announce a review into FoI

The Executive has not, to date, held any discussions on reviewing the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However, OFMDFM officials monitor each government department’s compliance with the legislation on an on-going basis, and report regularly to Ministers. They also liaise regularly with officials from the Ministry of Justice on common issues concerning FOI policy and procedures. In addition, quarterly meetings are held with representatives from the Office of the Information Commissioner to discuss general issues arising from FOI complaints.

Freedom of Information Act

Mr M Durkan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of occasions that the Executive has discussed the review of the Freedom of Information Act, since the announcement of this review by the First Minister in the Assembly on 8 October 2007.

(AQW 2377/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The First Minister did not announce a review into FoI

Freedom of Information Act

Mr M Durkan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what discussion the review team has had with the Office of the Information Commissioner, in carrying out the review of the Freedom of Information Act, announced by the First Minister in the Assembly on 8 October 2007.

(AQW 2379/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The First Minister did not announce a review into FoI

Freedom of Information Requests

Mr M Durkan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by each government department, since 1 January 2005, on the grounds of (i) vexatiousness or repetition; (ii) excessive cost; and (iii) statutory exemption.

(AQW 2380/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The table below sets out the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by each government department, on the grounds of (i) vexatiousness or repetition; (ii) excessive cost; and (iii) statutory exemption. Figures provided are for requests received between 1 January 2005 and 30 September 2007 and include requests made under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

For cases where statutory exemptions applied, these requests have been divided into those which were refused in full and those where some information was disclosed. The total number of requests received by each department has also been included. Only 7 per cent of requests received by departments have been refused in full.

Freedom of Information Act

Mr M Durkan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what discussions they have had with the Ministry of Justice, as part of the review of the Freedom of Information Act, announced by the First Minister in the Assembly on 8 October 2007.

(AQW 2382/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The First Minister did not announce a review into FoI

Ministerial Statement on 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'

Mr B McCrea asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail when, and how, it was first notified of the Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm whether or not either the First Minister or deputy First Minister had discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

(AQW 2419/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The intention of the Minister of Education to make a statement to the Assembly on the education system was notified to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister at official level on the afternoon of Monday 3 December. This information was subsequently conveyed to us at the time of visiting the United States.

While the deputy First Minister and the Education Minister had discussed the statement on the education system in a party political context, we can confirm that neither of us had ministerial discussions with the Minister of Education about this statement before it was issued.

Junior Ministers

Ms S Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the work of the junior Ministers in the last 3 months with specific reference to meeting groups which advocate for children and young people.

(AQO 1251/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Junior Ministers have been given special responsibility for the co-ordination of policy and the promotion of the rights and needs of children and young people.

They have had a series of engagements with a number of individual voluntary sector organisations that advocate for children and young people. In addition, the Junior Ministers met with a large group of non-governmental organisations at the office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People to listen to what they considered to be priority issues for children and young people.

The Junior Ministers are driving forward children’s issues and will be bringing children-related PSA targets to the Executive early in the New Year. They are also taking the lead in reviewing and revising as necessary the 10-year strategy for children and young people. All Departments will be involved in setting special targets over the next three years which will be published in a revised children and young people’s action plan which will be approved by the Junior Ministers.

Severe Child Poverty

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide a precise definition of the term 'severe child poverty' in relation to the target contained in the PSA document.

(AQO 1191/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The PSA target which the Member refers to in relation to child poverty is one of a number of targets which an anti-poverty strategy, once agreed by the Executive, will aim to achieve.

A range of poverty measures will be considered by the Executive in this context in order to monitor change in child poverty including:

relative income poverty;
a mixed measure, combining material deprivation and low income which provides a wider measure of people’s living standards; and
absolute poverty reflecting whether the very poorest families are seeing their incomes rise in real terms.

However, in agreeing its strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion, as required under Section 16 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006, the Executive will decide which indicators, using one or all of these statistics, best measures the number of children in greatest objective need.

This is currently being considered within the Department. We would hope to bring proposals to the Executive on an anti-poverty strategy, including details on how we propose to measure its effectiveness, in the near future.

We in OFMDFM together with the Executive are committed to tackling poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland. This is outlined in both our draft Programme for Government and budget documents which include a commitment to reduce child poverty by 50% by 2010.

Draft Programme for Government

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to state the date on which the Executive (i) first considered the draft Programme for Government; and (ii) approved the draft Programme for Government.

(AQO 1196/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Since devolution was restored on 8 May, the Executive has taken forward work to develop and agree a Programme for Government which sets out our priorities and plans for 2008-11. In taking that work forward, we have sought to ensure that our Programme for Government is clearly focused on addressing the key economic, social and environmental challenges we face if we are to build a better future for all our people.

This draft Programme for Government is a highly strategic document which is more accessible to the public, and easier to read, than the previous Programme for Government documents. However, do not think that because this document is short and strategic, that a considerable amount of work has not gone into its preparation and agreement. Nothing could be further from the truth in that respect.

The Executive first considered its approach to a draft Programme for Government on 24 May. This allowed officials to progress the draft proposals during the summer and further consideration was given to the priorities to be included in the draft Programme for Government at the Executive Strategy Day on the 6 September.

A draft of the Programme for Government was considered by the Executive at its meeting on the 27 September and following a series of Ministerial bilaterals, a revised draft was agreed on the 23 October. The draft Programme for Government was launched on 25 October in conjunction with the draft Budget and draft Investment Strategy.

You should also note that the priorities in the draft Programme for Government are supported by the draft Public Service Agreement framework. This sets out in detail the policies and programmes that this administration will be taken forward over the next three years and beyond, to achieve its aim to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law.

Efficiency Measures

Mr D O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the reasons why the proposed efficiency measures contained within its proposed budget have not yet been ratified.

(AQO 1255/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Given the new strategic direction of the Executive and the new departmental priorities initiative we have initiated a review of the proposed efficiency measures, which may result in alternative proposals coming forward.

Shared Future Policy

Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not the Shared Future Policy remains an adopted policy of the current Executive.

(AQO 1197/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to promoting the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared future and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society.

Having considered progress made, we are currently drawing up detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration to set out our strategy for a shared and better future. Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

Maze Site

Mr P Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the date on which a decision be made in relation to the regeneration of the Maze site.

(AQO 1259/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The multi-party consultation panel recommended unanimously that the development of the site should be centred 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.

10 Year Strategy for Children and Young People

Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans are in place to implement the 10 year strategy for children and young people; and to detail the funding that is available to facilitate this implementation.

(AQO 1187/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Work to ensure the implementation of the 10-Year Strategy for Children and Young People is ongoing by all departments.

The Children and Young People's Action Plan details specific time-bound actions by Executive departments, the NIO and Court Service designed to deliver on the aims of the Strategy.

The Junior Ministers will be bringing forward, in the New Year, a revised three-year plan which will work towards the overall achievement of the strategy.

Integrated Development Fund

Mr G Adams asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm its support for the safeguarding of resource funding pledged to projects from West Belfast and Greater Shankill, through the pilot integrated development fund.

(AQO 1219/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Under the current arrangements, all outline pilot projects supported by the Integrated Development Fund (IDF), will have an entitlement to funding of the amount previously agreed by Ministers, subject to the provision and approval of the required economic appraisals for the respective projects.

Any further funding applications for individual projects, above the agreed amount or beyond the specified timescales, will be a matter for relevant lead Departments. Departments will consider such applications on the basis of their competing priorities and available resources.

Devolved Powers

Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any discussions it has had with its counterparts in (i) Scotland; (ii) Wales; and (iii) Westminster, on the extension of the powers devolved to each of the devolved legislatures.

(AQO 1166/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Ministers have had no discussions with either the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales or the Government at Westminster about the extension of powers devolved to these legislatures.

Junior Ministers

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make a statement on the recent visit of the junior Ministers to Brussels.

(AQO 1156/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Junior Ministers Gerry Kelly and Ian Paisley Junior led a delegation to Brussels on 22 November to strengthen Northern Ireland’s links with Europe.

The delegation consisted of officials from a number of Departments who held meetings with their Commission counterparts to discuss priorities and develop ideas for increased participation in European opportunities. These meetings prepared the ground for the forthcoming inward visit by the European Commission Taskforce for Northern Ireland planned for early December and also for the planned visit to Brussels by us in January. Officials also held meetings with Northern Ireland’s MEPs and with the UK and Irish Permanent Representatives. A total of 31 meetings took place, including the Ministerial engagements. Gerry Kelly also hosted an evening reception in the Executive’s Brussels Office for Commission Taskforce members and other influential figures in Brussels based institutions.

The Junior Ministers also met with Catherine Day, Secretary-General of the Commission, and Dirk Ahner, Director-General of DG Regional Policy. Both gave assurance of the continuing high level support in the Commission for a successful outcome to the work of Commission President Barroso’s Northern Ireland Taskforce. A Taskforce report is expected by the end of January.

Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations

Mr S Neeson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to undertake a review of Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations.

(AQO 1206/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Reviewing the Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations is an ongoing commitment and will be considered as part of the review of equality legislation.

Older Persons' Commissioner

Mr J Spratt asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline what progress has been made in relation to an Older Persons' Commissioner.

(AQO 1174/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Ministers have received an interim report from the independent organisation appointed to assist with the review into the case for establishing an Older People’s Commissioner.

It is hoped that following consideration of the interim report Ministers will be in a position to issue a statement later this week.

Junior Ministers

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the steps taken by junior Ministers to increase participation in, and understanding of public affairs by children.

(AQO 1178/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Junior Ministers recently launched the Participation Network which is a new initiative funded by our Department and aims to support statutory agencies, local government and all departments to effectively engage with children and young people in public decision making. The mechanisms it will put in place will help us to reach out and talk to our young people so that they can have a say in our joint futures.

On the 20^th November the Junior Ministers along with other MLAs met with 108 young people on the steps of Parliament Buildings to hear what their issues were. By listening to children and young people we hope to improve the quality of their lives as well as ensuring we deliver services that meet their needs.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Sea Bass Stocks

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the estimated size of sea bass stocks in the waters around the island of Ireland.

(AQW 2093/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Since bass is no longer targeted commercially in Ireland data collection on the stock is difficult and the size of the stock is unknown. However the Marine Institute in Galway reports on bass stocks based on recreational angler records. These indicate that the bass stock is greatly depleted compared to the 1970s. Sea bass are mainly distributed in the warmer waters at the southern part of the island.

Fishing Vessels

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of (i) under 10-metre vessels; and (ii) over 10-metre vessels, that belong to Northern Ireland fishermen.

(AQW 2178/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There are 191 under 10 metre and 143 over 10 metre fishing vessels owned by the North’s fishermen, both here and elsewhere.

Bio Diesel

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the research being carried out in relation to converting tallow into bio diesel.

(AQW 2180/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department is not supporting any research into converting tallow to biodiesel, at present.

DARD published a Renewable Energy Action Plan in January 2007. 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.

Based on the Renewable Energy Action Plan, DARD sponsored research is currently focussed on the use of waste and biomass as a potential renewable energy feedstock.

Farm Grants

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of farms in the North Down constituency that have received grants from her department in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2292/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am unable to provide this information as the Department does not hold grant and subsidy details classified by constituency. The data is currently held by county/postcode and, when programming resources permit, the Department will develop its systems to be able to collate information by constituency.

Single Farm Payments

Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is being done to expedite the processing of single farm payments.

(AQO 1226/08)

Ms M Gildernew: This year, we have taken a number of steps to ensure that as many farm businesses receive their Single Farm Payment as early as possible within the payment window. These include:-

Reducing the number of on farm inspection visits by approximately 800 when compared to the 2006 visits.
Increasing the de miminus level for recovery purposes from £10 to £65. This means that these types of cases can be paid more quickly.
Encouraging farmers to tell us of changes to maps and accepting these without penalty.

I am pleased to report that the 2007 inspections are progressing well and the inspection programme will be completed by end of December. This year, as far as payments are concerned, these started to hit bank accounts from 6 December. We are ahead of where we were last year and 900 more farmers will receive their full payment in time for Christmas.

Testing Cattle for Tuberculosis

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to introduce a new system for testing cattle for tuberculosis.

(AQO 1182/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The bovine Tuberculosis (TB) testing programme of cattle in the North is based on the use of the tuberculin skin test, in accordance with the provisions of EC Directive 64/432. All cattle herds in the North are routinely tested every year. The gamma interferon blood test is also used as a supplementary diagnostic test for TB in cattle in certain circumstances here. No new tests are being considered for TB at present, and I have no plans to introduce new tests at this time.

TB testing in the North is delivered by a combination of veterinary officers from my Department and private veterinary practitioners. My Department has had a review carried out of the existing arrangements for delivering TB testing here, and I intend to seek the view of stakeholders in the New Year on the conclusions of that review. No decisions will be taken on future arrangements for delivering TB testing until after the consultation process has been completed.

Aqua Culture

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the role of her department in the promotion of aqua culture in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1152/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The role of my Department is to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture in a manner that is consistent with environmental standards, and to licence fish and shellfish farms under the provisions of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966. My Department has provided financial assistance under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). Assistance for the construction, expansion, equipping and modernisation of aquaculture installations should continue into the future under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). The Department will be issuing a consultation paper early next year on an Operational Programme for the implementation of European Fisheries Fund (EFF) here, and all stakeholders will have the opportunity of contributing to the development of the various measures within the programme.

Rural Businesses

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her department's priorities in relation to the £45 million put aside in the draft Budget to assist rural businesses.

(AQO 1208/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Draft Programme for Government 2008-2011 states that we will invest £45million by 2013 to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, which includes assistance to rural businesses. I can confirm that the £45million relates to the four Measures within Axis 1 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The specific aim of Axis 1 of this Programme is to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector and therefore it will be a priority of my Department to implement the four Measures across Axis 1 as approved by the European Commission earlier this year. The Measures which account for the £45million will provide for investment in Vocational Training, Agricultural and Forestry Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme/Agricultural and Forestry Marketing Development Scheme, Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings and a Supply Chain Development Programme.

Food Labelling

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the progress she has made in relation to 'country of origin' labelling on food sold at retail outlets, and on restaurant menus.

(AQO 1150/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I can advise that my Department has responsibility for the labelling of beef, under EU Beef Labelling Regulations. DARD inspectors, along with local authority Environmental Health Officers, ensure that all beef on sale at retail level, but excluding the food service sector, is correctly labelled with origin and traceability information.

My Department is working with key stakeholders on the development of a voluntary pilot scheme involving origin labelling of beef in a number of local restaurants. This study will provide valuable information on consumer attitudes and preferences and will help inform future policy decisions.

The labelling of other food products is the responsibility of the Foods Standards Agency (FSA). 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.

Administration Reductions

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that her department meets the target of reducing the administration faced by farmers by 25%, as set out in the draft Programme for Government.

(AQO 1168/08)

Ms M Gildernew: On 12 November, Environment Minister, Arlene Foster and I issued a joint Press Release signalling the launch of the Better Regulation and Simplification Review. The Review is being conducted by an Independent Panel, which provides skills and experience in the areas of governance, agriculture, the environment and legal. The Review Panel met for the first time on 22 November and has delegated a number of tasks to the relevant regulatory areas within DARD and DOE to take forward.

The output from the Review will be a Simplification Plan with the aim of making it easier for everyone concerned with the agri-food industry to comply with the relevant regulations and I am confident that the target of a 25% reduction in administrative burden by 2013 can be achieved.

Good Relations Policy

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how her department is contributing to the Good Relations policy.

(AQO 1198/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The policy "A Shared Future – Policy and Strategic Frame work for Good Relations in Northern Ireland" was published in March 2005. The subsequent Shared Future Triennial Action Plan 2006 – 2009 detailed the practical actions that Government Departments have committed themselves to in order that the Strategy vision on good relations takes shape over the three year period and beyond.

The ethos of "The Shared Future/Triennial Action Plan and the Racial Equality Strategy Implementation Action Plan" underpins DARD’s Strategic Plan for 2006-11. A key Vision statement of the Strategy is "in the delivery of all our services and in implementing our policies, we want to promote all aspects of equality and good relations". The Strategy specifically promises that DARD will include "good relations building outcomes in rural communities within the capacity of the European Rural Development Regulations", and goes on to refer to community capacity building work in rural estates. The Strategy also undertakes to remain committed to the actions of the Racial Equality Strategy in its delivery.

My Department has two actions in the Shared Future Action Plan:-

(1) Develop projects for European Programmes which include actions on good relations within rural communities within Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 (RDP).

The RDP will be delivered by a partner ship approach of District Councils and based on locally developed needs. DARD will ensure that these Partnerships will be pro-active in reflecting the Shared Future agenda in their strategies so that good relations outcomes will be a key feature of programmes funded under the relevant measures.

(2) With the NIHE, will take forward community relation issues within the Rural Estates Programme to improve programme structure and provide tangible community relations outcomes.

The work of the Rural Community Estates Programme (RCEP) has been continuing in community estates (in 13 council areas across rural NI) which have a history of high levels of disadvantage and low levels of community infrastructure. Community development workers have been building and improving relationships within largely single identity estates to help develop the community development capacity. The work is gradual, but a key, encouraging outcome has been that community groups involved are now being linked to the Rural Community Network (RCN) with its wide Rural Support Network (RSN) infrastructure. As such, they will integrate with wider community development activities, and be exposed inexorably to the broader horizons of the Shared Future agenda. As this programme is now almost completed the lessons learned have been captured in a "Practice to Policy" evaluation which is currently being considered.

On a more general note Race Equality is now a standard agenda item for the quarterly meetings of the Department’s Equality Steering Group, which comprises the Grade 5 Heads of all DARD Divisions and is chaired by the Permanent Secretary. Anna Lo MLA ex CEO of the Chinese Welfare Association attended the meeting in January 2007 and gave a presentation on the key issues facing the growing number of ethnic minority communities living in Northern Ireland, the problems they face and ways of improving communication with these communities. Patrick Yu, Director of the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities has accepted our invitation to address the next meeting of this Group.

In the Year 2 draft of DARD’s Race Action Plan, there are a number of positive and helpful new actions. In the critical area of capacity building there is potential offered for the new Rural Development Programme to benefit those from ethnic communities living in rural areas. To ensure the key issues were addressed from the outset, Rural Development Division and Equality Branch (including the Race Champion) held some informal pre-consultation meetings with groups such as NICEM and the Chinese Welfare Association in April 2007, prior to the issue of the consultation paper.

DARD, like all public bodies has equality duties to meet under Section 75 of the NI Act 1998. These statutory duties make equality and good relations considerations central to the whole range of public policy and decision-making. Completion of High Level Impact Assessments (HLIAs) by Departments is an important part of compliance with mainstreaming equality considerations into the Priorities and Budget process. DARD has carried out a comprehensive programme of High Level Impact Assessments (HLIA) to ensure that equality and good relations considerations are mainstreamed into all aspects of our business decisions; and where appropriate mitigations are incorporated.

Department Officials

Mr D Burnside asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of officials currently employed by her department.

(AQO 1165/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department currently employs 3,111 staff consisting of 2,655 non-industrial and 456 industrial staff.

Animal Diseases Bill

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on the Animal Diseases Bill, as outlined in the Programme for Government.

(AQO 1195/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am considering a number of animal health measures to protect our livestock industry. I want to ensure that we have effective biosecurity measures in place to prevent the introduction and spread of disease. That is the first line of defence. I also want to ensure that powers are available to deal quickly and effectively with any disease outbreaks in order to minimise the impact on the agri food industry and protect vital export markets.

I intend to seek the views of industry and key stakeholders early in the New Year on detailed proposals for a Diseases of Animals Bill.

Provided no substantial amendments are required to the draft Bill as a result the consultation process, it is my intention to introduce the draft Bill during the 2007/08 session.

Rivers Agency

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the work of the Rivers Agency within the West Belfast constituency.

(AQO 1221/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Rivers Agency is the statutory drainage and flood defence authority for the North of Ireland with the primary aim of reducing risk to life and property from flooding from rivers and the sea. In support of this aim the Agency identifies flooding risk and executes viable works to minimise such risk, maintains a network of free flowing watercourses and administers advisory and enforcement procedures to protect the drainage function of watercourses.

Two drainage improvement schemes for West Belfast are proposed. One for the Whiterock Stream costing approx £250k. Rivers Agency is currently undertaking investigatory and preparatory works in relation to this scheme. The other proposed scheme relates to the permanent culvert replacement on the Blackstaff River costing approx £30k. This follows Emergency repair works on a collapsed culvert on the Glen Road undertaken by the Rivers Agency in late 2005. Both Schemes are due to commence in Spring 2008.

The Agency has 2 squads of industrial staff allocated to the West Belfast area engaged in maintenance of 33 designated watercourses and grille inspection/clearance weekly or more frequently in light of predicted heavy rainfall.

Rivers Agency within its consultancy and consenting role has assessed and approved the realignment of the Clowney River and the Blackstaff River as part of the major improvements to the Westlink.

The Agency provides an emergency response to watercourse related flooding incidents and undertakes follow up investigations to establish the source of flooding and identify any remedial works required.

Rivers Agency has a statutory duty to ensure equality of treatment of drainage throughout the North.

Environmental Protection Agency

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the administrative and financial implications for her department of proposals to introduce an Environmental Protection Agency.

(AQO 1163/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The realignment of environmental responsibilities in central and local government, recommended by the Review of Environmental Governance, presents some complex issues for DARD and its sponsored bodies.

The Foundations for the Future report recommended the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, the report’s recommendations were not costed. Minister Foster has commissioned those costings, and until they are available it is impossible to say for certain what the administrative and financial implications for my department will be.

I can assure the Member that my officials and I will scrutinise any costed proposal closely.

Alpha Nortestosterone Enquiries

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what plans she has to compensate farming families who were subject to house-raids during the alpha nortestosterone enquiries of 2006, in view of the fact that these families have been vindicated in the review of these events, carried out by Joan Ruddock.

(AQO 1151/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have no plans to pay compensation to farmers who had their houses searched. You will be aware that the Department is required by law to enforce EU residues legislation and is permitted to do so without incurring legal liability to pay compensation.

In spite of this, and in recognition of the fact that farmers have lost animals without any evidence of wrong-doing on their part, I made the decision to make a good-will payment to all farmers who had on farm emergency slaughter male animals condemned as a result of a positive test. The payment was based on the market value of the animal at the time of slaughter and over £87,000 has been paid out to farmers. This was purely a gesture of good-will towards the farming community and went beyond our statutory obligations. I also met with affected farmers and apologised personally for the distress caused by the on-farm investigations.

Joan Ruddock concluded in her review that DARD’s actions in respect of the surprise on-farm searches were in compliance with legislation and were reasonable in the context of the scientific evidence of the time and also in the context of recent experience of illegal administration. Recommendations were also made on how DARD could improve its approach to enforcement activity in future and I have already given assurances that all the recommendations in the Ruddock Review will be fully implemented.

DARD Direct

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the progress that has been made in developing DARD Direct facilities for farmers; and (ii) how much it will cost to establish this service.

(AQO 1159/08)

Ms M Gildernew: DARD Direct is my Department’s new service delivery approach that has been tested and positively evaluated at Inishkeen House in Enniskillen. Feedback on the pilot was very good with farmers welcoming the new ‘one stop shop’ approach to customer service. The Department proposes to establish a network of 10 DARD Direct offices across Northern Ireland within a reasonable distance of our customers’ businesses. This proposal came about following DFP approval of an economic appraisal which recommended that 10 offices, strategically located throughout the North, is the most favourable option.

No decisions have been taken yet on the locations of these offices, with the exception of Inishkeen House as it has already been modified to test the DARD Direct service delivery model. The capital costs associated with the refurbishment work to be completed in the 9 other DARD Direct offices are estimated at £4.92m.

My Department is currently undergoing a pre-consultation exercise with key stakeholders and section 75 groups on the DARD Direct roll out proposals. This will inform an EQIA/consultation that is due to take place in 2008. Following this, I will be in a position to make decisions on where the DARD Direct offices will be located.

Environmental Protection Agency

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any discussions she has had with the Minister of the Environment in relation to proposals to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency.

(AQO 1184/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I noted the publication of the report, Foundations for the Future, issued by the Review of Environmental Governance in June 2007. At the time, I indicated to the Minister of the Environment that the Executive should take time to weigh up all the options and their related costs and benefits, and assess the implications for the balance of responsibilities across Departments, agencies, and other public authorities.

Minister Foster was clear that she would take the time needed to consider the issues raised by the report, and the best way forward. I will be happy to discuss the report with the Minister and our Executive colleagues in due course, when the costs associated with the creation of an independent EPA have been assessed.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Sport NI

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the projects in North Antrim that have been funded by Sport NI, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1626/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on 26 November 2007 and I apologise to the Member for the delay.

The table below details the projects in North Antrim that have been funded by Sport Northern Ireland in each of the last 5 years.

Funding to projects in North Antrim

Year	Applicant Organisation	Project title	Grant Amount (£)
2002/03	Ballymena United FC Ballymena Showgrounds Warden Street Ballymena BT43 7DR	Major Works Year 3	20,000.00
2002/03	Ballymena United FC Ballymena Showgrounds Warden Street Ballymena BT43 7DR	Safety Management	2,685.00
2002/03	Glenravel Environmental Improvement Assoc 14 Old Cushendun Road Newtowncrommelin Ballymena BT43 6RJ	Construction of Multi-use games area with floodlighting	80,000.00
2002/03	Knights Wheelchair Basketball Club c/o 44 The Knockans Broughshane Londonderry BT43 7LQ	Purchase of 20 Basketball Wheelchairs	15,300.00
2003/04	Ballymena United FC Ballymena Showgrounds Warden Street Ballymena BT43 7DR	Safety Management	3,010.00
2003/04	Ballymena Borough Council 80 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1AB	Community Sport Programme	8,888.78
2003/04	Ballymena Borough Council 80 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1AB	Community Sport Programme	38,100.00
2003/04	Ballymena Borough Council 80 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1AB	Community Sport Programme	40,031.00
2003/04	Ballymena RFC Eaton Park 209 Raceview Road Ballymena BT42 4HU	Refurbishment of pitches	95,603.00
2003/04	Moyle District Council Skeskburn House 7 Mary Street Ballycastle BT54 6QH	Community Sport Programme	12,350.00
2003/04	Moyle District Council Skeskburn House 7 Mary Street Ballycastle BT54 6QH	Community Sport programme	38,325.00
2003/04	Moyle District Council Skeskburn House 7 Mary Street Ballycastle BT54 6QH	Community Sport Programme	40,241.00
2003/04	Moyle District Council Skeskburn House 7 Mary Street Ballycastle BT54 6QH	Coach Education Generic, Sports specific training and coaching programmes	3,683.00
2003/04	Moyle District Council Skeskburn House 7 Mary Street Ballycastle BT54 6QH	Coach education generic, sports specific training and coaching programmes	4,695.00
2003/04	St Brigids GAC 111 Marlborough Park Central Belfast BT9 6HP	Construction of pitch	70,000.00
2004/05	Ballymena United FC Ballymena Showgrounds Warden Street Ballymena BT43 7DR	Safety Management	3,230.00
2004/05	Ballymena Borough Council 80 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1AB	UEFA Under 19 Championships	20,000.00
2004/05	Ballymena North Partnership c/o 4 Wellington Court Ballymena BT43 6EQ	Construction of four court sports hall.	500,000.00
2004/05	Ballymena RFC Eaton Park 209 Raceview Road Ballymena BT42 4HU	Refurbishment of pitches	95,603.00
2004/05	Ballymoney Borough Council Riada House 14 Charles Street Ballymoney BT53 6DZ	Community Sport Programme	108,588.00
2004/05	Ballymoney Borough Council Riada House 14 Charles Street Ballymoney BT53 6DZ	Skills 4 Sport	4,504.00
2004/05	Moyle District Council Skeskburn House 7 Mary Street Ballycastle BT54 6QH	Coach education generic, sports specific training and coaching programmes	3,683.00
2004/05	North West Mountain Rescue Team 24 Glassmullan Road Glenariffe Antrim BT44 0QX	Challenge Fund	8,012.00
2004/05	St Brigids GAC Land diagonally opposite 182 Ballyveely Road Cloughmills Antrim BT44 9BG	Construction of pitch	70,000.00
2005/06	Ballymoney Borough Council Riada House 14 Charles Street Ballymoney BT53 6DZ	Causeway Coach Management Scheme	6,435.00
2005/06	North West Mountain Rescue Team 24 Glassmullan Road Glenariffe Antrim BT44 0QX	Exchequer Grant	11,750.00
2005/06	North West Mountain Rescue Team 24 Glassmullan Road Glenariffe Antrim BT44 0QX	Exchequer Grant	24,150.00
2005/06	North West Mountain Rescue Team 24 Glassmullan Road Glenariffe Antrim BT44 0QX	Exchequer Grant	12,338.00
2005/06	St Brigids GAC Land diagonally opposite 182 Ballyveely Road Cloughmills Antrim BT44 9BG	Construction of pitches	161,770.00
2006/07	Ballymena United FC Ballymena Showgrounds Warden Street Ballymena BT43 7DR	Stadia Safety Programme	161,636.00
2006/07	Ballymena United FC Ballymena Showgrounds Warden Street Ballymena BT43 7DR	Safety Management	3,684.00
2006/07	Ballymena United FC Ballymena Showgrounds Warden Street Ballymena BT43 7DR	Safety Management	3,006.00

400th Anniversary of the Plantation of Ulster

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his department's plans to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Plantation of Ulster.

(AQW 1871/08)

Mr E Poots: I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on the 4^th of December, and I apologise to the Member for the delay.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure anticipate the Ulster-Scots Agency taking plans forward on this matter and the Agency are considering a number of events to commemorate this period in our history. Plans are to be finalised on this issue by May 2008.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail any Northern Ireland Events Company funding allocated to (i) the recent Rally Ireland event in November; and (ii) any previous motorsport events conducted between 2005 and 2007.

(AQW 2131/08)

Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Events Company did not allocate any funding to the Rally Ireland event which took place in November 2007. Government funding for this event was provided through Sport Northern Ireland.

The Company has allocated the following amounts to motorsport events conducted between 2005 and 2007:

Financial Year	Event	Amount Allocated
2005/06	Mid Antrim 150	£7,000
2005/06	North West 200	£78,179
2005/06	Rally Ireland 2005	£385,265
2005/06	Sunflower Trophy	£2,000
2005/06	Tandragee 100	£2,464
2005/06	Ulster Grand Prix	£50,000
2005/06	Motocross Grand prix of Northern Ireland	£419,000
2005/06	Supermoto Grand Prix of Northern Ireland	£299,250
2006/07	All Ireland Golden Karting Championships	£9,000
2006/07	Rally Ireland 2006	£581,496
2006/07	Sunflower Trophy	£3,000
2006/07	Tandragee 100	£4,286
2006/07	Circuit of Ireland	£100,000
2006/07	Motocross Grand Prix of Northern Ireland	£374,272
2006/07	Supermoto of Nations	£366,413

Cultural Policy Funding

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the mechanism through which monies allocated in the draft Budget under 'cultural policy', will reach individual artists and arts organisations.

(AQW 2186/08)

Mr E Poots: The cultural policy allocation in the draft budget refers to funding allocated to the Ulster Scots Academy, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, initiatives to promote British and Irish Sign Languages and a number of other linguistic and cultural diversity initiatives.

Funding to artists or arts organisations would fall under the Arts allocation contained within the draft Budget.

TURAS Initiative

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the take-up to date of joint funding of both arts councils on the island of Ireland under the TURAS initiative launched earlier this year.

(AQO 1246/08)

Mr E Poots: The total budget for the TURAS initiative was £60,000, divided equally between the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Of this, £48,533 was allocated to the following projects:

Organisation Name	Project Title	Grant Amount (£)
Patricia Daly	A Journey of Discovery (in partnership with Stefano Uberti)	10,000
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Glens of Antrim Branch)	Exchange trip between Glens of Antrim Comhaltas and Ballyduff Comhaltas (Waterford)	9,943
Ceoltai Eireann	An Beirinneach – Songs and Music of an Irish Harper (in partnership with Aibhlin McCrann)	9,000
Otto Schlindwein	Descendants (in partnership with Declan Sheehan)	8,360
Jim MacFarland	Emigration Songs (in partnership with Jackie Boyce)	7,450
Marcas O Murchu	The Flight of the Earls – Imirce na nlarlai (in partnership with Oisin MacDiarmada)	3,780

Ulster Scots

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm his department's proposed allocation for Ulster Scots for the financial year 2008/09.

(AQW 2264/08)

Mr E Poots: The Ulster-Scots Agency operates its financial year on a calendar year basis, in line with all North/South Implementation Bodies. The financial allocation for the Ulster-Scots Agency for 2008 year as outlined in the draft budget amounts to approximately £2.6 million, 75% of which will be met by my Department and the other 25% by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

There is £2.4m allocated for the Ulster Scots Academy for the 2008-2009 financial year.

Irish Language Broadcasting

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW1755/08, to confirm that he will give full consideration to any possible divisiveness relating to Irish Language broadcasting before he comes to a final position on this matter.

(AQW 2323/08)

Mr E Poots: The full implications of Government expenditure proposals, including their impact on equality and social inclusion, are carefully considered before a final position is reached.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the contracts that were signed by the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Events Company after 20 September 2007; (ii) the period of time over which these events will take place; and (iii) the amount of money involved.

(AQW 2409/08)

Mr E Poots: Since 20 September 2007 there has been one contract signed by the Acting Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Events Company. This is in regard to the Tennis Legends event to be held over 4 days in February 2008 and the amount of money involved is up to £50,000.

Festival Funding

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to ensure that district councils will provide matched funding for festivals.

(AQW 2445/08)

Mr E Poots: It will be a stipulation of the funding agreement between the Department and each local Council that matched funding is provided.

There will be a requirement for each Council to make a report to the Department at the end of each year, detailing the festivals supported and the level of funding allocated.

Festival Funding

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to provide increased funding for festivals.

(AQW 2446/08)

Mr E Poots: With the transfer of the Community Festivals Fund to Local Councils from April 2008, I will be asking Local Councils to match the amount of funding provided by my Department.

Festival Funding

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to ensure that the Community Festival Fund will pay back monies owed to Féile an Phobail; and to provide a timescale for this.

(AQW 2447/08)

Mr E Poots: The Community Festivals Fund is administered on behalf of my Department by the Northern Ireland Events Company, which is currently the subject of a comprehensive and authoritative audit of its financial affairs.

It is my intention that all commitments made by the Community Festivals Fund will be honoured as soon as possible, but by the end of March 2008 at the latest.

Funding for Modernisation Process

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the funding that will be available when the current funding for modernisation process for both the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association and Ulster Rugby runs out in March 2008.

(AQO 1242/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding to sport. For the past 3 years, Sport Northern Ireland, with the support of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, has been providing significant, time bounded funding to the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Irish Football Association to assist them in re-developing their sports and delivering on modernisation and coaching initiatives. The time bounded funding for Gaelic and Rugby is due to end in March 2008. DCAL and Sport Northern Ireland are currently in discussion with both sports about what they achieved as a result of this time bounded investment. As part of these discussions the needs of Gaelic and Rugby beyond March 2008 are being considered within the parameters of the draft Budget published on 25^th October 2007.

Community Funding

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the sums awarded to organisations for community funding, by his department in the last year.

(AQO 1177/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department’s funding for community organisations is administered mainly through our Non-Departmental Public Bodies and other funded bodies.

In 2006/07 the Arts Council of Northern Ireland awarded £1,720,782 revenue funding and £1,153,256 capital funding to community organisations.

The Northern Ireland Events Company awarded £254,565 to community organisations through the Community Festivals Fund.

In addition to this my department provided transitional funding to 3 community festivals in Belfast, totalling up to £145,400.

The Northern Ireland Screen Commission awarded £115,000 of funding to Third Party Organisations in the community sector.

My Department, through the DSD led initiative Renewing Communities programme, provided a sum of £7,114 to the Ulster Historical Foundation for a local and family History Workshops project, awarded £50,000 to W5 for the Sound & Vision Project and £388,000 to the Northern Ireland Screen Commission for Studio On, Northern Visions and the Intergenerational Film project.

Its annual budget of around £3.6million is used to promote and develop good community relations in the education and youth service sectors in the age range 4 to 25.

Funding targeted at making young people aware of the dangers of interface violence has however been provided by our Department in two ways:

First, North Belfast – Special Intervention programme - £250,000 of which some £200,000 has already been allocated to consortia of groups in North Belfast to collaborate on the design and delivery of developmental activities for young people in the area. A further 4 proposals are under consideration;
Secondly, the Community Relations council has provided £220,000 to organisations working specifically with interface communities, including youth.

Ulster-Scots Language

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on progress in taking the Ulster-Scots language forward from Part II to Part III status under the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

(AQO 1229/08)

Mr E Poots: A draft road map has been developed by the Ulster Scots Academy Implementation Group Partnership Board outlining how the criteria could be met for Ulster-Scots to attain Part III status. Government Departments have considered the document and responded accordingly. A revised document was submitted for further consideration by the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group (ICIG). A further revised document will be considered at the next meeting of the group.

'Our Shared Heritage' Lecture Series

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to disseminate the contents of the joint lectures series entitled 'Our Shared Heritage', that he referred to in his Ministerial statement on 20th November, to a wider audience.

(AQO 1203/08)

Mr E Poots: Responsibility for this series of lectures rests with the two Agencies which comprise the North/South Language Body (Ulster-Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge). Any further information relating to the joint lectures series titled "Our Shared Heritage" can be obtained from either of the Agencies.

National Stadium

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the correspondence he has received from the main sporting bodies in relation to a national stadium design and its proposed business plan.

(AQO 1188/08)

Mr E Poots: The governing bodies of the three sports (Soccer, Rugby and Gaelic Games) have worked closely with DCAL and its advisers in finalising and agreeing a Business Plan for the Multi-Sports Stadium. I am pleased to advise that each of the three governing bodies have recently confirmed, in writing, their intention to commit to the development and use of the Multi-Sports Stadium at the Maze/Long Kesh and the associated financial contributions to annual running costs.

In terms of design the Stadium Design Team is continuing to work, with the input of the governing bodies, to develop a design that meets the needs of all three sports. This is at an advanced stage, with all three sports having recently indicated that they were content with the way the plans were developing, subject to minor refinements.

Museum Policy

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide a timescale within which the Assembly can expect delivery of a museum policy, with particular reference to independent museums.

(AQO 1147/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department had considered the development of a museums policy for Northern Ireland and had taken the process as far as producing draft Terms of Reference and consulting key stakeholder bodies on these terms of reference.

However in light of the draft CSR settlement and other pressing priorities I have looked at this matter and have concluded that resource pressures within the department are such that the development of a museums policy will not be possible, at this time. I’ve asked the NIMC to bring forward a paper to consider options for developing a policy, with reference to independent museums, in the future.

Olympic Events

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail those Olympic events that will be taking place in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1237/08)

Mr E Poots: As set out in London’s Candidate File, if Northern Ireland builds its planned multi-sports stadium, this venue will be strongly 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.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether or not he plans to keep the management of events under the remit of his department, rather than the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, in light of the financial difficulties relating to the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQO 1238/08)

Mr E Poots: Now that the decision has been taken to wind up the Northern Ireland Events Company we will need time to reflect on the most appropriate arrangements for the effective delivery of the events function in the future. I will be consulting with my Executive colleagues on this issue.

Funding for Modernisation Process

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he is taking to provide suitable funding to the Gaelic Athletic Association, Irish Rugby Football Union and Irish Football Association, to facilitate the development of their modernisation and coaching programmes.

(AQO 1240/08)

Elements of funding for the Irish Football Association have yet to be released as the Association is still in the process of implementing its modernisation and coaching programmes.

South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with the Minister of Education in relation to the transfer of powers, from the commissioners appointed in July 2006, to the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQO 1169/08)

Mr E Poots: I wrote to the Education Minister in June of this year expressing concern at the governance arrangements of the Board due to the appointment of Commissioners. I have been assured by the Education Minister that the matter is under review and she will keep me informed of developments.

Library Funding

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding to be allocated to libraries in the next financial year, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQO 1212/08)

Mr E Poots: Based on the Draft Budget published on 25 October the allocation to libraries is £30.8 million recurrent and up to £4.1 million capital next year dependant on receipts of £1 million.

Once the budget is finalised, most of the funding will be allocated to the five Education and Library Boards on a per capita basis, taking social and rural needs into account. The funding will be distributed on an equitable basis across Northern Ireland at Board level but a breakdown will not be available by parliamentary constituency.

Northern Ireland Football Team Home Fixtures

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he is taking to ensure that the scheduled home fixtures of the Northern Ireland football team, in the World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign, will be played in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1209/08)

Mr E Poots: Responsibility for ensuring that the scheduled home fixtures of the Northern Ireland football team, in the World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign, will be played in Northern Ireland rests with the Irish Football Association which is the governing body of football in Northern Ireland. As part of its forward planning, the IFA is seeking to ensure that better and more modern football facilities are available in Northern Ireland. This includes facilities that would enable the Northern Ireland team to play its World Cup 2010 qualifying home fixtures in Northern Ireland. Sport Northern Ireland, which is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding, is assisting the IFA in this process with the support of my Department.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail emerging findings from the investigation into the financial affairs of the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQO 1234/08)

Mr E Poots: I am in the process of commissioning an independent comprehensive review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company. I will report back to the House at the earliest opportunity on the findings of this review.

Education

Priory Integrated College

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to outline what further information is required to be submitted from (i) Priory Integrated College; and (ii) the South Eastern Education and Library Board, in relation to the proposed new build campus for the college.

(AQW 1836/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department is in contact with the South Eastern Education and Library Board on the sustainability of provision in the area. No additional information is required from the College at this stage.

A development proposal would be required if the site for the new school was located outside its existing catchment area and thereby potentially impacting on other existing educational provision. It is not required in this instance.

There is an approved development proposal for the amalgamation of Holywood and Redburn Primary Schools on the site currently occupied by Priory College.

Priory Integrated College

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to confirm that the Department is in receipt of a development proposal in relation to the amalgamation of Holywood Primary School and Redburn Primary School on the site currently occupied by Priory Integrated College.

(AQW 1838/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department is in contact with the South Eastern Education and Library Board on the sustainability of provision in the area. No additional information is required from the College at this stage.

There is an approved development proposal for the amalgamation of Holywood and Redburn Primary Schools on the site currently occupied by Priory College.

Priory Integrated College

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to report on whether or not a development proposal is required for a project relating to the rebuilding of a school, such as Priory Integrated College.

(AQW 1839/08)

There is an approved development proposal for the amalgamation of Holywood and Redburn Primary Schools on the site currently occupied by Priory College.

Derryboye Primary School

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to give a timeframe within which work will commence on the car park for Derryboye Primary School, and to give the completion date for the scheme.

(AQW 1909/08)

Ms C Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board has responsibility for this project and has advised that, subject to agreement being reached with the land owner, the Board expects that the scheme should be on site next summer. The Board will confirm the completion date as soon as it is known.

Priory Integrated College

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to provide a timeframe within which she intends to announce a decision on the new build proposals for Priory College in Holywood.

(AQW 1956/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department is in touch with the South Eastern Education and Library Board on anticipated needs in the area and the sustainability of provision which are relevant to a decision on this scheme. I intend to take a decision as soon as possible.

Upgrading Schools

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to undertake a co-ordinated programme for the upgrading of inner-city schools, and schools with catchment areas comprising large re-settlement estates, in the boroughs around Belfast.

(AQW 1978/08)

Ms C Ruane: Any proposals for building works at schools are a matter for the relevant school authorities to consider and bring forward in the first instance. I would encourage increased co-ordination both within and across sectors, taking account of catchments and patterns of enrolment, in proposals for upgrading schools to meet anticipated needs in an area.

Employment and Learning

Ten Year Children's Strategy

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm whether or not he will implement all the commitments by his department included in the ten year Children's Strategy.

(AQW 2274/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): I am pleased to confirm that my Department has already implemented the specific commitments it agreed to under the strategy and will continue to review and monitor progress.

In attempting to raise the percentage of young people moving into or re-engaging with education, training and employment and the percentage of leavers achieving a recognised qualification my Department has jointly with DE, launched for consultation an all-age Careers Education Information, Advice And Guidance Strategy and also developed a policy for provision for 14-19 year olds to prepare them for work and life in the 21^st century; in September 2007 introduced the new Training for Success provision to replace Jobskills a key feature of which is to target hard to reach groups; and in terms of the quality of Further Education and training organisations in the full inspection year to 2007 saw 80% of providers achieving either grade 1 or grade 2.

Non-EU Students

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of students from outside the European Union studying at (i) Queen's University, Belfast; and (ii) the University of Ulster, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2294/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The number of student enrolments from outside the European Union at (i) Queen’s University, Belfast; and (ii) the University of Ulster, in each of the last five years, for which data are available, is given in the table below: -

	Queen's University of Belfast	University of Ulster
2001/02	860	500
2002/03	875	600
2003/04	935	615
2004/05	1,035	545
2005/06	1,005	565

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5.

EU Students

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of students from each European Union country, excluding the United Kingdom, studying at (i) Queen's University, Belfast; and (ii) the University of Ulster, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2295/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The number of student enrolments from each European Union country (excluding UK) at (i) Queen’s University, Belfast; and (ii) the University of Ulster, in each of the last five years for which data is available is given in the table below:-

	Queen’s University, Belfast					University of Ulster
EU Countries	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06
Austria	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	5	5
Belgium	5	5	5	5	5	0	5	5	0	5
Cyprus	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	5	N/A	N/A	N/A	10	10
Czech Republic	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	5	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0
Denmark	0	0	0	5	0	0	5	5	5	5
Estonia	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0
Finland	5	5	5	5	5	10	10	10	5	5
France	50	40	40	50	50	20	35	35	35	25
Germany	40	40	40	40	35	25	30	45	55	30
Gibraltar	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Greece	10	10	10	10	10	30	35	35	30	30
Hungary	N/A	N/A	N/A	5	5	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0
Irish Republic	1,310	1,260	1,160	1,310	1,090	2,125	2,230	2,490	2,535	2,735
Italy	20	25	25	25	20	10	15	20	20	10
Latvia	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0
Lithuania	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0
Luxembourg	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Malta	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A	25	30
Netherlands	0	0	0	5	5	0	0	5	0	5
Poland	N/A	N/A	N/A	5	15	N/A	N/A	N/A	5	10
Portugal	0	5	0	5	0	5	5	5	5	5
Slovak Republic	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0
Slovenia	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A	0	0
Spain	55	90	55	40	30	10	15	10	30	15
Sweden	10	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Notes:

Figures are rounded to the nearest 5 with 0, 1, 2 rounded to 0.
N/A – Not Applicable – Not part of the European Union until 2004.

Staff Undergoing Disciplinary Procedures

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the reasons for the high number of staff in his department, compared to other government departments, undergoing disciplinary procedures as a result of an unacceptable sickness record.

(AQW 2326/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The figures provided in answer to Assembly Question 1629/08 do not represent the totality of disciplinary cases resulting from unacceptable sickness records across all Government Departments as Executive Agencies, with the exception of DARD, are not included. Also, the figures are not presented in terms of percentages of total staff who fall within the scope of the reply. This explains the apparent disparity in the figures with DEL presenting considerably higher figures than other Departments.

Uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Subjects

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps his department will take to increase uptake of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects as referred to in PSA2, Objective 4 of Annex 1 to the draft Programme for Government 2008-11.

(AQW 2439/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning, in conjunction with the Department of Education, has initiated a Review of STEM Policy. As part of this, a government led working group is currently considering a strategy for the further development of STEM subjects in schools and Further Education colleges. The group is considering issues such as teacher supply, a comparative lack of integration amongst the components of STEM and a need to better develop the links between schools, further education and industry, particularly in respect of careers guidance and improving the general publics understanding of the importance of STEM to the economy and wider society in general.

SEMTA, the science, engineering and manufacturing technologies Sector Skills Council, has included an Action Point on improving careers promotion and sector attractiveness, in its Sector Skills Agreement Action Plan for Northern Ireland. It is recognised that this can only be achieved through the co-ordination of careers activities, strengthening employer links with the Universities and employer support for careers initiatives.

Northern Ireland Universities are working to complement the work of Government in aiming to increase the number of high quality school-leavers going on to take STEM subjects at university. The Queen’s University of Belfast has launched a scholarship scheme – the first of its kind in the United Kingdom – which will help to ensure future economic competitiveness and attract high-quality students. The scheme, for students entering the University in 2008, offers awards of £1,000 to all students achieving three As at A-level who go on to study a STEM subject (except Medicine and Dentistry) at Queen's University.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

All-Island Single Electricity Market

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans are in place to facilitate net metering, for those who generate small amounts of renewable energy, to be incorporated into an all-island single electricity market.

(AQW 1861/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): The arrangements in Northern Ireland for the metering of electricity exported and imported by small renewable generators, which were in place prior to the introduction of the Single Electricity Market ("SEM"), are unaffected by the operation of the new market.

There are no plans to change these arrangements which allow small generators, in the first instance, to use output from their generating station to meet their own consumption needs without reference to a licensed supplier. Any electricity that they export to, or consume from, a licensed supplier is separately recorded by a meter. Payment arrangements for both imports and exports are subject to the supplier's terms and conditions of contract. A specific obligation is placed on NIE Energy Ltd to offer a regulated ‘spill’ tariff for small scale generation.

Small scale renewable generators in Northern Ireland also benefit by having access to tradeable Renewables Obligation Certificates (NIROCs) under the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation in respect of their generation.

Tourist Board Signature Projects

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the funding provided by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to its five signature projects (i) Giant's Causeway/Antrim and Causeway Coast Area; (ii) Titanic (Maritime) Belfast; (iii) The Walled City of Derry/Londonderry; (iv) St Patrick/Christian Heritage; and (v) The Mournes, over the last five years.

(AQW 2110/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) identified five key "Signature Projects" as part of the Strategic Framework for Action 2004 – 2007. No figures are available for 2003 as it predates the specific designation of the projects. During 2004 to 2007 NITB has administered a number of funding programmes including the Tourism Development Scheme, International Fund for Ireland, Integrated Development Fund and EU Peace Programme. Calendar year funding provided by NITB is as follows:

Year:	Causeway / Antrim Coast and Glens:	Titanic / Maritime Belfast:	The Walled City:	St. Patrick / Christian Heritage:	The Mournes:
2004	£69,541	0	£10,532	0	£10,000
2005	£42,090	0	0	£40,266	£13,382
2006	£247,837	£136,784	£1,834,746	£41,060	£132,066
2007	£732,794	£275,327	£155,590	£59,978	£20,000
Total	£1,092,262	£412,111	£2,000,868	£141,304	£175,448

Overall Total: £3,821,993

Additional funding has been identified under the Programmes for Government to progress the development of the signature projects over the next three years.

Biofuel Businesses

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline what action he is taking to promote and sustain biofuel businesses; and to outline what assistance his department is providing to local biofuel businesses in relation to selling their products in the more developed market in the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 2216/08)

Mr N Dodds: Production of biofuels to date in Northern Ireland has been small scale. The availability and cost of raw feedstock, transportation costs, cheap US imports of biofuels as well as economies of scale issues make it difficult for NI biofuels producers to compete.

In terms of financial support, biofuel producers, across the UK, receive a 20p per litre rebate on the road fuel tax duty and, from April 2008, the introduction of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation will provide a further subvention of around 15p per litre. Meantime, in the Irish Republic, the Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme, which has been operating since 2005, offers, on a competitive basis, full excise duty relief to producers supplying the Irish Republic market. NI biofuels producers were eligible to apply but none were successful and the Scheme is now closed.

DETI is currently leading a cross Departmental Group, which includes Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Invest NI, to identify the opportunities for Bioenergy, including biofuels, and is commissioning work to assess the current scale, futuresustainable growth potential and optimum size and scale of the sector in NI. This should lead to the development of a co-ordinated Bioenergy strategy.

Pending the outcome of this work, Invest NI has continued to provide technical and legislative advice to over 40 individuals/companies on the production of biofuels using current technology and will provide further advisory support to biofuel producers, in particular, to develop and export second generation technology biofuels. Due to issues around the viability and sustainability of individual biofuel business proposals, Invest NI policy is to encourage the sector through development of collaborative business opportunities and the facilitation of cross border energy clusters, rather than intervene financially in the direct production of biofuels.

Tourism in Portaferry

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to ensure that the planning application for apartments on the Narrows site will not impact adversely on the tourist potential of Portaferry.

(AQW 2278/08)

Mr N Dodds: Portaferry is featured as a key location along the St. Patrick’s Trail, a prime touring route currently being developed from Bangor to Armagh as part of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) St. Patrick/Christian Heritage Signature Project.

DOE Planning Service has confirmed that two applications were received on 5^th November 2007 for the Narrows site. One is for full planning permission (X/2007/1268/F) for a housing development including 13 apartments and parking. The second application (X/2007/1267/CA) is for demolition of all buildings on the site to enable re-construction at 8, 10, 12 Shore Road, Portaferry. The site lies within the Portaferry Conservation Area.

Both applications are at an early stage in the planning process and will be assessed in accordance with prevailing policies and procedures. Material considerations will be taken into account prior to the final determination of the applications.

NITB will be contacting DOE Planning Service to reinforce the role Portaferry plays within the St. Patrick’s Trail and the need for any proposed developments to complement the overall visitor experience the St. Patrick/Christian Heritage Signature Project is aiming to create.

Grants to Regency Spinning Limited, Newtownards

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail any grants paid by his department or its agencies, other than Invest NI, to Regency Spinning Limited in Newtownards, in each of the last five years, and to indicate whether or not the potential exists for the clawback of these public funds.

(AQW 2287/08)

Mr N Dodds: No grants have been paid by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment or it’s agencies, other than Invest NI, to Regency Spinning Limited, Newtownards, in any of the last five years.

Money from Invest NI to TYCO

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the amount of money TYCO received from