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 11 January 2008

Written Answers to Questions

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

CORRIGENDA

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Promotion of Tolerance

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to identify one key goal, under the priority 'Promote Tolerance, Inclusion and Health and Well-Being' in the Draft Programme for Government 2008-11, that is aimed specifically at the promotion of tolerance aspect of the priority.

(AQW 1580/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The draft Programme for Government contains high level commitments: it does not contain detailed specific goals.

As the deputy First Minister stated during Question Time on Monday 22 October, "we will bring forward detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration – designed to build on some of the excellent work being done, particularly by district councils – to address the challenges that local communities face". The Department intends 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 New Year.

The proposed budget for this programme is almost ₤26m over the three years from 2008-2011. This will be additional to EU PEACE III funding. A key element of the proposals will include a significant increase in investment over the period to promote inclusion and integration at local level.

Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

Programme to Improve Societal Relations

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline five key objectives, five key actions and five key targets which make up the programme to improve societal relations mentioned in PSA 7, Objective 5 in Annex 1 to the Draft Programme for Government 2008-11.

(AQW 1581/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government contains high level commitments: it does not contain detailed specific goals.

Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

European Union Gender Goods and Services Directive

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, to indicate whether or not it will make use of any available degree of flexibility to (i) member states; and (ii) devolved assemblies, to consider ways to protect religious conscience when implementing the European Union Gender Goods and Services Directive.

(AQW 1827/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The consultation document on the implementation of the EU Gender Goods and Services Directive included proposals for retaining or amending the exceptions already in the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976. One of these exceptions relates to ‘organised religion’ and the consultation proposed that that exception should remain unchanged. In addition, there was also within the draft Regulations implementing the Directive an exclusion for the provision of goods and services at a place occupied or used by an organised religion. Both issues are being considered as a result of the consultation as policy decisions are being finalised.

Planning Appeals

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which the Planning Appeals Commission Commissioners will be in a position to deal with the appeal backlog.

(AQW 1910/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non Departmental Public Body. Given its independent tribunal status it is appropriate for the Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you, and we understand she has written to you in the following terms:

"The Commission deals with the backlog of appeals on an ongoing basis. At 31 October 2007 the backlog was 3173 and our projected output for the current financial year is 1046. Future clearance rates will depend on Commissioner complement and the level of referred work from Planning Service, particularly in relation to Area Plans. The above figures do not make allowances for the future intake of appeals, which is approximately 150 per month.

The Commission made a bid for additional resources in December 2006 and is awaiting the outcome of that bid. Final confirmation of additional funding arising out of the Comprehensive Spending Review is expected soon. Once confirmed the Commission aims to be in a position to secure additional Commissioner resources to further address the backlog.

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

OFMDFM is fully committed to providing the Commission with the resources required to address the appeals backlog. The additional funding allocations for PAC in the Draft Budget 2008-2011 will provide the Chief Commissioner with the funding certainty to enable her to recruit additional commissioners. This additional funding has the potential to fund a significant number of additional commissioners, although the actual number to be appointed will be for the Chief Commissioner to determine, taking account of the Commission’s capacity to manage a greatly increased complement and also subject to the availability of suitable people from within a limited and specialised market. Arrangements are already in progress to deliver a competition early in the New Year.

An independent review of the resource needs of the PAC was recently carried out. The review supports the case for the additional resources allocated to PAC in the draft budget.

Funding for Organisations Offering Advice on Sexual Orientation

Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any proposed funding to organisations offering advice on sexual orientation, in each of the next three years.

(AQW 2136/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The current funding package of £230k was agreed for years 2007-08 and 2008-09 by Direct Rule Ministers. There are currently no new proposals to fund any organisations offering advice on sexual orientation, nor are there any proposals to fund any lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender groups beyond that period.

All funding proposals are given full consideration as they arise in the context of departmental priorities at the time.

Funding for LGBT Groups

Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any proposed funding to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups, in each of the next three years .

(AQW 2138/08)

All funding proposals are given full consideration as they arise in the context of departmental priorities at the time.

Planning Appeals

Lord Morrow asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the average length of time taken to issue a decision on a planning appeal, from the date an appeal is submitted to the Planning Appeals Commission, under each of the following procedures: (i) written representations; (ii) written representations with accompanied site visit; (iii) informal hearing; and (iv) formal hearing.

(AQW 2205/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non Departmental Public Body. Given its independent tribunal status, it is appropriate for the Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you, and we understand she has written to you in the following terms:

"I have provided, in the table below, figures for the average time taken to decide an appeal for all of the procedures available. These figures indicate the time taken to determine appeals already heard within the current financial year and illustrate the position as at 30 October 2007.

PROCEDURE MEDIAN TIME (WEEKS)

Formal Hearing 89

Informal Hearing 74

Written Representation (accompanied Site Visit) 68

Written Representations (unaccompanied Site Visit) 73

PROCEDURE	MEDIAN TIME (WEEKS)
Formal Hearing	89
Informal Hearing	74
Written Representation (accompanied Site Visit)	68
Written Representations (unaccompanied Site Visit)	73

The Commission publishes updates of these figures on a monthly basis via its website.

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

An independent review of the resource needs of PAC was recently carried out. The review supports the case for the additional resources allocated to PAC in the draft budget.

Barriers to Economic Development

Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide its assessment of the importance of creating a shared future in addressing the barriers to economic development in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2306/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government’s overarching aim is to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society where there is respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life. The draft Programme also identifies the need to pursue an innovative and productive economy and a fair society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal health and well-being.

We must become an even more attractive location for the flow of internationally mobile skills and labour, high value-added industries and secure high scale job investment. In so doing we must ensure that we have political and social stability and an absence of conflict all of which are key factors in decisions relating to new investment both nationally and internationally.

Continuing divisions mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society. For these reasons it is imperative that we all embrace the opportunity to create a better future, based on tolerance and respect for cultural diversity. We are currently working on detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration to promote the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared and better future.

'The Cost of Division - A Shared Future Strategy'

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps it has taken to discuss 'The Cost of Division - A Shared Future Strategy' with key stakeholders, as outlined in 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan'.

(AQW 2438/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As stated previously, the Cost of Division research was commissioned, conducted and finalised under direct rule. It is an independent piece of research. Whilst the report may be a material consideration and departments may wish to have regard to it, and, in particular, the statistics and factual analysis which it contains, the report of itself does not form an agreed basis for future policy development.

We are fully committed to promoting the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared and better future and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society. Having considered progress made, we are currently working on detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration. Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what commitment it will make to review the Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations.

(AQW 2440/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Review of the Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations is an ongoing commitment.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the assistance or support given to the community and voluntary sector to ensure the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Strategy.

(AQW 2501/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Target 33 of the Sustainable Development Implementation Plan is to "modernise the voluntary and community sector to strengthen the service delivery role of the organisations". This supports the achievement of the strategic objective "to promote the development of community engagement, civic leadership and responsible citizenship".

The Modernisation Fund Programme through which this target is being pursued is the responsibility of our Executive colleague, the Minister for Social Development.

The first call for Modernisation Fund Revenue applications closed in January 2006 with 168 applications received. Following detailed assessment and evaluation eighteen projects have been supported to a value of £2m.

DSD are currently assessing the impact of this intervention in order to best determine how the remaining resources of the available £1m within the Modernisation Fund Revenue Programme might best be utilised.

The Modernisation Fund Capital Programme which has a value of £15m, closed to applications on 19 October 2007. Some 475 valid applications have been received and these are currently being assessed. Initial allocation decisions for this programme are planned for early 2008.

Both programmes being resourced by DSD under the Modernisation Fund have established clear objectives aimed at strengthening the service delivery role of organisations within the voluntary and community sector. These include developing partnership and collaboration, improving income generation capability and enhancing capacity to deliver services.

It is planned that both programmes will be subject to robust evaluation in order to determine how successful they have been in achieving these objectives. These programmes have and continue to assist in the achievement of target No.33 in the Sustainable Development Implementation Plan.

Sustainable Development

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what plans it has to audit and monitor the fulfilment and delivery of its statutory requirement in relation to sustainable development.

(AQW 2502/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the introduction of the statutory duty legislation in March 2007, the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is developing guidance to assist public authorities, including District Councils, in fulfilling its statutory requirement. It is hoped that we will be in a position to issue the draft guidance for consultation in the near future.

The development of advice on monitoring and reporting on the guidance is still at a relatively early stage but we would expect that all bodies affected by the duty will be encouraged to publish the results of their monitoring. At this stage, we do not propose to introduce formal audit arrangements for the statutory duty.

Sustainable Development

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what action it is taking to assist district councils to fulfil their new statutory obligations under sustainable development.

(AQW 2504/08)

Education System

Mr B McCrea asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not the Minister of Education was in breach of the Ministerial Code in presenting her statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm that no significant or cross-cutting changes to the education system can be implemented, without first being brought to the Executive and receiving cross-community support from the Assembly.

(AQW 2536/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We do not consider that the Minister of Education was in breach of the Ministerial Code in presenting her statement to the Assembly.

The Minister is of course required by the Ministerial Code to bring to the attention of the Executive any matter which is significant or controversial and outside the scope of the Programme for Government. In answering questions after her statement, the Minister undertook to bring proposals on the matters raised in her statement both to the Executive and to the Committee for Education in due course.

Civic Forum

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the expenditure committed to the Civic Forum, or any new North/South civic body, in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2554/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Civic Forum’s budget allocation and expenditure since it was established is as follows:

Year	2001/2002	2002/2003	2007/2008	2008/2011
Opening Budget (£k)	318	518	516	516/year
In-year Budget Adjustment (£k)	+ 132	- 195¹	- 250²	N/A
Actual Expenditure (£k)	423	328	89³	N/A

There were no budget allocations for the Civic Forum during 2003/2007 as the Legislative Provisions under which the Forum is funded ceased to have effect during suspension of the devolved institutions.

No budget allocation has been made for any new North/South civic body.

The budget allocation for 2008/2011 is a preliminary figure. Resource requirements for future years will be one of the issues for consideration in the Review of the Civic Forum.

Expenditure of North-South Bodies

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment it has made of the expenditure of North South Bodies since the restoration of devolution in May 2007.

(AQW 2558/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Each of the North/South Bodies function under the overall direction of the North/South Ministerial Council, with accountability lines back, not only to the Council, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas, but also to the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance and to each of the Sponsor Departments.

In line with their Financial Memoranda, Sponsor Departments monitor and keep under regular review the expenditure of each of the Bodies.

The North/South Bodies are required to produce a set of annual accounts which are subject to full and rigorous audit by Comptroller and Auditors General in each jurisdiction. To comply with its Financial Memorandum, which prescribes detailed financial arrangements, each body is also required to produce a three year corporate plan and an annual business plan which are subject to approval of NSMC, including the Finance Ministers.

Undocumented Irish

Mr P J Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not the issue of the 'undocumented' Irish, living in the United States of America, was raised personally with President George W. Bush during the meeting which took place on 7 December 2007.

(AQW 2566/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The deputy First Minister met with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform in New York on 4 December 2007 during which they outlined their proposal for a reciprocal visa programme, similar to that which exists between Australia and the United States of America. The deputy First Minister subsequently raised this issue during the meeting with Steve Hadley, Director of the National Security Council and during the meeting with President Bush on 7 December 2007.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Staff Undergoing Disciplinary Procedures

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

(AQW 2325/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development applies the NICS sickness absence policies and inefficiency process in a fair and consistent manner.

I understand that, with the exception of DARD, the figures provided by Peter Robinson MP MLA in AQW 1629/08 related only to the core Northern Ireland Government Departments and excluded executive agencies. To a large extent this explains the disparity in the figures with DARD

Packaging and Processing of Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a breakdown of the (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat, imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007, in relation to (a) the tonnage/percentage that was not subject to further packaging or processing; and (b) the tonnage/percentage that was subject to further packaging or processing.

(AQW 2347/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development does not maintain this information centrally. Information does exist in relation to imports from a Third Country direct to here. However, information does not exist in relation to indirect importations. This is due to the fact that once imports from countries outside the European Union enter through the Border Inspection Post (BIP) in any Member State, they can complete their onward journey on a Common Veterinary Entry Document provided by the BIP of entry. Under EU Trade rules, these products are permitted to move freely within the EU.

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

The Livestock and Meat Commission does monitor and maintain figures of beef imports to here. The composite figures are detailed in Annex C. There is no statutory reason for DARD to calculate the actual tonnages imported direct from each Third Country and this limited information could only be calculated at disproportionate cost.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

DARD does not maintain statistics to provide a complete picture of the amount of product imported, that is subject to further packaging or processing, or of the amount that is subsequently re-exported. There is no statutory requirement for DARD to collect this information.

Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a breakdown of the (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat, imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007, in relation to the organisations and/or individuals importing the meat.

(AQW 2349/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the tonnage of (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007.

(AQW 2350/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the percentage of (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007, that was subsequently re-exported from Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2351/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Meat Imports

(AQW 2352/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Seaweed Aqua Culture

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what research has been carried out in relation to identifying seaweed species, in order to create new business opportunities in seaweed aqua culture.

(AQW 2394/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department has not carried out any research into identifying seaweed species for use in aquaculture. However the Department is aware that research has been undertaken by Queen’s University at the Centre for Marine Resources and Mariculture (CMAR) in Portaferry and that the results of this research is freely available to industry. I should also add that the Department does not currently have powers under the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966 to regulate and licence the culture of seaweed.

European Fisheries Fund

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how the European Fisheries Fund can be used by members of the fishing sector.

(AQW 2395/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The conditions governing the use of the EFF are set out in COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1198/2006. The EFF provides four primary priorities for the funds - 1) Measures to adjust the Community's fishing fleet; 2) Aquaculture, processing and marketing; 3) Common interest/collective action; 4) Sustainable development of coastal fishing areas. My Department is currently working on a draft operational programme that will guide the implementation of the EFF. That will be subject to a 12-week public consultation beginning in February 2008.

Genetically Modified Varieties of Maize

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the European Union decision to allow the import of genetically modified varieties of maize from the United States of America into Europe.

(AQW 2396/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland has the policy lead for GM food and feed issues, whilst the Department of Environment leads on all aspects concerning the ‘deliberate release’ and cultivation of GMOs in the North.

Before GMO’s for food/feed use can be placed on the market in Europe, they must first be authorised in accordance with the GM food and feed Regulation 1829/2003. The requirements for authorisation are based on scientific assessment of any risks for human and animal health and, if authorisation is sought for importation and/or cultivation, for the environment as well. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) undertakes a safety assessment on each application and their final opinion is published for public comment before any authorisation decision is taken. A final decision is taken by a vote of Member States at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

In addition to the GM varieties already authorised, three other types of GM maize including Herculex were recently authorised for importation and processing in the EU.

Newtownards Canal

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the Rivers Agency's policy on maintaining the banks of the canal behind homes at Greenwell Place, Newtownards.

(AQW 2402/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The section of the Newtownards Canal behind Greenwell Place, is designated under the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 and as such is maintained by Rivers Agency to ensure free flow. The upkeep of the banks of the Canal is the responsibility of adjacent landowners however it is Rivers Agency policy to remove overhanging trees and vegetation from the banks if these are causing, or likely to cause, obstruction to flows in the channel.

Oil Procurement

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she will give to investigating the possibility of the procurement of oil from Venezuela, at a 20% reduction, to help alleviate the difficulties faced by the fishing sector in relation to high fuel prices.

(AQW 2426/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am conscious of the impact that fuel prices are having on the fishing industry but rising fuel prices have been the trend over the last 3-4 years. The way to combat this for the longer term is for the fleet to become more fuel efficient. Fuel efficiency initiatives will be a key component of the new European Fisheries Fund which will be introduced next year. I have no plans at present to investigate the procurement of oil from Venezuela but would be content to raise this issue with Ministerial colleagues in the future.

Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

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

(AQW 2474/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I was first notified of the Ministerial Statement ‘Outlining a Vision for our Education System’ when it was issued by email through the Department of Education’s Private Office on the 4 December 2007.

I can confirm that I did not have discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

Flooding in the Glens of Antrim

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of financial assistance provided to residents in the Glens of Antrim, in relation to flooding in that area last summer; and what assistance will be offered to compensate farmers under the Emergency Distress Fund.

(AQW 2488/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Under the Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance to District Councils, which was established by the Department of the Environment following the severe flooding, 17 householders in Moyle District Council area and 9 householders in Larne Borough Council area received financial assistance totalling £26,000. Names and addresses of those who received financial assistance are available but it would be difficult to determine precisely those who reside within the Glens of Antrim. The Scheme did not extend to farm or other businesses but farmers whose homes were flooded would have been eligible for compensation.

Support for Farming Families

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what support she is providing for farming families, particularly in relation to health and well-being, as part of any rural development plans.

(AQW 2490/08)

Ms M Gildernew: It is estimated that over 75% of the Rural Development Programme’s total budget of approximately £540 million will go directly to farmers and farm families, and they are also free to benefit from the other measures open to the rural community as a whole.

The RDP’s "competitiveness" priority contains two measures likely to improve well-being. A family farms options scheme will help beneficiaries analyse their current business position and consider the future, while a farm modernisation scheme will assist farmers to improve their competitiveness, for example, through investing in new technology or energy efficiency. Together, the measures have the potential to trim outgoings, increase incomes, lighten workloads and improve the immediate environment of farming families, all outcomes likely to have a positive impact on health and well-being.

The RDP’s "quality of life" priority includes three measures designed to strengthen the social infrastructure of the entire rural community: basic services for the economy and rural population; village renewal and development; and the conservation and upgrading of rural heritage. It is estimated that £20 million will be available for projects that could promote the health and well-being of farming families and the wider rural community.

In addition, you will be aware that I have bid for £10 million to tackle poverty and social exclusion in rural areas. Contained in the "Lifetime Opportunities" strategy and specifically listed among those targets is the need to bring positive benefits to the lives of farm families, as well as seeking to improve their overall quality of life.

Use of Local Produce

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail each of her department's premises where all canteen meat, fish and vegetables are exclusively sourced or procured locally.

(AQW 2498/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department has no information on purchases at these premises as public service catering is contracted to the private sector.

Under current arrangements the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) is responsible for managing these catering contracts. Whilst the procurement of food cannot be restricted to specific locations or suppliers, I am advised that its contracts do state that the use of local produce should be considered where possible.

It is my desire that CPD explores all opportunities to use local produce as much as possible whilst adhering to EU law. My officials are therefore working with CPD to assist in the development of a range of guidance to support and encourage the participation of local enterprises in competitions for Government business. They are also looking at how to integrate sustainable development considerations into public sector contracts. I trust that these activities will bring significant benefit to the local economy, particularly producers and processors.

Sales of Foie Gras

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to ban the sale of foie gras.

(AQW 2508/08)

Ms M Gildernew: While the production of foie gras is banned here, the free movement of goods is a key principle in European Community law and is enshrined in Part III, Title I of the treaty establishing the European Community (TEC). A unilateral ban on the import or sale of foie gras would contravene the provisions of the TEC and would result in proceedings being brought against us before the European Court of Justice.

As a result, I have no plans to ban the sale of foie gras here.

Council Boundaries

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the measures she is taking to ensure that local action group boundaries will be co-terminous with new council boundaries; and to outline what transitional funding measures will be made available to ensure the continued success of rural development projects.

(AQW 2514/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I understand that the proposed new council boundaries will not be announced until January or February at the earliest, and that will no doubt be followed by a period of reflection and debate.

I have said many times that I cannot afford to await the results of the review of public administration, since the funding must get out to rural people as soon as possible. Councils already work in various different clusters on such issues as economic development, waste management and building control.

I do not believe that this issue is any different. Five clusters have already been agreed, and I am hopeful that local action groups (LAGs) and strategies will be in place shortly. Regarding the call for transitional funding, the LEADER and the BSP programmes still have funds to spend until next year, as does the INTERREG programme, meaning that they should dovetail with an expected call for applications by the new LAGs in late spring.

Funding for Fishing Boats

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the funding that is available for the purchase of new boats for the fishing industry.

(AQW 2531/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There is no funding available for the purchase of new boats, however the new European Fisheries Fund, which will be consulted upon in the New Year, will contain measures to permit vessel modernisation related to fuel efficiency, working conditions and safety. The European Union ended grant aid for the construction of new vessels at the end of 2004 following a review of the European Common Fisheries Policy in 2002. This move recognised that, at a time when there was over capacity in fleets for the fishing opportunities available, it made no sense to have grant aid to enable an increase in fishing effort. The Council Regulation governing the EFF specifically states that no EU aid can be granted for the construction of fishing vessels.

Policing Fishing Fleets

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost of policing the fishing fleet by (i) helicopter; (ii) nimrod; and (iii) satellite surveillance, in the last financial year.

(AQW 2561/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture does not finance aerial surveillance of the North’s fishing fleet.

A satellite Vessel Monitoring System has been established in Britain through collaboration between the Marine Fisheries Agency (DEFRA) the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North of Ireland, with DARD contributing 20% of costs.

In the past financial year, costs to DARD have been:

Overheads £36,201.13, Communications: £2550.60, and staff at £46,624.90, making a total cost of £85,376.63

Training Organisations for the Fishing Industry

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that funding will no longer be available for the training organisation responsible for the fishing industry.

(AQW 2562/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Group Training Association (GTA) based in Portavogie is part of a network of GTAs funded by the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish), to carry out training for the seafood industry on its behalf. Following a review of its training provision the Seafish board recently announced that it would phase out funding for individual GTAs by April 2010. Instead, individual fishermen could apply directly to Seafish for funding to undertake Seafish approved training courses. Seafish propose to underwrite the fixed costs of mandatory safety training courses.

Marine Tourism of the River Foyle

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the marine tourism potential for the River Foyle at Culmore, resulting from the North-South Ministerial Council Meeting on 21 November 2007 and the launch of the Marine Tourism Strategy 2008-2013.

(AQW 2580/08)

Ms M Gildernew: On the 21 November the North/South Ministerial Council approved the Loughs Agency’s Marine Tourism Development Strategy. A public consultation on the Strategy was commenced in December 2006 and the Agency is still accepting comments on its proposals. The North/South Ministerial Council approved the strategic plan, subject to funding availability.

The Strategy adopts a holistic approach to marine tourism development in the Foyle and Carlingford systems and it proposes the key themes for the consideration of development projects. These themes include:

Access Infrastructure which encompasses;

Boat Berthing and Launching,
Beach based activities,
The Natural Environment,
Access, awareness and information gateways ,
Tourist accommodation, and
Angling.

Development / Skills Training
Marketing and Communications
General awareness / branding and PR
Events programmes
Cluster packages

The site at Culmore on the Fiver Foyle has been identified as being appropriate for development for a boat berthing and launching project under the access infrastructure theme. A preliminary proposal and budget for this project have therefore been included in the bid for funding under the Cross Border Territorial Co-operation Programme.

It is anticipated that this project will realise wider benefits, in relation to the other themes. The Agency still awaits confirmation from the Special EU Programmes Body of its funding allocation and therefore the Department is unable to provide a more detailed comment on the potential for marine tourism under the Loughs Agency’s Marine Tourism Development Strategy for the River Foyle at Culmore.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Sport NI

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the total amount of funding awarded by Sport NI to projects in each (i) constituency; and (ii) district council area, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1627/08)

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 tables below detail the total amount of funding awarded by Sport Northern Ireland to projects in each constituency and each district council area in each of the last 5 years.

Funding by Constituency

	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Belfast East	43,117.00	117,993.00	7,135.00	92,775.00	11,706.00
Belfast North	87,064.00	135,132.00	564,625.00	887,021.00	6,157.00
Belfast South	168,847.00	440,056.00	434,034.16	306,851.00	77,555.00
Belfast West	180,967.10	128,651.00	96,994.00	83,580.00	12,596.00
East Antrim	126,197.00	103,252.00	212,606.95	8,375.00	-
East Londonderry	148,819.00	194,158.00	235,560.00	-	3,163.00
Fermanagh & S Tyrone	200,810.00	305,122.00	110,538.00	-	451,071.66
Foyle	220,817.50	293,732.00	427,883.00	376,365.53	-
Lagan Valley	40,685.00	64,076.00	611,736.00	40,186.00	139,531.00
Mid Ulster	290,840.07	253,334.00	201,847.00	40,495.00	-
Newry & Armagh	339,276.00	374,877.00	301,784.00	23,170.00	9,051.00
North Antrim	117,985.00	354,926.78	813,620.00	216,443.00	168,326.00
North Down	37,248.00	95,755.00	4,680.00	8,000.00	-
South Antrim	489,859.35	388,881.00	171,840.00	4,000.00	-
Strangford	96,659.31	79,060.00	76,800.00	10,000.00	458.00
Upper Bann	230,673.00	171,576.73	370,298.00	63,171.00	4,995.00
West Tyrone	418,587.00	271,713.00	415,149.00	9,142.00	618,900.00
South Down	129,703.00	332,975.00	485,019.05	151,801.00	804,571.00

Funding by District Council Area

	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Antrim	568,652.35	73,160.00	15,420.00	55,238.00	-
Ards	35,938.00	1,900.00	76,800.00	-	458.00
Armagh	286,219.00	145,983.00	36,114.00	23,170.00	11,867.00
Ballymena	104,842.00	275,772.78	688,833.00	-	168,326.00
Ballymoney	-	-	113,092.00	6,435.00	-
Banbridge	85,000.00	227,803.00	24,192.00	2,077.00	-
Belfast	384,000.10	837,844.00	1,457,258.16	1,524,987.00	108,014.00
Carrickfergus	2,775.00	3,517.00	21,150.00	-	-
Castlereagh	30,345.00	70,000.00	106,030.00	-	-
Coleraine	75,194.00	14,773.00	221,380.00	-	-
Cookstown	201,191.07	36,394.00	20,297.00	23,695.00	-
Craigavon	74,630.00	132,168.73	342,136.00	61,094.00	-
Derry	305,817.50	357,480.00	437,087.00	380,365.53	-
Down	204,824.31	88,373.00	250,261.00	111,711.00	804,571.00
Dungannon	91,559.00	107,160.00	107,220.00	-	2,402.00
Fermanagh	198,900.00	217,962.00	108,318.00	-	449,793.66
Larne	43,422.00	1,940.00	191,456.95	8,375.00	-
Limavady	-	94,385.00	14,180.00	-	-
Lisburn	26,285.00	64,076.00	141,736.00	80,276.00	-
Magherafelt	-	91,800.00	76,550.00	16,800.00	3,163.00
Moyle	-	99,294.00	3,683.00	-	-
Newry & Mourne	124,100.00	292,258.00	422,410.00	-	2,179.00
Newtownabbey	80,000.00	418,756.00	156,716.00	-	-
North Down	37,248.00	95,755	4,680.00	18,000.00	-
Omagh	253,592.00	159,120.00	300,789.00	9,142.00	613,770.00
Strabane	149,995.00	112,593.00	114,360.00	-	5,130.00

Freedom of Information Requests

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the cost to his department of dealing with Freedom of Information requests, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1667/08)

Mr E Poots: I apologise to the member for the delay in an answering his question.

The Freedom of information Act 2000 came into effect on 1 January 2005 and it makes provision for the disclosure of information held by public authorities. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in common with all Northern Ireland Departments, does not calculate the cost of individual requests and this information is not held. However, I have commissioned some analysis that may better inform the costings associated with the Freedom of Information process. I will, of course, share this with you in due course.

Sport NI

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline those projects in Upper Bann that have been funded by Sport NI in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1823/08)

Mr E Poots: I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on 3 December 2007 and I apologise to the Member for the delay.

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

Funding to projects in Upper Bann

Year	Applicant Organisation	Project title	Grant Amount (£)
2002/03	Glenavon FC Mourneview Park Mourneview Avenue LurganBT66 8EW	Major Works Year 3	70,000.00
2002/03	Glenavon FC Mourneview Park Mourneview Avenue Lurgan BT66 8EW	Safety Management	4,630.00
2002/03	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Major Works Year 3	65,000
2002/03	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	6,043.00
2002/03	Clann na Banna GFC Scarva Road Banbridge BT32 3QL	Construction of changing pavilion	85,000.00
2003/04	Glenavon FC Mourneview Park Mourneview Avenue Lurgan BT66 8EW	Safety Management	3,360.00
2003/04	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	3,606.00
2003/04	Banbridge District Council Civic Buildings Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Sports Development Grant	8,179.00
2003/04	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road BanbridgeBT32 3JY	Various Education courses	7,610.00
2003/04	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Generic Education courses	11,013.00
2003/04	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls Soccer Development Officer	10,311.00
2003/04	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls Soccer Development Officer	12,120.00
2003/04	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Strategic development research, social inclusion and club development and coach education	11,015.00
2003/04	Craigavon Aztecs Volleyball club 65 Ballynagrick Road Portadown Bt63 5NS	Club Development Officer	2,500.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,666.73
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,667.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Aztecs Volleyball Club	2,500.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	10,610.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Club development and Gaelic football coaching	8,080.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Skills 4 Sport	5,000.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	17,748.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	10,274.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development research, health & physical activity, sports education	13,318.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Various sports courses	14,999.00
2003/04	NI Carriage Driving Association 26a Monygannon Road Donaghcloney BT66 7NB	Edwin Bryson	4,000.00
2004/05	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	3,970.00
2004/05	Banbridge District Council Civic Buildings Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Sports Development Grant	8,179.00
2004/05	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Generic Education courses	11,013.00
2004/05	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Community Sports Programme	129,000.00
2004/05	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls soccer development officer	10,311.00
2004/05	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Strategic development research, social inclusion and club development and coach education	11,015.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Skills 4 Sport	5,000.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Development of 4km of new cycle track	35,590.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Community Sport Programme	106,877.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,667.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	10,610.00
2004/05	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	17,748.00
2004/05	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	13,318.00
2005/06	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Generic Education courses	2,077.00
2005/06	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls soccer development officer	9,022.00
2005/06	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Strategic Development Research	8,198.00
2005/06	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,833.00
2005/06	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	7,790.00
2005/06	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	17,748.00
2005/06	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Health and Physical Activity Programme and Sports Education Courses.	10,503.00
2006/07	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	1,914.00
2006/07	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	3,081.00

Foras na Gaeilge

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide a timescale within which approval will be given to Foras na Gaeilge to proceed with the filling of 12 key posts outlined in a revised staffing submission in autumn 2007.

(AQW 2057/08)

Mr E Poots: It was agreed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Language Sectoral Meeting on 26 October 2007 that a Working Group would be established with representatives from Foras na Gaeilge and the two Sponsor Departments to reach agreement on the staffing submission from Foras na Gaeilge, to quantify the financial implications in 2008 year and subsequent financial years. It was also agreed that the Working Group should seek to progress agreement on a number of key posts identified in the submission which can be met from existing financial allocations in the shortest possible timeframe. A further submission outlining 12 key posts was received by the Sponsor Departments from Foras na Gaeilge on 31 October 2007. This is currently being considered by the Department of Finance and Personnel, and the Department of Finance in Dublin.

FIFA Eligibility Proposal

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the steps he is taking to assist the Irish Football Association to address the recent eligibility proposal outlined by FIFA.

(AQW 2064/08)

Mr E Poots: Since FIFA wrote to the Irish Football Association on this matter, I have met with the Association’s Chief Executive, Howard Wells, to express my deep dissatisfaction with the proposal of the FIFA Legal Committee. I have also written to FIFA urging them to review their recommendation as a matter of urgency and to stand by their long standing principle that only players born within the territory of an Association, and holding appropriate citizenship, should be able to play for its international team.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) those events which caused the Northern Ireland Events Company to overspend its budget; and (ii) who authorised payment in relation to these events.

(AQW 2127/08)

Mr E Poots: Detailed investigations into the causes of the Northern Ireland Events Company’s budget overspend are continuing. Details of the events on which the Company’s budget was overspent and information on authorisation of payments relating to these events will be available when these investigations have been concluded.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to (i) detail the corporate sponsorship agreements for the Northern Ireland Events Company that were expected, but did not materialise; and (ii) outline who authorised the Northern Ireland Events Company to proceed with payments in the absence of such sponsorship.

(AQW 2129/08)

Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Events Company’s corporate sponsorship arrangements and authorisation of payments are matters for the Company’s Board.

Implementation of Creative Industries Workshop Report (2006)

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what steps have been taken to implement the Creative Industries Workshop Report (2006), particularly in relation to promoting and streamlining the creative industries.

(AQW 2187/08)

Mr E Poots: As a result of the Creative Industries Workshop Report, a Creative Industries Working Group was established. This is led by DCAL with representatives from DETI, Invest NI, DEL, NESTA, Belfast City Council, University of Ulster and the Sector Skills Councils. The Group is working on mapping the support available to creative industries from public bodies and identifying strengths, weaknesses and gaps in provision.

DCAL and Belfast City Council commissioned research to profile the creative industry sector in Belfast and across Northern Ireland and a draft report has just been completed. This will inform policy development on the creative industries.

DCAL is also pursuing the possibility of securing funding from the Innovation Fund to establish a Creative Industries Seed Fund. This Fund is proposed to provide a range of help and support to emerging creative businesses.

DETI and Invest NI have been working with the Special EU Programmes Body to develop a creative industries support programme under Interreg IV. The development of this programme will help to ensure a more strategic approach to the development of creative industries.

In relation to promoting the creative industries, the Shifting Brilliances Conference took place in September 2006 to address the issues surrounding TV drama production in Northern Ireland.

DCAL is also planning to engage with various sub-sectors of the creative industries to address issues specific to those business areas.

Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) all amounts being spent by his department on children and young people; and (ii) the services on which these monies are being spent.

(AQW 2271/08)

Mr E Poots: Details of all amounts being spent by my department on children and young people and the services on which these monies are being spent are as follows:

Function	Services	2007/08
Arts	Arts Council-Youth ArtsCreative Youth PartnershipsLottery Project Funding	£433,040
	Northern Ireland Screen -Creative Learning CentresCinemagic Film FestivalCreative Youth Partnerships	£960,000
Museums	Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Skills and Science	£300,000
Museums	W5 Skills and ScienceRenewing Communities- Sound and Vision	£1,050,000
Library Service	Public Library Service	£10.8m
Language	Ulster Scots AgencySummer SchoolsAfter-schools clubsFinancial Assistance Scheme GrantsBlue Eagles Production Theatre for Schools	£778,375
	Foras na GaeilgePre school Altram Summer schoolsYouth ClubsFamily clubs for parents which children in Irish speaking schoolsReturn to Education programmes with DEL	£245,676
Sports	34 governing bodies of sport36 community/voluntary organisations10 district councils3 Education & Library BoardsDisability Sport Northern IrelandNSPCC-Child Protection in Sport UnitCountryside Access & Activities NetworkTollymore Mountain Centre	£ 10,390,643

The key actions my Department will take to deliver on the aims of the 10-year strategy are outlined in the Children and Young Peoples Action Plan 2007- 08.

Sport Northern Ireland will have an important role in the delivery of the sports strategy for Northern Ireland. The funding allocation to sport in the draft Budget 2008/2011 will help to ensure that a start can be made on implementing the 10-year sports strategy and consequently on the commitments relating to sport in the Children & Young People Strategy. However, full implementation also depends on the willingness and ability of all stakeholders to contribute to its delivery.

The draft budget has set a challenging target for the Public Library Service and there are therefore some uncertainties about the future services Libraries will be able to offer Children and Young People. Likewise, until the draft budget is finalised there are uncertainties around the future of the Creative Youth Partnership (CYP) initiative.

All other departmental commitments will be implemented.

Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not he will implement all the commitments by his department included in the ten year Children's Strategy.

(AQW 2273/08)

Mr E Poots: Details of all amounts being spent by my department on children and young people and the services on which these monies are being spent are as follows:

Function	Services	2007/08
Arts	Arts Council- Youth Arts Creative Youth Partnerships Lottery Project Funding	£433,040
	Northern Ireland Screen - Creative Learning Centres Cinemagic Film Festival Creative Youth Partnerships	£960,000
Museums	Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Skills and Science	£300,000
Museums	W5 Skills and Science Renewing Communities- Sound and Vision	£1,050,000
Library Service	Public Library Service	£10.8m
Language	Ulster Scots Agency Summer Schools After-schools clubs Financial Assistance Scheme Grants Blue Eagles Production Theatre for Schools	£778,375
	Foras na Gaeilge Pre school Altram Summer schools Youth Clubs Family clubs for parents which children in Irish speaking schools Return to Education programmes with DEL	£245,676
Sports	34 governing bodies of sport 36 community/voluntary organisations 10 district councils 3 Education & Library Boards Disability Sport Northern Ireland NSPCC-Child Protection in Sport Unit Countryside Access & Activities Network Tollymore Mountain Centre	£ 10,390,643

The key actions my Department will take to deliver on the aims of the 10-year strategy are outlined in the Children and Young Peoples Action Plan 2007- 08.

All other departmental commitments will be implemented.

2008 European Union Year of Inter-Cultural Dialogue

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the plans for Northern Ireland to participate in the 2008 European Union Year of Inter-Cultural Dialogue.

(AQW 2305/08)

Mr E Poots: At this stage DCAL has no formal plans to participate in the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the reasons for the visit of auditors to the offices of the Northern Ireland Events Company for a period of three days, and then for a further period of five days, during the 2006/2007 financial year.

(AQW 2410/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department did not commission any audit work in relation to the Northern Ireland Events Company during the 2006/2007 financial year.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office visited the Northern Ireland Events Company on a number of occasions as part of its work in producing a report entitled ‘Hospitality Association of Northern Ireland: A Case Study in Financial Controls and Public Appointments’. Some of these visits occurred in the 2006/2007 financial year.

The Company’s accountants also visited its premises during 2006/2007 to carry out fieldwork on the audit of accounts.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not (i) the Northern Ireland Events Company contracted into events after 20 September 2007; (ii) these events will now take place; and (iii) there will be any financial penalties in not proceeding with these events.

(AQW 2411/08)

Mr E Poots: Since 20 September 2007 the Northern Ireland Events Company has contracted into one event. This is the Tennis Legends event to be held over four days in February 2008. It is expected that this event will now take place.

The issue of potential financial penalties if NIEC commitments, including Tennis Legends 2008, are not met is a matter which is currently being considered under the investigation, commissioned by the Department, to verify creditors and potential liabilities. I will report back to the House at the earliest opportunity once this investigation has been completed.

Cantonese and Mandarin Translations

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the guidance given by his department on translations by Government departments into Cantonese and Mandarin; and what is his assessment of the need for separate translations into each of these languages.

(AQW 2441/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department is responsible for providing a quality assured Irish Language Translation service for all Government Departments in Northern Ireland. Guidance on this service issued in 2004.

As a matter of courtesy my Department also facilitates translations in other languages, including Cantonese and Mandarin. However this is not a formal arrangement and there are currently no proposals to extend this service. It is not compulsory that Departments use this service, nor is it quality assured. Each Government Department is free to source and assess its own translations into languages other than Irish.

Health and Safety at Football Stadia

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1875/08, to confirm whether or not funding is available to improve health and safety at football stadia.

(AQW 2443/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding. Over the past three years, SNI has been running a stadia safety programme, the purpose of which is to assist owners of major sports grounds, including football stadia, to improve health and safety at their venues. Up to the end of March 2007, Sport NI has made offers of awards under this programme, worth a total of £3,071,636.00 to football clubs to help them improve health and safety at their stadia.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (i) the date on which he was made aware of discrepancies in Pay As You Earn, National Insurance, and Value Added Tax payments at the Northern Ireland Events Company; and (ii) what action was undertaken by officials to address the matter.

(AQW 2449/08)

Mr E Poots: On 20 September 2007, the Acting Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Events Company advised the Department that the Company had incurred a significant financial deficit. I have commissioned an independent comprehensive review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company. This will include an examination of the circumstances surrounding any financial discrepancies within the Company. I will report back to the House at the earliest opportunity on the findings of this review.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the extent of the overspend by the Northern Ireland Events Company at the end of the 2005/2006 financial year; and to outline what action was taken by officials as a result of that overspend.

(AQW 2452/08)

Mr E Poots: In my statement to the Assembly on 26 November 2007, I said that I was commissioning an independent review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company and that I would report back to the House at the earliest opportunity on the findings of this review.

I am sure the member will agree that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further until this review is complete.

Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

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

(AQW 2476/08)

Mr E Poots: I first became aware of the Ministerial Statement by the Education Minister when I saw it on the Indicative Timings for Assembly Business on the morning of 4th December 2007. My Private Office received the text of the statement by email at 10:51am on Tuesday 4^th December 2007. As I was already in the Assembly chamber from 10:30am to 11:30am making a statement on the Community Festivals Fund, I did not receive this until 11:30am when the Education Minister had begun her statement. I had no discussions with the Minister for Education on the subject matter of her statement before it was issued.

Building Projects at Ravenhill Rugby Ground

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the amount of public money paid to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union for building projects at Ravenhill; (ii) the date each project was undertaken; (iii) the companies involved, and the amount of money each received; and (iv) any conditions that were attached to these projects.

(AQW 2483/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. The table below details the exchequer funding provided to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) over the past 5 financial years, and the main contractors in each case:-

Year	Amount	Date of SNI Offer	Main Contractor
02 / 03	£72,622.59	11 / 06 / 02	Design & Construct
03 / 04	£17,377.41	11 / 06 / 02	Design & Construct
04 / 05	£17,377.41	11 / 06 / 02	Design & Construct
05 / 06	Nil
06 / 07	£284,068.67	04 / 10 / 05	William Dowling Ltd

All of these projects were required to satisfy accountability and value for money requirements of public funding.

Library Provision in Newtownards

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on progress in relation to the provision of a new library in Newtownards.

(AQW 2547/08)

Mr E Poots: The South Eastern Education and Library Board submitted a draft Economic Appraisal to the Department in June 2007. The Department has considered the submission and recently responded with comments on the Appraisal together with an offer to meet Board officials to discuss the content of the Appraisal.

Waterways Ireland

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure committed to Waterways Ireland in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2550/08)

Mr E Poots: The expenditure committed to Waterways Ireland in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established is as follows:

2000/1 £’000	2001/2 £’000	2002/3 £’000	2003/4 £’000	2004/5 £’000	2005/6 £’000	2006/7 £’000	2007/08 £’000
1,300	1,931	2,330	3,154	4,557	3,503	5,783	*8,300

*Grant of £8.3m committed to WI in the block grant for the period April 2007 to March 2008, subject to final outturn.

Increased expenditure in 2006/7 and 2007/8 reflects increases in capital costs and works on the new WI Headquarters in Enniskillen. The building is scheduled for completion in Autumn 2008.

In the Building a Better Future Draft Budget 2008-11 published on 25 October 2007, Waterways Ireland’s draft indicative budget for 2008/09 is £7.298m.

North/South Language Bodies

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure committed to North/South Language Bodies in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since they were established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2552/08)

Mr E Poots: The amount of expenditure committed to the North/South Language Bodies in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since they were established is shown on the table overleaf:

	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
North/ South Language Body	£2.303m	£3.5m	£3.71m	£4.005m	£4.561m	£4.599m	£5.095m	£5.439m
Ulster-Scots Agency	£0.5m	£0.97m	£1.07m	£1.155m	£1.337m	£1.357m	£1.61m	£1.931m
Foras na Gaeilge	£1.803m	£2.53m	£2.64m	£2.85m	£3.224m	£3.242m	£4.934m	£3.508m

The proposed expenditure for the North/South Language bodies in the Northern Ireland block grant for 2008/2009 as outlined in the draft budget is £6.277m.; approximately £2.65m for the Ulster-Scots Agency and £3.6m for Foras na Gaeilge. The draft budget is currently out for consultation. The consultation period ends on 4^th January 2008.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not any future event already planned by the Northern Ireland Events Company will still go ahead.

(AQW 2599/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department’s aim is to ensure that contractual commitments are honoured to ensure that Northern Ireland’s reputation for hosting events is preserved.

Currently the number and nature of NIEC’s commitments to events is being investigated. Once this information is available, we will be examining carefully the commitments made by the Company to host events in future years, to ensure they represent Northern Ireland’s best interests and value for money.

Motorcycle Road Racing

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answers to AQW 447/08 and 448/08, to detail the reasons for the fall in financial support for motorcycle road racing in the last two years.

(AQW 2600/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of financial assistance to sports organisations. Over the past number of years, SNI has been providing funding to assist motorcycle road race organisers implement the recommendations of a Taskforce, established by the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland, to examine safety issues within the sport. Funding has been reducing as these recommendations have been implemented.

Irish Football Association

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with the Irish Football Association in relation (a) to reviewing its decision not to reduce the size of its governing committee to ten; and (b) to securing the proposed funding of £5 million.

(AQW 2619/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is currently in discussion with both Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), which is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding, and the Irish Football Association (IFA) about the implications of the Association’s recent decision not to move to a more competence based and stream-lined governing committee. As part of that process, DCAL and SNI have asked the IFA to re-visit this decision in order to ensure that funding under the Soccer Strategy can continue to be released.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what employer obligations his department has in relation to staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQW 2628/08)

Mr E Poots: My department has no employer obligations in relation to staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company will be given the option of transferring to other government agencies and bodies.

(AQW 2629/08)

Mr E Poots: I am giving urgent consideration to the most appropriate arrangements for the effective delivery of the events function and this will include consideration of the staff currently employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company. Several options are being pursued, but I cannot comment further at this stage.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company, broken down by grade.

(AQW 2630/08)

Mr E Poots: I am informed by the Northern Ireland Events Company that it currently employs seven staff. These staff are not civil servants, and are employed on contract by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

However, their equivalent levels to Civil Service Grades are:

One Grade 6
One Deputy Principal
One Executive Officer Grade 1
Four Executive Officers Grade 2

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not the Northern Ireland Events Company entered into a contract, after 20 September 2007, to host the FIM Motocross of Nations in September 2008; and to detail (a) the amount of money involved in the contract; (b) whether the contract will be honoured; and (c) the financial penalties that will be incurred if the contract is not honoured.

(AQW 2651/08)

Mr E Poots: I have been informed by the Northern Ireland Events Company that they entered into a contract, on 12 September 2007, with Youthstream (the event rights holder) to host the FIM Motocross of Nations in September 2008. The value of this contract is €550,000.

FIM in association with Youthstream, announced on 13 December 2007, following an inspection of the proposed venue, that the 2008 Motocross of Nations would not take place in Northern Ireland.

I also understand from the Company that, in the light of the withdrawal of FIM and Youthstream, the issue of financial penalties is currently being considered and is with the Company’s legal advisers.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when the forensic audit of the Northern Ireland Events Company finances will be completed; and what plans he has to report to the Assembly on this matter.

(AQW 2652/08)

Mr E Poots: It is currently expected that the comprehensive independent review of all the circumstances surrounding the Northern Ireland Events Company’s finances will be completed by the end of February 2008. I will report to the Assembly on the findings of this review as soon as is practicable after it is completed.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether or not the Northern Ireland Events Company owns any (i) buildings; (ii) land; or (iii) high value capital assets.

(AQW 2654/08)

Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Events Company does not own any buildings or land. It does not own any capital assets beyond those required for a normal administration function.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the total deficit for (i) 2005-06; and (ii) 2006-07, of the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQW 2682/08)

I am sure the member will agree that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further until this review is complete.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2129/08, whether or not he will seek the requested information from the Company's Board; and to (i) outline a timeframe for this action; or (ii) provide reasons why he will not seek this information.

(AQW 2683/08)

Current expectations are that the review will be completed by the end of February 2008. I am sure the member will agree that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further until this review is complete.

Foras na Gaeilge

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2067/08, to detail progress made regarding (i) 12 Foras na Gaeilge posts outlined in the Foras submission to his department on 31 October 2007; and (ii) the staffing submission from Foras na Gaeilge of February 2007.

(AQW 2702/08)

Mr E Poots: Further to my answer to your previous question AQW 2057/08 the submission from Foras na Gaeilge relating to the 12 key posts in the organization has been received by the sponsor Departments and is still under consideration as additional information is being sought on two posts to be based in the Belfast office. Once the information is received approval of the posts will also have to be given by the respective Finance Ministers North and South.

Creative Learning Centres

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding will be made available for the continuation of creative learning centres, such as the Nerve Centre, Derry/Londonderry.

(AQW 2706/08)

Mr E Poots: Based on the Draft Budget published on 25 October 2007, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure will allocate a total of £400,000 per annum over the next three years to the three creative learning centres, the Nerve Centre, Derry/Londonderry, Studio ON, Crossnacreevy and the AmmA Centre, Armagh.

EDUCATION

Nursery Schools in Ballymena

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to list the nursery schools in Ballymena that are failing to fill all available places on first preferences.

(AQW 689/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Ballymena Nursery School was undersubscribed at first preference applications. Dunclug Nursery School was undersubscribed at first preference in respect of part-time places applications.

The nursery unit at Harryville Primary School was also undersubscribed at first preference applications.

Funding for Catholic Schools

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education what assurances she will give that no alterations will be made to the funding for Catholic schools, following the Minister of Finance and Personnel's comments on the Cost of Division report, in his statement on the Draft Budget 2008-2011.

(AQW 1326/08)

Ms C Ruane: All grant-aided schools are funded under a single Common Funding Scheme on the basis of identified needs. There are no plans to fund schools from one sector any differently than another.

Telecommunications Mast at Ashgrove Road, Newry

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on concerns expressed by parents, teachers and staff of St. Ronan's Primary School, Newry High School, the Sacred Heart Grammar School and the Abbey Grammar School, currently under construction, in relation to additional equipment being added to the existing telecommunications mast at Ashgrove Road, Newry.

(AQW 1395/08)

Ms C Ruane: I appreciate that the siting of mobile phone / telecommunication masts and equipment on or near school premises can be a cause for concern for parents and schools and I also have concerns that this particular mast is located near schools.

I understand that the planning application went before Newry and Mourne District Council on 8 November with an opinion to approve. I am informed that the Council disagreed with this opinion and have referred the application to the Planning Service Management Board who will now assess the application before making a final decision. Ultimately, however, the provision of additional equipment to the mast at Ashgrove Road, Newry is a matter for the Planning Service and not one in which I can intervene.

Creationism

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not her department and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment consider (i) the absence of new additional genetic information in an organism that was not present in the parent population; and (ii) the absence of any evolutionary mechanism which causes genetic information to arise naturally from matter, to be (a) evidence based; or (b) belief.

(AQW 1631/08)

Ms C Ruane: I refer you to my previous answers to you to AQWs 1471/08, 1507/08, 1509/08, 151